This week: Your Part-Time Controller, The Foundation for Young Women’s Leadership Academy, Yellow Rose Gala Foundation, The Cliburn
Eric Wilson, Director of Your Part-Time Controller, LLC (YPTC)’s DFW office, is now the firm’s first Director of Client Experience. In his new role, Eric will uphold YPTC’s exceptional client service standards, serve as a liaison between client-service and internal-support teams, and champion innovation to maximize value for clients and support staff through change.
The Foundation for Young Women’s Leadership Academy is thrilled to announce our newest Executive Director, Chris Evans! With over a decade of experience in fundraising and nonprofit management, Chris has dedicated her career to creating a more equitable world. She’s passionate about educational access, empowering women and girls, and connecting donors with opportunities to drive meaningful change.
Maggie Estes announces that after 15 years as Cliburn director of communications and digital content, she’ll begin her new journey at the CG Group in January 2026, working with Chris Gavras and McKinzie Smith to provide strategic communications consulting services.
Sabrina Rentaria has taken on the role of Fractional Executive Director for the Yellow Rose Gala Foundation. She is honored to work alongside the Wynne Family and our Yellow Rose Gala family as they fight tirelessly for a cure to progressive MS.
The Commit Partnership and Dallas College are excited to announce today that the O’Donnell Foundation has made a second transformative $50 million investment in North Texas education, including a $20 million gift to Dallas College Foundation!
“The O’Donnell Foundation’s generosity allows us to launch the Dallas County Promise Transfer Success Fund—an unprecedented endowment that will ease the financial burden for thousands of students as they continue their education,” said Dallas College Foundation Executive Director Josh Skolnick. “This is about more than financial aid; it’s about creating a connected, coherent set of supports that give students the confidence and resources to transfer, thrive and earn a four-year degree.”
With this investment, Dallas County Promise students will gain greater financial support, tailored advising, and long-term pathways to success—strengthening the region’s workforce and economy for years to come. We’re grateful to the O’Donnell Foundation for their incredible commitment to Dallas County students, and excited to be a part of the thousands of bright futures it will enable.
Bread & Better Life Café, a community-focused coffee shop designed to foster personal growth and well-being, has opened its doors to the public at 1010 W. Magnolia Avenue in Fort Worth. Purpose-built to be more than just a neighborhood coffee shop, the café features a menu of pastries and specialty coffees, while carrying out a mission to empower individuals by offering free classes and workshops designed to enhance their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Bread & Better is open five days per week:
Mondays through Fridays, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Mondays through Thursdays, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Menu highlights include a mix of sweet and savory hand-baked goods, along with hot and cold beverages, including bean-to-cup coffees, specialty espresso drinks, teas, and fruit smoothies.
The café’s standout feature are its free workshops and classes, held daily in a dedicated Community Room equipped with seating, tables, and presentation screens, and taught by qualified instructors. Every class offered falls into one of six Life Modules, including:
Physical Health
Emotional Wellness
Money Matters
Resilient Relationships
Personal Improvement
Nurturing Faith
Current class topics include sessions on grief recovery, financial literacy, and marriage strengthening, with new classes added to the schedule regularly. During the noon hour on Mondays, Bread & Better offers Mindful Mondays, a series of 50-minute presentations that help participants live in all moments with clarity and peace. Subjects discussed in Mindful Mondays include anxiety, depression, boundary setting, and stress.
Housed in a two-story, 3,000-square-foot space originally built in 1940, Bread & Better was thoughtfully restored by Fort Worth-based Turnkey Project Services LLC and Raintree Contractors. Featuring a red brick exterior with white trim, much of the site’s original architectural features are still intact, including ceilings with original geometric detail, exposed brick walls, and large display windows. Its interior offers a mix of rustic and contemporary elements, such as comfortable seating arrangements with oak wood cushioned chairs, a restored church pew, a separate bar top seating area, potted greenery, gold chandeliers with exposed bulbs, and dedicated spaces for both intimate and social gatherings such as “The Nook,” “The Community Room,” and “The Social Room.”
Bread & Better Life Café is brought to the community by the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s regional offices in the Southwest. The Southwestern Union Conference launched this unique initiative to impact the Fort Worth community for the better, and it is made possible through partnerships with local and national Adventist organizations.
“Our goal is to offer a space where people can gather not just to enjoy coffee and bakery items, but also to engage in meaningful conversations and personal growth opportunities,” said Phil Robertson, Bread & Better general manager. “Bread & Better was designed to be a welcoming and inspiring place to love and serve our neighbors in the community, and we want our customers to think of it as their ‘go-to’ place to enjoy great coffee while taking the opportunity to learn, recharge, and reflect.”
“Just recently, a woman came in feeling lost and praying for help, and discovered our upcoming ‘Financial Peace’ classes were not only free, but exactly what she needed. After attending, she expressed newfound clarity and hope,” added Robertson. “Her story is just one of many emerging from the café, which now offers a robust schedule of classes, including Mad About Marriage, The Grief Sessions, and Mindful Mondays. We’re grateful to already adding a meaningful value to the lives of those we serve.”
For more information about Bread & Better Life Café or to view its class schedule, visit www.breadandbetterlifecafe.com.
This week: Forest Forward, Catholic Charities of Fort Worth
Forest Forward welcomes Nijeul X as the Executive and Artistic Director of the historic Forest Theater. This milestone moves us closer to our mission of restoring and reimagining the Forest Theater as a cultural hub. A Houston native and graduate of the California Institute of the Arts and Howard University, he’s returning to Texas after more than 15 years in Los Angeles, where he led innovative programs in arts, entertainment, and cultural leadership, most recently at the Waco Theater Center in LA.
After an extensive search for a leader with a bold vision to end poverty, Catholic Charities of Fort Worth is overjoyed to announce the return of Heather Reynolds as our next President and CEO! Heather’s story with CCFW began when she was just 22 years old — and by 25, she became CEO. Under her leadership, we transformed how we serve families in need, shifting from short-term aid to long-term, research-backed solutions that truly help people overcome poverty.
🌍 Focus Areas: Cultural diversity, community building
📌 Geographical Area: Atlanta, Central Mississippi, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Middle Tennessee, New York City, North Central New Jersey, Southeast Michigan, Southern California
✅ Eligibility: • 501(c)(3) nonprofit status • Minimum of 3 years in operation • Serving communities in Nissan’s operational areas
After nearly 50 years of serving Tarrant County families, SafeHaven is rebranding as The Archway. The new identity reflects the nonprofit organization’s work, providing a way forward for domestic violence survivors in the local community, plus its efforts to build support systems around victims everywhere.
“Since day one, SafeHaven has walked with victims wherever they are on their journey,” said President and CEO Kathryn Jacob, DSW, LMSW. “The Archway reaffirms our commitment to protecting survivors and our drive to transform systems and dismantle cycles of harm. We are building the way beyond violence for survivors, both here locally and beyond.”
The announcement coincides with the start of Domestic Violence Awareness Monthduring October.
The Archway’s Office of Research and Innovation is dedicated to advancing the understanding of domestic violence and its impact on individuals, families and communities. Through research, collaborative initiatives and evidence-based tools, the nonprofit aims to drive meaningful change in the systems victims use to survive.
An example of this work is the Texas Assessment of Dominant Aggressor (TXADA) being developed by The Archway team in collaboration with the RAND Corporation. This tool is designed to help the criminal justice system and others determine the dominant aggressor in an abusive intimate partner relationship. Currently in a national research phase with police departments and Criminal District Attorney offices across the country, TXADA will include two separate tools: one for law enforcement responding to domestic violence calls on scene, and another for detectives and others who investigate an abuse charge.
The Archway also collaborates with Tarrant County first responders, the criminal justice system, policymakers and others to combat domestic violence in North Texas. These collaborations include co-leading the annual Tarrant County Fatality Review and providing expert testimony in felony court cases across the state to shed light on the complex dynamics in abusive relationships. The Archway’s Partner Abuse Intervention & Prevention (PAIP) Program is Tarrant County’s only state-accredited Batterers’ Intervention and Prevention Program (BIPP), working with both court-mandated and volunteer clients to help domestic violence offenders take accountability, challenge harmful behaviors and build safer relationships.
About The Archway The Archway (formerly SafeHaven) is the most comprehensive provider of domestic violence services in Tarrant County, offering the only full continuum of care for survivors and families. Alongside shelter, legal advocacy, and 24/7 crisis response, The Archway works across systems—courts, hospitals, and schools—to prevent abuse and improve outcomes. As it marks 50 years, the organization is also contributing to national research and survivor-led innovations that shape the future of domestic violence response.
Impact Numbers
● 1,615 women and children spent 41,633 nights in our two emergency shelters in 2024.
● Answered 13,903 calls to our emergency hotline in 2024.
● 70 families received legal representation at no cost in 2024.
● 151 families moved into our safe housing options after exiting shelter.
The North Texas Nonprofit Institute (NTX NPI) has released its third annual North Texas State of Nonprofits and Philanthropy report, providing a comprehensive overview of the region’s nonprofit landscape, including trends in service delivery, fundraising, employment, and sector-wide impact.
This year’s findings reaffirm North Texas as one of the most active and engaged nonprofit regions in the nation. With over 45,000 registered nonprofit organizations, North Texas represents more than one-third of all nonprofits in Texas. The sector also plays a significant role in the regional economy, employing over 150,000 nonprofit professionals — accounting for one in every 25 private-sector jobs. Additionally, thousands of North Texans serve on nonprofit boards or volunteer regularly, demonstrating a strong culture of civic engagement.
For the first time, NTX NPI conducted a regional survey of nonprofit leaders, uncovering both promising momentum and pressing challenges. Nearly 80% of respondents reported an increase in demand for services, yet fewer than half indicated they were able to meet most or all of that demand.
“These findings highlight both the resilience and strain within our sector,” said Dr. Colton Strawser, Executive Director of the North Texas Nonprofit Institute. “Nonprofit leaders, staff, and volunteers continue to show up every day with passion and dedication, even when resources are stretched thin. Their work is a testament to the power of mission-driven organizations to bring people together, spark innovation, and provide a voice for those who are too often left unheard.”
Despite growing uncertainty at the national level, Dr. Strawser emphasized the importance of preparation and collaboration moving forward.
“With a new presidential administration, ongoing economic uncertainty, and widening fractures within our civil society, the nonprofit sector finds itself once again navigating uncharted territory,” he said. “These forces create both obstacles and opportunities — reminding us of the importance of preparation, adaptability, and collaboration.”
Looking ahead, NTX NPI is committed to ensuring organizations have the tools to thrive rather than merely endure. “Our commitment is clear: to equip nonprofits with the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed not only to endure these challenges but to thrive in spite of them,” Dr. Strawser added.
To further explore the data and implications for nonprofit leaders, funders, and community stakeholders, NTX NPI will host a free webinar on Wednesday, October 8 from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Registration is available at: https://www.ntxnonprofits.org/offers/TgFTeUC6/checkout
This week: United Way of Tarrant County, Peña Search, The Salvation Army of North Texas, Texas Christian University
United Way of Tarrant County (UWTC) has announced its 2025–2026 Board of Directors, welcoming six new members from across the region who will help advance the organization’s mission to improve the lives of individuals and families throughout Tarrant County: Lauren Team, Jordan R. Stimpson, Jeanelle Davis, Chuck Noteboom, Carly Tatum, Caleb Clark and Andrea Glispie.
With 10 years of service at Peña Search, Travis Hillier has started a new position as Senior Search Director. Travis is motivated by the missions of his clients and is committed to finding and placing the right leaders that will have a demonstrable impact in their communities and organizations.
The Salvation Army of North Texas announces that their very own Christina Cavalier has been appointed as the new Managing Director of The Salvation Army of North Texas! For over 15 years, Christina has been a driving force in the nonprofit space for effective fundraising, marketing, and public relations.
Lydia Traina, CFRE moves from Director of Advancement Research to Assistant Vice Chancellor for Development, Major Gifts at Texas Christian University. She leads a high-performance team to secure high-level philanthropic investment for TCU’s people and programs – through effective planning, implementation and evaluation of donor-specific strategies.
On Sept. 25, 2025, Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) Fund for Veterans’ Assistance (FVA) grants totaling $10,910,000 were awarded to 37 organizations in the North Texas and Dallas-Fort Worth area. The funding will support direct services to an estimated 4,500 area veterans and their families in the area.
“Texas is grateful for the brave men and women who selflessly served our country in the greatest military in the world,” said Governor Abbott. “The more than $10.9 million in grant funding will provide significant support and services to our veterans and their families in North Texas and Dallas-Fort Worth, including clinical counseling, service dog programs, and financial assistance. Texas will always support those who bravely put their lives on the line to defend our nation and our freedom.”
Source: Press release
“I want to sincerely thank each of our award recipients for serving our veterans,” said TVC Commission Secretary and Marine veteran Chuck Wright. “Your organizations are recognized for making a difference in the lives of those who served. The North Texas and DFW area has a strong military community, and it is home to many veterans. It’s great seeing the community give back to those who served.”
Secretary Wright presented the grants to the organizations at the Denton County Courthouse in Denton. The FVA grant recipients and their services include:
Adaptive Training Foundation: $345,000 for support services
Baylor Research Institute: $500,000 for clinical counseling
Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star: $100,000 for support services
Boulder Crest Foundation: $50,000 for peer support services
Canine Companions for Independence: $350,000 for service dog program
Citizens Development Center: $260,000 for Skill-Based Training Support
City of Arlington: $350,000 for Homeless Veteran Support and $350,000 for Housing for Texas Heroes
City of Dallas: $50,000 for Veterans Treatment Court and $180,000 for financial assistance
City of Fort Worth: $350,000 for financial assistance and $300,000 for Housing for Texas Heroes
Collin County: $270,000 for clinical counseling and $400,000 for Veterans Treatment Court
Collin County MHMR Center dba LifePath Systems: $350,000 for financial assistance
Community Learning Center (CLC): $500,000 for financial assistance
Dallas Art Therapy: $30,000 for clinical counseling
Dallas County: $150,000 for Veterans Treatment Court
Denton County: $330,000 for Veterans Treatment Court
Denton County MHMR Center: $50,000 for peer support services
Ellis County: $360,000 for Veterans Treatment Court
Equest: $100,000 for clinical counseling
Evanescent Mustang Rescue and Sanctuary Inc: $220,000 for clinical counseling
Family Pathfinders of Tarrant County: $125,000 for support services
GallantFew: $100,000 for veteran small business support and $200,000 for clinical counseling
Garland Area Habitat for Humanity: $500,000 for Housing for Texas Heroes
Homeless Veterans Services of Dallas: $160,000 for Homeless Veteran Support
Jake E’s Riding Round Up: $135,000 for clinical counseling
Marriage Management: $100,000 for peer support services
Meals on Wheels of Palo Pinto County: $45,000 for support services
Meals On Wheels Of Tarrant County: $300,000 for support services and $150,000 for Housing for Texas Heroes
NPower: $350,000 for skill-based training support
Patriot PAWS Service Dogs: $500,000 for service dog programs
Pecan Valley MHMR: $350,000 for financial assistance and $350,000 for clinical counseling
Recovery Resource Council: $350,000 for clinical counseling
Rolling Plains Management Corporation of Baylor Cottle Foard: $200,000 for Housing for Texas Heroes and $350,000 for financial assistance
S.T.E.P.S. With Horses: $150,000 for clinical counseling
Tarrant County: $50,000 for Veterans Treatment Court
United Way of Denton County: $300,000 for financial assistance
United Way of Tarrant County: $50,000 for referral services
Veterans Center of North Texas: $150,000 for financial assistance
In May, Governor Abbott announced a record-breaking $46.3 million in over 200 grants to 175 organizations across Texas. This is projected to provide direct services to nearly 40,000 veterans, their dependents, and surviving spouses.
Since 2009 through the current 2025-2026 grant cycle, more than $359 million in grant funding has been awarded through more than 1,600 FVA grants.
The grants support a wide range of services from emergency financial assistance to transportation, legal services to family support services, and home modification to rental and mortgage assistance. The TVC awards grants in five categories: General Assistance, Housing for Texas Heroes, Veterans Mental Health Grants, Veterans Treatment Courts, and Veteran County Service Officers.
Funding for these grants is generated primarily by the Texas Lottery’s games designated for veteran support. People can also donate when registering their vehicles or when getting a hunting or fishing license.
Veterans in need of assistance can find organizations providing help in their area and how to contact them at tvc.texas.gov/fund.
The Junior League of Dallas (JLD) and presenting sponsor Texas Instruments (TI) recently awarded 33 Dallas Independent School District (Dallas ISD) educators with grants of up to $2,500 each through the annual Grants for Innovative Teaching (GFIT) program.
In its history, this JLD Signature Project has awarded more than $2.27 million to Dallas ISD educators, and this year, it will indirectly impact more than 69,750 students. It is designed to encourage excellence in education by funding special projects addressing reading and literacy enrichment; diversity; special education; science, technology, engineering and math (STEM); or arts and culture enrichment across one or more grade levels. This year, $77,400 was distributed to support deserving educators’ winning projects during a ceremony held September 18, 2025, at Junior League of Dallas Headquarters.
“The Junior League of Dallas and Grants for Innovative Teaching committee are proud to support Dallas ISD educators and their students with this annual program. The projects awarded this year highlight creative teaching that elevates the learning experiences for thousands of Dallas ISD students,” said JLD President Dr. Lindsay Davis. “The funding of these grants is made possible through the visionary donations of our sponsors including Texas Instruments (Presenting Sponsor) and The Agnes Cluthe Oliver Foundation. Their continued generosity is an investment in the promise of every student’s potential.”
Some of this year’s grants include: Structural Analysis of PTF1 Complexes in Pancreatic Development;, Café Connections: Sowing Friendship, Serving Life Skills; Curious Hands: Revitalizing the PreK Sensory Lab and LitTech Explorers: Unlocking Literacy through Diversity and Innovation. The projects awarded will provide students with diverse experiences and highlight the innovation of the Dallas ISD educators.
Structural Analysis of PTF1 Complexes in Pancreatic Development
Biology students at Thomas Jefferson High School are researching key protein complexes critical for pancreas formation, using advanced tools like PyMOL and 3D printers. This interdisciplinary project combines biology, computer science, and engineering, addressing a serious genetic disease while giving students real-world scientific experience.
Café Connections: Sowing Friendship, Serving Life Skills
This project aims to empower students at W.H. Adamson High School with significant cognitive disabilities by providing them with hands-on experience operating a coffee and smoothie cart for the faculty at W.H. Adamson High School. Recognizing the need for inclusive opportunities for these students to develop essential life skills, the project focuses on three main components: social skills, money management, and interpersonal skills. By engaging in activities such as interacting with customers, handling transactions, and managing inventory, students are able to build valuable social and communication skills.
Curious Hands: Revitalizing the PreK Sensory Lab
This project aims to revitalize the pre-K sensory lab at L.L. Hotchkiss Elementary School by introducing new materials that promote cognitive development, creativity, and social skills. Teachers plan to create an immersive space for students to explore textures, colors, and sounds through hands-on activities. With tools like a light panel, dinosaur bone kits, sensory rice, and more, the sensory center will support brain development, motor skills, and teamwork, fostering curiosity and learning for every child.
“No other classroom factor influences student academic achievement more significantly than teachers,” said Andy Smith, TI director of giving and volunteering. “They not only act as mentors and advocates for their students but also equip them with skills for future achievements. We’re celebrating 15 years of supporting the Junior League of Dallas’ Grants for Innovative Teaching awards, and we take pride in being associated with a program that honors exceptional and innovative educators like this year’s winners from Dallas ISD.”
