Dallas Fort Worth Nonprofit Business Journal

Tag: Juliette Fowler Communities

  • Youth Support Center marks powerful first year of impact in East Dallas

    Youth Support Center marks powerful first year of impact in East Dallas

    One year after launching its expanded East Dallas partnership, the Youth Support Center (YSC) is celebrating a year of life-changing impact for North Texas youth and young adults. Through a collaboration between Juliette Fowler Communities (JFC), R3 Student Outreach and East Dallas Christian Church, the center has served 335 youth in its first year, providing education, workforce development, counseling referrals and wraparound support under one roof – all at no cost.

    Located at 4210 Junius St. on the campus of East Dallas Christian Church, the 4,371-square-foot Youth Support Center was created to remove barriers for youth ages 10 to 24 who face challenges such as foster care transitions, justice involvement, housing instability and lack of educational access. Approximately 35% of its participants have aged out of foster care, and 60% have been justice involved.

    In its first year, the center delivered:

    • Services to 335 youth and young adults in 2025
    • 2,640 hours of tutoring for 120 youth
    • 49 high school diploma graduates
    • 35 IBM micro-credentials earned
    • 30 graduates who secured employment or enrolled in college
    • Wraparound support for 220 youth, including food, clothing, bus passes and school supplies
    • A 78% completion rate in training and education programs – 30 percentage points higher than local averages for similar student populations, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 2023 Link, and the Texas Education Agency (TEA), 2023 Link

    “One year ago, we hoped this partnership would create a stronger safety net for vulnerable youth and young adults,” said Juliette Fowler Communities President and CEO Nicole Gann. “Today, we are seeing lives changed through education, mentorship, encouragement and practical support. This center represents the evolution of our 134-year mission because it expands how we walk alongside young people as they heal, grow and build brighter futures.”

    “The biggest difference between where we started and today is that we have become an integrated, needed resource for our community where youth and organizations are depending on us to continue our work,” said Juan Ramos, founder and executive director of R3 Student Outreach. “When a young person walks through our doors today, they feel at home, safe and they find a place of belonging.”

    Ramos said the biggest needs in East Dallas remain access to flexible education pathways, workforce certifications, food, clothing and trauma-informed support.

    “In Dallas, current programming still reaches only a fraction of disconnected youth,” added Ramos. “Our no-red-tape model matters because it helps young people get what they need quickly, without falling through the cracks. We also recognize that no two young people are alike, so our programs are designed to adapt to each individual’s needs rather than take a one-size-fits-all approach.”

    One student success story that reflects that impact is an 18-year-old single mother of two who was justice involved and referred through Dallas County probation. She overcame family hardship, housing instability, and utility shutoffs to earn her high school diploma in December.

    “Without this program, I didn’t think I could do it,” she shared. “This was the best thing I’ve ever done for myself. It took me over six months, but I am very thankful for this opportunity of finally graduating.”

    The Youth Support Center’s first year also confirmed the strength of its community-based partnership model. Since launch, more than 10 community partners have joined the effort, helping provide referrals, resources and specialized support. Demand has grown so significantly that the center has occasionally had to pause registration due to capacity.

    “While we believe that Fowler’s deep roots and trusted presence in this community strengthen collaborative community partnerships, we know they would not be successful without our compassionate and dedicated partners working hard day in and day out,” said Lisa Mumford, director of programming, JFC. For generations, Juliette Fowler Communities has brought people together to care for neighbors in need, and that strong foundation helps programs like this grow, creating lasting change in the lives we serve.”

    “Today, we are so thankful as we watch more and more youth being served and supported through our combined efforts,” said Rev. Allison Drake, senior pastor, East Dallas Christian Church. There are too many places where youth can slip through the cracks, and we know the Youth Support Center is providing a place for them to land.”

    Looking ahead, the Youth Support Center plans to strengthen services for younger youth ages 12 to 18 through R3 Excel programming and expand its Nu Generations Private School into a full-semester option while continuing fast-track diploma opportunities.

    To support the Youth Support Center or learn more about programming, visit r3student.org/dallas or call 469-921-0481.

    Source: Press release

  • Juliette Fowler Communities awarded $10,000 grant from Texas Bar Foundation to support legal assistance for low-income seniors

    Juliette Fowler Communities awarded $10,000 grant from Texas Bar Foundation to support legal assistance for low-income seniors

    Juliette Fowler Communities (JFC) has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Texas Bar Foundation to provide critical legal assistance for low-income seniors navigating the Medicaid application process. This funding will help remove barriers to care and facilitate placement in assisted living for some of Dallas’ most vulnerable residents.

    The grant will directly fund legal services for up to 25 seniors, many of whom face significant financial and logistical challenges when applying for Medicaid. With elder law attorneys often charging between $200 and $500 per hour, access to professional legal guidance can be out of reach for individuals living on fixed incomes. Within Juliette Fowler Communities’ affordable housing at Fowler Christian Apartments, more than 200 low-income seniors reside, with an average household income of just $17,367. Across the broader community, which includes a range of residential settings and services for older adults with varying financial resources, residents may experience changes in health, income, or level of care over time, making Medicaid eligibility and access to legal guidance an essential resource as needs evolve.

    “Access to legal support can be life-changing for seniors navigating complex systems like Medicaid,” said Nicole Gann, president and CEO of Juliette Fowler Communities. “This generous grant from the Texas Bar Foundation allows us to remove barriers that often delay or prevent our residents from receiving the care they need. We are deeply grateful for this investment in dignity, stability, and well-being for the seniors we serve.”

    Founded in 1892 by Dallas’ first female philanthropist, Juliette Fowler Communities has a 134-year legacy of benevolent service. Today, the organization serves more than 900 individuals annually through a wide range of programs, including independent and assisted living, memory support and youth services. Located in East Dallas, JFC provides a continuum of care for seniors, many of whom live on limited fixed incomes and face increasing financial strain as their care needs evolve.

    The new legal assistance initiative will be managed by JFC service coordinators in collaboration with legal professionals and senior leadership. Services will include Medicaid application navigation, assistance with complex paperwork, and support through appeals processes when needed. Participants will be selected based on financial need and Medicaid eligibility.

    This initiative builds on the organization’s longstanding Benevolence Fund, which allocates more than $1 million annually to support vulnerable populations through housing, nutrition, healthcare, and social services but has not previously funded legal assistance for senior residents.

    Since its inception in 1965, the Texas Bar Foundation has awarded more than $30 million in grants to law-related programs. Supported by members of the State Bar of Texas, the Texas Bar Foundation is the nation’s largest charitably funded bar foundation.

    “We are hopeful that this initiative will also encourage pro-bono legal work from elder law attorneys as well as better educate older adults on their legal rights and responsibilities related to these complex processes,” added Gann.

    For more information about Juliette Fowler Communities and its programs, visit www.fowlercommunities.org.

    Source: Press release

  • Juliette Fowler Communities expands dementia care continuum

    Juliette Fowler Communities expands dementia care continuum

    Juliette Fowler Communities (JFC), a faith-based, intergenerational living community in East Dallas, has expanded its continuum of care with the opening of the Carroll Memory Support Neighborhood, a new residential area designed specifically for individuals in the earlier stages of dementia.

    With the addition of the Carroll neighborhood, JFC now offers two distinct memory support neighborhoods, enabling residents to receive care tailored to their stage of cognitive change. Rare among senior living communities in North Texas, this multi-neighborhood model provides early- and late-stage support in environments that promote engagement, dignity, and well-being.

    “This new neighborhood is designed for individuals in the earlier stages of dementia, where active engagement—both mental and physical—can help slow progression and promote well-being,” said Nicole Gann, president and CEO of Juliette Fowler Communities. “Our original memory support neighborhood has maintained a consistent waitlist, and we’ve seen a growing demand due to the size of the Boomer generation and earlier dementia diagnoses. We also recognize the strain caregiving places on families.”

    The Carroll Memory Support Neighborhood offers a home-like, open floor plan designed to foster comfort, connection, and independence. Bright, airy spaces include a welcoming kitchen, therapeutic dementia-friendly artwork, a peaceful serenity room, and lovely courtyard views. Residents also enjoy innovative, AI-powered Lucynt engagement tools – interactive, dementia-informed games that enhance cognitive stimulation and social interaction. The Lucynt system uses an interactive projector to cast games and activities onto a surface, such as a table, responding to a person’s touch for a fully immersive experience.

    The new neighborhood consists of 19 private apartments with four floor plan options, from studio to one-bedroom with living room, reflecting JFC’s commitment to individualized, therapeutic care grounded in the I’m Still Here® philosophy.

    “At Juliette Fowler Communities, the I’m Still Here® philosophy is at the heart of how we approach memory support,” added Gann. “Every person, regardless of their stage of dementia, still has purpose, identity, and the ability to experience joy and connection. This evidence-based model helps our team create daily moments of success, dignity, and engagement, ensuring that each resident is seen, heard, and known. The addition of the Carroll Memory Support Neighborhood reflects our continued commitment to offering environments where individuals can continue to flourish—because they are, indeed, still here.”

    Residents in the Carroll neighborhood enjoy structured yet flexible days filled with therapeutic activities, social opportunities, and programs that foster connection and purpose. Volunteer opportunities are available for community members interested in leading activities, providing companionship, or assisting with events.

    Families and staff also benefit from JFC’s I’m Still Here® and Dementia Friendly Dallas training programs, which build understanding and equip caregivers to create meaningful engagement and communication.

    Tours of the Carroll Memory Support Neighborhood are available Monday through Saturday by appointment. Families interested in learning more about individualized care plans and pricing are encouraged to call the JFC admissions office at 214-827-0813 to schedule a visit.

    Source: Press release

  • Juliette Fowler Communities expands services for Youth Support Center with new partnership

    Juliette Fowler Communities (JFC) held a ribbon cutting on May 16 for its new Youth Support Center (YSC), which will now be managed by R3 Student Outreach in a new partnership and location to serve North Texas youth and young adults. The YSC, which was established in 2020, moved two miles from JFC to 4210 Junius St. into a 4,371-square-foot space on the campus of East Dallas Christian Church, a longtime partner of JFC. It will provide wraparound services under one roof to North Texas youth and young adults, ages 10 to 24, at no charge. The program will focus on helping participants excel in both personal and academic pursuits, and organizers anticipate serving 400+ during the first year of this new affiliation. Operations begin immediately, and program registration and more information are available at r3student.org/dallas.

    R3, whose name conveys its mission to “revive, renew, and restore” the minds and hearts of young people, is a San-Antonio based program which will continue Fowler’s mission to provide opportunities and resources for youth while adding new programs, including a new educational component.  R3 Student Outreach, which was founded in 2019, served 2,212 youth in 2024.  

    Existing and new programming includes:

    ·        Counseling

    ·        Mentorship

    ·        Tutoring

    ·        STEM-focused after-school programming

    ·        Fully accredited private school with focus on professional development

    ·        High school diploma program

    ·        Google certifications: IT Support Certificate; Digital Marketing and E-Commerce Certificate; and Cybersecurity Certificate

    ·        Job development opportunities

    ·        Resources

    ·        Food, new clothing, bus passes, toiletries, and other tangible goods as needed

    ·        Dedicated office space for community partners (CPS, Lifeology Counseling, Job Placement Partners, etc.)

    ·        Referrals if additional resources are needed

    Following the ribbon cutting ceremony by JFC President and CEO Nicole Gann, JFC Director of Programming Lisa Mumford, and R3 Student Outreach Founder and Executive Director Juan Ramos, the nearly 100 guests gathered inside the new YSC for remarks and refreshments.

    “This new space is going to touch and change lives,” said Nicole Gann. “When we met Juan Ramos, we knew immediately that this was going to work and that we had found someone with the same heart and mission to serve North Texas youth and young adults. “We so are so grateful to East Dallas Christian Church for providing this beautiful partner space where we and other organizations can come together and serve others.”

    “Few programs provide this broad spectrum of wraparound services under one roof,” said Lisa Mumford, director of programming, Juliette Fowler Communities. “As young adults turn 18 and age out of the foster care system, there is a tremendous need for services and support. YSC will play a crucial role in the development of youth and young adults by empowering them to thrive.”

    “This type of impact doesn’t happen without partnership, and our focus is to be a good partner and to help youth and young adults start again and be loved,” stated Juan Ramos. “Our goal is for young people from any background to be able to walk into this new center and find a place that feels like home – a safe and supportive space that can help them improve their well-being and future opportunities. We are honored to work with Juliette Fowler Communities, who has established relationships and community partners. The possibilities are very exciting.”

    Attending the ribbon cutting were representatives from community partners Agape Clinic – Dallas, Dallas County Juvenile Department, Dallas Public Library, Family Gateway, The Family Place, New Friends New Life, North Texas Food Bank, Our Friends Place, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, the Wesley-Rankin Community Center, and Youth 180 as well as board member leadership and members from JFC, R3 Student Outreach, and East Dallas Christian Church.

    “JFC began as an orphanage 133 years ago, and since our inception, we have helped children and youth heal from trauma, abuse, and neglect,” said Nicole Gann, president and CEO, Juliette Fowler Communities. “Through this invaluable partnership with R3, we can do even more to equip students with the skills and opportunities they need to thrive in their personal and professional lives.”

    source: press release

  • Juliette Fowler Communities announces new Chief Advancement Officer

    Juliette Fowler Communities (JFC), a 130-year-old faith-centered, intergenerational community of residents at various life stages, announced the appointment of Ashley Thames Brown as its new chief advancement officer. Brown, who has been serving as vice president of development at Fowler since January, will now lead Fowler’s team of professionals centered on marketing, communications, and fundraising as well as the nonprofit’s spiritual life initiatives.

    Located on 21 acres in East Dallas, Juliette Fowler Communities offers independent and assisted living, skilled nursing, a rehabilitation center, memory care, and affordable senior housing. It also provides housing for young adults at risk of homelessness among other programs to support youth and families.

    Brown is no stranger to Juliette Fowler Communities and the nonprofit world. She worked as development director at Juliette Fowler Communities from 2015-2019. Prior to joining the team at Fowler for the second time, she served as regional development director for Texas Christian University.  Her extensive background in nonprofits began after college and included positions at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth and the Museum of Fine Arts Houston: Rienzi Center for European Decorative Arts.

    “Returning to Juliette Fowler feels like coming home,” said Brown. “I am part of an incredible team that strives to show both internal and external audiences how rewarding it is to live, give, and serve as JFC. This position also allows me to impact our connected, intergenerational community in a committed way, becoming a part of such a significant Dallas legacy. The importance of lifting and revering older generations to the status they deserve while incorporating protection and helping young people is profound. Elevating and serving older people and their caregivers and supporting the young is a blessing.” 

    “Ashley’s enthusiasm, knowledge, and love of Juliette Fowler Communities is nothing short of inspiring,” said Nicole Gann, president and CEO of Juliette Fowler Communities. “We are so happy to have her back with us in this capacity and are blessed daily with her creativity, thoughtfulness, passion, and professionalism. She is a gift to our team at Juliette Fowler Communities and beloved by all who know her.”

    Brown is a Texas Christian University graduate and has served on several TCU alum organizations, including TCU’s National Alumni Board and as the lifelong learning chair for the local TCU Dallas Alumni Network. She is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Dallas Alumni, the Women’s Council of the Arboretum, and the Dallas Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.  

    Brown is a 27-year East Dallas/Lakewood resident living with her husband and golden retriever. Their family also includes two daughters who live in the area.

  • Juliette Fowler Communities’ long-time Chief Advancement Officer retires

    Juliette Fowler Communities, a 130-year-old faith-based, intergenerational community of residents at various life-stages, announced the retirement of Chief Advancement Officer Ann McKinley, leaving a legacy that elevated the nonprofit internally and externally.

    During her 10-year tenure at Fowler, McKinley was instrumental in raising $18 million for the programs at Fowler Communities. This includes Fowler’s most recent development, The Peak, which is helping address the growing crisis in America for affordable and safe housing for senior adults with limited-to-moderate monetary resources.

    McKinley brought the I’m Still Here® program, a nationally recognized engagement philosophy through the Hearthstone Institute, to Juliette Fowler Communities in 2018, making JFC the only certified I’m Still Here® Center for Excellence in Dementia Care in North Texas and one of only two in Texas. The program employs evidence-based techniques to adapt experiences to an individual’s cognitive abilities and strengths for purposeful engagement. She was also instrumental in the launch of Dementia Friendly Dallas, creating a greater awareness and understanding of dementia across the city.

    Additionally, she spearheaded the development of a logo and rebranded Juliette Fowler Communities, bringing the story of Juliette Fowler into today’s time frame with new messaging, showing its relevance today.

    “The Fowler brand is as fresh and relevant today as it was 130 years ago,” said Ann McKinley. “Juliette’s story still inspires us to care for the young and older in our community. Just as our founder Juliette recognized the needs of her day, we still respond to the needs of today.  We can all utilize our gifts for the greater good by being ‘a Juliette.’”

    Passionate about the history of Fowler, McKinley worked diligently researching successful ways to preserve Fowler’s extensive collection of records and documents, including Peak family letters dating back to the 1860s and many other artifacts. She plans to return to Fowler following her retirement to continue her work on this effort alongside a group of dedicated volunteers.

    “I’ve spent significant time researching how other organizations have preserved their history,” added McKinley. “Ours is not only the history of Fowler, but also of the greater Dallas community. Every time I read a document, I find another interesting story connecting us to another organization, historical event, or Dallas leader. We want to capture these stories with the goal of having them digitized, preserved and accessible for the greater community.”

    Often invited to speak outside of Fowler for other groups, McKinley looks forward to finding additional stories to tell.

    “Ann’s knowledge of the history of Juliette Fowler Communities is invaluable,” said Nicole Gann, president and CEO, Juliette Fowler Communities. “She can tell you about each photograph on the walls and the history of each building on a walk across our 21-acre campus. We are beyond thrilled that she will be able to continue to help us as we work to organize and preserve 130 years of history!”

    McKinley also spearheaded the Visionary Women Luncheon for Fowler, a fundraiser which created a greater awareness of the nonprofit. She began Artful Awakenings, an art class program launched in 2017 in partnership with Junior League of Dallas (JLD) for residents experiencing every progression of memory loss, from very early stages of mild cognition loss to advanced dementia. It is now a signature JLD project and a highlight for residents each week. In 2022, she learned about an international program called Mural Mosaics and submitted to be chosen as the Southwest Regional Site (first and only in this region to date) for the 2023 Mural Mosaics Global Roots Project, “America Connects.” Residents, staff, and others from across the Southwest participated in making a personal art tile for the mural, which was installed and is visible on the south wall of Fowler’s Pearl Nordan Care Center, facing Fulton Street. Additionally, more art installations are coming soon to Fowler due to Ann’s desire to keep the arts alive for residents across the campus.

    “Ann has a genuine interest in people and knows how to bring them together,” added Gann. “It’s her superpower. She knows how to recognize and cultivate others’ interests and talents to help them serve in meaningful ways. Her servant’s heart and love have been immeasurable to Juliette Fowler Communities.”

    McKinley first came to Fowler after working for Presbyterian Communities and Services, now known as Forefront Living, where she served as vice president of marketing. She describes starting at Juliette Fowler Communities as the cornerstone of her career.

    “I feel honored and blessed to have served at Juliette Fowler Communities,” added McKinley. “When you look at all of the history of this 130-year-old organization and think about all that has happened here, it’s truly amazing to have had a snippet of time here.”

    McKinley is looking forward to spending more time with her family, which includes her husband, three children and five grandchildren, who all live in the area.

    “True to her spirit, Ann is not taking a breath,” added Gann. “She is planning ‘Grann Camp’ for the summer while continuing her work on our history!”

    Ashley Brown, vice president of development at JFC, has been named the new chief advancement officer for Juliette Fowler Communities. Previously, Brown worked as director of regional development for Texas Christian University. No stranger to Juliette Fowler Communities, Brown also served as development director at Fowler Communities, 2015-2019, and has museum/curatorial support experience from The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth and the Rienzi Center for European Decorative Arts and Museum of Fine Arts, both in Houston.