This week: WaterTower Theatre, EECU, Buckner International, United Way of Tarrant County
WaterTower Theatre is proud to announce that JC Schuster has been promoted and named the organization’s permanent Producing Artistic Director, effective Oct. 1, 2026. He will continue serving as Interim Producing Artistic Director through Sept. 30 (the end of WaterTower’s 2025-26 season), working alongside the organization’s Board and staff to guide WaterTower through its leadership and fiscal transition and prepare for the 2026-27 season.
EECU is pleased to announce the appointment of Josh Brian as Executive Vice President, Chief Growth and Marketing Officer. Brian will join EECU’s executive leadership team and lead initiatives focused on member growth, market expansion, brand development, and strategic partnerships.
Buckner International has promoted Carmen Holmes as its third-ever vice president, chief development officer. In the role, she will oversee efforts to strengthen philanthropic support, expand community relationships, and advance long-term growth and sustainability strategies that further the Buckner mission.
United Way of Tarrant County welcomes Kevin Berber to as their new director of marketing and communications. Kevin brings more than 12 years of marketing and communications experience, leading teams and developing strategic campaigns across digital media, sales and public relations.
Facility enhancements include natatorium renovation and new exercise studio
The J.E.R. Chilton YMCA at Rockwall broke ground on one of its largest construction projects to date, a $5.2 million facility expansion. The project will focus on improving some of its most heavily trafficked areas, helping to increase access, safety, and programming for members and staff. Since opening its doors in 1975, the J.E.R. Chilton Y has remained a cornerstone of Rockwall County, promoting youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The 50-year-old building will receive critical updates including:
● A natatorium renovation to rebuild and winterize the facility for swim lessons, swim team activities, and lifesaving water safety programs year-round, in addition to an extra changing room ● A new group exercise studio to expand wellness offerings, classes, and provide space for necessary events.
Last year, HomeBank Texas provided a transformational gift to the J.E.R. Chilton Y with a $500,000 donation to kickstart the project, securing naming rights to the future natatorium. This year, phase one of construction started on two new paved parking lots near the building’s Small Fry Fields, where more spaces are now available, improving accessibility and convenience for members, guests, and staff.
As part of the capital campaign, J.E.R. Chilton YMCA has been offered a $500,000 challenge grant opportunity from the J.E. & L.E. Mabee Foundation. To satisfy this challenge, the Y must raise $892,670 in additional community support by January 13, 2027. If met, the Mabee Foundation’s $500,000 grant will be awarded, significantly accelerating progress toward the campaign’s $5.2 million goal. “After five decades of service, it’s time to write our next chapter. We have an incredible opportunity to revitalize a building that serves thousands of members, but more importantly, it breathes new life into core programming,” said Curt Hazelbaker, President and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas. “This construction project is a commitment to our community that says we’re rooted in Rockwall and will continue to invest in its future.”
With Rockwall County named the nation’s second fastest-growing county (U.S. News & World Report, 2024), this expansion is vital. These upgrades ensure the Y remains a community hub and continues to serve and strengthen Rockwall for current and future generations.
“The J.E.R. Chilton YMCA at Rockwall has brought valuable new programming to the area, including drowning prevention, senior lunch and learn, and Angel Camp,” said Harold C. Young II, District Executive Director at J.E.R. Chilton YMCA at Rockwall. “When looking at the numbers from 2025, we’ve served more than 16,000 people through membership and programs across the community. Nearly 13,000 people found connection and community through membership at the Y, more than 3,600 youth participated in sports, nearly 1,900 people took part in swim lessons and Safety Around Water programming, 584 children participated in afterschool programs, and 535 campers experienced our day and adaptive camps. When you have a presence that can reach thousands of people, the space you host them in should feel just as inspiring as the programs. We’re thrilled to give our Rockwall community a fresh environment, built to last another 50 years.”
Building renovations will begin immediately, with the estimated timeline to be completed in the summer of 2027. To learn more or get involved in improving our local communities, have opportunities to make an impact and support your neighbors, please visit us at www.ymcadallas.org.
The National Leadership Foundation has named Chris Smith, MBA, as the new Executive Director of The Greatest Gift Catalog Ever, its signature community giving initiative that connects donors with local nonprofits and charitable causes. Celebrating its 19th year, The Greatest Gift Catalog Ever is an annual holiday catalog that showcases the work of dozens of Tarrant Area nonprofits, raising funds for a wide range of charitable work.
Transfer of 11 dogs creates critical shelter capacity for pets displaced by the wildfire.
SPCA of Texas staff members traveled to the Mineral Wells Animal Shelter to transport 11 dogs—3 puppies and 8 adults—to the Russell E. Dealey Animal Rescue Center. This transfer of animals made room in the Mineral Wells shelter for an expected influx of pets displaced by the Ross Fire. The dogs received medical evaluations and rabies vaccinations at the SPCA of Texas during intake.
“We are privileged to be able to respond immediately to a request for assistance from the Mineral Wells Animal Shelter when they desperately need help during the intense Ross Fire,” said SPCA of Texas Senior Director of Shelter & Medical Operations Rebecca Woodward. “Our caring for these dogs not only opens up space in their shelter for pets displaced by the fire, but also helps alleviate some of the stress our peers at the Shelter are experiencing at this time.”
The SPCA of Texas may return to the Mineral Wells Animal Shelter in the next day or two as needed to transport more dogs and adult cats and kittens to the Dealey Animal Rescue Center.
Some of the 11 dogs are available for adoption at the Jan Rees-Jones Animal Care Center (2400 Lone Star Dr, 75212). The Animal Care Center is open from Noon to 6 p.m. every day of the week. The puppies need to be spayed and neutered, so they are available for Fostering until altered. Fostering with the SPCA of Texas is free, and the organization provides the food and supplies foster families need to care for their foster pets.
Residents affected by the Ross Fire who need assistance with pets should continue to follow guidance from local emergency officials and the Mineral Wells Animal Shelter. The SPCA of Texas is supporting the local shelter by creating additional capacity and stands ready to provide further assistance as needs develop.
To learn more about the SPCA of Texas, including pets available for adoption, foster opportunities and ways to support its work for animals and communities across North Texas, visit spca.org. To make a gift, visit spca.org/rescue26.
Habitat for Humanity of Denton County announced the expansion of its service area into Cooke County following the transition of Gainesville Area Habitat for Humanity’s programs and assets to the Denton County affiliate.
The transition ensures that Habitat for Humanity’s mission of building strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter will continue in Gainesville and throughout Cooke County while providing existing Habitat homeowners with the resources and support of a larger regional affiliate.
“This is about much more than expanding a service area,” said Christina Esquivel, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Denton County. “It is about honoring the work that Gainesville Area Habitat for Humanity has done for families in Cooke County and making sure that work continues. We are grateful for the foundation they built, and we are excited to work alongside Gainesville and Cooke County residents to determine what the next chapter of Habitat looks like in this community.”
Habitat for Humanity of Denton County has served North Texas families since 1994 and has helped more than 100 families achieve affordable homeownership. The organization is currently developing Habitat Village in southeast Denton, a 35-home community that represents one of the affiliate’s largest housing initiatives to date.
The Cooke County expansion represents an opportunity to build upon that experience while responding to the unique housing needs of Gainesville and surrounding communities.
Existing Gainesville Habitat homeowners will remain an important part of the Habitat family. Habitat for Humanity of Denton County will provide ongoing family services and homeowner support in addition to mortgage-related assistance. Habitat’s homeowner partnership extends beyond the purchase of a home and includes resources such as financial literacy, home maintenance education and ongoing support throughout the homeownership journey.
The transition is being coordinated with Habitat for Humanity International and Habitat Texas as Habitat for Humanity of Denton County formally expands its territory into Cooke County.
TWU and Girl Scouts leaders celebrated the partnership during a recent signing ceremony at Texas Woman’s University’s Brackenridge Hall Auditorium. The agreement establishes a framework for ongoing collaboration between the two organizations while strengthening the pipeline of future women leaders through education, leadership and service.
“As Texas Woman’s University celebrates its 125th anniversary, this partnership reflects our longstanding commitment to recognizing leadership and expanding educational opportunity for women,” said Dr. Carine Feyten, chancellor and president of Texas Woman’s University. “Gold Award Girl Scouts have already demonstrated the perseverance, initiative and service that define exceptional leaders. We are proud to recognize those accomplishments and help these young women continue their leadership journey at Texas Woman’s.”
Through the partnership, eligible Gold Award Girl Scouts will receive admission consideration after completing their junior year of high school, subject to university admission requirements. Additional benefits include merit scholarship opportunities for qualifying students, admission application fee waivers, dedicated admissions counseling, financial aid guidance and college readiness programming. Eligible students also may qualify for TWU’s Zero Tuition Guarantee.
Beyond student benefits, the partnership creates new opportunities for collaborative educational outreach, student engagement and leadership development initiatives while increasing awareness of Texas Woman’s University among Girl Scouts throughout Northeast Texas.
“Leadership begins long before a young woman arrives on a college campus,” said Jennifer K. Bartkowski, chief executive officer of Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas. “Through Girl Scouts, girls develop the courage, confidence and character to lead, and Texas Woman’s University will help them build on that foundation through higher education. Together, we’re building the leadership pipeline for Texas.”
The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest achievement in Girl Scouting and recognizes girls who demonstrate extraordinary leadership through sustainable projects that create lasting community impact. Under the partnership, Gold Award recipients will have expanded access to admissions support and educational resources designed to help them successfully transition to college.
As Texas Woman’s University celebrates its 125th anniversary, the new agreement reflects the university’s continued commitment to expanding educational opportunities and preparing future generations of women leaders through education, leadership and service.
Habitat for Humanity of Denton County announced the expansion of its service area into Cooke County following the transition of Gainesville Area Habitat for Humanity’s programs and assets to the Denton County affiliate.
The transition ensures that Habitat for Humanity’s mission of building strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter will continue in Gainesville and throughout Cooke County while providing existing Habitat homeowners with the resources and support of a larger regional affiliate.
“This is about much more than expanding a service area,” said Christina Esquivel, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Denton County. “It is about honoring the work that Gainesville Area Habitat for Humanity has done for families in Cooke County and making sure that work continues. We are grateful for the foundation they built, and we are excited to work alongside Gainesville and Cooke County residents to determine what the next chapter of Habitat looks like in this community.”
Habitat for Humanity of Denton County has served North Texas families since 1994 and has helped more than 100 families achieve affordable homeownership. The organization is currently developing Habitat Village in southeast Denton, a 35-home community that represents one of the affiliate’s largest housing initiatives to date.
The Cooke County expansion represents an opportunity to build upon that experience while responding to the unique housing needs of Gainesville and surrounding communities.
Existing Gainesville Habitat homeowners will remain an important part of the Habitat family. Habitat for Humanity of Denton County will provide ongoing family services and homeowner support in addition to mortgage-related assistance. Habitat’s homeowner partnership extends beyond the purchase of a home and includes resources such as financial literacy, home maintenance education and ongoing support throughout the homeownership journey.
The transition is being coordinated with Habitat for Humanity International and Habitat Texas as Habitat for Humanity of Denton County formally expands its territory into Cooke County.
This week: United Way of Tarrant County, Multicultural Alliance, Communities In Schools of North Texas, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas, Tarrant To & Through Partnership, Fort Works Art, Dynamic Development Strategies
United Way of Tarrant County is investing in its next chapter of growth, naming Kevin Berber as its new director of marketing and communications. Berber will lead creative development and marketing and communications strategy, including advertising, promotions and public relations, to support the organization’s mission and maximize its exposure in local and national markets.
Multicultural Alliance named Fort Worth businesswoman and nonprofit leader Rattana Mao as Interim President and CEO. Mao will guide the organization during the transition, supporting day-to-day operations, community engagement, fundraising and program continuity while the Board conducts a comprehensive search for its next leader. Interested applicants can submit their resume or direct inquiries to exeutive@mcatexas.com or view the job description on Indeed.com.
Angela Hernandez joins the Communities In Schools of North Texas team as a Case Management Site Coordinator where she will support students, families, and the school community overall.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas welcomes Chandler Gadis as Senior Director of Operations. Chandler brings more than 13 years of nonprofit leadership and youth development experience to the role. He previously served as Assistant Club Director at their KIPP Pleasant Grove Primary location and held leadership roles with First Tee of Greater Dallas, where he led programming, operations, and community partnerships.
Tarrant To & Through Partnership is excited to welcome Kyla Guyette as their new Chief Impact Officer. Kyla brings more than 20 years of executive leadership experience building education-to-career systems, leading cross-sector partnerships, and using data to drive measurable outcomes for students and families.
Amy Rasor has joined Lauren Saba at Fort Works Art and Gallery of Dreams as the Director of Growth and Impact.
School’s back in session and Lewisville families have a new safe, affordable, and nurturing place to send their children after that last bell rings each day. Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County (BGCGTC) is celebrating the opening of its first physical Denton County Club location, serving youth ages 6-18 with programs that foster academic success, leadership development, and healthy lifestyles.
Expansion efforts began in 2021, when BGCGTC recognized a critical gap in youth development programming and brought mobile and school-based services to Denton County youth. According to the latest U.S. Census, 1 in 17 children in Denton County lives in poverty, and as of 2024, nearly 29% of public-school students in Denton County qualify for free lunch under the National School Lunch Program.
“Opening the doors to our Boys & Girls Club in Lewisville marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the children, families, and community,” said Daphne Barlow, CEO and president of BGCGTC. “Every young person who walks through these doors will have the opportunity to discover their full potential, build meaningful relationships, and envision a brighter future. We believe the impact of this Club will extend far beyond its walls, helping shape a generation of young people who will grow to lead, serve, and strengthen this community for decades to come.”
The newly remodeled 10,000-square-foot facility is located in a former fire station, gifted to BGCGTC by the city of Lewisville, with significant renovations made possible by a $1 million lead gift from the RAO Foundation. BGCGTC partnered with Jackson Shaw, Birch Construction, and Merriman Anderson Architects to transform the former fire station into a welcoming, modern space designed to meet the needs of local youth and families. The Club was also supported by a $3 million contribution from Denton County Judge and Commissioners and $1.3 million from other anonymous donors. The newly remodeled facility is in close proximity to Lewisville High School, three elementary schools, one middle school, and surrounding family neighborhoods.
“We at the Rao Foundation are truly honored to stand alongside Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County in bringing this Club to life in Lewisville. We believe it will make a transformational difference by helping kids who need it most to prepare for their adult lives. We’re deeply grateful to the Boys & Girls Club for making this project possible,” said Nag & Seshu Rao, co-founders of The RAO Foundation.
The Lewisville Branch of BGCGTC will serve as a year-round home for high-quality youth development programs, bringing much-needed resources, mentors, and opportunities to one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States. That includes academic support, programming to encourage healthy choices, providing healthy daily meals, as well as arts, sports, technology, and workforce readiness programs. The new Club also offers safe and affordable childcare programs and a comprehensive youth development organization focused on long-term outcomes.
“This is a wonderful example of what can happen when schools, families, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and community leaders work together,” Rapp added. “Having a Boys & Girls Club in Lewisville will be a transformative addition to our community.”
Barlow projects that the Lewisville Club, in addition to the organization’s existing mobile operation in Denton County, will ultimately serve 10,000 youth annually.
Grant funding is available through North Texas Community Foundation‘s Animal Fund and Conservation & Environment Fund for nonprofits advancing animal welfare, equine therapy, conservation, and environmental initiatives across North Texas.
Nonprofits must attend a virtual orientation session to be eligible to apply. Visit our website to view the full RFP, eligibility requirements and orientation information.
