Dallas Fort Worth Nonprofit Business Journal

Author: DFW501c Reporter

  • YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth expands to additional Texas counties

    YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth expands to additional Texas counties

    The YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth is looking to expand its mission and impact by establishing new services in 14 Texas counties in addition to its present offerings in Tarrant, Johnson, Parker, and Hood. The nonprofit is working with local leaders to identify needs and assess the potential of YMCA programs and facilities in new communities, by opening the door to partnerships with schools, churches, governments, and other organizations.

    The first step through that doorway is already underway in Parker County, where the YMCA has launched an active fundraising campaign to purchase and renovate the former Willow Park Baptist Church at 129 S. Ranch House Road in Willow Park. The YMCA hopes to raise $12 million to acquire the property, which includes a 60,000-square-foot building and 15 acres of land. An additional $15 million will be needed to renovate the existing structure and create a state-of-the-art YMCA experience.

    “We are thrilled to see the interest and enthusiasm for a YMCA in Parker County and hope we can work together to create a vibrant, inclusive facility that serves families, youth, and individuals of all ages,” said Mike Brown, president and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth. “The YMCA is more than a building. It is a hub for health, belonging, youth development, and community strength.”

    “We’ve spent a great deal of time in prayer and reflection considering the best future for our former campus,” said Clark Bosher, pastor at Willow Park Baptist Church. “Although we received other offers, none aligned with our vision for community impact quite like the YMCA. Years ago, we hosted Y programs on-site, and we’re excited to see those services return — this time through a true community hub that will serve Parker County in meaningful, lasting ways.”

    Other priority counties being considered for expansion are Montague, Young, Jack, Wise, Stephens, Palo Pinto, Eastland, Erath, and Somervell. Additionally, the YMCA will consider proposals for Hamilton, Comanche, Archer, Belford, and Throckmorton counties.

    “The YMCA offers vital programs that promote health, wellness, education, and social connection,” Brown said. “Our goal is to bring those services to communities that currently do not have a YMCA presence and explore how we can provide recreational and developmental activities to more young people, families, and individuals.”

    The YMCA offers a “contact us” form on its website to gauge community interest in programs and partnerships as well as identify potential funding partners in the expanded service area. Some future locations, such as Parker County, have a dedicated Facebook group for residents and partners to receive information and provide feedback.

    “We’re going to use social media as a tool for residents to tell us about their needs and learn how they can support bringing a Y to their communities,” Brown said. “We will then work with each community to evaluate the most suitable YMCA services or facilities to meet those needs and look for funding partners to support those efforts.”

    Informational packets will also be available to explain options for bringing the Y experience to a community. They include a Y without walls (programs only); a Y Express or Y Garage, which offers fitness programming only; and a full-service facility with access to all the resources and programming of a traditional YMCA.

    Source: press release

  • Expo Home Improvement launches 8th Expo Home Heroes

    Expo Home Improvement has launched its 8th Annual Expo Home Heroes initiative, created to honor a Veteran by providing a brand-new, accessible shower or bath.

    The community is encouraged to nominate a veteran in need of a shower or bath renovation before August 8 by visiting expohomeimprovement.com/expo-home-heroes/ and submitting an entry.

    The veteran hero chosen will receive a bath or shower remodel featuring accessible enhancements and updated design elements, all customized to meet the unique needs and preferences of the individual. The winner will be announced on October 1st.

    “We are so grateful for the men and women who have served our country,” said Michael Flores, President of Expo Home Improvement. “It is our greatest privilege to provide a complimentary bath or shower renovation to an individual who is so deserving.”

    Throughout the year, Expo Home Improvement continues to serve those who have served others including veterans, senior citizens, public servants, and first responders through special offers and discounts.

    Expo Home Improvement is a privately held company headquartered in Farmers Branch, Texas. With a focus on bath and shower remodels, door and window replacements, and kitchen remodeling, Expo Home Improvement is committed to helping Texans create beautiful, safe, and energy-efficient homes.

    Serving Dallas-Fort Worth, Central Texas, San Antonio, and Houston, Expo Home goes above and beyond to provide exceptional service that will help a homeowner enhance their home. For more information about Expo Home Improvement, visit expohomeimprovement.com.

    Source: press release

  • Catholic Foundation names 43rd award recipient

    Catholic Foundation names 43rd award recipient

    Jim Moroney III, retired publisher of The Dallas Morning News who also served as chairman, president and CEO of A.H. Belo Corporation, the News’ former parent company, has been selected as the 43rd annual recipient of The Catholic Foundation Award.

    Moroney will be recognized Feb. 7, 2026, during The Catholic Foundation Award Dinner at the Hilton Anatole for his lifelong Catholic faith and philanthropic influence in support of many organizations, including the Institute for Homiletics, Cistercian Preparatory School in Irving and Young Catholic Professionals.

    Jim Moroney III

    For more than 40 years, The Catholic Foundation Award has honored an individual, couple or family for their distinguished service and support to advance the religious, charitable and educational needs throughout the local Catholic community.

    Moroney, son of Jim Moroney Jr. who received The Catholic Foundation Award in 2003, is the great-grandson of George Bannerman Dealey, the first publisher of The Dallas Morning News.

    “Jim transitioned his success in keeping quality journalism alive to fulfilling a sense of duty and service that he learned from his parents, ancestors and Cistercian monks,” said Matt Kramer, president and CEO of The Catholic Foundation. “Jim has served as a sage and trusted advisor and fundraiser for many organizations and his imprint can be felt throughout the Diocese of Dallas and beyond.”

    A Dallas native, Jim and his three siblings attended Holy Trinity Catholic Church with their parents as children. He attended Cistercian Preparatory School from fourth grade to graduation. Abbot Denis Farkasfalvy, O. Cist. who received The Catholic Foundation Award in 2016, served as his Form Master. The Form Master leads his Form from fifth grade through graduation and serves as an academic advisor, guidance counselor, disciplinarian, spiritual director, cheerleader and caregiver for each student.

    As fate would have it, both Jim and his wife, Barbara, attended Stanford University and participated in a Shakespeare class together with Bonnie, Barbara’s identical twin. Jim and Barbara’s courtship began after their first date to a Cat Stevens concert in February 1976.

    After dating several years and obtaining their master’s degrees in business from The University of Texas at Austin, Jim proposed to Barbara following midnight Christmas Mass at Our Lady of Dallas Cistercian Abbey. They married in August 1983 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, where they are parishioners. Jim and Barbara are the founders of Sixmilebridge Winery in Paso Robles, Calif., and are celebrating their tenth harvest this year.

    Jim and Barbara are the proud parents of five children, Sean, Mae, Kyle and fraternal twins Callie and Jenny, and grandparents of four wonderful grandchildren.

    “Education was very important, and we tried to instill in our kids that whatever talents they had intellectually and God-given, that they needed to apply them as best as they could,” said Jim.

    Practicing what he preached, Jim has poured his support into many initiatives including:

    ●           Raising more than $7.5 million to help establish the only one-of-its-kind Institute for Homiletics at the University of Dallas in partnership with the Diocese of Dallas and The Catholic Foundation. The Institute’s mission is to renew Catholic preaching in the U.S.

    ●           Founded Cistercian’s alumni association, its alumni publication, its annual alumni award dinner and its planned giving program, as well as serving as the first alumnus on its school board for more than three decades and co-chaired several capital campaigns.

    ●           Helping to make possible the founding and growth of Young Catholic Professionals by introducing donors to the original YCP executive director. YCP now operates more than 43 chapters throughout the country with several more in the works.

    Jim serves on the board of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul North Texas and Catholic Charities Dallas. He is a lifetime member of the Advisory Board of the Moody College of Communications at The University of Texas. He also served on the board of The Dallas Foundation for more than 10 years including chairing its board, the State Fair of Texas, the Associated Press, the Newspaper Association of America where he was chairman and was a member of the Bishop’s Finance Council of the Diocese of Dallas.

    Apart from the influence of his parents, Jim says he owes much gratitude to his Form Master at Cistercian, Abbot Denis Farkasfalvy.

    “He (Abbot Denis) pushed me harder than anybody ever had,” Jim said. “He influenced me tremendously academically and spiritually. He knew me as well, or maybe better, than my parents did. If I was having a personal issue or problem, I would always go to Fr. Denis and talk it through.”

    He believes in the Gospel of Luke message that to whom much is given, much is owed.

    “I was given a lot by my parents, Cistercian and God,” he said. “I could never repay my parents everything they did for me. I could work every day until I die and not give back what they have given to me.”

    While humbled by all his philanthropic work, it’s the effort to establish The Institute for Homiletics and hire its founding executive director, Dr. Karla Bellinger, that he calls his biggest Holy Spirit-driven moment. Next year, the Institute’s third cohort of clergy will commence.

    Believing there was a need to help priests and deacons do a better job of connecting people in the pew with the pulpit through homilies, he met with Bishop Edward J. Burns and local priests.  He was called to find a solution and worked with Kris Kramer, with the support of Bishop Greg Kelly, to raise $7.5 million from Catholic donors.

    Being used as an instrument of God to establish the Institute has fueled his reliance on the Holy Spirit to be a positive force.

    “If God allows, I would like to live long enough to see the renewal of Catholic preaching in the U.S. that was started by the Institute for Homiletics,” Jim said. “I want the Institute to make a difference so that people in the pew – through the homily – have a genuine encounter with the living God and walk out of church knowing and wanting to have a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.

    “With the Holy Spirit, I believe anything is possible. If the priests pray enough, and we give them a little bit of practical help, I believe that can happen.”

    Source: press release

  • Boys & Girls Clubs Tarrant to open first permanent Denton County branch

    Boys & Girls Clubs Tarrant to open first permanent Denton County branch

    Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County (BGCGTC) is planning to establish a new Club in Denton County — expanding its reach and impact by bringing services to the largest county in the nation without a permanent Boys & Girls Club presence. This expansion opportunity is being made possible by a partnership with City of Lewisville leaders who are donating a former fire station building at 195 W. Corporate Drive. This building will serve as the first permanent Boys & Girls Clubs branch in Denton County.

    Establishing a permanent branch will allow BGCGTC to offer low-cost after-school and summer programming, workforce development, life-skill building, and other critical resources for kids and teens in Denton County.

    According to 2023 U.S. Census Data, 5.9% of Denton County youth were living at or below the federal poverty level, and Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap report estimates that 15.7% experienced food insecurity. In the 11 school districts that serve Denton County, 40.5% of the students are considered at-risk. A 2021 BGCGTC Growth Task Force study concluded that Denton County had the greatest need for youth development services of any neighboring community.

    “We recognize the tremendous need in Denton County and have been serving youth through mobile and school-based services for two years,” said Daphne Barlow, BGCGTC CEO and president. “This generous donation will allow us to put down long-term roots and deepen our impact so that we can create meaningful change for the young people in that community.”

    Since 2021, BGCGTC has invested more than $705,000 in Denton County operations. That included the purchase and outfitting of a dedicated Mobile Clubhouse, a specially equipped RV that brings tailored educational and enrichment activities to children and teens at apartment complexes, community events, schools, playgrounds, and other locales. BGCGTC also piloted a robotics program at four Denton ISD schools in 2024.

    Lewisville City Manager Claire Powell said the former fire station offers a perfect location to expand those services. The building is located within several miles of Lewisville High School, less than a mile from three elementary schools and one middle school, and within a mile of several large single- and multi-family developments.

    “We have seen the impact that Boys & Girls Clubs can have on our youth and know we need to do everything we can to continue supporting this important resource in our community,” Powell said. “By donating this building, the city can help bring needed child care and other critical services to local families.”

    The former fire station will offer BGCGTC an 8,000-square-foot building, a fenced area, green space for a playground, and sufficient land to accommodate a 5,000-square-foot building expansion. A 25-foot ceiling also provides space to accommodate a gym for various athletic and recreational activities.

    To support the growing Boys & Girls Clubs operations through 2026, Denton County has committed $3 million from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding.

    “I am grateful to the City of Lewisville and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County for their efforts in bringing this project to fruition. Creating a full-service Club for boys and girls in Denton County will serve an important need, particularly at the location on Corporate Drive,” said Denton County Precinct 3 Commissioner Bobbie J. Mitchell. “It is important to me and to my colleagues on the Denton County Commissioners Court to invest in our young people to help them become tomorrow’s leaders.”

    Barlow said total costs for the project are estimated to be $4 million to $5 million. With additional funding and support, she anticipates that the new facility could allow BGCGTC to serve over 6,000 youth per year by 2026. “Bringing the full Boys & Girls Clubs experience to Denton County means expanding our mission of enabling all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens,” she said.

    City officials are finalizing legal documents needed to complete the property transfer, with a closing date to be set later this summer. The City and Boys & Girls Club of Greater Tarrant County will work together to prepare the property for its planned future use.

    Source: press release

  • Presbyterian Night Shelter to launch “The Greater Good Collective” social enterprise

    In response to growing economic challenges and the urgent need for employment solutions, Presbyterian Night Shelter is launching The Greater Good Collective — a bold new social enterprise designed to provide jobs, skills, and community for individuals with barriers to employment. The venture, made possible by the donation of a commercial property near Cherry Lane and I-30, will expand the organization’s UpSpire social enterprise model into West Fort Worth.

    “This incredibly generous donation presents us with an extraordinary opportunity — not only to expand our UpSpire workforce and create new jobs and training pathways, but also to deepen our commitment to helping individuals build stability, earn income, and reclaim their futures through purpose-driven employment,” said Toby Owen, Chief Executive Officer of Presbyterian Night Shelter. “The Greater Good Collective will prioritize employment for populations who often face barriers to full-time work — especially women and mothers — and will offer wraparound supports like workforce coaching, flexible scheduling, and trauma informed practices.”

    The Greater Good Collective builds on the success of existing UpSpire enterprises, including WOODWORKS by UpSpire, a carpentry and furniture-making initiative that has demonstrated the transformative power of hands-on, skills-based employment. The Collective will host two new mission-aligned UpSpire businesses: a handyman service and a junk removal service. Both will provide entry-level trade work, practical job training, and team-based employment opportunities, while also advancing sustainability through the reuse and diversion of materials.

    In addition, the Collective will feature several community-facing microbusinesses that combine workforce development with sustainable, revenue-generating services: Two of them include Greater Give, a donation intake and sorting center, and Greater Grab, a curated thrift store. The Greater Good Collective will include other workforce development opportunities in the very near future.

    “The Greater Good Collective marks a significant step forward in Fort Worth’s efforts to break down employment barriers and address homelessness,” said Councilman Michael D. Crain. “This is exactly the kind of investment West Fort Worth needs—one that revitalizes spaces, creates jobs, and tackles disparities in neighborhoods like Las Vegas Trail, all while strengthening our local economy and uplifting families.”

    The Collective will build on UpSpire’s proven model by offering inclusive employment, practical training, and supportive scheduling — equipping individuals with the skills and stability needed to thrive long term. Renovation of the space is set to begin in late 2025, following successful fundraising efforts to support the project’s launch. The Greater Good Collective’s community-facing businesses are expected to launch in phases beginning in 2026.


    Source: press release

  • Free Grants Workshop to be hosted by Congressman Marc Veasey

    Free Grants Workshop to be hosted by Congressman Marc Veasey

    Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33) and grant experts will host a grant writing workshop. Participants will learn how to apply for grants to support community-based projects. Hear from and connect with grant experts on how to write a grant proposal, organizational structure, capacity building, financial basics, and the elements of a grant application. Lunch is provided.

    When: Wednesday, August 6th from 9AM – 3PM 

    Where: UT Arlington (exact address will be provided once you register)

    Sign up at https://bit.ly/grantsworkshop2025

    Source: press release

  • Scholarships awarded to Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County teens

    Scholarships awarded to Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County teens

    Fourteen teens participating in Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County’s (BGCGTC) Building Industry Leaders (BIL) program have a head for design and a head start on college tuition. The Club members collectively received $20,700 in scholarship awards for their outstanding efforts in designing a quick-service restaurant for the future.

    BIL is a program built in cooperation with the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and Boys & Girls Clubs (BGC) nationally to educate and mentor BGC high school students on career opportunities in commercial real estate and give them the professional skills needed to become industry leaders and contributing members of their community. ULI is the largest international network of cross-disciplinary real estate and land use experts. Kimley-Horn — a national engineering, planning, and design consulting firm with offices across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex — funded the scholarships; representatives from the firm also served as in-person mentors and hosted the BIL planning sessions at their downtown Fort Worth office. Kimley-Horn engaged its partner, Raising Cane’s, to participate by giving Club members a tour of its Plano headquarters.

    From September 2024 through May 2025, Club members participating in BIL met bi-weekly to discuss building architecture, landscape architecture, construction, civil engineering, development, finance, and other topics. The teens then delivered a group presentation of their overall plan and design considerations.

    “This year’s participants came ready to learn, grow, and get out of their comfort zone. They demonstrated leadership, teamwork, and dedication in their teams, working hard to learn complex design concepts and bring their ideas to life,” said Rachel Priller, civil analyst at Kimley-Horn. “These scholarships give our future leaders an opportunity to follow their dreams and bring diverse perspectives into the workforce. After working with them this year, we know they will make our world a better place!”

    The $20,700 in scholarship awards represented a $7,000 increase over the 2024 BIL scholarship total; amounts awarded have increased since BGCGTC’s involvement began in 2018.

    “This program gives teens real-world design experience and an opportunity to work with experts from a variety of fields so that they can explore future career opportunities,” said Daphne Barlow, CEO and president of BGCGTC. “We are proud of our talented Club members and grateful to all of the wonderful partners who make this and other scholarship opportunities possible.”

    Source: press release

  • Goodwill North Central Texas celebrates grand opening of new Arlington-Little Rd store

    Goodwill North Central Texas celebrates grand opening of new Arlington-Little Rd store

    A line of eager shoppers began forming at 7 a.m. the morning of June 13th in anticipation of the grand opening of Goodwill North Central Texas’ newest retail store, located on Little Road in Arlington. By 4 p.m., the store had already welcomed more than 600 customers, making it a strong opening day for the nonprofit retailer.

    The celebration began with a ribbon cutting at 9 a.m., attended by members of Goodwill North Central Texas’ Board of Directors and senior leadership, including President & CEO David Cox. Shoppers enjoyed a festive, family-friendly atmosphere throughout the day, with music from a live DJ and free hot dogs and Kona Ice served between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

    Customers expressed excitement about the store’s opening and were thrilled to find great deals throughout the day. “People were smiling, finding treasures and telling us how glad they are to have a Goodwill so close to home,” said Rosemary Cruz, Vice President of Retail and Donated Goods.

    Located at 4400 Little Road, Suite 105 in Arlington, the store marks the 27th retail location operated by Goodwill North Central Texas. As with all Goodwill locations, proceeds from the sale of donated goods help fund the organization’s free education, job training and employment programs. These programs serve individuals with disabilities, veterans, at-risk youth, the formerly incarcerated and those experiencing homelessness throughout the 18-county region.

    “This new location not only helps support our mission of transforming lives through the power of work, it also brings new jobs to Arlington and generates local sales tax revenue,” said David Cox, President & CEO of Goodwill North Central Texas. “When you shop at Goodwill or donate your gently used items, you’re actively participating in our largest ongoing fundraiser. Every transaction helps us provide free education, job training and employment services that change lives across our region.”

    The store is now open to the public Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

    Source: press release

  • Growing Forest Hill: Trinity Habitat to Build 114 Homes

    Growing Forest Hill: Trinity Habitat to Build 114 Homes

    Trinity Habitat for Humanity announced the purchase of land in Forest Hill, Texas, where the organization will develop a new neighborhood featuring 114 mixed-income homeownership opportunities. This milestone marks the beginning of a collaborative effort with the City of Forest Hill to expand access to attainable homeownership for essential workers and hardworking families.

    This new neighborhood represents more than just a place to live—it’s a collaborative investment in strength, stability, and self-reliance for families. By expanding access to attainable homeownership, Trinity Habitat and the City of Forest Hill are laying the groundwork for a thriving, inclusive community.

    “As the City of Forest Hill works to address affordable housing in our community, we look forward to collaborating with Habitat for Humanity. This partnership, as with our other local developers, will address the critical need to bring more housing units into our city and help build on our economic development initiatives. We’re excited that new residents will be looking at the Trinity Habitat development and making Forest Hill their new home,” said Venus Wehle, City Manager for the City of Forest Hill.

    “Creating a thriving, mixed-income neighborhood requires collaboration. Trinity Habitat for Humanity is proud to partner with the City of Forest Hill on this transformative project. Together, we’re not just building homes—we’re fueling economic growth, welcoming new families, and helping more people achieve the wealth and stability that homeownership can bring,” said Christine Panagopoulos, Chief Operating Officer, Trinity Habitat for Humanity.

    The development will include a thoughtfully planned mix of home types and price points, designed to meet the needs of families across a range of income levels. With planning underway, groundbreaking is expected in the coming months. Additional details will be shared as plans progress.

    Source: press release

  • Uptown Dallas unveils new safety headquarters

    With new Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux and other dignitaries in attendance on June 3rd, Uptown Dallas, Inc. (UDI) leaders introduced the community to a new space focused on ensuring Uptown remains the most vibrant and safe live/work/play community in the city.

    Opening in July at McKinney and Pearl Street, Uptown Dallas Inc. Safety Headquarters will be a dedicated operations hub designed to elevate how the nonprofit manages safety and security across the district. The headquarters will be built out to connect, respond and work alongside its partners, businesses, the Dallas Police and the Uptown Dallas Safety team to keep Uptown thriving. 

    Noelle LeVeaux, interim UDI executive director, said, “The Uptown Dallas, Inc. Safety HQ is a proactive investment in visibility, coordination and public safety, not just for those who live here, but for everyone who interacts with Uptown every day. From our security team to the city teams and officers we collaborate with, this space strengthens how we operate and how we partner.”

    Strategically located on the opposite end of Uptown from UDI’s main office, this space extends the organization’s reach and gives more presence and extra eyes and ears on the ground. 

    Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux remarked, “The Dallas Police Department is proud to stand alongside Uptown Dallas Inc. in this important step forward. The Safety HQ will help strengthen how we work together, whether it’s through on-site collaboration, better communication, or a stronger presence in the field. It’s an investment in safety, and more importantly, in the people and places that make Uptown what it is.” 

    Councilmember Paul Ridley added, “Uptown continues to raise the bar, not only in how it grows, but in how it plans for the future. The Safety HQ is a smart, strategic move that demonstrates leadership, partnership, and a real commitment to creating a safer, more connected community. I’m proud to support this project and the people behind it.”

    Ramsey March, Chairman of Uptown Dallas Inc. and Executive Managing Director at Stream Realty, said, “Since Uptown Dallas Inc. was formed in 1993, we’ve seen over $5 billion in investment flow into this district sparked by developers, business owners, and property stakeholders who believe in Uptown’s potential.The Safety HQ is a smart, strategic enhancement to that investment. It gives stakeholders peace of mind that this district continues to be cared for, not just aesthetically and economically, but operationally.”

    The new UDI Safety HQ space will undergo renovations and updates to be outfitted with the following: 

    • UDI security team, based there full-time, giving them a dedicated, central workspace.
    • An onsite, live dispatcher to handle calls and help coordinate fast, effective responses.
    • At full capacity, the space will feature monitors displaying live video feeds from throughout the district.
    • Space to encourage teams like the Dallas Police Department and Homeless Outreach to hold meetings, collaborate, and spend more time working in the area. 

    Source: press release