It's a noteworthy year for Carroll Choir in the Carroll ISD, where a record number of singers are preparing for the second round of the most intense singing competition of the school year. Saturday, 30 students will audition at the Region round of the TMEA All-State competition at Colleyville Heritage High School in Colleyville. Students who compete Saturday have already advanced past the District round for a place in the Region Choirs.

Saturday's competition consists of performing parts of four different classical pieces, including selections in foreign languages. The singers will not know which sections of the music they will perform until they arrive at the competition. 

For these competitors it's a long process that started in June, when they were given the music. Most students spend the summer mastering ten classical selections that are part of the competitions that carry on throughout fall and winter. Several thousand singers from across Texas compete for a few hundred spots in the prestigious All-State Choir, which is chosen early next year.

Carroll Choir is under the direction of Paul Doucet and Evan Ramos. 

For more information on Carroll Choir visit: http://dragonchoirs.net

Congratulations to the following Carroll singers for advancing: Sarah Kate Breeding, Reilly Buckley, Miranda Campin, Emma Cave, Joy Choo, Rachel Connell, Michelle D'Amico, Caitlin Davidson, Devan DeLugo, Rachel Gitter, Braden Hall, Christian Hein, Lauren Hendricksen, Kinley Hicks, Bill Kahn, Ryan Kelson, Taylor Legan, Channing Lester, Katherine Loomis, Amber Meagher, Will Meagher, Daniel Morrison, Aubrey Parr, Sebastian Poorman, Abigail Thomas, Bella Tran, James Wade, Garrett Walsh, and Molly Warden.

Community Conversation with Dawn Tongish: Meet Jan Mitchell, executive director of the Miss Texas Pageant an all-volunteer, non-profit organization based in Richardson, geared toward providing scholarship opportunities for the young women of Texas. Mitchell is a solid believer in the pageant process as a way for outstanding women to find their voice and promote culture, politics and platforms in the community. Mitchell shrugs off the haters who say "pageants" are all about how a woman looks. She knows better. The Miss Texas contest requires a background of accomplisment, talent and the ability to express a viewpoint.

During her time with the Miss Texas Pageant Mitchell has kept this successfull pageant program on track. We wanted to know more about what makes a beauty queen and Mitchell was happy to answer a few questions about the program:  

Dawn Tongish: Can you tell me about the mission at the Miss Texas Organization?  

Jan Mitchell: Our mission at the Miss Texas Pageant is to provide educational scholarships for the women of Texas and to promote their voices in culture, politics and the community.  We also want to provide a forum for today's young women to express their viewpoints, talents and accomplishments through their participation in the Miss Texas Organization.  

DT: The Miss Texas Organization is known for producing smart, beautiful winners who go on to claim other titles. What is the secret behind the success of the organization? 

JM: I believe the success of our organization is the quality of Texas women!  Also our organization is completely volunteer so everyone involved is here because we believe in the program and we are not receiving anything in return except the honor of volunteering our time for these young women.

DT: How did you become involved with the Miss Texas Organization, and why are you so passionate about the work being done?

JM: 15 years ago I was invited to judge a local pageant.  I had preconceived opinions on pageantry and what I thought it was, but I was completely surprised at what I found.  I saw that the Miss America Organization was so much more than a "beauty pageant".  I met girls who were interested in their education and their community and wanted to do something really special with their lives.  They were strong and accomplished and I was very impressed.

DT: How do you describe the young women who compete in the pageants? Are there special qualities, talents they must possess to be successful?

JM: They must be talented, interested in community service, and wanting to further their education.

DT: How can winning or being a top finisher at the pageant change a young woman's life?  

JM: Just participating as a contestant will change their life.  Each girl will serve in her community and will strive to make good grades and make a difference in the lives of others.  And they all have a platform that they participate in through volunteering.  In the Miss Texas Pageant it's not winner-takes-all.  Each girl who participates receives some form of scholarship assistance.  

DT: Some people still have a negative opinion of beauty pageants. What do you say to the naysayers?  

JM: I understand because before I became involved in the Miss Texas Pageant I had preconceived notions about beauty pageants as well.  I found out that the Miss America Organization is different.  It is full of volunteers working to help young women further their education, express their viewpoints, excel at their talent, and devoting time to community service.  Does that sound like "just" a beauty pageant?  

DT: What is your most memorable moment in your experiences at the Miss Texas Organization? 

JM: My most memorable experience was answering the phone 8 years ago and a young woman named Shilah Phillips asking me if I could help her get scholarship funds for college.  She was on her own and had no money for college.  I met with her and a week later she won my local pageant (Miss Frisco).  A few months later she won the title of Miss Texas.  And then went on to win 1st Runner Up to Miss America. $40,000 later we both knew that the phone call the year before changed both our lives.  

Contact Dawn Tongish at dtongish@yahoo.com or find her on Twitter at @DawnTongish.

Community Conversation with Dawn Tongish: Meet Brandy Schimmel, executive director of North Texas SNAP a nonprofit organiziation providing a support network for adults (and their families) living with intellectual disabilities. Schimmel oversees the execution of the mission and expansion of the programs. SNAP serves more than 200 adults throughout North Texas.

Schimmel holds a Bachelors of General Studies from Texas Woman's University and completed her Masters of Management and Public Administration from the University of Phoenix. She has served on SNAP's board since 2012, most recently as vice president. Schimmel knew when she was first introduced to the program in 2008 that it was a positive force in the community that she wanted to help nurture. We wanted to know more about North Texas SNAP and Schimmel was kind enough to answer a few questions: 

Dawn Tongish: Please begin by telling us about North Texas SNAP.    

Brandy Schimmel: In 1999, a group of parents in Northeast Tarrant County were looking for opportunities for their children with intellectual disabilities as they graduated from high school and approached adulthood. They were frustrated by what appeared to be a fragmented social service system. Recognizing a need for more effective support, not only for their sons and daughters, but also for other families in a similar situation, the group began brainstorming ways they could make a difference in the lives of adult individuals living with intellectual disabilities. 

Despite not having any experience in developing and managing a nonprofit organization, this small but courageous group of parents founded North Texas Special Needs Assistance Partners (SNAP), a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization serving individuals 17 and older (and their families) living with intellectual disabilities including: Downs Syndrome, Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, Williams Syndrome, Developmental Delays, Brain Injury and other cognitive challenges). Since inception, North Texas SNAP has expanded its small circle to serve approximately 200 intellectually disabled adults throughout North Texas. Our membership ranges in intellectual and developmental disabilities and is comprised of the intellectually disabled member, their families, business professionals and community members.

Like their peers without intellectual disabilities SNAP members have the same hopes and dreams; they want to have jobs, friends, relationships, and to feel they’re a part of their community and treated with the same respect. North Texas SNAP is committed to helping these individuals achieve their goals and has become a strong voice for change for our members. Our vision is to have a community where people with intellectual disabilities and their families have a network that supports independence, choice and personal success for generations to come.

DT: What are your duties at North Texas SNAP?

BS: As Executive Director, my job duties include overall strategic and operational responsibility for North Texas SNAP’s staff, programs, expansion, and execution of its mission. In addition, I facilitate the organizations fund development, marketing and public relations as well as event planning.  

DT: How did you become involved with North Texas SNAP, and why are you so passionate about the work being done? 

BS: In 2008, I met Rita Goodner, Board President through chamber networking events. For years, I was fascinated by the programs and services North Texas SNAP provided for individuals 17 and older living with intellectual disabilities. They creates an environment where their members could be themselves, education was key, their programs/services supported the needs of their members and everyone was accepted for who they are. In 2012, Mrs. Goodner invited me to join the Board of Directors. My background included fund development and event planning and I was excited to help take North Texas SNAP to the next level. I was confident that the organization had so many untapped possibilities. Being someone that does not have a child with intellectual disabilities, I wanted to be a part of an organization that helped those with disabilities live fulfilling lives. After serving on the board for 2 years, I was truly blessed in March 2014 when the board asked me to step in as Executive Director. Words cannot express how honored I was to accept that responsibility. Since that time, I have hit the ground running building awareness about the wonderful programs/services we provide for our members and building relationship that will help the organization increase revenue to help more individuals living with intellectual disabilities. My heart and passion for the organization lies in this, “SNAP members have the same hopes and dreams as their peers without intellectual disabilities; they want to have jobs, friendships, and healthy relationships as well as feel like a part of their community and be treated with respect. North Texas SNAP provides these opportunities and offers an environment where our members are visible in an invisible world.”

Our President, Rita Goodner said “I joined SNAP for my son who has a developmental disability.  When he graduated from high school, even though he had a part-time job and support from family, he had no friends and was becoming more and more isolated.  I have seen remarkable growth, not only for him but for many of our members.  He now has many friends, participates in  social activities, lives on his own and is living a full and happy life, all as a result of the support and programs of SNAP.”

Our Program Director, Paula Baker said, “I was teaching a transitional skills program for young adults with special challenges at Tarrant County College - NE Campus when parents of some of my students asked me to consider working for NTX SNAP to develop an independent living support program for members who would each live in their own dwelling with family support and weekly training and support from me.  I loved the real world learning opportunity and quickly became inspired to help all our members in a variety of ways.  My passion comes from seeing the great treasure that lies in each of our members and my desire to help them shine!”

DT: How can the people of North Texas and beyond help you meet your needs in 2015? What are your biggest needs?

BS: Our biggest need is funding. North Texas SNAP receives no federal or state funding, operating solely on benevolent gifts and event sponsorships/revenue. We are looking for caring individuals, businesses, organizations and foundations who have a heart for individuals 17 and older living with intellectual disabilities. These are the people who provide the support needed to keep North Texas SNAP strong. Our ultimate goal is to build relationships that create awareness and provide funding for our programs and services. We are not just looking for a hand out but a hand up, relationship and individuals who care enough to get involved both financially and with their time.

We have ventured out this year adding a golf classic to our list of fundraising activities to help increase revenue in our top three programs. Funds raised from the Cornerstone Wealth Strategies & North Texas SNAP Golf Classic (Monday, May 11, 2015 at Timarron Country Club) will support North Texas Special Needs Assistance Partners (SNAP) Greater Independent Living Program (GIL). This program includes the Transportation Program, Expanded Living Program and Project Neighbor Program and is vital to the organization’s mission to create and support a variety of programs that assist individuals 17 and older living with intellectual disabilities in achieving and sustaining full lives.

Cornerstone Wealth Strategies, a financial planning organization, has joined in the efforts to help North Texas SNAP create choices for individuals 17 and older living with intellectual disabilities by joining us as Title Sponsor of the 2015 Cornerstone Wealth Strategies & North Texas SNAP Golf Classic. As the founder and principal of Cornerstone Wealth, Julie Bird is committed to both her clients and the community. Partnering with Julie is a great combination of business and community coming together to make a significant difference in Northeast Tarrant County. Cornerstone Wealth Strategies and North Texas SNAP are asking individuals and business owners to partner with us to make this an event individuals, community members and business professionals won’t want to miss. The impact your partnership and participation will have on the individuals we serve will be very rewarding. In addition to the Golf Classic we will continue to have the annual gala, Boots & Bling Casino Night. As our biggest fundraising event we are honored to have Carolyn Sims (Chief of Staff for Commissioner Fickes) join us as Honorary Chairwoman.

This year’s Boots & Bling Casino Night is scheduled for Saturday, September 19, 2015 at the Hurst Conference Center. Attendance for 2014 was 265 and we are expecting tremendous growth for this year’s event. Our goal is to raise $65,000 at “Boots & Bling Casino Night” and again are looking for individuals and businesses to sponsors and attend. Funds from this event support North Texas SNAP’s programs and services, creating a community where people with intellectual disabilities and their families have a network that supports independence, choice and personal success.

More information can be found on our website at www.ntxsnap.org

DT: How do people with intellectual disabilities benefit from the kind of support system that SNAP provides?  

BS: North Texas SNAP is dedicated to creating and supporting a variety of programs and services for individuals 17 and older living with intellectual disabilities. Our members’ unique needs and personal potential are guiding factors as we develop activities and programs to help them achieve the skills necessary to successfully succeed in society. Members have the opportunity to grow in a positive and caring environment where friendships are nurtured and life skills are developed. They enjoy an environment where they can grow in social and consumer skills, prepare for employment and gain work experience, build up confidence to try new things and speak up for themselves, develop friendships and receive continued support from volunteers and staff to sustain them for generations to come. In addition, they get the opportunity to prove to the community that they are able in so many ways to be productive and to give back to the communities where they live, work and play.

Families with individuals with special needs often do not have an extensive support system which can relate to their challenges. NTX SNAP families gain from the advice and encouragement of our staff as we team with the family to approach challenges in new ways and push boundaries of past limitations to new frontiers. The support and experience of other SNAP families is a priceless resource of information and encouragement as families can relate to the unique joys and difficulties special challenges can bring to a family.

Testimonials –

Amber is a friendly and very helpful person. She just celebrated ten-years at a local grocery store in the customer service field.  A few years back she decided she wanted to have her own place, to live on her own.  Her mother turned to North Texas SNAP and our Project Neighbor- supported independent living program. With the support of her family and the training and support of SNAP’s creative approach to independent living, Amber has learned to take care of her own home and her own personal needs.  She is a very active member of SNAP, participating in JOBS Club, Girls Night Out, Supper Club, Movie Night and every social event. Amber also serves on our Social Committee and is an Ambassador for NTX SNAP! Doing puzzles is a favorite past time and she cares for her grandmother who lives close by. Amber is always willing to help out her family and her friends and is a great example of our members’ positive attitude and, with a little support, great capabilities.

Randall is known for his warm and wonderful smile and his eagerness to participate and contribute. North Texas SNAP Men’s Club was an immediate hit with Randall. He enjoys the camaraderie among the guys and loves every activity, but Randall is not only interested in having fun, he has been an active and enthusiastic participant in our service projects, as well!  When SNAP held a food drive he was an active participant, lending his muscle, as well as, his cheerful, friendliness to the project.  When the Men’s Club took on the clean-up of an overgrown historic cemetery, Randall was right there cleaning up broken branches and taking down an old fence with his fellow SNAP members! Of course, his favorite SNAP activity is when we attend a Rangers game, a college basketball game or a good hockey game.  Randall is also, very interested in finding a job so he has been regularly attending our JOBS Club- employment support group to hear about other members jobs, learn how to be the very best employee and work on his interviewing skills. He will make a dedicated and loyal employee for some lucky employer!   Wanting to continue to learn and grow, Randall has attended many of SNAP’s independent living skills workshops. His eagerness to learn and be a part of an active community is one of the many rewards those who help him receive….AND, of course, that beaming smile!

Courtney- 

“SNAP is a great way to be social and make new friends!  Girls Night Out has helped me discover new things.  The Expanded Living Program has helped me become more independent and helped me to prepare for when I move out on my own.”

Patrick- 

“Before SNAP I didn’t have “a life”, now I have lots of friends and get to do a lot of fun activities like Men’s Club, Supper Club and Rangers’ games.  And I get to learn how to be a better man.”

Pam-

“I like Supper Club because I can meet new people and greet old friends!”

Chad-

“I love SNAP. I have a lot of friends. I like bowling. I like to go to dances with my girlfriend.  I like Men’s Club and all the different sports events and activities.

Project Neighbor helps me to live on my own. I was scared at first but I learned how to be safe, cook, clean and take care of myself.”

Marius-

“My favorite thing about North Texas SNAP is it’s fun! I like the people. I like to help out my friends.  I like going to the movies with my friends. I like learning about leadership in Men’s Club. I am so glad SNAP has helped me through Paul Baker to get a job and live on my own. I am learning how to do things like budgeting my money.”

DT: Not only do the clients benefit, but their families also get a support network as well. Why is that important?

BS: North Texas SNAP’s vision is to provide a community where individuals 17 and older living with intellectual disabilities and their families have a network that supports independence, choice and personal success. Having a child with a disability can be challenging and North Texas SNAP understands that, we want our members and their families to have a place that they belong and receive the support needed to succeed despite life’s challenges.

DT: What is your most memorable moment at North Texas SNAP?

BS: There are many memorable moments in this organization. The moments when you see a member open up to make new friends, become excited to learn to do new things on their own or shine with pride at getting a job. Program Director, Paula Baker said, “Specifically, one such moment that stands out to me was when one of our young ladies who has autism and struggled with relating to her peers but instead always gravitated to older adults who had more patience to listen to her share about her interests at length. After encouragement to join in our Girls Night Out program’s monthly meetings, with in just three months or so, her mother approached me with tears in her eyes to report that through these monthly get-togethers her daughter had blossomed in confidence among her peers, having fun sharing in activities and that this was the first time in her life that she had real friends that even began to connect to do things together outside of our meetings! This is one of the joys of working with and for the wonderfully special people of North Texas SNAP!”

If you'd like to nominate a local resident for a BubbleLife community profile, contact Dawn Tongish at dtongish@yahoo.com or find her on Twitter at @DawnTongish.

Community Conversation With Dawn Tongish: Meet Katie Pedigo, executive director of New Friends New Life, an organization that transforms formerly trafficked teen girls and sexually exploited women and their children. Pedigo, with nearly two decades of management and strategic planning experience has a passion for human rights and helping others. With a law degree from SMU, she began her career in the home care industry in human resources and then moved to the nonprofit sector.

In 2007, Pedigo was named the founding executive director of Encompass Cares, a group which raises funds and distributes grants for medical missions and community assistance for employees undergoing hardship. Pedigo believes that being a good corporate citizen builds loyalty, consumer trust is overall the "right thing to do." Pedigo serves on many nonprofit orgranizations and in 2009 was named a "Hero for Children" by the Texas Education Commission. We wanted to know more about New Friends New Life what drives this thoughtful leader and Pedigo was kind enough to answer a few questions. 

Dawn Tongish: Can you tell us about New Friends New Life. 

Katie Pedigo: Mission Statement: New Friends New Life restores and empowers formerly trafficked teen girls and sexually exploited women and their children. Programs: By providing access to education, job training, interim financial assistance, mental health and spiritual support, New Friends New Life helps women and their children overcome backgrounds of abuse, addiction, poverty and limited opportunities. 

History:  In 1998, a women’s committee from a local church began helping a woman, named Amy, looking to get out of exotic dancing. The committee offered financial assistance and access to other services. More and more women who wanted to leave the sex trafficking industry began to contact them.  As more women came forward seeking help, the program grew to become its own organization in 2000. And by 2007 the organization became known as New Friends New Life. In its first five years the staff and volunteers helped and offered assistance to 87 women.

Today:  The organization has developed to the point that it now provides counseling and casework management for women and their children, childcare and child education programs for children of members, and a therapeutic prevention program involving sexual abuse recovery at the Dallas County Juvenile Detention Centers, including the Letot Girls’ Center. New Friends New Life partners with a number of businesses and organizations to help members take control of their lives and have a bright outlook for their futures.  In 2014, New Friends New Life served more than 1,100  women and their children and teens.

DT: What are your duties at New Friends New Life? 

KP: As Executive Director, I direct and lead New Friends New Life.  This includes developing strategy with goals and objectives that enables New Friends New Life to fulfill the mission set forth by the Board of Directors.  My main responsibilities include marketing and public relations, program planning, development and evaluation, financial management, legal compliance, board, donor and volunteer relations.

DT: How did you become involved with New Friends New Life, and why are you so passionate about the work being done?  

KP: After receiving my law degree from SMU, I sought to work human rights law but could not find a place in Dallas to do so.  After many years of practicing, God lead me to New Friends New Life.  It is clear that human trafficking is a modern day form of slavery and the human rights issue of our time.  New Friends New Life seeks justice for the vulnerable and oppressed.  Now that is something to be passionate about. 

DT: Many people may not realize that child trafficking is a significant problem in North Texas. Most believe it only happens across the border or overseas. How do you explain the scope of the problem right here at home? 

KP: Every year, millions of men, women and children worldwide are involved in human trafficking.  In the United States, an estimated 300,000 children are at high risk for being lured with false promises and manipulated by people they trust.  These children are forced and coerced into the  commercial sex industry.  Texas ranks 2^nd in the country for the most human trafficking. The Dallas sex trade is annually a $99 million crime. In Dallas, women controlled by traffickers are typically forced to make $1,000 per day and are beaten or suffer witnessing beatings if they cannot provide that amount. 

DT: Who are the most vulnerable children? 

KP: The average age an American girl enters the sex trade is 13 years old.  96% of trafficked teens have been physically abused, 93% sexually abused, 87% abandoned, 80% run away from troubled homes.  Within 48 hours of being on the street, sex traffickers will approach a runaway teen.  There are an estimated 400 trafficked teens on the street each night in Dallas. 

DT: What can the average person do to be part of the solution and help bring an end to this travesty against children? 

KP: Domestic sex trafficking is in every corner of our city.  It is everyone’s responsibility to reject exploitation, which is the key to ending the trafficking of American women and girls. We ask the community to get involved!  Help raise awareness.  Help by financially supporting the holistic, transformational work of New Friends New Life.  Help advocate to our legislators, city leaders and law enforcement by letting them know this is a problem we care about and will not tolerate.  Volunteer time and professional resources to help a teen girl, exploited woman and her children overcome the barriers to success.

DT: What is the most memorable moment in your experience at New Friends New Life? 

KP: New Friends New Life is about children – breaking the generational cycle of abuse and trauma that leads young girls to be hopeless, fearful and enslaved.  82% of the women in our program have on average 2 children, at the average age of 8 years old.  My most memorable moment was unveiling a new, furnished home to a woman with her two children.  Knowing that the woman was completing a long transformational process from being trafficked and imprisoned to now having a livable wage job and her children in exceptional education placements, I felt like I was witnessing a true miracle.  With every hug, tear and prayer, I witnessed hope, security and freedom return to their eyes.  Not only was the woman’s life changed, her family and her community are forever transformed.

DT: You have an important luncheon and special guest event next year. Can you share those details? 

KP: Kevin Costner will headline 12^th Annual WINGS Luncheon, on Friday, April 10, 2015, 11:30 a.m., at the Hyatt Regency Dallas, 300 Reunion Blvd., Dallas, Texas 75207.  The luncheon will feature Costner in an interview format with Producer Gary Cogill; an awards presentation; and an update about the work of New Friends New Life.  Luncheon Chair Ambassador Jeanne Johnson Phillips joins Honorary Co-Chairs Ruth Altshuler and First Lady Laura Bush and incoming Board Chair Nancy Ann Hunt

Sponsorships are available, ranging from 1,750-$50,000.  Individual tickets – if not sold out via sponsorships – will be available beginning Feb. 4 at $175 each.  Contact Kelly Cruse, wings@newfriendsnewlife.org, (214) 965-0935.

If you'd like to nominate a local resident for a BubbleLife community profile, contact Dawn Tongish at dtongish@yahoo.com or find her on Twitter at @DawnTongish.

Community Conversation with Dawn Tongish: Meet James Bias, president and CEO of the SPCA of Texas, the leading animal welfare agency in the North Texas Region. Bias oversees the operation of two shelters and three spay/neuter clinics and manages a variety of educational programs and services designed to bring people and animals together to make life better. 

From the instant you meet Bias, he radiates his desire to help animals find loving homes. It is evident in his work history. Before joining the SPCA of Texas ten years ago, Bias was the executive director of the Humane Society SPCA of Bexar County in San Antonio. We wanted to know more about the SPCA Texas and Bias and he was kind enough to answer a few questions: 

Dawn Tongish: Please begin by telling us about the SPCA of Texas.  

James Bias: The SPCA of Texas is the leading animal welfare agency in North Texas with two shelters and three spay/neuter clinics located in Dallas and McKinney, and serves as an active resource center providing an array of programs and services that bring people and animals together to enrich each other’s lives.  

Though many people know who we are, some may not know that the SPCA of Texas is: 

• A private, non-profit 501(c)(3) charity, supported almost entirely by donations, that is not a subsidiary of any other animal welfare group (we are separate from all other animal welfare organizations); and

• A comprehensive animal welfare agency that does not receive general operating funds from North Texas cities, the State of Texas, the federal government or any other humane organization.

DT: What are your duties at the SPCA of Texas?   

JB: As President and CEO of the SPCA of Texas, I oversee all aspects of the management and operation of the organization. Prior to becoming President of the SPCA of Texas in 2004, I was Executive Director of the Humane Society SPCA of Bexar County in San Antonio. I also served as Regional Coordinator for the Humane Society of the United States Southwest Regional office, Animal Services Manager for the City of Albuquerque Animal Services, Executive Director for the Humane Society of North Texas in Fort Worth and Operations Director for Citizens for Animal Protection in Houston. I am a current Board member and Past Board Chair of the Society of Animal Welfare Administrators, was elected to the Board of Directors of the National Council on Pet Population and am on the Board of the Lone Star Business Park Association.

DT: There has been a lot of effort poured into reducing the pet overpopulation problem. Do you think it is working? If not, what needs to change?   

JB: I think that there has been a wonderful effort by the North Texas community to help reduce pet overpopulation; however I do believe we have a long way to go before the problem is solved. It is estimated that it would take every person in the U.S. adopting seven pets every day for the rest of their lives for every pet in this country to have a home, so that kind of gives an overall picture of the enormous problem of pet overpopulation. I believe that continued education of spay/neuter, as well as programs offering free or low-cost spay/neuter procedures will continue to help this issue. 

For example, this year, as a part of the Big Fix for Big D initiative—which offers free spay or neuter surgeries, vaccinations, City of Dallas registrations and more to animals from 8 zip codes in south Dallas—we’ve come together with three other groups (the Spay Neuter Network, Dallas Animal Services and the Dallas Companion Animal Project) to offer the community a website and Facebook page that engages people, urging them to help us spread the word about this fantastic program, sharing important information about the importance of spaying and neutering companion animals and debunking myths and mysteries relating to spaying and neutering animals.

DT: The SPCA of Dallas is a no kill shelter, but do you think that most animal lovers are aware of how many unwanted cats/dogs are euthanized each year because of overpopulation?

JB: At the SPCA of Texas, we actually consider ourselves a managed intake shelter. This means that we take in only the animals we can care for without euthanizing for lack of time or space. We have no time limits and we do not euthanize animals for lack of space, but we do, however, euthanize animals for aggression and for untreatable and/or contagious illnesses based upon available treatment space and SPCA of Texas policies. Once a reservation is secured, an animal will not be turned away because of looks, breed or non-contagious, treatable health conditions based upon available treatment space and SPCA of Texas policies. The only factors that determine whether an animal is adoptable are the results of the health and behavior evaluations.

For decades, animal welfare organizations have worked hard to elevate the status that companion animals hold in our lives. We are now reaching that level and animal welfare is becoming a topic of discussion for non-profit as well as government organizations. The Animal Welfare Community’s focus has shifted to saving as many lives as possible through prevention (education and spaying/neutering), rescue and investigation along with animal adoption. I think that we will continue to see more private/public partnerships to adopt animals, particularly in non-traditional shelter settings such as retailers and shopping malls.

DT: It can be difficult for any non-profit to pay the bills. How do you stay afloat? 

JB: Our biggest challenge continues to be achieving sustainable funding and obtaining other, non-financial recourses that are absolutely critical to allowing us to meet the needs of North Texas people and pets. The SPCA of Texas is able to respond to animals in need only through the generous support of private individuals, corporations and foundations. We help over 50,000 animals receive the love, attention and medical care they need each year. We need our community’s help to continue providing the wide array of programs and services that we offer to the people and pets of North Texas. Giving to the SPCA of Texas is an investment in the North Texas community because our donors’ gifts go directly toward helping animals in need in our immediate area.  

DT: How can the people of North Texas and beyond help meet your needs for 2014? What are your biggest needs? 

JB: Our biggest challenge continues to be achieving sustainable funding and obtaining other, non-financial resources that are absolutely critical to allowing us to meet the needs of North Texas people and pets. Again, the SPCA of Texas is able to respond to animals in need only through the generous support of private individuals, corporations and foundations. We help more than 50,000 animals receive the love, attention and medical care they need each year. We need our community’s help to continue providing the wide array of programs and services that we offer to the people and pets of North Texas. Giving to the SPCA of Texas is an investment in the North Texas community because our donors’ gifts go directly toward helping animals in need in our immediate area. Our community can help with donations and volunteer support, including working in the shelters and fostering animals. I urge everyone to get to know us and learn more about how they can help us help animals by visiting www.spca.org. 

DT: What is the most memorable moment in your experiences at SPCA of Dallas?   

JB: Truly, three moments stand out equally to me. Going chronologically, our response efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, our seizure of 26,411 exotic animals from U.S. Global Exotics in 2009/2010 (an exotic dealer that was found to be cruelly treating the animals) and the opening of our state-of-the-art, industry-leading Jan Rees-Jones Animal Care Center in Dallas in 2012. All three were monumental in scope, and all three allowed us to live our mission, to provide every animal exceptional care and a loving home.

DT: I can't let this profile end without revealing a bit about your amazing personal story. Your deep caring goes well beyond animals. You are also an adoptive father. Can you talk about the decision to open your heart and home and adopt children? 

JB: My wife and I are indeed blessed with a wonderful family.  I have a very passionate wife, and both of us are guided by our faith, so we decided to add to our family through adoption. Our family includes five boys and six girls, ages 6 to 19.

If you'd like to nominate a local resident for a BubbleLife community profile, contact Dawn Tongish at dtongish@yahoo.com or find her on Twitter at @DawnTongish.