From apprenticeship to job placement, Hilti North America charts bold new pathway of access and opportunities for Storehouse neighbors on their journeys to transformation 

The Storehouse Community Center is celebrating one of its newest job partnerships and the impact the global leader is having on its neighbors – those served by The Storehouse. Hilti North America, an industry leader in the design and manufacture of cutting-edge technologies, software, and services for the professional construction industry, became a job partner this year, initially welcoming four Storehouse neighbors into its apprenticeship program. Of the ten neighbors who have been hired into the apprenticeship program, three have already advanced into full-time employment in Hilti’s distribution center.

“A perfect and powerful match, this partnership has surpassed all expectations,” said Candace Winslow, CEO, The Storehouse Community Center. “The Storehouse and Hilti not only share the same values but also the same belief that sustainable employment can be life-changing for underserved individuals. I knew in my first conversations with Dulari Mehta, Hilti’s Manager of Social Impact, Education and Workforce, that this partnership would play a significant role in the long-term transformation of many of our neighbors. We are so grateful to Dulari, who has a deep understanding of our vision, as well as everyone on Hilti’s hard-working and caring team for the impact they are making in the lives of so many within The Storehouse and beyond.”

From standing in the food pantry line to becoming the first Storehouse apprentice at Hilti offered full-time employment, Gustavo Urdaneta, 20, knows firsthand the value of this partnership. Urdaneta and his family (parents and sister) came to North Texas from Venezuela in 2021 to live with his uncle who took them to The Storehouse for assistance. They lived with him for three months and then moved to their own apartment.

Grateful for what they had received, the family wanted to give back and help others in the community. His sister, Maria Laura, self-taught in English with a strong mastery of the language, began volunteering as a teacher at The Storehouse in The Academy English as a Second Language (ESL) program when it launched in 2022. Today she has logged more than 194 volunteer hours and was one of the first neighbors employed by The Storehouse’s first job partner, Lux Ice.

“My sister, who helped me to learn English, encouraged me to volunteer with her at The Academy,” said Urdaneta. “She shared how wonderful it felt to know you were helping your community, so I decided to join her.”

Urdaneta has now logged 108 hours as a volunteer in ESL classes since August 2023, and while at The Academy, he also learned more about the job skills programs. His first job upon arrival in the U.S. was operating lathe machinery and after that he was working in aluminum painting. At The Storehouse, he enrolled in classes at The Academy and Collin College through its partnership with The Storehouse, and he completed the automotive service and repair course. He is currently working on completing his GED with dreams of going to college – a dream that Hilti will play a role in making come true.  

“Ligia Urrego, The Academy director, has been such an important part of my journey providing me with guidance as I tried to figure out what I wanted to do,” added Urdaneta. “She encouraged me to apply for the Hilti Apprenticeship Program.”

Urdaneta began the 24-week apprenticeship program and received a job offer for a full-time position at Hilti after only 12 weeks in the program.

“I was super excited and could not believe it,” added Urdaneta. “I called Ligia to tell her before I even called my family. I wanted to thank her because I couldn’t be there without her help. Hilti is incredible, and I have met so many good people – people who help me. We are family.”

“Things beyond our wildest dreams are possible when we collaborate on a level where values deeply align,” said Dulari Mehta, Hilti manager, Social Impact, Education and Workforce.  “The Storehouse has been the right partner to help build out our apprentice program by embracing a growth mindset, transparency and a commitment to continuously improving together.  Candace Winslow and her team have set the standard for how business and nonprofits can intersect to drive systemic change. We aim to have a sustainable employment model that will provide opportunity for real economic mobility and access to a stable career path for participants while closing labor gaps in our industry. Our call to action is for all businesses to find innovative ways to partner more deeply alongside nonprofits. Let’s move philanthropy from transactional to transformational.”

Hilti’s Apprenticeship Program was created by intersecting a need in the community with introducing under-accessed individuals to construction and providing on-the-job training. Apprentices support Hilti’s circular economy model by taking tools returned at the end of a customer's Tool Fleet Management agreement and refurbishing them for shipment to nonprofits and schools across the U.S. and Canada. Apprentices have supported Hilti in donating $1.2 million worth of tools back into communities in 2024 alone in support of 101 different nonprofits.  

Hilti’s mission with these programs is to not only be an example with a sustainable model regarding environmental issues, but also to build a pipeline of talent sourced from a nontraditional population, thereby lessening the labor gap in the construction industry and bringing diversity to its workforce.

The Storehouse Community Center has seen extraordinary growth and change throughout all its programs. The Academy ESL program has grown from an enrollment of 40 neighbors in the 2022 summer pilot to an enrollment of 201 neighbors this fall semester. Additionally, The Storehouse is now serving more than 182,000 unduplicated individuals annually as opposed to 149,000 the year prior.  According to Jeff Morton, COO, this growth is driven by the rising cost of food.

“We are seeing more new neighbors visiting our pantry for services. The food we provide supplements the nutritional needs of the families in our community who are facing price increases at the grocery store,” added Morton. “Our food pantry team has worked hard to introduce a new appointment-based distribution model which launched in January 2024. The changes have helped significantly reduce wait times for our neighbors visiting our pantry while allowing us to serve more families.”

“At The Storehouse, our vision – part of our five-year plan developed in 2020 following the pandemic – is to transform the lives of two out of every 10 neighbors who first meet us in the pantry, and we are seeing this come to fruition with such stellar job partnerships,” added Winslow. “Together, we are transforming neighbors’ lives by providing self-sustaining opportunities, so they no longer have to stand in the food pantry line.”

Since the launch of The Storehouse job partnership program in 2023, 54 neighbors have received offers from job partners, including Lux Ice, The Storehouse’s first job partner, Hilti, and Nebraska Furniture Mart (NFM).

“If anyone asks me about The Storehouse, I’m speechless,” continued Urdaneta. “I see The Storehouse as much more than a simple place. For me it is a second home. I am so grateful to both The Storehouse and Hilti for how they have changed my life.”

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The Storehouse Community Center (formerly The Storehouse of Collin County) is a nonprofit founded in 2009 that provides short-term help and long-term transformation to residents in North Texas through a pathway of programs. Seven Loaves Food Pantry serves approximately 4,500 families each month; Joseph’s Coat Clothing Closet provides clothing at no cost; Project Hope Neighbor Care offers case management and resource referral; and The Academy Education Program provides free and reduced-cost classes to assist with language, job, and life skills development as well as job partnership opportunities, connecting neighbors to stable, high-quality employment. During its previous fiscal year, The Storehouse served over 182,000 unduplicated neighbors with the support of more than 2,000 volunteers. In August 2023, the North Texas Food Bank honored The Storehouse with the Hope for Tomorrow Award, and in September 2023, The Storehouse was named a Dallas Morning News Charity. Visit www.thestorehousecc.org. The Storehouse EIN: 27-1883333

The Hilti Group supplies the worldwide construction industry with leading products, services and software that provide construction professionals with innovative solutions and superior added value which help them work productively, safely and sustainably. Hilti employs about 34,000 people in more than 120 countries who work to make construction better. Hilti’s North America region includes more than 4,500 employees who work across the United States and Canada. Hilti North America is headquartered in Plano, Texas, and has more than 100 locations across the region.

52 weeks, 52 corporations…coming together for year-long impact

The Storehouse Community Center (TSCC) is inviting 52 corporations to join a unique, new club – a club that is in the business of transformation. Club 52 is a groundbreaking initiative in which corporations are invited to sponsor one week of food pantry operations at The Storehouse. The food pantry is the first point of entry to The Storehouse for most neighbors – helping them meet basic needs while connecting them with vital resources to empower them on their journeys. The vision of The Storehouse is to transform the lives of 20% of the neighbors served.

As part of a Club 52 sponsorship, corporations gain prominent recognition and exclusive benefits including volunteer opportunities.

“Club members have the opportunity to join with corporate peers in North Texas to ensure TSCC’s pantry is able to meet the needs of our neighbors each week of the year,” said Candace Winslow, CEO, TSCC. “The brainchild of Sarah Whitling, our director of stewardship and development, Club 52 is a win-win for The Storehouse, the corporations, and, ultimately, our neighbors.”

The Storehouse, which serves 149,000 unduplicated clients annually from Dallas, Collin, and Denton counties, provides 80-85 pounds of nutritious food per family to approximately 5,000 families each month. It is a501(c)3 nonprofit and is funded fully by individuals, corporations, churches, and foundations. 

Inaugural members of Club 52 include Amwins Specialty Auto, Enterprise Car Sales, HEB, Lennox, Medical City Frisco & Plano, Plunk Smith, PLLC, Preston Forrest Capital, LLC, Quilling, Selander, Lownds, Winslett & Moser, PC, Sports Value Consulting, and Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano.

“Amwins, a corporation that has previously volunteered with The Storehouse, is our first Club 52 member to complete their designated volunteer week, and they have done a tremendous job feeding our neighbors,” said Sarah Whitling. “As a member of Club 52, Amwins is not only financially supporting The Storehouse, but they are also donating sweat equity to help us fulfill our mission.”

During the week, Amwins filled 34 volunteer spots (66 hours of volunteer time) across five different sessions, which included bagging and preparations for the food distribution as well as working distribution and running carts, benefiting a total of 1,100 families. At the close of their volunteer week, Amwins has now completed a total of 181 volunteer hours at TSCC since they first began volunteering in 2022.

The cost for a company to become a member of Club 52 is $5,000. Corporate benefits include recognition as a presenting sponsor for one week of pantry operations, including logo shared digitally with all volunteers, printed on signage for all clients, and by email; social media recognition during the company’s sponsored week; opportunity to provide pre-approved printed marketing materials to the clients and volunteers during the week; and volunteer opportunities during the selected week and throughout the year. Year-round Club 52 recognition includes digital and printed assets as well as invitations to select donor stewardship and recognition events throughout the year.

“Each year, Amwins sets aside a week, known as Summer of Service, to allow our team to give back to our community,” said David Scruggs, president, Amwins Specialty Auto. “This year, we were proud to use this week to serve The Storehouse. Our team overwhelmingly enjoys serving here because of the unique opportunity to make a direct impact on our neighbors.”

For more information, visit www.thestorehousecc.org/club52 or contact Sarah Whitling, Director of Stewardship & Development, swhitling@thestorehousecc.org, 469.304.8772.

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The Storehouse Community Center (formerly The Storehouse of Collin County) is a nonprofit founded in 2009 that provides short-term help and long-term transformation to residents in North Texas through a pathway of programs. Seven Loaves Food Pantry serves around 5,000 families each month; Joseph’s Coat Clothing Closet provides clothing at no cost; Project Hope Neighbor Care offers case management and resource referral; and The Academy Education Program provides free and reduced-cost classes to assist with language, job, and life skills development. During its previous fiscal year, The Storehouse served 149,064 unduplicated neighbors with the support of more than 2,000 volunteers. In August 2023, the North Texas Food Bank honored The Storehouse with the Hope for Tomorrow Award, and in September 2023, The Storehouse was named a Dallas Morning News Charity. Visit www.thestorehousecc.org. The Storehouse EIN: 27-1883333

Ceremony recognizes first group of graduates (11 total) to complete all six levels of English as a Second Language (ESL) courses 

The Storehouse Community Center hosted a historic graduation ceremony on May 18, in the sanctuary of St. Andrew Methodist Church, with special recognition of the first graduates of all six levels of The Academy’s English as a Second Language (ESL) program. These 11 graduates are part of a group of 148 ESL students who received certificates for the completion of an ESL class level. In addition, nine Academy students received their Modern Automotive Service and Repair certificates for completing a six-week course held in partnership with Collin College.

“Today is a historic day for The Academy as we recognize 11 students who have completed their ESL journeys, graduating from all six levels of the program,” said Ligia Urrego, director of The Academy. “Many began their studies with The Academy when it first opened in the summer of 2022. All our ESL students, many of whom work multiple jobs, have demonstrated incredible dedication, coming each Saturday morning for four hours during multiple 12-week course semesters. Today represents extraordinary effort and achievement by each Academy student, and we are so proud of them.”

Following the entrance of the graduates, with the group of 11 donning blue caps and gowns, all participated in the opening hymn “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” led by soloist Camille Skye and organist Scott Scheetz.

The Storehouse CEO Candace Winslow opened with thanksgiving, prayer, and recognition of St. Andrew for utilization of the beautiful space and encouragement of the work of The Storehouse as well as the many donors whose generosity “propels our mission.” She continued by recognizing the staff and volunteers, “the backbone of this program,” and Academy Director Ligia Urrego, “whose passionate leadership and heart for others are paramount to this program’s success.”

“To our volunteer teachers, without you we have no Academy,” added Winslow. “These volunteers give countless hours to make sure our neighbors are cared for in so many ways. Today we celebrate our neighbors and our Academy volunteers.”

Winslow also paid tribute to the late Dr. Linda K. Johnson, the president and CEO of Aspire who passed away in February. Aspire provides curriculum and support to The Academy’s ESL program.

The celebration included a video presentation of a group of the students each sharing one word, which resonated with all graduates, and remarks of what The Academy has meant to them on their journeys: family, wonder, love, affection, hope, and support. Through The Academy, students gain valuable experiences, friendships, and community at The Storehouse.

Following the presentation of certificates, volunteer teacher Jim Hess charged the graduates with words of encouragement.

“This last semester was my fourth time teaching, and I have never done anything more rewarding,” said Jim Hess. “Your dedication, commitment, and smiles every Saturday are so inspiring and make each volunteer excited to teach you. You have faced so many challenges beginning with leaving your home countries to provide a better life for your families. Living in Texas you could have gotten by without learning English, but you faced the challenge and are to be congratulated. We have accomplished so much, including improving your pronunciation, expanding your vocabulary, and mastering challenging English grammar rules, and we could not be prouder of you.”

Hess encouraged the students to “use it or lose it” and practice their English. “Pick a favorite movie, turn on subtitles and watch it over and over, take an easy course at Collin College in English, keep a journal in English and write a couple of sentences each night. Be proud of your accomplishments and come back and help us teach more students!”

Mario Lisena, one of the 11 graduates of all ESL levels and an employee of Storehouse job partner Hilti, where he has worked in the apprentice program since February, provided remarks on behalf of the students. A few highlights are below.

“Today we completed our goal. But the journey is not over. It was a long journey that for some began in May 2022,” said Lisena. “Everything in life requires effort. You cannot wait for God to do all the work, but each person must take on effort to obtain what they are wanting for. Knowledge will become our hope to survive and adapt in this country. Without it we are nothing, and we cannot be a part of the equation. As the Chinese proverb says, ‘Give me a fish, and we will eat today. Teach me how to fish, and we will eat the rest of our lives.’”

When Lisena was a child, his father took him on walks where they observed people manually sweeping the streets and cleaning up waste.

“My father told me that without studies, this would be my job and destiny,” continued Lisena. “This reminder always motivated me to complete my university studies and professional goals. But when I first came to this country, I had to carry out this same type of work against my father’s teachings. But we must always take advantage of opportunities that lie before us and not sit idly by. Maybe we should understand that God sends us to that place to serve. If He sees we are inactive, He will have no reason to use us and enhance our abilities. This motivated me to take the opportunities that The Storehouse offered me, thus managing to obtain a more relevant position. I invite you to follow this path. Thank you, Storehouse and job partners, Lux Ice and Hilti.”

Following special music, “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” by Skye and Scheetz, Storehouse board member and longtime volunteer teacher William Urrego directed the students to place their tassels on the left, “where your heart is, and remember your time here” and encouraged them to keep in touch with their Storehouse family as they begin this new chapter in their lives.

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The Storehouse Community Center (formerly The Storehouse of Collin County), is a nonprofit founded in 2009 that provides short-term help and long-term transformation to residents in North Texas through a pathway of programs. Seven Loaves Food Pantry serves around 5,000 families each month; Joseph’s Coat Clothing Closet provides clothing at no cost; Project Hope Neighbor Care offers case management and resource referral; and The Academy Education Program provides free and reduced-cost classes to assist with language, job, and life skills development. During its previous fiscal year, The Storehouse served 149,064 unduplicated neighbors with the support of more than 2,000 volunteers. In August 2023, the North Texas Food Bank honored The Storehouse with the Hope for Tomorrow Award, and in September 2023, The Storehouse was named a Dallas Morning News Charity. Visit www.thestorehousecc.org. The Storehouse EIN: 27-1883333

 PHOTOS BY KIM LEESON

Jascott, who has volunteered since 2009, was the guest of honor at the Storehouse’s 2024 volunteer appreciation event at Riders Field, where she threw out the first pitch before a Frisco RoughRiders game 

The Storehouse of Collin County has named longtime volunteer Kathy Jascott as the 2024 Volunteer of the Year for her dedicated service since 2009. Jascott, who has been a volunteer for The Storehouse since it first opened Joseph’s Coat Clothing Closet, has logged more than 1,069 volunteer hours*, sorting and organizing donated clothing and helping people find the clothing they need for themselves and their families – all at no cost. On April 28, Jascott was the guest of honor at The Storehouse’s 2024 Volunteer Appreciation Celebration at Riders Field, where she was invited to throw out the first pitch at the Frisco RoughRiders game.

“Volunteering with The Storehouse has given me a new purpose after retirement,” said Kathy Jascott. “The Storehouse team is like a second family to me, and it is an honor to be recognized as volunteer of the year. I tell others that volunteering at Joseph’s Coat makes you aware of the needs of other people, and you can make an impact on their lives beyond providing them with clothing. We often refer neighbors to other programs of The Storehouse for additional help, and if The Storehouse cannot provide what they need, they will refer them to others who can.”

The Storehouse’s four integrated programs – the Seven Loaves Food Pantry, Joseph’s Coat Clothing Closet, Project Hope Neighbor Care, and The Academy Education Program – work hand in hand to provide pathways toward transformation for the neighbors. As neighbors’ needs are identified in various programs, team members provide additional direction and assistance to help serve them holistically.

“Working closely with our neighbors leads to trust and a relationship with them, and they often open up to us about what is happening in their lives,” added Jascott. “One time we received a letter from a neighbor who had come to Joseph’s Coat in need of a coat, and we couldn’t find her size at first. She said in her letter that to most people she was invisible until she met us, and that really hit me. There are so many in need due to a variety of reasons, and we truly don’t realize that.”

Jascott expressed her amazement at the tremendous growth The Storehouse has seen since she first began volunteering. In the beginning, neighbors came to Joseph’s Coat and waited in a line to shop for clothing. In 2023, The Storehouse began serving neighbors by appointment three days a week. Today Joseph’s Coat distributes more than 7,500 articles of clothing to approximately 300 households per month. Neighbors may schedule appointments to shop for clothing once every two months.

“It has not only been exciting to see the changes within Joseph’s Coat, but also the addition of new programs at The Storehouse and how they all work together to best serve the neighbors,” added Jascott. “Years ago, I would have never imagined The Storehouse would have The Academy Education Program, which has led to job partnerships and employment for neighbors! Working together, we are building more community and helping our neighbors move toward long-term transformation.”

Today Jascott volunteers two to three times a week for about two to three hours at a time. She focuses much of her time on donated children’s clothing – one of the biggest needs in the clothing closet. The staff also refers to her as the children’s PJ queen because she is the best at locating and matching the pajama tops and bottoms, which she then pins together.

Originally from New Jersey, Jascott has lived in Texas for over 30 years. She and her husband Ron live in Plano and have a blended family with six children and 11 grandchildren, all of whom reside in Texas. She first learned about The Storehouse as a member of St. Andrew Methodist Church.

“When The Storehouse first began, I was just about ready to retire,” she said. “I worked in elementary education with children with special needs. “Volunteering at Joseph’s Coat is just what I do now, and I love it!”

Jascott shared that there are many incredible stories of serving neighbors in Joseph’s Coat.

“I can tell you that we witness miracles on a regular basis,” added Jascott. “Once a neighbor desperately needed some shoes in an unusual size. We couldn’t find anything, and then I saw in another area, a new pair in his size. And when we had that terrible ice storm a few years ago, a man came in who had no warm clothing. I happened to walk into another room and find a bag of sweatpants and other warm clothing – all in his size.  Once a woman came in who had many children. Her older daughter was getting married, and she had nothing to wear for her wedding. We just happened upon a mother-of-the-bride dress hanging on a rack and found matching shoes – all in her size. These types of miraculous and emotional stories happen over and over again!”

Jascott enjoys sharing with others how important it is to volunteer. “I know that volunteering is a commitment, but once you do it, it changes your life. And through working in Joseph’s Coat, as an added benefit, you will also soon have the most organized closet at home because you are so used to sorting!”

“I don’t know how we could begin to thank Kathy Jascott for her many years of service in Joseph’s Coat Clothing Closet at The Storehouse,” said Candace Winslow, CEO, The Storehouse. “She has been with us from the beginning, and she understands the impact that our integrated programs can have on our neighbors. She is a delight and a blessing to everyone she meets, and we are beyond grateful for her steadfast dedication to serving others. We congratulate Kathy, a beloved member of our Storehouse family, on this very special honor.”

To volunteer at The Storehouse, visit www.thestorehousecc.org/volunteer-sign-up.

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* Jascott's recorded volunteer hours only date back to 2016. She has also volunteered many additional hours from 2009-2016.

The Storehouse of Collin County, a nonprofit founded in 2009, provides short-term assistance and long-term transformation to residents of Collin, Dallas, and Denton Counties through four programs. Seven Loaves Food Pantry serves 5,000 families each month; Joseph’s Coat Clothing Closet provides clothing at no cost; Project Hope Neighbor Care offers case management and resource referral; and The Academy Education Program provides free and reduced-cost classes to assist with language, job, or life skills development. During its previous fiscal year, The Storehouse served 146,922 unduplicated neighbors with the support of more than 2,000 volunteers. In August 2023, the North Texas Food Bank honored The Storehouse with the Hope for Tomorrow Award. Visit www.thestorehousecc.org. The Storehouse EIN: 27-1883333

As Mendez transitions from case manager to director, her focus will include developing more community resources as well as providing additional support to neighbors within The Academy and job partnerships

Nancy Mendez has been named the new director of Project Hope, a program of The Storehouse of Collin County which specializes in neighbor care. Mendez first came to The Storehouse in May of 2021 as the Project Hope coordinator to assist with assessing the needs of the neighbors, establishing relationships with them, and helping determine future program goals. She immediately began her training to be certified as a community health worker and became case manager for Project Hope in 2023.

“I fell in love with the mission of the Storehouse,” said Nancy Mendez. “Being a part of the transformation and change for the neighbors – what we call those we serve – and seeing their improvement, reinforced within my heart that this is all for a purpose and exactly where I want to use my gifts and talents.”

No stranger to transformation, Mendez came to the Dallas area 17 years ago from Mexico with a degree in child development. She soon became involved with Dallas Christian Women’s Job Corps (DCWJC), where she went through an eight-week program learning career development, resume writing and more. For three years she worked as a ministry assistant, engaging with DCWJC participants and assisting with the development of their goals, which proved to be a rewarding experience.

“At DCWJC I received wonderful training,” added Mendez. “I began taking some administrative courses at community college and soon heard about the position at The Storehouse for Project Hope coordinator.  At The Storehouse I quickly learned the complexity of serving those in need and the importance of meeting each neighbor’s physical needs before focusing on education and future transformation.”

Project Hope is an empowerment-based program of case management for needs beyond food and clothing. Through a network of community partners, Project Hope connects neighbors with resources that offer further stability including affordable medical care, mental health care, household furnishings and more. This program is positioned to walk alongside neighbors who are ready for the next step toward transformation with personalized support toward their goals. A Community Resource Guide (CRG) is provided online and to all neighbors who first meet The Storehouse in the food line. The CRG directs neighbors to resources for additional needs, such as new beds from Dallas Furniture Bank. Project Hope also partners with Methodist Dallas Medical Center, which brings its mobile mammography services to The Storehouse’s campus three times a year. Project Hope is always looking for more resources for neighbors not only for physical needs but also for professional services such as medical and dental. In 2024, the program is partnering with The Storehouse’s Academy education program and will focus on providing additional assessments and support of the neighbors enrolled in classes as well as employed by job partners.

“I have learned so much about critical thinking and the importance of understanding the needs of our neighbors through assessments,” added Mendez. “Integrating with The Academy and the students participating in our educational program will build upon our current neighbor relationships and allow us to better assess and evaluate needs. The neighbors participating in these programs are working hard and have demonstrated their commitment to their future success. I will also be meeting with each neighbor employed by our job partners to do an assessment of their needs, goals, and strengths as well as follow up to evaluate outcomes.”

“Project Hope is a program that has gone through many changes over the years,” added Candace Winslow, CEO, The Storehouse of Collin County. “We are excited about the changes we are implementing in 2024 that include a concentrated focus on service to our neighbors within The Academy and our job partnerships. By getting to know our neighbors well through assessment and ongoing conversations, we can tailor our support to address the root causes instead of simply putting a Band-Aid on what could be a recurring need. Working closely with neighbors in our Academy and employed by our job partners is a perfect way to ensure successful outcomes.  We are thrilled to have Nancy take the wheel in this new endeavor. Her experience, her heart to serve, and her own transformation are a powerful recipe for success, and we look forward to seeing our neighbors thrive and achieve their goals under her leadership.”

Mendez and her husband Rod reside in Plano with their three children: Kevin, 16, David, 12, and Eliana, 10. The family enjoys serving in their church, and their oldest son enjoys volunteering as a cart runner at The Storehouse’s Seven Loaves food pantry, where he utilizes his Spanish while serving the neighbors.

“I am very grateful The Storehouse has placed me in this position where I can empower our neighbors to self-advocate while teaching them how to access our resources as well as community resources,” added Mendez. “It’s exciting to see how Project Hope has evolved, from helping only women to whole families. The changes being implemented this year are going to help our neighbors overcome the many barriers in their lives and place them on paths to self-sufficiency and long-term transformation. It is an honor to be a part of their journeys.”

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The Storehouse of Collin County, a nonprofit founded in 2009, provides short-term assistance and long-term transformation to residents of Collin, Dallas, and Denton Counties through four programs. Seven Loaves Food Pantry serves over 5,000 families each month; Joseph’s Coat Clothing Closet provides clothing at no cost; Project Hope Neighbor Care offers case management and resource referral; and The Academy Education Program provides free and reduced-cost classes to assist with language, job, or life skills development. During its previous fiscal year, The Storehouse served 146,922 unduplicated neighbors with the support of more than 2,000 volunteers. In August 2023, the North Texas Food Bank honored The Storehouse with the Hope for Tomorrow Award. Visit www.thestorehousecc.org. The Storehouse EIN: 27-1883333