We recently connected with Izell Bennett and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Izell thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. One of the most important things small businesses can do, in our view, is to serve underserved communities that are ignored by giant corporations who often are just creating mass-market, one-size-fits-all solutions. Talk to us about how you serve an underserved community.
Yes, First Refuge Ministries is deeply committed to serving the underserved populations of Denton and North Texas. Our focus is on individuals and families facing challenges such as food insecurity, lack of access to affordable healthcare, and limited mental health support. Many of our clients are uninsured or underinsured, live below the poverty line, or are struggling to meet basic needs.
One story that truly encapsulates our mission is about a single mother of three who came to our food pantry after losing her job during a tough economic period. She was overwhelmed by the prospect of providing for her family with no income and little support. Through our food assistance program, she received groceries to feed her children while she searched for work. When she mentioned health concerns, we connected her with our medical clinic, where she was able to get chronic health issues addressed by one of our volunteer health providers.
What stood out most was her sense of relief and hope when we offered counseling sessions to help her manage the stress and uncertainty. Months later, she returned, not as a client but as a volunteer, eager to give back to the community that had supported her in her time of need.
This story matters because it highlights the ripple effect of support. By addressing not just immediate needs but the root causes of hardship, we empower individuals to rebuild their lives and contribute to the well-being of others.
First Refuge Ministries serves as a safety net for the underserved, providing access to critical services with dignity and compassion. We’re here to remind people that they’re not alone and that there’s always a community ready to help.
Izell, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
**For folks who may not have read about you before, can you please tell our readers about yourself, how you got into your industry, what services you provide, and what sets you apart?**
I’m Izell Bennett, and I’m honored to serve as the Director of Operations for First Refuge Ministries, a nonprofit organization dedicated to meeting the essential needs of individuals and families in Denton and across North Texas. My journey into social services began over 17 years ago, fueled by a passion for making a tangible impact on the lives of vulnerable populations. Through roles in juvenile corrections, foster care, education, and community outreach, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside individuals during some of their most challenging times.
My family and I relocated to North Texas in 2011, where I managed programs like Harper House, a transitional living facility for juvenile offenders in Wisconsin, and later contributed to the establishment of Kyle’s Place, a home for homeless teenagers. Another career milestone was helping Ranch Hand Rescue launch Bob’s House of Hope, the first safe house for male sex trafficking victims in North Texas. Each role has deepened my commitment to creating safe spaces and holistic support systems for those in need.
I joined First Refuge Ministries in 2021 as Director of Food Distribution, where I oversaw programs addressing food insecurity. Today, as Director of Operations, I help lead the organization’s mission to provide food assistance, healthcare, dental services, counseling, and educational programs. What sets First Refuge apart is our holistic approach—we don’t just meet immediate needs but aim to foster long-term resilience and self-sufficiency.
One aspect I’m especially proud of is how we integrate faith into our work. We provide compassionate care that uplifts individuals physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Whether it’s through our food pantry, mobile medical clinics, or counseling services, we strive to remind our clients that they are not alone.
My work is driven by the belief that every individual deserves dignity and hope. Leading First Refuge feels like a culmination of God’s preparation, and I’m excited to see how we can continue to grow and serve more people in the years to come.
If there’s one thing I want people to know about First Refuge Ministries, it’s this: we’re not just a service provider; we’re a community. We stand in the gap for our neighbors, and we do it with open hearts, dedicated volunteers, and a shared commitment to building a better future for everyone.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
One particularly challenging moment in my career came when I was leading the establishment of Kyle’s Place, a transitional home for homeless teenagers. At a critical point in the process, there was a complete staff turnover, leaving me solely responsible for finalizing key elements required to open and meet our contractual obligations with the State.
I suddenly found myself in uncharted territory, with deadlines looming and no team to help carry the load. I had to hire essential staff from scratch, create schedules, design medical logs, and implement procedures to ensure we had the tools and infrastructure necessary to provide exceptional care for our residents.
The pressure was immense, and there were moments of doubt, but I knew the stakes were too high to falter. These teenagers were counting on us to provide a safe, stable home—a place where they could heal and begin to rebuild their lives. That belief kept me going, even when the workload felt overwhelming.
Through hard work, determination, and faith, I was able to build a team, finalize the program structure, and get Kyle’s Place ready to open on time. Looking back, I realize how that experience shaped my approach to leadership. It reinforced the importance of adaptability, resourcefulness, and leaning into challenges with confidence, even when the odds feel insurmountable.
That moment wasn’t just about overcoming obstacles—it was about reaffirming my commitment to serving vulnerable populations, no matter what it takes. It’s a lesson in resilience that continues to inspire my work today at First Refuge Ministries.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
Managing a team and maintaining high morale is about building trust, fostering communication, and creating an environment where everyone feels valued. Here’s what has worked for me:
Lead with Transparency:
Be honest about goals, challenges, and expectations. When team members understand the “why” behind decisions, they are more likely to stay engaged and aligned with the mission. Transparency also builds trust, which is the foundation of a strong team.
Celebrate Successes:
Recognize and celebrate both individual and collective achievements, no matter how small. Acknowledging hard work and milestones reinforces a sense of purpose and appreciation.
Invest in Relationships:
Take the time to get to know your team members as individuals—their strengths, aspirations, and challenges. When people feel seen and heard, they’re more motivated and loyal to the organization’s mission.
Empower Your Team:
Give team members ownership over their work. Trusting them with responsibilities and decision-making fosters a sense of pride and accountability. It also helps them grow professionally, which benefits the entire team.
Maintain Open Communication:
Create an environment where team members feel safe sharing their ideas, concerns, and feedback. Regular check-ins and open-door policies can go a long way in ensuring everyone stays connected and heard.
Model the Behavior You Want to See:
As a leader, your attitude and actions set the tone. Show respect, stay positive, and demonstrate a strong work ethic. This creates a culture of professionalism and mutual respect.
Encourage Balance:
High morale requires balance. Encourage your team to take breaks, prioritize self-care, and avoid burnout. When people feel supported in maintaining their well-being, they’re more productive and engaged.
For me, team morale is all about fostering a shared sense of mission and community. At First Refuge Ministries, we emphasize the importance of our collective impact and remind one another that our work makes a tangible difference in people’s lives. Keeping that purpose at the forefront helps us stay motivated and united, even during challenging times.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dentonrefuge.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstrefugedenton/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FirstRefuge/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/izell-bennett-51044a4a
Image Credits
Images taken by Izell Bennett