Giving Back
Give back in 2019 with these Dallas-Fort Worth social service nonprofits
If giving back is on your New Year's resolution list, then consider donating to one of Dallas-Fort Worth's many social service-oriented nonprofits. These organizations may differ in their missions, but they are all working hard to create safer, healthier, more inclusive city for all.
Throughout 2018, CultureMap highlighted organizations that make our communities a better place as part of our new Dallas-Fort Worth Charity Guide, presented in partnership with Frost's Opt for Optimism campaign. The guide is a handy resource for anyone looking to give back.
As you embark on a new year, you might consider supporting one of the many charities and nonprofits that work within the Dallas community. Know of one we missed? Tell us here.
Aberg Center for Literacy
MISSION: The Aberg Center for Literacy is building richer lives, stronger families, and better communities through programs in English fluency, Spanish, and English high school equivalency preparation; early childhood education; and family literacy. The dual generation approach combats poverty with a model that provides parent education and intergenerational learning to help parents increase earning power and children overcome delays to be on grade level by third grade.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED: Aberg Center for Literacy relies on the community's support — as volunteers, event participants, and general supporters — to address the vast literacy needs of DFW. All the adult education classes are led by dedicated volunteers, and the early childhood education program relies on volunteers to support the work of its staff. Volunteers also help with planning fundraising events. Email volunteer@abergcenter.org and let them know your area of interest.
BIG EVENT: The center has two signature events: The fall fundraiser, Legacy of Literacy Breakfast, continues to be successful in growing and attracting additional sponsors and attendees. 2018's breakfast, featuring keynote speaker Dr. John McCaa, took place November 14, 2018 at the Belo Mansion. The spring fundraiser, ¡Pachanga! is set for April 27, 2019 at Seven for Parties. It will be an evening filled with celebration, including dinner, a variety of live entertainment, an auction, and a raffle.
Agape Resource & Assistance Center
MISSION: Agape is a holistic, cutting-edge, innovative, servant ministry of peace and justice. It's committed to providing critical housing and life skills that empower women and their children to transform from homelessness, crisis, and poverty to self-sustaining, fulfilling lives.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED: Agape offers a variety of ways to get involved that include childcare, tutoring, and financial education. To learn more, head here.
BIG EVENT: Agape hosts the annual Timeless Love Gala, which provides single-mom families transitional support to empowers them to create self-sustaining lives. Please head here for more information.
Allies in Youth Development
MISSION: Allies in Youth Development is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 2011 based in Mansfield. They provide donors, advocates, and volunteers to rescue orphans from a future of despair, and provide them with human connections, life skills, and a pathway to education. They make a difference through training in-country volunteers for mentoring programs, human trafficking prevention programs, and humanitarian aid. Allies serves in six countries: Russia, Moldova, Ukraine, South Ossetia, Romania and, most recently, Vietnam. They operate in 27 orphanages across these countries, which serve 2,000 orphans. They also serve to empower adoptive families and single moms.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED: People can always donate their used or new goods, and they are always looking for volunteers to pack boxes, sort donations, make cards, or put together toiletry kits. They also encourage people to become monthly donors to help sponsor the Allies Mentoring Program. Just $12.50 will provide for an orphan in the program for a whole month.
BIG EVENT: The inaugural Russian Ball was at the Hilton Anatole on November 3, 2018. Teas with Tatiana also raises awareness about human trafficking and what Allies' mission does in aiding prevention efforts.
Belle & Sparrows
MISSION: Belle & Sparrows is a by-women, for-women nonprofit that reaches women both locally and globally. It stands in the gap for marginalized women around the world by teaching them skills for economic sustainability; providing encouragement as they brave the struggles of addiction and/or incarceration; helping them overcome the trauma of being trafficked or escaping the sex trade industry; helping them find their worth after exiting an abusive relationship; and sharing a Bible study, time of prayer, and sharing of testimonies.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED: Volunteers are the heartbeat of the ministry. Current needs include unGALA volunteers, administration, hospitality, and social media. Head here to learn more and fill out a volunteer form.
BIG EVENT: In typical Belle & Sparrows fashion, unGALA is an uncommon take on the traditional gala. The night promises incredible experiences, connections, and inspiring stories, with some of Collin County's best food, drinks, and music along with speaker, author, and teacher Dr. Jackie Roese and emcee Keisha Jones, founder of Encourage Ministries. The funds raised from the (brief) live and silent auctions are catalytic to Belle & Sparrow's future plans.
Center for Transforming Lives
MISSION: The Center for Transforming Lives helps homeless and impoverished women, children, and families in Tarrant County move from poverty to independence through:
Homeless services: an emergency shelter for women and housing assistance for families.
Early childhood development: providing free or subsidized early childhood education to impoverished and homeless families.
Financial empowerment services – individual financial coaching and other programs to promote financial self-sufficiency
HOW TO GET INVOLVED: Center for Transforming Lives offers a variety of options to get involved, such as becoming an ambassador or volunteering. You can explore the different options available on the website or donate here.
BIG EVENT: Ambassadors give monthly tours of the center at 512 Fourth Ave., Fort Worth.
Dallas Autumn Ball
MISSION: The Dallas Autumn Ball believes that giving back to the community should be more accessible and affordable to young adults. Founded in 2013, the annual Dallas Autumn Ball is an inclusive, black tie event for civic-minded young adults to unite in the name of giving back and celebrating charity in a festive, philanthropic environment. The Dallas Autumn Ball has donated over $120,000 since inception to directly benefit the North Texas education organizations.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED: The Dallas Autumn Ball offers various donation opportunities, all explained here.
BIG EVENT: Keep an eye on upcoming dates for the Ball and other service events with an email subscription that you can sign up for here.
Dallas Junior Chamber of Commerce
MISSION: Established in 1918, the Dallas Junior Chamber of Commerce (DJCC) is the city’s premier network for young professionals between the ages 21-41. They offer diverse opportunities for personal and professional growth through professional development, networking, and philanthropy. Through philanthropic projects and annual signature events, they make a powerful impact on the community by volunteering and fundraising for several charitable organizations.
MEMBERSHIP: Membership into the Dallas Junior Chamber of Commerce costs an annual fee of $150 per person. Membership perks include volunteer opportunities with many diverse charities across Dallas. For more details, visit here.
BIG EVENT: DJCC offers a range of events that members can attend throughout the year. For more information, visit here.
EarthX
MISSION: Formerly Earth Day Texas, EarthX hosts the largest environmental expo, conference, and film festival in the world in Dallas. Founded in 2011 by environmentalist and businessman Trammell S. Crow, the Texas-based nonprofit promotes environmental awareness by curating an atmosphere for conscious business, nonpartisan collaboration, and community-driven sustainable solutions. In 2018, the event drew 137,700 attendees, nearly 700 exhibitors, and more than 400 speakers.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED: Hundreds of volunteers give their time and talents each year to EarthX, helping attendees engage in hands-on activities. Some teach children how to make a difference through science play, while others encourage adults to explore the many exhibits to learn what innovations are available today and ideas for a sustainable future. Every volunteer needs to fill out an online application and e-sign a waiver before being allowed to volunteer. For more information on how you can become a volunteer, please email at melinda.garde@earthx.org or call 214-962-0979.
BIG EVENT: EarthX2019 will be held April 19-28, 2019.
Genesis Women's Shelter
MISSION: The mission of Genesis Women's Shelter is to provide safety, shelter, and support for women who have experienced domestic violence, and to raise awareness regarding its cause, prevalence, and impact through a variety of services that include emergency shelter, transitional housing, and counseling services.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED: Whether it's preparing dinners, hosting donation drives, or providing structured play for children while a mother is in counseling, Genesis Women's Shelter has multiple volunteer opportunities.
MEMBERSHIP: Genesis Young Leaders (GYL) is a group of young professionals, both men and women, who stand up to help stop domestic violence in the Dallas community. Founded in 2001, Genesis Young Leaders are an invaluable component in supporting the mission of the Genesis Women's Shelter and promoting domestic violence awareness to other like-minded young professionals.
The mission of GYL is to eliminate family violence through volunteerism, education, and community awareness. As a part of Genesis Young Leaders, members take part in networking events, happy hours, a summer barbecue, and a fall festival, and host the GYL Masquerade.
BIG EVENT: Genesis Women's Shelter's inaugural First Ladies' Bruncheon was held in the fall of 2017 and was an instant success. The sold-out event was a celebratory affair to recognize the women and men of faith who stand up against domestic violence within their communities.
The annual Genesis Women's Shelter Luncheon also invites a keynote speaker to provide words of encouragement and support while fundraising for the organization. Past speakers have included Hilary Swank, Maria Shriver, and George W. Bush.
HERitage Giving Fund at Dallas Women's Foundation
MISSION: Founded in August 2017 during Black Philanthropy Month, HERitage Giving Fund at Dallas Women's Foundation encourages philanthropy in the African-American/Black community by contributing in a strategic and meaningful way, and by bringing a new source of funding to nonprofit organizations serving African-American women and girls throughout the North Texas area.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED: Gifts totaling $1,000 or more annually entitle you to vote on the grants to be distributed annually by the HERitage Giving Fund. Head to the website to donate, or email HeritageGivingFund@gmail.com for more information.
Hope Supply Co.
MISSION: Hope Supply Co.'s mission is to meet the critical needs of homeless and at-risk children across North Texas by providing necessities including diapers, clothing, school supplies, toys, and programs to enhance their lives.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED: Getting involved with Hope Supply Co. is easy and fun. Warehouse volunteers are a vital part of the mission and perform tasks such as packaging, labeling, and receiving of inventory. The family-friendly volunteer opportunity welcomes children ages 8 and up (ages 8-12 require adult supervision). You can also schedule a volunteer shift for your corporate, school, or community group. Sign-up online or email liz@hopesupplyco.org.
You can also get involved by hosting a donation drive. The group is always in need of critical items such as diapers and toiletries for babies and teens, as well as seasonal items like swim gear (towels, flip flops, sunscreen, etc.) and school supplies. Email liz@hopesupplyco.org for more info. Please note that they accept new items only.
BIG EVENT: Hope Supply Co. hosts two signature events each year. The fall fundraiser, Supply Hope!, is an evening event featuring a beautiful backyard setting, cocktails, tasty bites, and a live auction. The last Supply Hope! was October 18 at the home of Lisa and Clay Cooley.
Craig Miller's Swing for Hope Golf Classic is their annual golf tournament held in April at the Las Colinas Country Club. It is sponsored by 1310 The Ticket and Briggs Equipment.
Independence Gardens
MISSION: Independence Gardens is a parent-led nonprofit organization founded in 2013. Its overall mission is to connect kids with food through actionable, impactful nutrition education programs. This is accomplished through partnership with schools and the community. It begins with an experiential, edible, outdoor learning space and progresses to a hands-on, student-led (and chef-driven) Come and Eat IT! Campaign.
This collaborative approach provides every child an engaging, meaningful, and transformative education experience that is action based, playful, passionate, leadership-focused, and engaging. Independence Gardens' programs foster and develop in children life skills such as self esteem, leadership, decision-making, nutrition, and love of community.
Since the organization began in 2013, the program has connected thousands of students to the food they are growing and eating, helping them make healthier food choices.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED: Do you love gardening? Can you work a saw? Do you love food? Then the outdoor learning spaces in Independence Gardens' network need you. There are several volunteer opportunities available.
Your generosity provides students in the community with experiential programs that sprout their educational journey. From edible gardening, a student-run farmers market, live cooking activities with chefs, and teaching families that fresh cooked food is as easy as growing peas, it all depends on donations.
BIG EVENT: Come and Eat IT! is Independence Gardens' signature event that connects children to the food they are growing and eating through a chef-driven, student-led cooking event. Held in May, students, chefs, teachers, parents, and community leaders rally for improved nutrition education. Each year, thousands of students in the Dallas-Fort Worth participate in this event.
Garden To Table is the group's signature fundraising event. Local chefs rally for improved nutrition education by curating dishes inspired by vegetables grown in the Community School Gardens within the Independence Gardens network.
In My Shoes
MISSION: In My Shoes is the only community living program in Dallas that provides support specifically toward pregnant, homeless women, while offering life, parenting, and job skills. All women who are struggling with homelessness, faced with the decision of bringing a child into this world, and are in need of a a strong support system from peers and professional counselors, are welcome.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED: Individuals, groups, and families are encouraged to make or bring meals for Meals for Moms — check the Facebook page for a signup link. On the third Saturday of each month, the residents, staff, and volunteers set aside time to take care of the facilities.
BIG EVENT: Trivia Night is the annual spring fundraiser that gets bigger and better every year. Create a team of eight people and put your thinking caps on for seven rounds of trivia fun with bonus rounds in-between. Nosh on pizza, beer, and wine as everyone battles for the coveted title of Trivia Night Champs. The awesome silent auction items give others a chance to feel like winners.
J.B. Dondolo
MISSION: This group's mission is to promote and develop projects that stimulate growth and improve the lives of those living in low-income, impoverished areas. They aim to do so by focusing on humanitarian projects that provide basic necessities, such as water and healthcare, in these communities. To ensure sustainability of projects, they use collaborative approaches with local community members who identify the projects and programs that they need assistance with. They then monitor and follow up on the completed projects and sustainable programs.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED: Individual donations of any amount are critical to helping JB Dondolo further their mission, making it possible to cover the cost of providing clean water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) products, materials to refurbish the clinic, and training on sustainable programs.
BIG EVENT: The Equanimity Awards Benefit Gala takes place in July and awards changemakers in the community while raising funds. Your ticket includes entertainment, refreshments, and dinner. Awards are presented throughout the evening to honor citizens who are using their platforms to make change in the world.
Junior Achievement of the Chisholm Trail, Inc.
MISSION: Junior Achievement's purpose is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy. JA of the Chisholm Trail's volunteer-delivered, kindergarten-12th grade programs foster work-readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy skills, and use experiential learning to inspire students in the community to dream big and reach their potential.
In 2019, Junior Achievement will be celebrating its 100th year anniversary — and celebrating 100 years of ensuring students are 100 percent ready for their futures.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED: JA of the Chisholm Trail's programs are delivered by volunteers. Volunteering in the classroom is one of the best ways to get involved. Teach an elementary, middle, or high school class and teach students entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and work/college readiness skills. JA provides all materials, including a brief training and step-by-step guides to prepare you to deliver the activities. To learn more about their programs, head here.
MEMBERSHIP: No membership fees are required to volunteer. However, if you are a young professional wishing to join the growing young professionals chapter, JA YES, that membership requires a $100 donation to cover chapter support.
BIG EVENT: JA of the Chisholm Trail's signature events include the annual Ask Breakfast in the fall and the annual Trinity Invitational in the spring. They also host fun bowl-athon fundraisers throughout the year.
Lone Star Justice Alliance
MISSION: The mission of Lone Star Justice Alliance is to redirect youth and young adults out of the Texas justice system and into community-based treatment programs, thus increasing public safety and saving taxpayer dollars.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED: Interns usually volunteer for a semester at a time, while other volunteers help with coordinating events and donation campaigns.
BIG EVENT: The Second Look Summit brings together families and friends of individuals who are incarcerated, where they share stories and hardships, and talk about what the organization does.
Meals on Wheels of Tarrant County
MISSION: Meals on Wheels of Tarrant County promotes the dignity and independence of older adults, persons with disabilities, and other homebound persons by delivering nutritious meals and providing or coordinating needed services.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED: Caring volunteers freely give their time and personal resources to ensure that homebound elderly and disabled clients receive a nutritious meal. These compassionate individuals do more than just provide a meal and a friendly home visit. Meals on Wheels also welcomes donations.
BIG EVENT: Join for a day of food, fun, and friendly competition at the annual Meals On Wheels Golf Classic at Ridglea Country Club.
Men of Nehemiah
MISSION: The Men of Nehemiah is a Christian community service movement designed to rebuild the lives of families that have been torn apart by the vicious onslaught of poverty, homelessness, substance abuse, crime, and violence. Initiated in South Dallas, the primary ministry is a comprehensive discipleship and addiction recovery program for men, particularly men who are homeless and/or formerly incarcerated.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED: TMON believes that creating an effective system for volunteer engagement and involvement is directly connected to its goals of leveraging tight resources, maximizing community involvement, and advancing organizational growth and development. You can also donate to The Men of Nehemiah here.
Mercury One
MISSION: Mercury One is a nonprofit humanitarian aid and education organization focused on restoring the human spirit. Its initiatives include providing programs to individuals to advance the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary for communities to help themselves, as well as assisting our nation's veterans, providing aid to those in crisis, and rebuilding and restoring the lives of Christians and other persecuted religious minorities in the Middle East.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED: Volunteer opportunities are constantly evolving and involve veteran events, holidays, help with beneficiary events, disaster relief, and more.
BIG EVENT: Its major fundraiser, the M1Ball, happens each year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. This fabulous and fun event features a VIP reception, silent auction, a seated three-course dinner, spirited live auction, and live entertainment.
Mercury One hosts the Mercury Museum, an especially significant curated pop-up museum featuring items from Mercury One's permanent collection of historical artifacts throughout our nation's history and American pop culture from the 20th century.
Mosaic Family Services
MISSION: Mosaic Family Services supports, educates, and empowers the multicultural individuals and families of North Texas. They are dedicated to serving survivors of human rights abuses from around the world and within their community, and create access to opportunities for their clients, empowering them toward independence.
Mosaic Family Services hopes to equip future leaders with the skills to impact their own diverse communities for a stronger, more vibrant North Texas. Their services include shelter, legal representation, mental health programs, and community education.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED: Volunteer opportunities are varied and include working at the shelter, in the office, or in the community. All volunteers must fill out a volunteer application.
BIG EVENT: The Mosaic Family Services Annual Gala is a celebration of the work the group has accomplished and the people who make that work possible. The festive and fun-filled evening is a chance to gather with friends and celebrate the resiliency of survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence.
NBMBAA Leaders of Tomorrow Program DFW
MISSION: The LOT program from the DFW chapter of the National Black MBA Association provides leadership development to high school students. The program is driven by mentoring across four developmental areas: leadership, financial literacy, college preparation, and career preparation. The program offers participants resources, knowledge, and opportunities in the way of mentoring relationships, scholarships, and internships.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED: Contact LOT@dfwmbas.org for opportunities to donate and volunteer.
MEMBERSHIP: LOT DFW participants pay an annual NBMBAA student membership fee of $15.
BIG EVENT: The NBMBAA Leaders of Tomorrow (LOT) Annual Leadership Summit and National Business Case Competition enables participants to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and presentation skills by addressing a business case study. The DFW LOT chapter has won first place in the National Business Case Competition in 2018, 2016, 2011, and 2010.
Promise House
MISSION: Promise House moves youth in crisis toward safety and success, leading the charge to end youth homelessness in North Texas. Its free programs include life-saving emergency shelter, transitional housing, pregnant and parenting teen support, counseling, education, and outreach services.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED: Groups of people can get involved by volunteering with the youth — hosting pizza nights, game nights, or other engaging activities.
BIG EVENT: Promise House hosts two signature events each year: the Golf Class and the Sleep Out.
Each spring, Promise House hosts a golf tournament to raise much-needed funds for the youth they serve. The Golf Classic provides an important opportunity for corporations, small businesses, and individuals to support its mission, and is a day full of fun and community collaboration as the supporters spend time together, enjoying a round of golf and engaging with the group's mission.
For the Sleep Out, community leaders are invited each fall to sleep outside at Promise House with only cardboard and a sleeping bag. Each sleeper commits to raising at least $5,000 through their social network — increasing both awareness and funds for the homeless youth they serve. While this could never replicate the experience of a young person on the streets, the event does provide participants a chance to learn, firsthand, about some of the challenges they face.
Samaritan House
MISSION: The mission of Samaritan House in Fort Worth is to create a supportive community providing housing and resources for positive change in the lives of persons living with HIV/AIDS and other special needs.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED: Samaritan House depends on the support of individuals and community-minded organizations to meet the needs of its residents. You can help by volunteering, making in-kind donations, or making monetary donations.
BIG EVENT: The Open Doors to Hope event in August supports housing and comprehensive services to individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS, chronic disease, mental illness, or physical disabilities.
Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas
MISSION: The Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas, which has been in continuous operation since 1968, is located in Dallas, but they answer calls throughout DFW, as well as calls for two national crisis lines. Each month, 1,500 people in crisis call the center (214-828-1000) to speak to a trained, caring counselor. Any time, day or night, someone always answers. In addition, the Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas offers a survivors of suicide a support group, crisis debriefing services, and in-service training.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED: Training classes for the crisis line are offered a minimum of twice a year. The extensive training requires attendance at classes for 10 consecutive weeks, one evening a week. After the training and internship is completed, volunteers are asked to commit to one three-to-four-hour shift per week for at least six months. Shifts are available 24 hours a day. If you are interested in volunteering to be a crisis line volunteer, call 214-824-7020, or email volunteer@sccenter.org
BIG EVENT: A chance meeting between Margie Wright, executive director of the Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas, and Yvonne Crum took place at a charity event. This meeting lead to Margie asking Yvonne to help raise $25,000 by organizing an event around the issue of suicide that potential donors would want to attend.
Crum realized the best way to involve the community in raising awareness and funds was to select a dozen women annually to serve as fundraising ambassadors. These ambassadors, or Fashion Stars, work tirelessly to promote and sell raffle tickets for The Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas' annual Fashion Stars for a Cause, which is a celebration of fashion and compassion. Since the beginning of Fashion Stars, more than $2 million has been raised to provide hope and save lives.
Texas Trees Foundation
MISSION: Simply put, the motto of the Texas Trees Foundation is "The Greening of North Central Texas." The foundation sustains a tree-planting initiative for neighborhood parkways and medians, schools, and other public open spaces; a tree-growing facility to assure a healthy supply of trees for the future; and education programs to teach the importance and benefits of maintaining a healthy urban forest.
The Texas Trees Foundation aims to increase the tree canopy in North Central Texas, which will lower temperatures, reduce pollutants in the air, and create a healthier environment for Texas residents to work and play in.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED: The best way to get involved is to volunteer to help plant trees. You can also sign up for planting events, or sign up to be a volunteer without committing to the events currently listed. Interested volunteers can also reach the volunteer coordinator, Marc Beaudoing at marc@texastrees.org. In addition to individuals who want to volunteer, many companies have partnered with the Texas Trees Foundation to have planting days for their employees.
Texas Women's Foundation
MISSION: Texas Women's Foundation invests in women and girls to empower women's philanthropy and build a better world. In 2013, Texas Women's Foundation began a comprehensive fundraising campaign, the Unlocking Leadership Campaign, to improve the future of North Texas by investing in the economic security and leadership potential of women and girls with an ambitious $50 million goal.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED: There are many ways that Texas Women's Foundation invites you to make an investment in advancing the lives of women and girls in our community. All gifts — whether through events, endowments, or joining a giving society — make a ripple effect by transforming the lives of individuals, families, and communities.
MEMBERSHIP: The XIX Society — named for Texas Women's Foundation's 19 founders — is a giving society for philanthropists who believe that the surest way to create concrete solutions in our community is by investing in women and girls. By contributing annually at one of the XIX Society levels, members are partnering with Texas Women's Foundation to unleash the power of the ripple effect, and their gift is an investment in women's economic security, leadership, education, health, and safety. Benefits include networking opportunities and being able to participate in the selection of the XIX Society grant recipient.
BIG EVENT: Featuring a top-notch speaker, the Annual Luncheon attracts more than 1,500 of the community's most influential business and philanthropic leaders, decision makers, and individuals, and is one of the top luncheons in Dallas. The other event, Leadership Forum & Awards Dinner, recognizes leaders who have positively impacted the lives of women and girls with the Maura Women Helping Women and Young Leader Awards.
The Concilio
MISSION: The Concilio bridges the gap between parents and the educational system. Its Parents Advocating for Student Excellence (PASE) program teaches parents their role, rights, and responsibilities to empower their children's academic success.
In Community Health, they focus on educating parents and their children on obesity, nutrition, and physical activity, then support them as they make changes to their lifestyles. The signature Healthy Kids, Healthy Families program is an interactive program aimed at reducing the risk for obesity through improved nutrition and increased physical activity.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED: There are several volunteer opportunities, which are outlined in detail here. You can fill out an application here.
BIG EVENT: The Concilio's Big Dreams annual fundraiser helps thousands of families improve their education and health. Your support helps increase graduation rates across Dallas and Fort Worth and prepares more students for success in college and beyond. Music, dancing, open bar, and live auction were a part of this cocktail event on October 18, 2018.
The Gatehouse
MISSION: The Gatehouse is a supportive living community where women — single or with children — in crisis receive safe refuge, ample time, practical resources, and healthy relationships to discover new paths for permanent, positive change. On 61 acres in Grapevine, 96 apartments span four neighborhoods, where families participate in their individually tailored journey through the Independent Life Program.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED: If you're interested in getting involved with The Gatehouse, the first step is to attend a one-hour informational gathering about the history, vision, and plan for the Gatehouse community.
MEMBERSHIP: Circle 58 is a unique circle of women who support The Gatehouse by re-gifting some of what they’ve been given so others receive a hand up when they need it most. Women of all ages are invited to join the Circle, and it can also be a unique way to honor other women in your life with a membership.
BIG EVENT: The Dallas Cowboys and the Gene and Jerry Jones Family Foundation underwrite the annual Gatehouse Get in the Game luncheon. The event features notable local influencers and community members, including a panel of Dallas Cowboys Super Bowl champions who will advocate for a hand up to those who need it most. Get in the Game is held on a Monday in October at AT&T Stadium and features top-notch speakers such as former Dallas Cowboys and Ring of Honor recipients Bob Lilly, Roger Staubach, and Drew Pearson in 2017, coach Jason Garrett with Ret. Admiral William H. McRaven in 2016, and Jason Witten in 2015.
The Hope Center
MISSION: The Hope Center is a one-of-a-kind 501(c)(3) collaborative Christian nonprofit center to 40-plus Christian nonprofits. THC offers half market-rate rent to its tenant nonprofits who share the love of Christ in North Texas and around the world.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED: Donate money or gifts-in-kind here.
BIG EVENT: Critical Conversations Speaker Series: A speaker series focusing on how Christians are to respond to the trials of our current culture with Biblical truth and love.
National Day of Prayer: In accordance with the nationwide celebration, the National Day of Prayer is an annual observance, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation. The Hope Center hosts a special time of fellowship and prayer over the seven prayer pillars. This annual free event is held on the first Thursday of May.
The Salvation Army
MISSION: The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church, with the mission to care for the poor, feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, clothe the naked, love the unlovable, and befriend the friendless.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED: The Salvation Army needs volunteers for its many events — sign up to help on the website. To those who want to positively affect their world, the Salvation Army is the charity that maximizes contributions and monetary donations.
The Women's Center of Tarrant County
MISSION: Despite its name, the Women’s Center of Tarrant County serves women, men, and children of all backgrounds, ages, and ethnicities in their times of need. With services that include rape crisis and victim services, violence prevention and education, employment assistance, and general counseling, the Women’s Center assists more than 100,000 people each year.
The Play It Safe program focuses on age-appropriate scripts and movies that teach children how to recognize and prevent physical and sexual abuse and assault. Individuals and families can seek help from the legal clinic, support groups, and older adult services.
From the rape crisis hotline — open to anyone who has ever been sexually assaulted — and exam support in the event of an assault, to skills training and helping people quickly return to the workforce, the Women’s Center provides a foundation of security for thousands of North Texans.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED: Learn more about becoming a direct service volunteer at The Women's Center through an information session, held every January and September.
MEMBERSHIP: The Women's Center Young Professionals further its work through volunteering, advocating, fundraising, and friend-raising. Benefits of joining include networking opportunities with young professionals from multiple companies and organizations, monthly happy hours, and group volunteer opportunities.
BIG EVENT: The Women’s Center sponsors a number of events throughout the year, including the Holiday Program, which allows individuals and organizations to sponsor a local family who may otherwise go without presents during the holiday season.
Unlikely Heroes
MISSION: Unlikely Heroes' vision and mission are global: to rescue, restore, and rehabilitate child victims out of slavery. Since 2011, they have rescued hundreds of children. Their journey to freedom starts in one of Unlikely Heroes' five restoration homes located around the world.
Experienced Unlikely Heroes teams are on the ground in the United States, Mexico, Thailand, and the Philippines, providing the very best in restorative care, safe housing, education, life skills, medical care, counseling, stability, and love to every single child they care for.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED: Gifts to Unlikely Heroes help make it possible to give each rescued child food, shelter, therapy, life skills, clothing, job training, and medical care.
BIG EVENT: The annual Recognizing Heroes Awards Dinner and Gala is a star-studded red carpet charity benefit featuring live musical performances, a benefit auction, and exclusive VIP celebrity meet-and-greet.
USS Fort Worth Support Committee
MISSION: The USS Fort Worth (LCS-3) Support Committee is a 501c3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide unparalleled moral support to and appreciation for the service to the USS Fort Worth's crew and families. They aim to infuse the USS Fort Worth with the friendship, heritage, and spirit of the city of Fort Worth during its service life, and to provide lasting, favorable memories of the USS Fort Worth and the city of Fort Worth to all who serve aboard her.
In the process, they work locally to promote the awareness of the USS Fort Worth in its service throughout the local community.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED: The Support Committee holds monthly happy hours to collect items for care packages to send to the USS Fort Worth. Each month, they collect something different to show their love and appreciation for the men and women who serve aboard the USS Fort Worth. Follow them on Facebook to find the latest location, date, and time.
MEMBERSHIP: Blue Jacket memberships are available for $125 and Anchor Club memberships are $1,000. Blue Jacket members are welcome to donate and volunteer throughout the year to work their way up to the Anchor Club level.
Anchor Club members who have been members for two or more years have access to custom Peters Bros hats like the Sailors of the Quarter and other exclusive opportunities.
BIG EVENT: September 22 is the anniversary of the commissioning, which took place in 2012. In 2018, the group celebrated in San Diego near the USS Fort Worth. In the spring, the Whatever Floats Your Boat Regatta features teams of five that build boats to get across the Trinity River and back.
Youth With Faces
MISSION: This mission of Youth With Faces is to give youth in the juvenile justice system the skills needed to break the cycle of incarceration and create positive futures. They believe in the potential of these youth and give them the opportunity to learn and practice critical social, job, and life skills. These are essential to their success when returning to their families and communities.
First launched in 2001 to provide materials and meals to the youth in Dallas County’s Youth Village, Youth with Faces began expanding its scope to include rehabilitation programs in 2008. Today, they have expanded to serve the residents of both Medlock Residential Treatment Center and Letot Girls’ Residential Treatment Center, and impact the lives of approximately 200 youth annually.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED: Youth With Faces offers many opportunities for individual volunteers and groups, including working with their youth (which includes assisting with career classes, conducting mock interviews, and participating in the speakers program) and other support such as helping organize and beautify Youth With Faces spaces and holding a clothing drive.
BIG EVENT: Five of DFW's finest chefs prepare a multi-course, farm-to-table meal paired with select wines at Youth With Faces' annual fundraising dinner, Field & Vine.
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We're constantly updating our Charity Guide, so if you have new information or current details about an organization's big event, please let us know by emailing charity@culturemap.com