Dallas Hope Charities Launches Sustainability Project with Grant from Green Mountain Energy

Dallas Hope Charities has received a $121,000 grant from Green Mountain Energy’s Sun Club to launch a “Powering Hope” initiative to improve energy efficiency at the Dallas Hope Center. The project includes the installation of solar panels, battery storage, an electric vehicle and an electric vehicle charging station. The center will run on 100 percent solar energy and prevent 20,359 pounds of carbon emissions annually. Dallas Hope Charities CEO Tamika Perry says the initiative is a game changer for the organization, an LGBTQIA-focused homeless transitional living center. “It allows us to incorporate sustainability into our daily operations and increase support for our residents while reducing our impact on the environment,” she said.

Turtle Creek Choir Appoints New Executive Director

Dawson B. Taylor has been named executive director of Turtle Creek Choir and will officially begin his role on November 1. “His professional experience, exceptional leadership and genuine passion for TCC make him an ideal fit for this position,” said Kevin Housing, chairman of TCC’s board of directors. Taylor holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Centenary College in Louisiana, a master’s degree in theological studies from Southern Methodist University and a doctorate in pastoral studies from Chicago Theological Seminary. He joined TCC as the appointed pastor of Westmoreland Congregational Church of Christ in Bethesda, Maryland, where he also served as baritone in the Gay Men’s Choir of Washington, DC. Previously, he served as senior pastor at Naples United Church in Florida and executive pastor at Cathedral of Hope United Church of Christ in Dallas. During that role, he sang as a member of TCC and also served as chairman of the board of directors.

III Forks raises funds for Panhandle Proud following 2024 wildfires

Dallas steakhouse III Forks recently hosted two Panhandle to Table charity dinners in Frisco and Austin. 80% of ticket sales went to Panhandle Proud, an organization created to raise funds and awareness for communities affected by the wildfires that ravaged Texas this spring, which burned 1.5 million acres and reduced more than 350 homes and ranches to ashes. III Forks raised more than $144,000 through dinner ticket sales and an auction. The meal was hosted by III Forks president Curtis Osmond, along with chefs Chris Voegeli and Eric Nixon. Also in attendance were Dan Garrison of Garrison Brothers and Chris Brundrett of William Chris Vineyards. “III Forks is a Texas steakhouse, owned and operated by proud Texans,” said Osmond, president of the Texas Panhandle, who are responsible for many of the ingredients served each night at our restaurants. “We are so grateful for the generosity of our loyal patrons who came out to support this effort.”

The Salvation Army Announces Renovations to Louisville Facility

The Salvation Army recently announced a major renovation of its operations center on Fox Avenue in Lewisville. The facility serves people struggling with poverty, addiction and homelessness in communities in southern Denton County and throughout North Texas. The Salvation Army has been based in Lewisville since 1997, originally located on Main Street. The renovated center on Fox Avenue relocated and consolidated two facilities. Among the renovations is a renovated commercial kitchen that allows the organization to feed twice as many people at one meal, six days a week. Currently, the Salvation Army of North Texas serves more than 10,000 meals a year from its Lewisville facility. Maj. Paul McFarland, area commander for The Salvation Army of North Texas, said the renovation marks a major milestone in the organization’s commitment to the Lewisville community. “From making sure every family has food on the table to reaching out with rent and utility assistance, our mission is to respond to the immediate and long-term needs of our community,” he said.

Capital One Joins North Texas Food Bank and DEC Network Community Initiative

As part of its mission to impact where its employees live and work, Capital One recently announced two new initiatives. In partnership with the North Texas Food Bank, it launched a program called “Operation Snack Pack,” which aims to provide healthy, non-perishable snacks to DFW schools and support students in free and reduced-price lunch programs. To date, the financial services company has raised nearly $50,000 to fight food insecurity and ensure children have access to nutritious food throughout the school year. Capital One also announced that applications are now open for the WE (Women Entrepreneurs) Dallas cohort, in collaboration with DEC Network. Applications are due on September 9. The initiative will provide programming to equip, inspire and empower cohort members, and provide opportunities for participants to learn from one another. Sessions will run from September 25 to November 13.

Dallas Metro Care Services Expands in Northeast Dallas

Dallas MetroCare Services, Dallas County’s largest behavioral health service provider, has made a real estate acquisition to expand its services. The nonprofit acquired 9696 Skillman Street, a three-story, 63,000-square-foot building at the intersection of Forest and Skillman in northeast Dallas. Eliza Solender, principal at Solender/Hall, represented MetroCare Services in the deal, while Yasaman Hafezamini represented the seller, BBH Capital Investments. MetroCare CEO Dr. John W. Burruss said the demand for mental health services has skyrocketed. The real estate acquisition “provides us with much-needed space to enhance and expand our services and programs,” he said. “Last year alone, we served more than 51,000 individuals through nearly 3,000 daily clinical appointments, providing quality mental health care to individuals regardless of financial means. This expansion is a critical step in meeting the unprecedented demand for mental health support in our community.”