To Be Like Me: Leading with Heart, Growing with Purpose
Discover how To Be Like Me, a Richardson-based nonprofit, is fostering empathy and disability awareness through authentic interactions. Learn about their partnership with Richardson ISD and their mission to lead with heart.
The Warren Center
Discover how The Warren Center supports North Texas families navigating developmental delays and disabilities through early intervention, speech therapy, and family advocacy.
Altrusa Richardson: Women United by Service, Driving Positive Community Impact
When we talk about Altrusa International of Richardson, we are talking about the power of women uniting with intention, compassion, and a shared desire to make our community better. Many know Altrusa as an international service organization, but here in Richardson, it’s a home base where purposeful work and genuine friendship meet. We serve because we love our city, and we do it side by side, forming bonds that often last a lifetime. Our theme this year is Teamwork, Friendship, Service—three words that capture the spirit of our club. Whether we’re assembling books for local students, honoring women leaders, or celebrating a birthday at Ability House, we show up together with enthusiasm, confidence, and kindness. A Welcoming Community of Women Who Want to Give Back With roughly 70 members, Altrusa Richardson is a diverse group of women representing different professions, ages, and backgrounds. What unites us is the belief that our time and energy can help build a stronger, more connected Richardson, TX. Membership is open to all women who share this passion. Regardless of how members discovered the organization, they stay because of the bonds built through service. As a phrase we often repeat states, “We’re not just members—we’re Altrusa sisters.” Service brings us together, but friendship is what keeps us strong. Committees That Turn Compassion Into Action The heart of our organization lies in our committees, allowing members to focus on causes that resonate most personally. Community Outreach & Local Partnerships The Community Outreach Committee is one of our busiest groups. They recently supported the RISD Backpack Bash and the Richardson Reads One Book author event. Key partnerships include: Supporting the Warren Center’s Fantasy Football fundraiser. Participation in the Richardson Nonprofit Fair and Culture in the Core. Organizing a team for the Alzheimer’s Walk for the Cure. Donating coats and peanut butter to Network of Community Ministries. Facilitating the Apple Tree Court auction for senior residents. Hosting birthday and holiday celebrations for residents of Ability House, a home for adults with cerebral palsy that holds a special place in our hearts. The Kindness Committee and KAN Weekend Another committee reflecting our core values is the Kindness Committee, which promotes empathy and connection. Through a partnership with Richardson ISD, we help establish Choose Kind Libraries in elementary schools, providing books that encourage students to lead with compassion. One of our largest endeavors, the KAN (Kindness Action Night) Weekend, has grown into a multi-partner experience. During KAN, we assemble kits for nonprofits, collect books for the RISD Intake Center, and recognize groups in the community who exemplify kindness. We’ve spread kindness through creative acts, from treating first responders to cookies to crafting badge pulls for nurses. The goal is always the same: to spread kindness widely, meaningfully, and creatively. Leadership and Socializing Our Leadership Committee organizes workshops that help our members and the community grow as leaders. We also balance our service with bonding through a book club, bridge group, and a monthly Lunch Bunch—strengthening the sense of sisterhood. Honoring Women and Fueling Change: The Annual Luncheon Every October, our club hosts its only fundraiser: the Outstanding Women of Today luncheon. This is one of our most meaningful traditions, honoring women from across the region who have excelled in fields like small business, education, healthcare, and nonprofit leadership. We are constantly inspired by these honorees who not only excel professionally but uplift others. The luncheon allows us to raise the necessary funds to support dozens of service projects throughout the year, as well as crucial scholarships for Richardson ISD seniors and students residing within the Richardson city limits. We joyfully invest in the next generation of leaders and changemakers. A Shared Commitment to Making a Difference For us, service takes many shapes: packing backpacks, ushering at reading events, or sharing laughter at an Ability House birthday party. Our mission is alive in these small moments—moments when we witness someone feel cared for, recognized, or empowered. Altrusa Richardson is a community of women who believe in the power of service. We believe that kindness matters. And we believe that when women work together with intention, we can improve lives—our own included. For more information and to get involved, visit the Altrusa Richardson website at altrusarichardson.com.
Boys & Girls Club of Richardson: A Safe Home Away from Home for Local Youth
Empowering Futures: The Mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas (BGCD) By Patti Otte For more than 60 years, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas (BGCD) has provided safe, inspiring spaces where young people ages 6 to 18 can learn, grow, and thrive. What began as a single club in West Dallas has expanded into a network serving over 3,600 youth across the Dallas Metroplex. BGCD’s programs are built upon three core pillars—Academic Success, Good Character & Citizenship, and Healthy Lifestyles—all designed to guide students toward successful, confident, and well-rounded futures. BGCD consistently delivers high-quality programs while remaining true to its mission: to inspire and enable all young people to realize their full potential. Richardson’s Growing Hub for Kids and Teens The Richardson Boys & Girls Club, located inside St. Barnabas Church at 1220 W. Belt Line Road, reflects BGCD’s commitment to meet the unique needs of its community. Nestled beside Richardson High School and West Junior High, the club serves a diverse mix of members from nearby apartment communities and within both Richardson ISD and Dallas city limits. Since moving to its current home in 2021, the Richardson site has experienced remarkable growth. Expanded Capacity: The club now serves up to 150 children and teens, a significant increase from its previous limit of 45 members. Accessibility: BGCD offers transportation via club vans to ensure all members have easy access to the facilities. New Leadership: Club Manager Frank Hallum, a BGCD veteran, brings strong leadership and enthusiasm, overseeing staff, curriculum, and facilities. After recent cosmetic renovations designed to attract teens, the club will host a re-grand opening on November 4, inviting the public to see its bright new spaces and expanded opportunities. Programs now include: eSports and STEM labs College prep initiatives Engaging activities for every grade level, from first grade through high school. The site also benefits from the guidance of an active volunteer advisory council led by board chair and former Richardson Police Assistant Police Chief Coby Pewitt, who advocates for funding and program enrichment. Community Traditions and Fundraising Success Community engagement is central to the success of the Richardson Boys & Girls Club. Two major fundraisers help fund scholarships and youth programs: The long-running Bob Nelson Annual Golf Tournament Classic (held each April). The beloved Richardson Gobble Hobble 5K & Family Fun Run (coming up this November). Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025, the Gobble Hobble has become a cherished holiday tradition, bringing families together the Saturday before Thanksgiving. The club’s vibrant culture is evident in success stories, such as that of Darian Chavis, a 2017 Richardson alumnus and Youth of the Year, who credited the club as a “home away from home” and leveraged his experience there into a job offer from State Farm—a powerful testament to the opportunities and mentorship the club fosters. How to Support and Get Involved Despite its successes, the Richardson club’s biggest challenge is visibility. It’s time for this hidden gem to step into the community spotlight. Expanded outreach will help more students benefit from academic support, mentoring, and enrichment programs. With additional financial sponsors, the club can: Expand transportation routes. Upgrade equipment. Continue enhancing its learning spaces. Volunteers are also essential—whether mentoring students, helping with reading programs, or simply showing up at special events, every hand helps. To learn more about the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Dallas in Richardson, visit their website at Home – Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas, call 972-699-0514, or visit their Richardson location during the re-grand opening on November 4 at 5:30 pm.
Meeting the Need: How the Local Good Pantry Is Feeding Richardson with Dignity
[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’][/author_image] [author_info]By Local Good Pantry Director Tracy Parlin[/author_info] [/author] In November 2023, the Local Good Pantry opened its doors. In response to another pantry’s closure, we founded Local Good Pantry as a commitment to help address growing food insecurity in the area. Since then, the number of neighbors we serve and feed has grown from around 200 individuals per day to around 650. That’s more than 2,100 people per week, representing more than 6,300 family members. We are proud to be part of the Local Good Collective, a community initiative from Chase Oaks Church that includes the Local Good Center, Local Good Coffee Co., and Local Good Resale. Proceeds from the coffee company and resale shop funnel back into the food pantry and Local Good Center to keep our essential services running. Who We Serve We operate three days a week, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and we support two groups of neighbors: Drive-up neighbors. These families and individuals have registered through the TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) with the North Texas Food Bank. They receive weekly boxes filled with fresh produce, meat, bread, fruit, and dessert. Walk-up neighbors. Most of these individuals are experiencing homelessness or have limited access to kitchen facilities. They receive “ready-to-eat” bags with water, sandwiches, peanut butter, granola bars, and more. On average, approximately 200 walk-up neighbors are served each day. Partnership and Collaboration The Local Good Pantry’s ability to serve thousands each week is a group effort. Our partnership with North Texas Food Bank gives us weekly access to three deliveries and 21 retail pickups from partner stores. Along with logistical support from the Pantry’s own staff and volunteers, this network ensures consistent access of food for those who need it. Collaboration, not competition, is a key to meeting overall demand in our area. The needs are great, so we work together with other pantries to make sure our neighbors are provided assistance. One way the community supports us is through sandwich-making events. Businesses and other groups host these events, which foster teamwork while providing hundreds of sandwiches for our walk-up neighbors. They’re a simple way for people to get involved, even for just a few hours. Prioritizing Dignity When we first opened, we noticed something troubling. A hole had been cut in the fence behind our building, near the Beltline DART stop. Walk-up neighbors were crawling through the hole on their hands and knees to access food. It was heartbreaking to see them sacrificing their personal dignity and risking injury, just to eat. We notified DART of the situation during our Grand Opening. One week later, they came to observe. Shortly after that, they installed a brand-new, wrought-iron gate and walkway wide enough for wheelchairs and strollers. Our neighbors knew this change was made just for them. Dignity is still central to everything we do. We work to ensure our neighbors are seen and heard. Early on, many neighbors requested boxes without pork due to dietary or religious reasons. As a result, we implemented a color-coded bag system and began noting “NP” (No Pork) on cars during check-in. It’s a small detail that allows us to honor personal dietary choices. We also give every child in a vehicle a “Buddy Bag” with a fun surprise, which helps make their wait more enjoyable. It’s a way for us to tell these kids, “We see you. You matter.” How You Can Help Our success is driven by the incredible commitment of our volunteers and staff. They are the heartbeat of the Pantry. So far this year, volunteers have given 5,350 hours of their time. Here’s how you can get involved: Volunteer for a distribution shift(Tuesdays, Thursdays, or Saturdays). Join a prep day to help us prep the day before distribution. Host a sandwich-making or hygiene-packing event. Purchase items from our Amazon Wishlist, including diapers, wipes, and hygiene products, which are especially vital to our walk-up neighbors. https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2D00KON3AFBMZ?ref_=abls_nvfly_yl We also encourage families to volunteer together! Children ages 8 and up can serve during Distribution Days. Five times a year, we have Family Serve Days, with special activities for all ages. Younger ones can make “Dogger Bags” for our furry friends and “Buddy Bags” given to children who are waiting in line with their families. They can also write notes for our neighbors. A Place To Receive and Give Back We are here if you need a helping hand—and if you want to lend one. Whether you choose to volunteer, donate, or simply help us spread the word, we’d love to have you be a part of what’s happening at the Local Good Pantry in Richardson. For more information about Richardson’s Local Good Pantry and how to support our mission, visit localgoodpantry.org. The Local Good Pantry’s mission is to provide good food and essentials with great dignity to those in our community.
Dallas Art Therapy
Years ago, Dallas Art Therapy founder Andrea Davis attended an art therapy exhibit hosted by the now-closed Art Therapy Institute in Dallas. At that exhibit one piece, a handmade doll with a torn dress carefully mended in each spot, truly stood out to her.
Network’s Senior’s Net
When most people think of Network of Community Ministries, food distribution or clothing drives are usually top of mind. While these services are vital, Network’s impact runs much deeper.
Guy Mezger
It’s not being a six-time world champion combat athlete. It’s not being considered one of the greatest mixed martial arts fighters of all time, having won both the UFC and King of Pancrase titles for Mixed Martial Arts.
Network of Community Ministries
Editor’s Note: In each issue of Richardson Life Magazine, we will focus on philanthropies that are making a difference in our community. If you would like to nominate a nonprofit to be celebrated in the pages of the magazine, email pmotte@hylogroup.com. NETWORK OF COMMUNITY MINISTRIES Offering Respect and Dignity to Our Richardson Neighbors By Ben Jones Since 1985, Network of Community Ministries (a.k.a. Network) has been working to provide important resources for our neighbors in need. The organization has become deeply intertwined with the Richardson community, partnering with Richardson ISD and the City of Richardson to better meet the needs of its citizens. However, Network’s services don’t stop at providing food and clothing for those within Richardson’s city limits. This organization’s services reach much further and deeper than many know. Network’s service area consists of the fourteen zip codes that make up Richardson ISD, which means helping families from parts of Dallas, Garland and Plano in addition to Richardson. With a service area spanning from White Rock Lake to the President George Bush Turnpike and consisting of more than 400,000 individuals, Network impacts a diverse population coming from a variety of circumstances. Additionally, Network’s neighbors may not be what people expect. More than half of those receiving services are employed, retired, or on disability. With the economic difficulties of the past two years, many neighbors who were scraping by are no longer able to make it on their own. “The day that you have to walk into a food pantry and ask for help is not a good day,” said Abbie Kauffman, Network’s President and CEO. “A big part of our mission is listening to our neighbors, treating them with the respect and dignity that they deserve, and working with them to improve their quality of life.” Although Network is most closely associated with the Community Food Market and Clothing Closet, the organization also works to provide deeper and more personalized care. Network offers stabilization programming to help neighbors in need and to improve their situations—including budgeting, career readiness, job fairs, childcare assistance and a continuing education fund. Stabilization coaches meet with neighbors and assess barriers to success. Whether neighbors need childcare, job skills training, GED classes, or a variety of other resources, stabilization coaches make the connections that change lives. “Our neighbors all have unique stories and this program allows us to sit with them, understand their situations, and connect them with resources to improve their quality of life,” said Kauffman. Of the 26,000 individuals served by Network in 2022, a quarter were retired. Many retirees are on a fixed income and, while costs have risen over the past few years, their income has not. Network knows that this age group has unique needs and serves them through the Seniors’ Net program. In addition to access to basic needs assistance and stabilization services, neighbors over the age of sixty benefit from Seniors’ Net programming, including home deliveries for those who are homebound, companion calls to ensure their connection to the community, and access to seniorspecific items in the Community Food Market. After moving to its new facility in 2021, Network began hosting Senior Day every Thursday. This program provides a chance for seniors to get connected with the community, make friends, and enjoy a hot meal! Each Senior Day features some sort of entertainment, whether it be a presentation on emergency preparedness, a local choir, or a troupe of tap dancers! Network’s Mobile Market Community Career Fair Senior Day at Network “For many of our attendees, this is the only chance they get during the week to socialize,” said Jane Kovacs, Seniors’ Net Coordinator. “We want to make sure that they know we are here to serve them as a vital part of our community.” “The past few years have really shown the importance of organizations like Network,” said Kauffman. “When times are hard, it’s important to know that your community is there to support you. To me, Network is a symbol of how deeply our neighbors care about each other. As we look to the future, Network is excited to serve the community in even deeper, more rigorous ways.” To learn more about Network, visit http://thenetwork.org or call 972-234-8880. YOU CAN HELP TODAY!!! Big Meals for Little Kids Network’s Big Meals for Little Kids Program supplies school-aged children with healthy and convenient food options during the summer months when they are no longer receiving breakfast or lunch from their school’s free or reduced cost meal program. You can support this critical program by donating school-age appropriate items like individually wrapped snacks, shelf-stable kid friendly meal items like Macaroni and Cheese or Chef Boyardee, or a monetary donation to support purchasing different items for our youth! Volunteer opportunities are available to assist with both the Summer Snack Pick-Up and Mobile Market that distribute these items to children throughout the summer at http://thenetwork.org/volunteer. Big Meals for Little Kids recipient Tools 4 School Network’s Tools 4 School Program provides backpacks filled with supplies for school-aged children. Send or bring donations of your new school supplies to 1500 International Parkway in Richardson, Texas 75081. You can also make a donation online at http://thenetwork.org/donate to support Network’s sponsorship of the RISD Backpack Bash! Tools 4 School volunteer School Supplies REGARDLESS OF THE TIME OF THE YEAR, NETWORK IS ALWAYS IN NEED OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS: Food: Hygiene products (Soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.) Diapers Canned Meat and Fish Baking Items (Oil, sugar, flour, etc.) Single Serve Snack Items Clothing: Toddler Clothes Baby Clothes New Socks New Underwear Kids’ Shoes