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Susan Wood/Hope Center

Meet Susan Wood, director of The Hope Center for Autism based in Fort Worth. The organization founded by Wood and her husband Glenn in 2007 serves masses of children and their families across Tarrant County, seeking therapy and a safe enviornment.

We wanted to know more about Wood and she was kind enough to answer a few questions about herself, the center and the families it serves.  

Dawn Tongish: Please begin by telling us about The Hope Center for Autism?
 
Susan Wood: It was founded in 2007 by me and my husband, Glenn along with a group of concerned parents who saw a need for a different type of center to serve families affected by autism. The Hope Center for Autism was born from the need for a supportive environment and more ABA Therapy for families in the Fort Worth area. Parents formed together to agree on what was needed and what would be beneficial during their journey. 
 
DT: What are your duties at The Hope Center for Autism?
 
SW: I am the executive director. My duties included over seeing the day to day as well as all out reach events and sharing Hope with the community.
 
DT: How did you become involved with The Hope Center for Autism, and why are you so passionate about the work being done at the organization?
 
SW: The Hope Center for Autism is a labor of love. We founded the center because we saw a need for something that was not being offered in this area for these children.
I am very blessed, many people never know what they are here for, not me this is why I was born. This is what I am supposed to do. Take care of the children.
 
DT: Why do you work in the non profit sector? 
 
SW: Because I am a giver. and I want to serve this population and give them an affordable high quality place for ABA therapy.
 
DT: It can be difficult for any non profit to pay the bills. How do you stay afloat? 
 
SW: We talk to any and everyone who will listen, we hold fundraisers. People who believe in our work hold events for us. We work tirelessly for this cause.
 
DT: How can the people of Tarrant County and beyond help meet your needs for 2014? What are your biggest needs? 
 
SW: We have a need for each client to have a tablet. We would love a library for our clients while being served by Hope Center to have one. They would be child driven so each one would be set up to help that one child. Our main focus this year is to put our scholarships back in place. We gave out  $32.000.00 in scholarships in 2012 but last year due to raising cost we were unable to offer any scholarships.
 
DT: What is the most memorable moment in your experiences at The Hope Center for Autism?
 
SW: The first words from a non verbal 8 year old. Potty training a 14 yr old , 6 year olds first time to say momma. There are so many I cannot list just one.
 
DT: What is the first thing you do when you walk into work each day? 
 
SW: I go room to room saying and getting my hellos from the children.
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Meet Martha Powell, president of the board of directors at Paws in the City; a Dallas-based organization devoted to ending the abuse, neglect and overpopulation of dogs and cats. Powell and the volunteers at PAWS are like the "last chance" for many animals, about to be euthanized.
 
For decades, Powell who also works for a non profit in her professional life, has volunteered countless hours to not only rescue animals, but transform the system. While on the board at PAWS, Powell helped move Dallas to a no-kill city.
 
We wanted to know more about Powell and she was kind enought to answer a few questions about herself, PAWS and the communities it serves. 
 
Dawn Tongish: Can you begin by telling us about Paws in the City?  
 
Martha Powell: Paws in the City is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) charitable organization devoted to ending the abuse, neglect and overpopulation of Dallas area dogs and cats. Each day, our volunteers work to find loving forever homes for dogs and cats who were "on the clock" at the Dallas Animal Services shelter when we pulled them into our program. We have a foster home network, but also we have boarding partners and invest in training for dogs who need to overcome behavior issues in order to make them adoptable. We also participate with the Paws of Hope prison training program. One of our flagship programs is "Fixin' to Save," where we fund and staff "spay day" and immunization clinics in underserved Dallas zip codes. We also have a special fund, the Wyly Fund, that allows us to take in injured and abused animals and bring them back to health. The Janie Tilford Fairy Godmother Fund provides grants to people who need assistance with unexpected medical expenses for their pets. We partner with individuals who have rescued animals and are seeking homes for them through our Guest Dog program - we market their rescues and they bring them to our adoptions. We hold adoptions nearly every weekend of the year. These locations include Whole Foods Lakewood, Petco, and the PourHouse in Oak Cliff. 
 
DT:  What are your duties at Paws in the City? 
 
MP: I am president of the board of directors, which consists of six dedicated volunteers who direct different areas of our operations. I can honestly say that everyone who volunteers at Paws in the City works harder than I do. I "helicopter in" for certain events, and I do the adoptions at PourHouse Oak Cliff, near where I live. I help with fundraising, governance, and work with the board to solve issues that arise as our volunteers battle the tough problem of transforming Dallas from a city that euthanizes 17,000 pets each year to a no-kill city. 
 
DT: How did you become involved with Paws in the City, are you so passionate about the work being done with the animals?   
 
MP: I served on the board from 2008 to 2011. In 2012, when the board was re-organized and expanded, I rejoined and was elected president, which at the time was more a reflection of my willingness to serve than my qualifications. I was president of another humane society in the 90's, and my husband and I have been rescuing dogs and cats for more than 20 years. My husband runs a daily animal rescue news site called "readlarrypowell.com" and we have volunteered for many fine rescue organizations in North Texas. There really cannot be too many rescue groups, because people who will abuse and abandon pets outnumber us exponentially. 
 
DT: Why do you work in the non profit sector? 
 
MP: Paws in the City is volunteer effort for us, although in my professional life I do happen to work at a non profit organization (the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth). Non profit organizations are not so different than for profit organizations in that good business practices are essential for success. I would also like to say that without companies and individuals who work for profit, non profits could never be funded. So - I am a big fan of people and companies who make money and then are kind enough to share it with us if they support our mission. 
 
DT: It can be difficult for any non profit to pay the bills. How do you stay afloat? 
 
MP: You have to spend the same or less than you take in - it is that simple. Any time you want to do something, you have to raise the money to fund it. Our volunteers are creative and passionate, and they devote countless hours to finding ways to fund our mission and wisely steward the funds donated to that mission. 
 
DT: How can the people of Dallas County and beyond do to help meet your needs for 2014? What are your biggest needs? 
 
MP: You know, if the people of Dallas County would commit to spaying and neutering their pets, keep them safe and not abandon or abuse them, rescue groups like us would happily go out of business. Our biggest need is for our neighbors to act in a moral and responsible way on behalf of the animals that we have domesticated as our companions. And when they are asked by a group like us or the SPCA or Operation Kindness or a hundred others to give a few dollars, please do!
 
DT: What is the most memorable moment in your experiences at  Paws in the City? 
 
MP: This was not a really momentous occasion, but one of our foster families adopted a Pit Bull from us. This breed is loving, loyal and gentle, and always in great danger whenever they land in a municipal shelter. I saw a photo of the dog, Decka, a few months after her adoption. In the photo, Decka's white paw, with nails painted a bright pink, rested in the hand of her young owner. It just made my heart swell to think of the journey she made from death row at the  shelter to a family where she is cherished and adored. 
 
DT: What is the first thing you do when you walk into work each day? 
 
MP: Well, I have to tend to my duties at the World Affairs Council! But I am sneaking a look at my Paws in the City email a couple of times a day, and often spend my lunch hour catching up with that. I am lucky to work for a boss who is an animal fan and supports our volunteer activities. 
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Meet Martha Powell, president of the board of directors at Paws in the City; a Dallas-based organization devoted to ending the abuse, neglect and overpopulation of dogs and cats. Powell and the volunteers at PAWS are like the "last chance" for many animals, about to be euthanized.
 
For decades, Powell who also works for a non profit in her professional life, has volunteered countless hours to not only rescue animals, but transform the system. While on the board at PAWS, Powell helped move Dallas to a no-kill city.
 
We wanted to know more about Powell and she was kind enought to answer a few questions about herself, PAWS and the communities it serves. 
 
Dawn Tongish: Can you begin by telling us about Paws in the City?  
 
Martha Powell: Paws in the City is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) charitable organization devoted to ending the abuse, neglect and overpopulation of Dallas area dogs and cats. Each day, our volunteers work to find loving forever homes for dogs and cats who were "on the clock" at the Dallas Animal Services shelter when we pulled them into our program. We have a foster home network, but also we have boarding partners and invest in training for dogs who need to overcome behavior issues in order to make them adoptable. We also participate with the Paws of Hope prison training program. One of our flagship programs is "Fixin' to Save," where we fund and staff "spay day" and immunization clinics in underserved Dallas zip codes. We also have a special fund, the Wyly Fund, that allows us to take in injured and abused animals and bring them back to health. The Janie Tilford Fairy Godmother Fund provides grants to people who need assistance with unexpected medical expenses for their pets. We partner with individuals who have rescued animals and are seeking homes for them through our Guest Dog program - we market their rescues and they bring them to our adoptions. We hold adoptions nearly every weekend of the year. These locations include Whole Foods Lakewood, Petco, and the PourHouse in Oak Cliff. 
 
DT:  What are your duties at Paws in the City? 
 
MP: I am president of the board of directors, which consists of six dedicated volunteers who direct different areas of our operations. I can honestly say that everyone who volunteers at Paws in the City works harder than I do. I "helicopter in" for certain events, and I do the adoptions at PourHouse Oak Cliff, near where I live. I help with fundraising, governance, and work with the board to solve issues that arise as our volunteers battle the tough problem of transforming Dallas from a city that euthanizes 17,000 pets each year to a no-kill city. 
 
DT: How did you become involved with Paws in the City, are you so passionate about the work being done with the animals?   
 
MP: I served on the board from 2008 to 2011. In 2012, when the board was re-organized and expanded, I rejoined and was elected president, which at the time was more a reflection of my willingness to serve than my qualifications. I was president of another humane society in the 90's, and my husband and I have been rescuing dogs and cats for more than 20 years. My husband runs a daily animal rescue news site called "readlarrypowell.com" and we have volunteered for many fine rescue organizations in North Texas. There really cannot be too many rescue groups, because people who will abuse and abandon pets outnumber us exponentially. 
 
DT: Why do you work in the non profit sector? 
 
MP: Paws in the City is volunteer effort for us, although in my professional life I do happen to work at a non profit organization (the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth). Non profit organizations are not so different than for profit organizations in that good business practices are essential for success. I would also like to say that without companies and individuals who work for profit, non profits could never be funded. So - I am a big fan of people and companies who make money and then are kind enough to share it with us if they support our mission. 
 
DT: It can be difficult for any non profit to pay the bills. How do you stay afloat? 
 
MP: You have to spend the same or less than you take in - it is that simple. Any time you want to do something, you have to raise the money to fund it. Our volunteers are creative and passionate, and they devote countless hours to finding ways to fund our mission and wisely steward the funds donated to that mission. 
 
DT: How can the people of Dallas County and beyond do to help meet your needs for 2014? What are your biggest needs? 
 
MP: You know, if the people of Dallas County would commit to spaying and neutering their pets, keep them safe and not abandon or abuse them, rescue groups like us would happily go out of business. Our biggest need is for our neighbors to act in a moral and responsible way on behalf of the animals that we have domesticated as our companions. And when they are asked by a group like us or the SPCA or Operation Kindness or a hundred others to give a few dollars, please do!
 
DT: What is the most memorable moment in your experiences at  Paws in the City? 
 
MP: This was not a really momentous occasion, but one of our foster families adopted a Pit Bull from us. This breed is loving, loyal and gentle, and always in great danger whenever they land in a municipal shelter. I saw a photo of the dog, Decka, a few months after her adoption. In the photo, Decka's white paw, with nails painted a bright pink, rested in the hand of her young owner. It just made my heart swell to think of the journey she made from death row at the  shelter to a family where she is cherished and adored. 
 
DT: What is the first thing you do when you walk into work each day? 
 
MP: Well, I have to tend to my duties at the World Affairs Council! But I am sneaking a look at my Paws in the City email a couple of times a day, and often spend my lunch hour catching up with that. I am lucky to work for a boss who is an animal fan and supports our volunteer activities. 
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Courtesy: Diane Combs
Meet Martha Powell, president of the board of directors at Paws in the City; a Dallas-based organization devoted to ending the abuse, neglect and overpopulation of dogs and cats. Powell and the volunteers at PAWS are like the "last chance" for many animals, about to be euthanized.
 
For decades, Powell who also works for a non profit in her professional life, has volunteered countless hours to not only rescue animals, but transform the system. While on the board at PAWS, Powell helped move Dallas to a no-kill city.
 
We wanted to know more about Powell and she was kind enought to answer a few questions about herself, PAWS and the communities it serves. 
 
Dawn Tongish: Can you begin by telling us about Paws in the City?  
 
Martha Powell: Paws in the City is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) charitable organization devoted to ending the abuse, neglect and overpopulation of Dallas area dogs and cats. Each day, our volunteers work to find loving forever homes for dogs and cats who were "on the clock" at the Dallas Animal Services shelter when we pulled them into our program. We have a foster home network, but also we have boarding partners and invest in training for dogs who need to overcome behavior issues in order to make them adoptable. We also participate with the Paws of Hope prison training program. One of our flagship programs is "Fixin' to Save," where we fund and staff "spay day" and immunization clinics in underserved Dallas zip codes. We also have a special fund, the Wyly Fund, that allows us to take in injured and abused animals and bring them back to health. The Janie Tilford Fairy Godmother Fund provides grants to people who need assistance with unexpected medical expenses for their pets. We partner with individuals who have rescued animals and are seeking homes for them through our Guest Dog program - we market their rescues and they bring them to our adoptions. We hold adoptions nearly every weekend of the year. These locations include Whole Foods Lakewood, Petco, and the PourHouse in Oak Cliff. 
 
DT:  What are your duties at Paws in the City? 
 
MP: I am president of the board of directors, which consists of six dedicated volunteers who direct different areas of our operations. I can honestly say that everyone who volunteers at Paws in the City works harder than I do. I "helicopter in" for certain events, and I do the adoptions at PourHouse Oak Cliff, near where I live. I help with fundraising, governance, and work with the board to solve issues that arise as our volunteers battle the tough problem of transforming Dallas from a city that euthanizes 17,000 pets each year to a no-kill city. 
 
DT: How did you become involved with Paws in the City, are you so passionate about the work being done with the animals?   
 
MP: I served on the board from 2008 to 2011. In 2012, when the board was re-organized and expanded, I rejoined and was elected president, which at the time was more a reflection of my willingness to serve than my qualifications. I was president of another humane society in the 90's, and my husband and I have been rescuing dogs and cats for more than 20 years. My husband runs a daily animal rescue news site called "readlarrypowell.com" and we have volunteered for many fine rescue organizations in North Texas. There really cannot be too many rescue groups, because people who will abuse and abandon pets outnumber us exponentially. 
 
DT: Why do you work in the non profit sector? 
 
MP: Paws in the City is volunteer effort for us, although in my professional life I do happen to work at a non profit organization (the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth). Non profit organizations are not so different than for profit organizations in that good business practices are essential for success. I would also like to say that without companies and individuals who work for profit, non profits could never be funded. So - I am a big fan of people and companies who make money and then are kind enough to share it with us if they support our mission. 
 
DT: It can be difficult for any non profit to pay the bills. How do you stay afloat? 
 
MP: You have to spend the same or less than you take in - it is that simple. Any time you want to do something, you have to raise the money to fund it. Our volunteers are creative and passionate, and they devote countless hours to finding ways to fund our mission and wisely steward the funds donated to that mission. 
 
DT: How can the people of Dallas County and beyond do to help meet your needs for 2014? What are your biggest needs? 
 
MP: You know, if the people of Dallas County would commit to spaying and neutering their pets, keep them safe and not abandon or abuse them, rescue groups like us would happily go out of business. Our biggest need is for our neighbors to act in a moral and responsible way on behalf of the animals that we have domesticated as our companions. And when they are asked by a group like us or the SPCA or Operation Kindness or a hundred others to give a few dollars, please do!
 
DT: What is the most memorable moment in your experiences at  Paws in the City? 
 
MP: This was not a really momentous occasion, but one of our foster families adopted a Pit Bull from us. This breed is loving, loyal and gentle, and always in great danger whenever they land in a municipal shelter. I saw a photo of the dog, Decka, a few months after her adoption. In the photo, Decka's white paw, with nails painted a bright pink, rested in the hand of her young owner. It just made my heart swell to think of the journey she made from death row at the  shelter to a family where she is cherished and adored. 
 
DT: What is the first thing you do when you walk into work each day? 
 
MP: Well, I have to tend to my duties at the World Affairs Council! But I am sneaking a look at my Paws in the City email a couple of times a day, and often spend my lunch hour catching up with that. I am lucky to work for a boss who is an animal fan and supports our volunteer activities. 
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Brian Trusty - Audubon Texas

Meet Brian Trusty, executive director of Audubon Texas; the oldest citizen conservation organization in the Lone Star State. As a fifth generation Texan, Trusty feels an obligation to protect the natural resources and beauty of this great state; but admits he fell into his leadership duties with Audubon in an unexpected way. Trusty never intended to pursue not-for-profit work, it just happened.

We wanted to know more about what drives Trusty to oversee this large and diverse organization and he was kind enough to answer a few questions about himself, Audubon Texas and the communities it serves across the state.  

Dawn Tongish: Can You begin by telling us about Audubon Texas?

Brian Trusty: Audubon is a the oldest citizen conservation organization in the Lone Star State.  In 1899, the first Audubon chapter was created in Galveston leading to over a century of conservation legacy in Texas.  Today, there are 20 official Audubon chapters in Texas comprised of over 18,000 members, three state-of-the-art Audubon nature centers, 16 globally significant and recognized Important Bird Areas, and multiple Audubon sanctuaries throughout the state.  Audubon is a science-based conservation organization with three primary areas of scientific focus: coastal conservation, prairie and grassland conservation, and urban conservation.  Additionally, we provide community education and engagement through our Audubon centers that serve over 75,000 visitors each year.

DT: What are your duties at Audubon Texas? 

BT: As Executive Director my responsibilities are to oversee and manage the assets, programs and personnel of Audubon Texas, the state office of the National Audubon Society.  This includes three Audubon centers, three coastal island sanctuaries that in total are comprised of 178 barrier islands from Louisiana to Mexico that are critical nesting and breeding habitants for migrating birds, and an internationally renowned sanctuary along the Texas-Mexico border.  I am responsible for leading the Audubon Texas team in our three conservation science areas (coastal, prairie and grassland, and urban), Audubon chapter coordination and support, policy advocacy in Texas, and in participating in hemispheric conservation initiatives spanning the Central Flyway.  I am also a Vice President of National Audubon Society and am expected to participate in, lead, and represent Texas in national priorities and initiatives.

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

BT: I am thankful to have a rich and diverse history in natural resource management, nature center and park management, and in leading outdoor education experiences.  As a fifth-generation Texan, it is important to me to preserve the quality of our native landscapes and wildlife that are a significant part of our Texas identity.  When my career led me to the opportunity to work with a conservation leader like Audubon, I did not hesitate.  Great conservation should be approached as a mosaic – an intricate tapestry spun with many threads.   Audubon does this incredibly well through a science-based approach to on-the-ground resource management and restoration, high quality community education facilities and programs, and pragmatic and thoughtful strategies in policy advocacy and public engagement.

DT:  Why do you work in the non profit sector?

BT: I did not purposefully seek out the nonprofit sector, but have arrived in a position at an organization that is a nonprofit.  I find it both fulfilling and challenging.  I enjoy the opportunity to work in a field where it feels like we’re engaged in a noble cause with meaningful purpose.

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

BT: Tenacity and innovation.  Audubon Texas is working to create the appropriate balance of fund-raising revenues and earned revenues; of entrepreneurialism that respects our organizational mission and our conservation values; and a strong cultural dedication to the rigors of success.

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

BT: My fellow Texans can help by being aware, understanding the issues, and being personally committed to conservation in our great state.  Audubon is a great organization to be a part of and to support, but ultimately we are seeking personal conservation action and involvement.  We are working hard to become more relevant with our messages, engagement strategies, and as an organization on the whole to better serve Texans in this great cause.  We are hopeful that Texans will take interest, support our efforts, and be a part of a community that is committed to a bright future for generations to come.

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

BT: Seeing the glimmer of understanding in a young person’s eyes as they are learning about how incredibly sophisticated our natural world is, how connected our own quality of life and actions are to it, and how they can make a difference.  I am blessed to see it almost every day.

DT: What is the first thing you do when you walk into work each day? 

BT: Make coffee.

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Cheri Fults, Recycled Pomeranian Rescue
Meet Cheri Fults, vice president of Recycled Pomeranians and Schipperkes Rescue based in Garland and DeSoto. Since 1996, Fults has seen the pom rescue grow from a small, but loyal group into a well-oiled organization with more than 60 volunteers dedicated to saving the tiny breed through rescue, foster and placement in permanent homes. Last year hundreds of pomeranians and schipperkes found adoptive families. 
 
Fults, an engineering firm office manager works full-time; but spends 4-5 hours a day caring for foster dogs in her home; investing not only time, but her own money to rescue the dogs she has loved since childhood. We wanted to know more and she was kind enough to answer a few questions about herself, RP & SR and the communities it serves.
 
Dawn Tongish: Please begin by telling us about Recycled Pomeranians & Schipperkes Rescue? 
 
Cheri Fults: Recycled Pomeranians & Schipperkes began its incredible journey in January of 1996. Our goal then, as it is now, was to be one of the finest rescue organizations in the DFW area, helping to end the plight of homeless Pomeranians & Schipperkes killed in local shelters. Melissa Bitting started this rescue alone with only the help of her husband, Bill. By 2007, Cheri Fults combined her Pom rescue organization with Recycled Poms and we grew to 27 dedicated volunteers.  That year, 198 dogs found new hope and new homes because of our rescue efforts. We are all so proud of our work, but we understood that our successes were relatively small to the number of dogs that needed our help. Still, we had made a difference—and that felt good.
We are still growing!  Lisa Schrader joined us in the year 2008…and because of her tenacity, our volunteer base grew to nearly 60 dedicated pom lovers!!  Lisa took the rescue a step further and began hosting adoption events nearly every weekend throughout the year… rain or shine!  In 2010, we had rescued 300 Poms and Schips!  Last year (2013) we had rescued nearly 350 fur balls! 
A major milestone as an organization came in October 2009 when we gained 501-(c) (3) non-profit status. By becoming a non-profit, we could expand our program to include many more shelters throughout Texas and surrounding states — and help more needy dogs. Also as a non-profit, all donations became tax deductible for our donors, and that gave them even more incentive to donate. Now that was exciting!
 
DT: What are your duties at RP & SR? 
 
CF: As VP, I am responsible for maintaining the number of dogs that are accepted into our organization and following up with them until they are adopted.  I assign tasks to our core volunteers, provide financial assistance to the rescue as needed, as well as care for all incoming dogs until they are prepared for a foster home or adoption. 
 
DT:  How did you become involved with RP & SR, and why are you so passionate about the work being done at the organization?  
 
CF: I bought my first dog (as a young adult) from a puppy mill. The things I saw there made me sick to my very core.  I had never heard of the word “puppy mill” before I purchased my dog from one.  I took actions to shut that puppy mill down and was successful after a very long six months.  Unfortunately, many poms on that property died one winter after being left outside in the cold with no shelter whatsoever.   Their deaths provided me with much needed photographs that were taken by the side of the road. (I could not take pictures ON the property.)  Ultimately, those pictures shut the place down.   Later, I met Melissa Bitting at a Pom event and introduced myself to her.   We immediately bonded and began a quest to save as many Pom and Schippy lives as we could.
 
DT: Why do you work in the non profit sector?
 
CF: I have no desire for financial gain for myself.  I just want to see all puppy mills shut down, breeding restricted and spay/neuter programs enforced.
 
DT: It can be difficult for any non profit to pay the bills. How do you stay afloat?  
 
CF: Unfortunately, I have to spend a huge amount of my own money to keep the rescue afloat.  We do obtain grants, donations and have regular sponsors but it’s never enough.  Last year, I paid $27k of my own money  to the rescue and I have high hopes of not having to keep up that same pace this year. (Melissa coughs up half her paycheck as well!) We have even more dedicated volunteers this year that work very hard to bring in the cash and get the fur kids adopted into really good homes.  
 
DT: How can the people of Dallas County and beyond help meet your needs for 2014? What are your biggest needs?   
 
CF: We are always in need of foster homes, but I think a long term goal would be our own facility close to my home. 
 We always want to give our dogs an in-home experience but the overflow of dogs cannot be contained in one home so it means saying NO to Poms in shelters that need us.    Even if we had a facility to keep the majority of the fur kids in, we would still rotate them weekly into foster homes to get one-on-one love and attention.   We would like this facility to host a maximum of 50 small dogs at one time. 
Our smaller needs (but still as important) is as follows…
Bleach (we use 3 jugs a week cleaning and washing)
Spray cleaners (pet friendly is preferred but not necessary)
Dawn Dishwashing liquid (we use it for everything!)
A vacuum for pet hair
Good Solid crates
8” to 12” collars
Leashes (no flexi leashes though)
Flea and tick sprays (natural or holistic)
Lavender spray or scents to ease tension for the dogs
Large towels (used is fine)
Gas cards for transport
Poop bags
Poop shovels
Need a patio cover for the summer because the cement gets hot in my back yard.
 
DT: What is the most memorable moment in your experiences at RP & SR?
 
CF: Sadly, the countless horror stories are the first things that come to mind.  But one story was kind of funny (sort of).  Marcy Oliver (volunteer) and I went to Oklahoma to retrieve some puppy mill poms.  We pulled 28 poms out filthy feces laden cages.  When we were done loading up the poms in my SUV, we looked at ourselves and we were covered in dog do-do.  We look like we had taken a mud bath… only it was runny poop.  Pretty gross.  There was no running water on the property.  We drove a while (gagging all the way) and saw someone’s yard hose.  We snuck onto the property and hosed ourselves down… The owners of the property did not appear to be home.  Thank God!   We used all the spray cleaner we had to clean ourselves and the SUV but it still didn’t kill the smell… and then we had an SUV load of poopy poms.  So Marcy pulled out of her purse some disposable toothbrushes that already had tooth paste on the brush.  We stuck the tooth brushes up our nose and went on our merry way.  All I could smell was Cinnamon!  Hooray!!  We looked like two grown adults playing Walrus.  Very ridiculous!   After a while, the toothpaste began to melt and burn our nostrils… but even after we took them out, we could still smell heavy cinnamon at least. 
 
DT: What is the first thing you do when you walk into work?
 
CF: I work a full time job in addition to running the Pom rescue at home.  At home, the first thing we do when we all wake up is feed the screaming and barking poms demanding their breakfast.  LOL!    At work, the first thing I do is sigh a deep breath and start my day.  I have to focus on my real job when I’m at work and not let the rescue distract me too much. My bosses are amazing and flexible with me so I never want to take advantage of their generosity.  They are all dog lovers and support my cause.   I love my job and I love our rescue and never want to take either for granted.
 
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Lynne Sipiora, Samaritan Inn

 

Meet Lynne Sipiora, executive director of the Samaritan Inn in McKinney; the largest residential program in Collin County, serving the homeless. Sipiora took over the post nearly a decade ago, the week Hurricane Katrina evacuees arrived in North Texas. 

Sipiora is passionate about helping others in crisis. For 30 years, she has worked in not for profit management. She is also an author of the book "In Search of Motherhood", and she has experience; raising three children with her husband, Ken. 

We wanted to know a little more about Sipiora and she was gracious enough to answer some questions about herself, the Samaritan Inn and the communities it serves.  

Dawn Tongish: Can you tell us about The Samaritan Inn?

Lynne Sipiora: The Samaritan Inn is the largest residential program in Collin county. We were founded thirty years ago as a ten bed emergency men's shelter. Today we house over 200 men, women and children who are experiencing homelessness and provide all the resources they need to re-gain their independence.  

DT: What are your duties at the Samaritan Inn? 

LS: I am the executive director, so I oversee all functions of our operations including volunteers, marketing, special events and programs. It is also my responsibility to riase the money needed to meet our annual budget of two million dollars. 

DT: How did you become involved with the Samaritan Inn, why are you so passionate about the work being done at the shelters?  

LS: I began as a volunteer as the Samaritan Inn when I first moved to McKinney in 2000. At the time I was a stay at home Mom, but prior to the birth of my children I had worked in non profit management. In 2005, I accepted the position of director.

I am passionate about our work because I believe every person deserves a place to sleep at night and food to eat.

I know things happen, to all kinds of people, in all walks of life and it is society's responsiblity to help. Every day I see the difference our program makes in people's lives. They arrive broken and desperate and they leave with newfound confidence and the ability to re-build their lives. 

DT: Why do you work in the non profit sector? 

LS: I've been called a professional do-gooder and I think that is probably true. I want to change a little piece of the world and working at the Samaritan Inn enables me to do that. 

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

LS: The Samaritan Inn is supported by thousands of individuals, as well as the business and faith community. We are also a United Way agency. People are very compassionate and generous and they want to help.  

DT: How can the people of Collin County and beyond do to help meet your needs for 2014? What are your biggest needs? 

LS: The program of homlessness (nationally and in Collin County) is far bigger than people realize. In 2013, 2,677 qualifed people were turned away because they didn't have room for them. The Samaritan Inn is committed to solving that problem. Last spring we purchased 15 acres of land (30 yards south of our current facility) for the purpose of building a family shelter. 

It is a $7.5 million project and will truly "take a village". Our capital campaign kicked off in February and we need donations to make this happen. People are living on the streets and in their cars. We can't let that happen on our watch. 

DT: What is the most memorable moment in your experiences at the Samaritan Inn? 

LS: I have had the privilege of seeing so many people turn their lives around that it is hard to choose just one story. I handed a former resident a degree from Collin College, after he had worked on it for two years. I watched a former resident come back and join our staff, telling people "if i can do it, so can you". I was there when a teenager, living with her family at the Inn, got a full ride to the University of Kansas. It is truly the best job in the world!

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Colonel Kim Olson (ret.), Grace After Fire

Meet Kimberly Olson, retired United States Colonel and now CEO/President of Grace after Fire; a Fort Worth-based organization designed to support women Veterans. With 25 years of military service as a USAF pilot, Olson was among the first generation of female military pilots, with deployments to combat zones of Bosnia, Iraq and the Pentagon (surviving 9/11).

Olson's distinguished military career allowed her to change perceptions about women serving in the armed forces. Today, her work with Grace continues to drive home ideals that women Veterans are valuable and can succeed with a unique support network. Under Olson's leadership Grace helped 2,000 women overcome PTSD, moral inury and trauma; helping with a transition back into family, workplace and community. She recently convinced Texas legislators to pass a resolution naming March as Texas Women Veterans Month until the year 2020. 

We wanted to know a litte more about Olson and she was gracious enough to answer a few questions about herself, Grace Under Fire and the female Veterans it serves.  

Dawn Tongish: Can you tell us about Grace After Fire?  

Colonel Kimberly Olson: Our mission is to help women Veterans help themselves by providing the means for women Veterans to gain self-knowledge and self-renewal.  We do this work through leveraging resources and educational support for women veterans of the United States military who are returning from active duty so that they can re-engage as women, mothers, wives and daughters in civilian life.  The collective efforts of the Grace team are truly not about the number of women veterans served.  The true impact that Grace is having on veterans transpires on two fronts.  The first front occurs with the actual work the team does with each veteran we serve and help.  The second front involves the greater influence on the legacy veteran systems and local communities where veterans work, live and seek help.

DT: What are your duties at Grace After Fire?  

KO: Much like the mission statement at Grace After Fire, the CEO/President has a two-fold mission: leading a team of phenomenal women, all except one, has served in the military; and the second is to advocate on behalf of women veterans. 

DT: How did you become involved with Grace After Fire, and why are you so passionate about the work being done there?  

KO: I was asked.  My passion stems from being a part of the generation of women who took the door off the hinges for women in all kinds of careers to include the military. But we missed an important element in ensuring there was a safety net for women, especially those who serve their country in uniform.  Simple things like appropriate gear to protect them (Army did not field test body armor for women until 2012); gender-based research on war related PTSD; ensuring women could get access to care in the legacy system set up for veterans; and finally, finding a safe place for women to go to heal (if needed) after their military service.

DT: Why do you work in the non-profit sector? 

KO: Like most military veterans, we still have a need to serve our communities.  I think leading a nonprofit allows you to be the voice for those struggling just to make a whisper.  It allows for bigger impact in the arena of women veterans. 

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

KO: We are very frugal with donor dollars.  Like any nonprofit, it takes funds to help women veterans, but we let our work speak for itself.  Our great partners include foundations, corporations and private donors.  More money means more women get help.  It is that simple.  We work really hard to keep our admin cost close to 10%. This means for every dollar given to grace, 90 cents is spent helping veterans.  Our belief is if you help a female get well, she will get her family well and in the veterans’ world, get her mate or partner well.  (60% of women vets are married to other vets or military, and 40% have school-age kids) 

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

KO: Hire women veterans, recognize them in the communities, get online and donate something to a local veteran organization, support local veteran events, and it is good to say thanks, but veterans live in your neighborhood, so reach out and do something! 

DT: What is the most memorable moment in your experiences at Grace After Fire? 

KO: Great question. I think it is more the sense that we are making a difference in women's lives everyday.  The realizations that just like your responsibility as a commander to take care of the troops, same responsibility extends into the veteran space.  For me, those troops are women veterans.

DT: What is the first thing you do when you walk into work each day? 

KO: Ask myself, “What are you doing to help women veterans today.” 

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Jennifer Bolton, Exec. Dir. TeamConnor

Meet Jennifer Koi Bolton, executive director of TeamConnor ChildhoodCancer Foundation, who left a Fortune 500 company in Dallas to pursue her passion for giving back to families in need. Bolton traces her caring spirit back to the early days as a candy striper at a local hospital or picking up trash with her local 4-H group, she was taught to serve others. 

Since joining TeamConnor in 2010, Bolton spearheaded the non-profit's largest fundraising drive in history, the annual celebrity fashion show. We wanted to get to know Bolton a bit better and she was gracious enough to answer a few questions about herself, TeamConnor and the families it serves. 

Dawn Tongish: Can you tell us about your duties at TeamConnor Childhood Cancer Foundation?

Jennifer Bolton: TeamConnor was incorporated in 2008 and created due to the vision of Connor Cruse, then free of cancer that wanted to help children still battling the disease.  Tragically, Connor contracted a second cancer soon after and lost his battle on July 10, 2009.  We’ve taken what he started to the next level and continue to carry out his legacy.  Since 2008, TeamConnor has awarded over $1.6 Million in funding for research grants and patient programs across the country.  TeamConnor Childhood Cancer Foundation purpose is to build awareness, serve families and raise funds for research to help cure childhood cancer.   

DT: What are your duties at TeamConnor Childhood Cancer Foundation? 

JB: I hold the title of Executive Director at TeamConnor, but as with most non-profits, I play many roles.  As Executive Director I oversee the implementation of programs and events, serve as the liaison between the Board and the staff, manage the operations of the organization, as well as responsible for carrying out the vision of the Board of Directors.   Because we keep such a small staff, I also play a role in event planning, volunteer coordination, program management, and development and fundraising.

DT: How did you become involved with TeamConnor Childhood Cancer Foundation, and why are you so passionate about the work being done at the foundation?  

JB: I had the great pleasure of working with the Connor and the Cruse family while I was the development director with another successful childhood cancer non-profit in Dallas.  Joy and I worked hand-in-hand in 2007 when she chaired our largest event of the year and it just happened to be the same year Connor served as one of our stars of the event. 

It was at this organization that I became very close with a little boy named Tre.  Within three months of meeting him, Tre went from a bright and energetic young boy to a boy fighting for his life.  It was a defining moment for me when I got that call that he had passed.  It hit me hard with very raw emotions.  I realized that what I was doing was so much more than planning events, I was helping to save these children.  After that phone call, and hours of tears, I realized this was my calling.  I was here for a reason and I would do everything in my power to help. 

DT: Why do you work in the non profit sector? 

JB: I went straight into the corporate world out of college.  Almost six years into it and four months after a day-long volunteer job at the Salvation Army, I had the realization that I needed something more.  Maybe it was the thought of my parents instilling in me the need to give back.  I made the big, and yet scary, transition into non-profit management.  I managed to land a position managing three non-profit organizations, one with the sole focus of raising funds for childhood cancer research.  After Tre passed, the organization offered me a position as event coordinator, which I happily accepted.

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

JB: We rely heavily on the resources available to us at TeamConnor.  We’ve been blessed to have the support of the community, both through in-kind and monetary donations.  While it’s always a challenge for an organization to continue to grow with an unsteady economy, we find ways to keep expenses at a minimum and we utilize all of our resources.  

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

JB: We encourage everyone first to be aware that childhood cancer does exist and there are still too many children dying from this disease.  Many times I address the subject with a potential support and my message falls on deaf ears.  It’s incredibly difficult for people to think about children being sick or even dying.  I don’t know of anyone that hasn’t been affected by cancer in some way, and it’s difficult for any patient to go through treatment.  Can you imagine it being a child though?  Children are meant to be outside playing, laughing, making friends, thinking about what they want to be when they get big….not thinking “what if my cancer wins.”  First, we’ve got to be aware that childhood cancer is real and it is robbing too many children from their childhoods.  

I also encourage everyone in the community to learn about our Coins for Kids with Cancer program at www.coinsforkidswithcancer.org.  This program allows children to join in the fight by simply collecting coins that will be used to fund childhood cancer research. 

TeamConnor would not be able to continue our life saving work without monetary donations.  No donation is too small or too big.  Together we will find the cure for all childhood cancers.  If someone would like to get involved, but can’t make a donation, we would also be grateful for their time.  The reason TeamConnor is able to run on a two man staff is because of our incredible volunteers from all over the country.

DT: What is the most memorable moment in your experiences at TeamConnor Childhood Cancer Foundation?  

JB: Goodness, that is a tough one because we continue to make a difference in the lives of children every day.  If I were to narrow it down, I would say the most memorable moment would be a smile and a thank you offered by one of the young ladies that was in the Stem Cell Transplant Unit at Children’s Medical Center.  Her mother told me the box was a life saver because they came to the unit ill prepared for such a long stay.  The box helped this young lady pass the time and keep her sanity through her stay.  I’m proud to say this young lady is now cancer free and doing well.  I have hundreds of smiles from kids etched into my memory.  It makes it all worth it.

DT: What is the first thing you do when you walk into work each day? 

JB: After grabbing my morning coffee downstairs, I walk into my office each day  and immediately see my TCCF memory board. This board contains pictures of some of the children that we’ve helped, photos of our volunteers at events, even some of the doctors we’ve funded.  Each morning I look at it, take a deep breath and tell myself, “here we go!”.  This board serves as my morning pep talk and gets me focused on the goals for the day.  Even when I’m having one of those overwhelming days, I just look over at it and it reminds me why I continue to do what I do. 

 

 

 

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Lynn Davis DCAC, Pres and CEO

Meet Lynn Davis, president and CEO of the Dallas Children's Advocacy Center since 2005, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of abused children. Under Davis' leadership DCAC served more families, trained more professionals and raised more funds than at any other time in its history.

Recently, Davis who sits on the statewide board of Children's Advocacy Centers in Texas, lead an $11 million campaign to build a state-of-the art facility. Before taking the helm at DCAC, Davis spent 16 years as President/CEO of Dallas Challenge, caring for those battling substance abuse. 

We wanted to get to know Davis a bit better and he was gracious enough to answer a few questions about himself, DCAC and the communitites it serves.  

 

Dawn Tongish: How do you describe your mission at the Dallas Children's Advocacy Center? 

Lynn Davis:  Our mission is to improve the lives of abused children in Dallas County and to provide national leadership on child abuse issues. We are here to provide a unique and unduplicated bundle of services to abused children.  We help coordinate the investigation and prosecution of child abuse cases; we help children heal from trauma.  We also provide education and training to our community and well beyond to help raise awareness of this important cause.

DT: Last year, DCAC moved from its historic Swiss Avenue location into a new facility. How has that benefited young survivors of abuse and neglect? 

LD: This new $11.5 million facility is a tremendous gift from the community.  All of these dollars were raised privately from fewer than 200 donors.  We have already seen an increase in the number of children we serve.  We are able to help more kids, to provide higher quality and more sensitive services to young child victims and their families, and to educate more people than ever before about how to protect children.

DT:  You and your staff have difficult jobs. How do you manage to leave your work at the office each day? 

LD:  This is an ongoing challenge and one that we try to address in a variety of ways.  First, we all stay very tied to our mission and to our core values.  Our core values are:  the children come first in all that we do; we operate as a seamless team; each of us acts with a servant’s heart.  We know if we weren’t here to help lift tremendous burdens from these children that they would be worse off.  We know we are making a difference in their young lives.  We are all proud and our spirits lifted when we see a young client “graduate” from therapy, meaning he or she has reached certain therapeutic goals.  We see the smiles on the faces of these kids.  We know we have made a difference.  We see it every day.  What we hear, what we see – it’s often heartbreaking.  But we also see resilience, hope and healing.  We keep focused on that.  In addition, we bring in helpers from the outside to remind us that our exposure to trauma is real, to remind us to breathe/meditate, to exercise, to take a break and just enjoy each other as people, and to put it all aside as best we can.  We pay attention to the need to re-energize and to appreciate the hard work of our teams.

DT:  DCAC combines police officers, CPS, counselors, etc, all under one roof. That sounds very unique. Why do you believe this approach to investigating, treating child abuse has worked so well?

LD: This is a best practice model in the country.  Before this model existed, children who had been sexually abused, severely physically abused, or who had witnessed a homicide – they were taken to a police station, to a CPS office, and to other environments created for adults.  Now they can come to one place that is built for children.  They can talk to one of our forensic interviewers, and then police, CPS and our assistant District Attorney can all observe from a different room.  This reduces the trauma for the child and also makes for a better and stronger case if it proceeds through the criminal court process.  We can also then step in to provide healing services for these children, to provide for any emergency type services those families might need and we work with them for as long as they need at no charge.

DT: What are you most proud of at DCAC? 

LD: I am proud of our team – our employees and our partners.  I am proud every day that we come together to do this very difficult work, that we come back to do it again day after day, that we are here for these kids.  And I am always proud to see these children move from a place of broken-ness to a place of healing. It’s hard not to get inspired by that every day.

DT: Right now, at this moment a child is being abused, still many people feel powerless. What can each of us do to make a difference?  

LD: Each of us can make a significant difference in the lives of children.  We can learn more for one thing.  We have professionally-produced training tools available for school counselors, teachers, those who work with children in places of worship, for parents and for children themselves. Because of the strong need for these resources across the country, we are currently removing our name and “Dallas” from our training DVDs to make them more accessible nationwide.  We will launch these into the marketplace in April for schools and other child-serving organizations to purchase for a small fee. 

So we can use these resources to become more aware of signs and symptoms of child abuse.  We can use these tools to know how to respond if we think a child is in harm’s way.  We can learn how to protect our own children from potential harm. 

DT: The Appetite for Advocacy Luncheon is coming up, that is the center's big fundraiser. This year the event will feature renowned swimmer, Diana Nyad.  What message will she bring to the participants? 

LD: Diana Nyad is a survivor.  Not just a survivor of her incredible journey in swimming, but she is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse.  She will teach us about hope, about healing.  She will show us that we can all persevere, we can all do better, we can all move forward.  I can’t wait to meet her and hear her speak.  I know she will inspire us all.

DT:  April is Child Abuse Awareness Month. What three things should we all be aware of to spot a child who is being abused, sexually? 

LD: Signs that a child might be being sexually abused, or being groomed for sexual abuse vary, which is one of the reasons this is so hard to spot.  A normally very outgoing child might become very withdrawn.  A normally very passive child might become very angry and aggressive.  Children might resort to regressive behavior – such as children who have stopped wetting the bed – they might go back to that behavior.  There could be headaches, stomach aches, fear of being with a particular person.  

During April, we are asking our community to Stand Up for Children.  Everyone can visit istandup.org to learn more and to request a toolkit for April to help empower those in workplaces with information about our cause. 

DT: When you do have time for yourself, what are your hobbies or interests? 

LD: I love being out in nature.  I am an avid hunter and fisherman.  In fact, the walls of our building are lined with photographs that I have taken while out in nature.

DT: Can you pinpoint one day in your career at the center that has been most rewarding? 

LD: Certainly everyday there is a small (and sometimes large) miracle taking place in our building, but I would say the day of our grand opening I was overwhelmed with emotion more than once.  The true gravity of what we had accomplished hit me hard, knowing that this building would provide hope and healing to the children of Dallas County long after I’m gone.

DT: If you had to use three words to describe the positive "bubble" at DCAC what would those be? 

LD: Hope, healing, resilience.