There’s a concept of the Matthew Effect which uses math to illustrate what folks have lamented about for thousands of years – the rich get richer while the poor get poorer. Take tech for example – the rich and poor often have different problems, but because it’s more profitable to solve problems for the wealthy a disproportionate share of tech innovation focuses on solving problems for the affluent. However, it doesn’t have to be this way – and we have been blown away by the thousands of members of our community who have devoted their lives through their businesses, organizations and art to serve the underserved.

Tia Cole

In 2019, we were contacted by LVTRise, a revitalization effort and community center in west Fort Worth. The new center had an executive director committed to improving the community and the experience of those who lived there by lowering crime, increasing employment, and expanding opportunities so that people could get out of the cycle of poverty. Generally, we coach and develop executive and​ more stable populations, but we have a heart for all communities. ​Often, our regular client is one crisis away from being in the same situation as the community this organization was serving, and they could not afford services like ours. So, when they asked for help. we thought about what we could do to support this important effort. Read more>>

Susan Jacobs-Meadows

Incarcerated men and shelter dogs are rejected by society. Dogs end up in shelters because of human failings, and human beings frequently end up behind bars for the same reason. It isn’t reasonable to expect people to make choices that have not been modeled for them. It is far less reasonable to expect someone who has been locked up multiple times to not get locked up again, unless we are willing to help facilitate positive change. Read more>>

Kevin Pranoto

Mission Oak Cliff commits to breaking the cycle of poverty in the Oak Cliff community. As an expression of Christ’s love, we improve food security, encourage meaningful relationships, & teach life skills. Read more>>

Stephan Dickens

Raised by a single mother, with 2 siblings; I’ve come to see what life is like living from paycheck to paycheck. However, I saw there is a life of abundance that exists. I’ve never been one to settle for mediocracy. I graduated as the top student male athlete in my class from Colorado State University – Pueblo with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. Selected as an All-American and captain on the 2014 National Championship football team; Read more>>

Kay Ferguson

The Beauty for the Culture Festival is so important because Black beauty and all that goes into it deserves to be celebrated! The creatives, the trendsetters, the brand founders, the executives in the industry -everything. There are so many different ways to express ourselves through makeup and it’s important we all get together and lift each other up as often as we can in an authentic way. There are people that “serve” the underserved for the wrong reasons (mainly for profit), so it’s important for us to pour into each other just for the sake of having a community. I hope people feel that love and support when they see anything related to this festival. This is truly for the people. Read more>>

Jennifer Lawson

I began working with Seniors because I saw how much they are neglected within the wellness community. Most companies focus on kids or those with money. There are hardly any fitness classes in nursing homes or assisted living facilities unless the residents are paying exorbitant amounts in rent. ($12,000 a month in Balfour Communities) So people over 65 living on social security or minimal retirement get nothing but the basics. Nothing but basic healthcare, common medications and federally funded food. They get meals served to them of the same quality as school lunches. Read more>>

Grizel Ubarry

Ever since I’ve graduated from college, I have worked in the nonprofit sector in various capacities, working in underserved and under resourced communities. Approximately 38 years ago, I moved into the community development space and became a full-time management consultant, primarily working with community development corporations that are engaged in affordable housing, small business development and economic development. Read more>>