We are the Vessel of Humanity and Compassion.

It is often said that “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”

This principle maintains that an equitable society should consider the “whole” before (or at least in parallel with) the perception of each of its individual parts. Simply stated, we do things better with a team. Together, everyone achieves more.

It is the mission of this organization to ensure that the whole of our community and the sum of its parts do not have a vast disparity or give the illusion that any one respective part is greater. Because every person is important. Every person matters to the whole of our community.

The Vessel of Humanity and Compassion will strive to uplift every person that finds themselves disenfranchised within their community. This foundation will promote the strengthening of communities by providing many of the vital components of life: food, clothing, access to education, and community.

If you would like to learn more about our work, please see our Actions page. We get things done.

  • Tremaine Brown

    Founder/President

    Tremaine was born in Childress, Texas on March 5th, 1974 to Charlottee Lee Brown (aka Shi Lee of Shi Lee’s BBQ and Soul Food) and K.C. Session (deceased).

    Tremaine has two daughters, Imani J. Brown of Cleveland, Ohio and Shilah K. Brown of Amarillo, Texas. Tremaine graduated with honors from Palo Duro High School in Amarillo, Texas in 1992. He then attended The University of Texas in Austin to play football and pursue an education in Mechanical/Electrical engineering.

    Upon returning to Amarillo he and his mother opened a humble little eatery known as Shi Lee’s BBQ and Soul Food in 2010 where his community and charitable works began.

    Over the past 10 years, Tremaine has fed thousands of children and homeless individuals through his city park program. Also, Tremaine has held a multitude of events to help disenfranchised individuals in the form of Christmas Toy Drives, back to school events, and other community outreach programs.

  • Tamra N. Metcalf

    Board Member

    Tamra was born in Wichita Falls, Texas on July 18, 1992 to Tammie Stark and Ronald Metcalf.

    Tamra has three daughters, Alize Metcalf, Kilah Metcalf, and Serneity Williams. Tamra graudated on the Deans List from West Texas A&M Univeristy in 2016 with a bachelors degree in criminal justice and public administration.

    Tamra lived all over the panhandle but settled in Amarillo, Texas in 2007. She is a leader in the workplace and the community. Tamra is a member of Elevate Amarillo. She loves to make an impact in the community and leading her kids to do the same.

    Tamra and her girls began volunteering with The Vessel several years ago and have since continued to help bring awareness to the cause. Tamra’s passion is connecting the community with resources and helping bridge the gap where needed.

  • Celeste Reed

    Board Member

    Celeste was born in Waco, Texas. She currently resides in Amarillo, Texas.

    Celeste is married and has two children.

    She holds an Associate Degree in Applied Science from Amarillo College (1979) and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing for West Texas A&M University (1986).

    Celeste retired in 2021 from Northwest Texas Hospital after 40 years of Nursing.

    She served as a medic in the United States Army from 1973 to 1976 in the 85th Combat Support Hospital.

    Celeste has received the following Army Decorations: Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and The Commander Award.

    Her other honors include: Nurse of the Year 2012, Panhandle’s Best Nurse District #2 2012, Circle of Excellence Award 2012, Excellence in Nursing Award 1992, and the Wow Service Employee for October 1991.