News

The Storehouse Community Center Youth Leadership Council 2025-26 Sets Records

Elizabeth Lenart — Thu, 28 May 2026 14:18:46 Z

Forty area high school students contributed more than 2,161 volunteer hours while leading innovative service projects, including a six-school drive that collected 2,503 coats and winter clothing items

The Storehouse Community Center celebrated a record-breaking year for its Youth Leadership Council (YLC), whose 40 student leaders contributed more than 2,161 volunteer hours and spearheaded a massive six-school clothing drive that collected 2,503 coats and winter clothing items for neighbors in need. The accomplishments were recognized during the organizations year-end celebration honoring extraordinary service, leadership development and collaboration among students representing 16 North Texas high schools.

Founded in 2021, the YLC continues to grow as a leadership pipeline for young nonprofit and community leaders. This year, the council achieved its highest level of service to date, with members averaging 54 volunteer hours each far surpassing the programs annual 30-hour commitment.

This years Youth Leadership Council members demonstrated what is possible when young people are empowered to lead with compassion, creativity and purpose, said Candace Winslow, CEO of The Storehouse Community Center. When I see a student in that green YLC shirt, it tells me they already understand that true leadership begins with service. The next nonprofit leaderthe next CEOis sitting in this room, and we are incredibly proud to help shape their journey.

Throughout the year, YLC members gained hands-on experience learning about each of The Storehouses core programs, including food assistance, clothing resources, education, social services and workforce partnerships. Students interviewed program directors and worked through real-life case studies focused on problem-solving and community impact.

In addition to volunteering in the food pantry and across various Storehouse programs, students organized and led the Warm Hearts with Warm Coats campaign, a six-school clothing drive effort that united Plano West Senior High School, John Paul II High School, Prince of Peace Christian School, Hebron High School, Shepton High School and Frisco Memorial High School under a shared theme and branding initiative featuring hand-painted fireplace collection boxes created by the students. The extraordinary community-wide effort collected 2,503 winter clothing items and coats for neighbors in need, more than quadrupling last years YLC collection total of 562 items.

The council also hosted an end-of-year socks and underwear drive, collecting 284 essential items for neighbors in need. Additionally, the YLC students prepared hundreds of protein bites to fuel adult learners in the Academy ESL program, which meets for four hours every Saturday morning across two intensive twelve-week semesters from August to May.

At the year-end celebration, The Storehouse recognized three recipients of the David Huerta Student Volunteer Award*, presented annually to students who not only complete the highest number of volunteer hours, but also exemplify The Storehouses values of service and leadership:

Lucas Gonzales, John Paul II High School 185.25 hours
Alberto Ramos Hinojosa, John Paul II High School 129.75 hours
Javier Alonso, John Paul II High School 111 hours

This marks the first year that all three award recipients surpassed 100 service hours.

The organization also honored 15 graduating seniors completing their service on the council:

Asil Miah, Plano West Senior High School

Ava Henry, John Paul II High School

Brad Bai, Plano West Senior High School

Colin Goodlin, Plano West Senior High School

Fletcher Stall, Fairhill School

Ipsita Devalla, Plano West Senior High School

Isaias Gonzalez, Harmony High School

Joshua Eappen, Frisco Memorial High School

Magere Bodo, Frisco Memorial High School

Misha Kandukuri, Plano West Senior High School

Saanvi Gundala, Plano West Senior High School

Sanjitha Bandi, Plano West Senior High School

Surabhi Halbe, Plano West Senior High School

Tessa Devasia, John Paul II High School

Tyler Adams, John Paul II High School

During the celebration, graduating senior Tessa Devasia, valedictorian of the John Paul II High School Class of 2026, reflected on how her experience with the YLC transformed her understanding of service and leadership.

Through volunteering at The Storehouse, Ive learned that service has a way of changing you, said Devasia. It taught me that helping others isnt always about doing something big or extraordinary. Sometimes its just showing up, giving your time and being willing to serve wherever youre needed.

Senior Brad Bai also reflected on his four years of service on the council, the friendships he formed with students who share a passion for helping others, and how the experience transformed his understanding of leadership.

I have learned that leadership means taking the initiative to help others and lift them up, showing up to serve neighbors in need, welcoming someone new and stepping forward to do what is right, said Bai. The YLC has given me an incredible experience through meeting new people, building lasting friendships and helping me grow into the person I am today.

These students continually inspire me with their willingness to step forward, solve problems and serve wherever there is a need, said Ben Skye, director of communications and culture and YLC advisor at The Storehouse. What makes this group so special is not only the incredible amount of service they provide, but the compassion, leadership and teamwork they demonstrate along the way. They are learning that leadership is about showing up for others, working together to meet challenges and making a meaningful impact in their community.

The YLC season begins each August with orientation and concludes each spring with the year-end celebration, recognizing students for their service, leadership and dedication to strengthening the community through The Storehouse mission to feed, clothe, and care for neighbors in need.

While the YLC roster is complete for the 202627 year, The Storehouse welcomes all high school students to volunteer. Students who have completed 30 lifetime volunteer hours at The Storehouse are eligible to apply for the YLC in April each year. To sign up, visit www.thestorehousecc.org/volunteer-sign-up. To learn more about the Youth Leadership Council, visit www.thestorehousecc.org/ylc.

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*DAVID A. HUERTA, 23, the awards namesake, began volunteering at The Storehouse at age 14 after he and his family arrived in Plano as immigrants from Venezuela. He volunteered weekly, helped found the YLC, and is a graduate of University of Texas at Dallas with a bachelor's degree in finance. Huerta is now a financial analyst with Windstar Properties.

The Storehouse Community Center (formerly The Storehouse of Collin County) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the community through food, clothing, resources, education, and employment support. By creating strong partnerships and offering transformational programs, TSCC works to address the root causes of food insecurity and empower neighbors to achieve self-sufficiency. During its previous fiscal year, The Storehouse served 166,124 unduplicated neighbors with the support of more than 2,000 volunteers. Visit www.thestorehousecc.org. The Storehouse EIN: 27-1883333

The Storehouse Issues Urgent Call for Children's Clothing Donations, New Socks and Underwear

Elizabeth Lenart — Tue, 19 May 2026 15:58:13 Z

Rising costs drive greater need as families prepare for summer months

The Storehouse Community Center is calling on the community to help restock its Joseph Coat Clothing Closet, especially with childrens clothing and new socks and underwear. At Josephs Coat, all clothing items are free by appointment, and families from across North Texas may visit once a month.

We know that families are already stretched thin and are feeling even more pressure as they look toward the summer months, said Susan Gradick, director of Josephs Coat Clothing Closet. Between groceries, gas, childcare, and everyday essentials, clothing can quickly become an added financial burden for parents. We encourage our wonderful community to clean out closets, donate gently used childrens clothing, or organize a drive through a business, church, or community group. Every donation helps a child feel cared for and confident while bringing much-needed relief to parents.

All childrens clothing sizes are needed, including shoes, with a particular emphasis on summer attire and tennis shoes. While clothing and shoes are also needed for both men and women, childrens items are the most critical need, including new underwear and socks essential items many families struggle to afford but that are rarely donated because they must be new.

The demand for clothing assistance continues to grow as families struggle to keep up with rising everyday expenses, said Candace Winslow, CEO of The Storehouse Community Center. During the summer months, children are especially active and wear through clothing and shoes, creating an even greater need for families already under financial strain. We could not operate Josephs Coat Clothing Closet without the generosity of this community, and we are deeply grateful for the steadfast support that helps provide dignity, confidence, and relief to local children and parents in need.

Donations may be dropped off at the Josephs Coat shed, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in the north parking lot at The Storehouse Community Center, located at 1401 Mira Vista Blvd., Plano. Anyone interested in volunteering at Josephs Coat may sign up at https://www.thestorehousecc.org/volunteer. If your family needs help, please visit www.thestorehousecc.org/clothes today to make an appointment.

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Denny Mosseller Named 2026 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR at The Storehouse Community Center

Elizabeth Lenart — Fri, 08 May 2026 18:11:19 Z

THE STOREHOUSE COMMUNITY CENTER CELEBRATES DENNY MOSSELLER AS THE 2026 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Mosseller, who has volunteered for 10 years, was the guest of honor at the Storehouses 2026 volunteer appreciation event at Riders Field, where he threw out the first pitch before a Frisco RoughRiders game

The Storehouse Community Center has named longtime volunteer Denny Mosseller as the 2026 Volunteer of the Year. Since 2016, Mosseller has contributed 1,027 hours across multiple Storehouse programs, making a lasting impact on thousands of neighbors. On April 26 he was the guest of honor at The Storehouses 2026 Volunteer Appreciation Celebration at Riders Field, where he threw out the ceremonial first pitch at a Frisco RoughRiders game.

I am so honored to be named The Storehouse Volunteer of the Year, said Denny Mosseller. There are so many wonderful volunteers who are equally deserving of this recognition. My wife, Kay Kay, and I have developed meaningful friendships with our fellow volunteers as well as with The Storehouse staff, who have been a true blessing in our lives. Seeing neighbors receive such caring and essential services and getting to know them personally has made a profound impact on me.

Mosseller first began volunteering with The Storehouse after a friend encouraged him and his wife to serve in the food pantry, where he quickly witnessed the compassion and dedication shown not only to neighbors seeking food, but also among the volunteers and staff. Volunteering as a loader, Mosseller helps place food items on carts that volunteers take outside to meet neighbors arriving for their appointments.

As a loader, my favorite experiences center around working alongside my fellow volunteers, interacting with them, staying busy, working hard and seeing our neighbors get the help that they need, added Mosseller. Every member of The Storehouse staff has been exemplary in their desire to serve and has always made me and my wife feel like valued members of a great team.

For the past three years, Mosseller has also volunteered in The Storehouses Academy education program, where he is part of a team teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) classes on Saturday mornings.

I truly love working with our students and watching their English skills grow and their confidence soar, continued Mosseller. It is especially rewarding when a former ESL student stops by on a Saturday morning to share how much they appreciated our support and how well they are doing in their job and life. Once they realize you genuinely care about encouraging and helping them, they begin to see you as a friend and mentor. As a teacher, that kind of feedback and those relationships are priceless. Working alongside my fellow teachers and the Academy staff also brings a great deal of joy to my life.

As one of the speakers at The Academys May 2025 graduation ceremony, Mosseller offered a powerful reminder to the graduates: Your struggle is our struggle, reflecting the deep bond formed between students and the entire Storehouse community.

The Storehouses four integrated programs the Seven Loaves Food Pantry, Josephs Coat Clothing Closet, Project Hope Neighbor Care, and The Academy Education Program work together to provide pathways toward transformation for neighbors from Collin, Dallas, and Denton counties. As needs are identified, team members help connect individuals to additional resources for more holistic support.

As I reflect on my past volunteer service and look ahead to the future of The Storehouse, it is my hope that it will continue to expand its reach to serve an ever-growing number of neighbors in surrounding communities, added Mosseller. And as it grows, I hope we never lose sight of where we began, never turn our backs on those in need, and never allow our focus to shift from serving people to serving the organization itself.

Originally from North Carolina, Mosseller and his wife have lived in the Carrollton/Lewisville area for 48 years. He was an Air Force pilot for six years and then spent 36 years with Southwest Airlines as a captain, retiring from Southwest in 2014. When hes not volunteering, he enjoys golf, bicycling, hunting, fishing, snow skiing and traveling with his wife of 55 years. The couple also enjoy spending time with their son and his family in Celina, Texas.

The Volunteer of the Year award represents the very best of who we are as an organization, said Candace Winslow, CEO of The Storehouse Community Center. Denny embodies a deep, consistent commitment to serving others with humility, compassion, and joy. Whether he is in the pantry, the classroom, or simply encouraging those around him, he leads by example and reminds us that lasting impact is built through relationships. We are incredibly grateful for the countless ways he has invested in our neighbors and strengthened our community.

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

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The Storehouse Food Pantry Offers Fresh Food and Fast Appointment for North Texas Families

Elizabeth Lenart — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 11:22:06 Z

During National Nutrition Month, The Storehouse is reminding North Texas families that healthy groceries including fresh produce, frozen meats, dairy, eggs, bread, and pantry staples are available through its Seven Loaves Food Pantry. At a time when grocery prices remain high across the nation and food insecurity continues to affect millions of households, The Storehouse wants the community to know that help is available.

Many people think of food pantries as offering only canned goods and dry food, but The Storehouse a proud member of the North Texas Food Banks feeding network provides a balanced selection of nutritious, sustainable and enjoyable food choices that play an important role in health, said Candace Winslow, CEO, The Storehouse Community Center.

The pantry operates by appointment, allowing neighbors to receive food quickly and with dignity. Most visits take about 15 minutes or less when arriving at the scheduled time. Appointments reduce wait times and help ensure each household receives a consistent and substantial amount of food. Arrival times are staggered throughout each pantry session, allowing neighbors to move through the process quickly instead of waiting in long lines, and food is guaranteed as long as the neighbor arrives before closing time.

Appointments also make it easier for working families, seniors, and neighbors with disabilities to receive help. If someone cannot come for their appointment, a trusted friend or family member may pick up food on their behalf using their appointment ticket.

In addition to serving neighbors efficiently, the pantry provides the foods families say matter most. In a survey of Storehouse pantry neighbors, the most requested items included fresh foods, protein, dairy, and staple ingredients. While availability may vary at each distribution, the goal is to provide a consistent mix of essentials, including fresh produce, canned meats and vegetables, rice, beans, pasta, frozen meat, and dairy. These items are prioritized to ensure households receive nutritious options that are often among the most expensive to purchase at the grocery store. Although the pantry operates under a traditional distribution model rather than a shopping-style market, selections are intentional and guided by neighbor feedback to deliver the greatest possible impact for each household.

Each visit provides an average of 8095 pounds of food, which can equal more than $100 worth of groceries at retail prices, helping families stretch their budgets during a time when the cost of living continues to rise. The goal is to offer a generous, well-rounded supply of food that helps supplement the ingredients families need to prepare healthy meals at home while stretching their grocery budgets.

We know that grocery prices and the cost of living continue to impact many families in our community, said Winslow. National Nutrition Month is a reminder that everyone deserves access to healthy food. We want the community to know that we are here to help and that the pantry provides much more than most people expect.

The Storehouse food pantry serves neighbors across Dallas, Denton, and Collin counties with no zip code restrictions. Appointments may be scheduled online at www.thestorehousecc.org/seven-loaves, and households may visit once per week. Upon arrival, neighbors check in using a QR code, park, and proceed to the greeting tent, where volunteers assist with loading groceries directly into their cars.

During these challenging times, many families coming to us find themselves needing food assistance for the first time in their lives, continued Winslow. Ill never forget a conversation I had with a man who expressed how difficult it was for him to be at the pantry asking for help. When I told him, We are just helping you today, and you will help someone else tomorrow, I saw his spirits lift and his whole demeanor change. Together we strive to create a community where neighbors can thrive and support each other. Let us help you today.

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WINTER COATS ARE NEEDED AT JOSEPH'S COAT CLOTHING CLOSET, A PROGRAM OF THE STOREHOUSE

Elizabeth Lenart — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 14:19:24 Z

JOSEPHS COAT LAUNCHES COMMUNITY-WIDE CALL FOR WINTER COATS
Businesses, groups, and individuals invited to donate gently used and new coats for neighbors in need

Josephs Coat, a program of The Storehouse Community Center that provides clothing at no cost to neighbors in need, is asking the community to donate new and gently used winter coats and jackets for children, teens, and adults. Last year, Josephs Coat distributed more than 2,000 winter coats to men, women, and children across Dallas, Collin, and Denton counties.

For many families, rent, utilities, and groceries must come first, leaving little room to purchase seasonal items like winter coats, said Susan Gradick, director of Josephs Coat. A warm coat is essential for health and safety, but it also provides dignity and confidence especially for children attending school, waiting at bus stops, and participating in outdoor activities. The impact of a coat is far greater than many of us realize.

The Storehouse encourages local businesses, organizations, and individuals to consider hosting a winter coat drive as a meaningful and accessible way to serve neighbors during the colder months.

Community members often ask how they can help in a tangible way, and a coat drive is one of the simplest and most impactful options, Gradick added. Many of us have coats at home that are no longer worn but still have plenty of life left. We also welcome monetary donations, which help us purchase coats in the sizes and styles most needed. Since our founding in 2009, Josephs Coat has relied on the generosity of the community to serve neighbors at no cost each week.

Donations may be dropped off at the Josephs Coat shed, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in the north parking lot at The Storehouse Community Center, located at 1401 Mira Vista Blvd., Plano.

Those interested in volunteering at Josephs Coat may sign up at https://www.thestorehousecc.org/volunteer. Neighbors in need of clothing may access Josephs Coat on Mondays and Wednesdays by appointment only.

Time and again, neighbors share how meaningful this clothing closet is to them, Gradick said. One of those neighbors is Lidia Lugo, who received a coat in December and recently shared just how much it meant to her.

My beautiful new coat not only keeps me warm, but it also makes me feel happy, satisfied, and confident, said Lugo.

Lidia has since become a treasured volunteer in our clothing closet, Gradick added. With her background in retail, she brings a keen eye for detail helping keep racks stocked and organized so neighbors can shop with ease. We are deeply grateful for her service and so happy we had the perfect coat for her when she needed it.

With more cold weather still ahead, we hope the community will check their closetsor consider hosting a coat driveto help ensure everyone has what they need to face winter with confidence.

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Wrapping Neighbors in Hope at The Storehouse Community Center with Scarves for Christmas

Elizabeth Lenart — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 11:13:16 Z

St. Andrew Methodist Church members marked the third year of the Scarves for Christmas effort by crocheting, knitting, and distributing more than 1,300 scarves to neighbors at The Storehouse Community Center

Handcrafted with compassion, more than 1,300 scarves were lovingly distributed to neighbors served by the food pantry of The Storehouse Community Center over the past few weeks, marking the third year of Scarves for Christmas. The effort, led by members of St. Andrew Methodist Church, involved more than 55 ladies who began making and collecting scarves in 2024 for distribution in 2025. Additionally, Warm Up America, a national organization based in Carrollton, contributed 565 scarves to the effort.

Adding to the festive spirit, the ladies welcomed Santa and his elves and provided coloring books and crayon packs for them to share with children, creating joyful moments and photo opportunities for families.

When we first launched this effort in 2021, we distributed a total of 621 scarves, said Elizabeth Thomas, co-founder of Scarves for Christmas. With more neighbors coming to The Storehouse, we began preparing even more! We are also so grateful to the volunteers at Warm Up America for their support again this year. Creating a single scarf can take anywhere from 4 to 20 hours, depending on the complexity of its pattern. I speak for our entire group when I say that it was another joyful, heartwarming year!

The group, originally formed in 2021, recruited women from all over DFW as well as some outside of Texas. Many participated in St. Andrews prayer shawl ministry, which provides warm shawls to those in the hospital.

St. Andrew member Elizabeth Thomas was inspired to create scarves for neighbors at The Storehouse following a deeply personal experience. Recently widowed and facing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Thomas was going through a difficult time. When her friend and Scarves for Christmas co-founder Patti Hoff brought her a prayer shawl, she felt a renewed sense of comfort and hope.

I was overwhelmed with love and comfort from Pattis beautiful homemade gift, said Thomas. After visiting with her, we both felt a subsequent calling to spread similar comfort, joy, and cheer to others. As we reached out to others to participate, we had an overwhelming response.

Once completed, the scarves are sorted, individually wrapped, and tied with a bow. On November 18 the group gathered for a special blessing of the scarves.

There are so many hours that go into this project, and it is such a joy to see the neighbors light up when a scarf is placed on their food cart, added Patti Hoff. I recently received a note from one of the volunteers who served as a runner, taking food carts to neighbors cars during the distribution. The volunteer shared that there were so many smilesand even a few tearsbecause of our work, which means the world to us all. Through this effort, it is our hope that the scarves not only provide warmth but also lift hearts and bring hopeserving as a reminder that we are one community, and we care for one another.

We are deeply grateful to the ladies of Scarves for Christmas for the care poured into every scarf, said Candace Winslow, CEO of The Storehouse Community Center. Each scarf represents love in action. Through this beautiful act of service, they lived out their faith by bringing warmth, dignity, and hope, reminding our neighbors that they are seen, valued, and cared for throughout the season.

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The Storehouse Expands Access to Life-Saving Mammograms Through Partnership with Golden Cross

Elizabeth Lenart — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 15:04:03 Z

Offered three times a year, the on-site mobile unit provides mammograms to women in need, with Octobers visit recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, The Storehouse Community Center is shining a light on the power of partnership and prevention. Through its collaboration with Golden Cross Academic Clinic and Methodist Health Systems Mobile Mammography Unit, The Storehouse offers free on-site mammograms three times a yearmaking life-saving screenings accessible to women who might otherwise go without.

Our partnership with Golden Cross Academic Clinic first began in 2022, enabling us to refer our neighbors to healthcare services at their clinic as well as to provide health education classes through our Academy education program, said Candace Winslow, CEO of The Storehouse Community Center. Through Project Hope, our case management arm, were able to walk alongside our neighbors and connect them to resources beyond food and clothingincluding medical care. We are deeply grateful to Golden Cross and Methodist Health System for their partnership and for bringing critical breast health services directly to our campusensuring that more women have access to life-saving screenings.

The mammography units first visit to The Storehouse occurred in June of 2022. Since then, more than 200 neighbors have received screenings. If a concern is identified, the clinic refers neighbors to appropriate follow-up care through a patient navigation process, helping connect them to low-cost services whenever possible.

For Storehouse neighbor Nancy Ferguson, who lost her mother to breast cancer and is considered high risk, finding the mammography unit at The Storehouse was a gift from God.

Ferguson, a mother of five daughters ranging in age from 12 to 35, understands the importance of regular mammograms. Cancer runs deep in her family both her parents and several relatives on both sides have battled the disease.

Ive always been adamant about getting my annual mammogram, said Ferguson. But after my divorce, I no longer had insurance and couldnt afford the screening. It was very stressful because I knew my risk was high. I had been searching for somewhere to get screened, and then one day I passed by a mobile mammography unit in front of The Storehouse Community Center.

Originally from Honduras, Ferguson has been living in the United States for 28 years and works as a nanny in the neighborhood near The Storehouse. She was already familiar with the work of The Storehouse after stopping by one day when seeing multiple cars lined up outside.

I stopped that day and talked to a volunteer who was so friendly, recalled Ferguson. She explained that the cars were there for the food pantry program at The Storehouse and told me about other resources like classes and clothing. She gave me a flyer with a QR code, and I learned more. This is such a difficult time we live in, so I started coming regularly to get food for my family wonderful foodmeat, eggs, fruit and more. It was so organized, and everyone was so happy and kind.

Then on the day I drove by and saw the big mammography bus parked in front of The Storehouse, I could not believe it! said Ferguson. It was like God had put it there for me! I went inside to see if they had time to see me and was able to make an appointment! I felt so blessed.

My mother had breast cancer twice, she continued. We were living in Honduras, and I was a teenager when she found a lump on Christmas Day. She was only 35. My mother felt ill, and when she put her hands on her chest, she felt a lump in her left breast. She had a mastectomy, and I dropped out of college to care for her because my dad needed to work. Years later when she was 60, it came back aggressively as stage 3 cancer. She had a second mastectomy and lived for three more years.

Then my dad developed prostate cancer, which metastasized, and he only lived another three years, passing away at 68, continued Ferguson. I also cared for him.

Cancer has touched many in her extended family. Her mothers brother developed skin cancer; her dads brother developed testicular cancer and passed away, and that uncles daughter developed ovarian cancer.

I have always done self-exams, but a screening is so important, added Ferguson. Twenty years ago, I had extensive screening and genetic testing, and the doctor told me I was a miracle because I didnt have cancer. He told me to get checked every six months, and Ive worked hard to stay on top of it!

Ferguson is deeply grateful to The Storehouse Community Center and Methodist Health System for making lifesaving screenings accessible.

My advice to other women is simple dont wait! she said. Cancer is real, and its very bad. Be healthy for yourself and your family. The Storehouse provides this at no cost, and that can save your life.

Today, Ferguson focuses on maintaining a healthy lifestyle eating well, exercising, managing stress, and cherishing time with her family.

All during October, I wear something pink in memory of my mother, she added. It might be a shirt, a bow, or a bracelet. Everyone needs to know how important it is to check yourself and get annual screenings. The Storehouse has helped me in so many ways with food, clothing, mammograms, doctor visits, and referrals, and everyone has taken such good care of me. I feel truly blessed.

The Methodist Dallas Medical Center Golden Cross Academic Clinic is an outpatient department of Methodist Dallas Medical Center and provides a location for a multi-specialty clinic serving patients in Oak Cliff, South Dallas, and surrounding neighborhoods, offering services in acute care, primary care, and chronic conditions.

Since partnering with The Storehouse, weve seen firsthand how access changes outcomes, said Dr. Elizabeth Brewer, Medical Director of Internal Medicine, Golden Cross Academic Clinic. Working together, we are providing both women and men access to ongoing medical care, education, and preventive services. Programs like the mobile mammography unit help us meet neighbors where they are, empowering them to take charge of their health.

For more information on mammography screenings at The Storehouse, email info@thestorehousecc.org, complete the request form available at www.thestorehousecc.org under I need more, or call 469-385-1813.

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Collaborating for Heart Health and Neighbor Wellness at The Storehouse

Elizabeth Lenart — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 12:07:39 Z

Organizations coming together as one community are creating lasting impact at The Storehouse Community Center, where collaboration is key to empowering neighbors on their journeys toward self-sufficiency. Through joint efforts with the Plano YMCA and the American Heart Association, neighbors are gaining access to vital health education, preventative tools, and lifestyle guidance that support long-term wellness and improved quality of life.

The Plano YMCA began hosting its Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program on Saturday mornings at The Academy, the education program of The Storehouse, starting in September 2024 through December 2024. The program ran again from February to May 2025 and was relaunched in September 2025. It is now being held every Saturday from 8 to 9 a.m., continuing through November 2025.

To further support this initiative, the American Heart Association donated a blood pressure kiosk, providing quick and accurate blood pressure readings to both participants in the class and others at The Storehouse who wish to monitor their blood pressure. A trained volunteer assists users in operating the machine, which prints out systolic, diastolic, and heart rate values after a 20-second scan.

This is an extraordinary program for our well-being, said Beatriz Martinez, a participant in the blood pressure monitoring program. Ive been diagnosed with hypertension, and the accurate weekly measurements at The Storehouse, along with the recommendations from the health coach every Saturday, have helped me become more aware of the improvements I need to make for a better quality of life. The new BP machine has allowed me to get precise readings that I can take to my doctor for potential adjustments to my medication. I would like to thank The Storehouse, YMCA, and the American Heart Association for providing us with care, education, and support for our health.

The YMCAs four-month program is designed to help adults with hypertension manage their blood pressure through regular self-monitoring and proper health practices. Each of the 23 enrolled neighbors receives a home blood pressure monitor, participates in weekly consultations, and attends educational seminars focused on nutrition and heart health. Participants are also given YMCA membership cards that grant access to gym facilities and group exercise classes.

A nutrition coach comes monthly as part of this program and discusses a variety of topics on how to decrease blood pressure, including how to reduce sodium levels, the importance of eating whole foods and avoiding preservatives, and how to read food labels, said MaKayla Boyd, membership service representative, Frisco Family YMCA. At the end of our four-month session, the group is invited on a grocery store tour with our nutritionist at Sprouts, where they can put their knowledge into action by learning how to read labels and discussing best food choices. Our partnership with The Storehouse isnt just about community health and providing resources. It is about accountability and support to those wanting to start their healthy lifestyle journeys.

The American Heart Association, a relentless force for changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, sees this collaboration as a powerful extension of their mission.

By providing tools like the blood pressure kiosk and supporting educational efforts, were helping neighbors take meaningful steps toward better heart health, said Jenny Eyer, vice president of community impact. Its inspiring to see how shared commitment and care can lead to lasting change in peoples lives.

Additionally, for neighbors who are not currently taking medication due to a lack of health insurance, The Storehouse helps connect them to local medical resources that can assist with care and prescription access.

After attending these seminars, many neighbors have seen a reduction in their blood pressure levels and no longer need medication! said Ligia Urrego, director of The Academy. Working with the Plano YMCA and the American Heart Association has been a beautiful example of what it means to serve as one community. Through the YMCAs weekly classes and the generous donation from the American Heart Association, our neighbors are not only learning how to care for their healththeyre experiencing the power of community walking alongside them. These organizations have truly become part of our family.

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The Storehouse Community Center (formerly The Storehouse of Collin County) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the community through food, clothing, resources, education, and employment support. By creating strong partnerships and offering transformational programs, TSCC works to address the root causes of food insecurity and empower neighbors to achieve self-sufficiency. During its previous fiscal year, The Storehouse served 182,024 unduplicated neighbors with the support of more than 2,000 volunteers. Visit www.thestorehousecc.org. The Storehouse EIN: 27-1883333

Local Teens Empower Community with Wear It Forward Clothing Initiative

Elizabeth Lenart — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 14:32:49 Z

Student-led nonprofit association has donated more than 6,000 clothing items to The Storehouse Community Center in less than a year to help local families in need

Two Liberty High School students, Eli Kim and Amit Jennings, turned a simple idea into a powerful movement of compassion and community service. Together, they founded Wear It Forward, a student-led nonprofit that has donated over 6,000 clothing itemsvalued at more than $90,000to The Storehouse Community Center in less than a year, providing essential support to local families in need.

What began in early 2025 with a few front-porch pickups has grown into a multi-school operation spanning Frisco, Allen, Plano, and McKinney. Today, Wear It Forward boasts two chapters, a team of 15+ student volunteers, and active partnerships with seven high schools and three elementary/middle schools.

The organizations model is both simple and impactful: make donating clothes easier by offering home pickups, collecting unclaimed items from lost and found closets at schools, and organizing donation drives. On September 2, the student founders delivered 750 clothing items to Josephs Coat, The Storehouses clothing closet. Through this program, neighbors in need can make an appointment to "shop" for clothing at no cost, choosing items for themselves and their families. Last fiscal year, Joseph's Coat distributed 130,583 articles of clothing, a significant increase from 90,325 in the previous fiscal year. All clothing is provided through community donations.

We know that everyone has clothes they no longer need, but many people dont donate because its inconvenient, said Eli Kim, co-founder. We are working to remove the barriers and create a system that makes giving back easy, fast, and meaningful.

The students have put in hundreds of volunteer hours, leading National Honor Society drives, managing social media, designing and posting flyers, and promoting their cause across the community. With plans to expand into Carrollton and Richardson, their vision is to scale their efforts and continue empowering young people to lead with purpose.

The overwhelming support weve received from the community has far exceeded anything we imagined, added Amit Jennings, co-founder. Its been incredibly meaningful to know that were helping people through difficult times offering not just clothing, but warmth and hope to our neighbors in need.

The generosity and leadership shown by the students behind Wear It Forward have made a tremendous difference in the lives of the families we serve, said Candace Winslow, CEO of The Storehouse Community Center. Their commitment to meeting a basic, yet often overlooked, need has helped restore dignity and confidence to so many in our community. We are proud to partner with such inspiring young leaders who are proving that age is no barrier to making a meaningful impact."

Community members can support Wear It Forward by donating gently used clothing. To schedule a pickup, visit their Instagram page at @wear_itforward or email wearitforward733@gmail.com for more information.

# # #

The Storehouse Community Center (formerly The Storehouse of Collin County) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the community through food, clothing, resources, education, and employment support. By creating strong partnerships and offering transformational programs, TSCC works to address the root causes of food insecurity and empower neighbors to achieve self-sufficiency. During its previous fiscal year, The Storehouse served 182,024 unduplicated neighbors with the support of more than 2,000 volunteers. Visit www.thestorehousecc.org. The Storehouse EIN: 27-1883333

The Storehouse Community Center Names Joan Smith 2025 Volunteer of the Year

Elizabeth Lenart — Thu, 08 May 2025 09:48:17 Z

Smith, who has volunteered since 2016, was the guest of honor at the Storehouses 2025 volunteer appreciation event at Riders Field, where she threw out the first pitch before a Frisco RoughRiders game

The Storehouse Community Center has named longtime volunteer Joan Smith as the 2025 Volunteer of the Year. Since 2016, Smith has volunteered 1,613.75 hours across multiple Storehouse programs. On May 4, she was the guest of honor at The Storehouses 2025 Volunteer Appreciation Celebration at Riders Field, where she was invited to throw out the first pitch at the Frisco RoughRiders game.

I am so honored to be named The Storehouse Volunteer of the Year, stated Joan Smith. When you volunteer for something that you are already getting so much from, it feels strange to get an award for it! I love working with an organization that exactly aligns with the way I believe and how I want to help people when I volunteer.

Smith first began volunteering with The Storehouse in the Seven Loaves Food Pantry, where she met one-on-one with neighbors arriving for food. She has also served in Josephs Coat Clothing Closet, and today she not only volunteers in food distribution but also serves as the dean of registration for The Storehouses Academy Education Program.

As dean of registration for The Academy, I volunteer an average of 10 hours a week inputting information into a software program about the various classes and students in The Academy, said Joan Smith. I also volunteer about four to five hours most weeks in Seven Loaves, where I enjoy working alongside other volunteers, greeting neighbors, and taking food carts to their vehicles.

The Storehouses four integrated programs the Seven Loaves Food Pantry, Josephs 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.

While we provide food and clothing, we also provide vital resources through Project Hope, and through The Academy, we help our neighbors move past those immediate needs into employment and self-sufficiency. That is the vision of The Storehouse, and it is very rewarding to be a part of it and watch it become a reality.

Throughout her years volunteering, Smith shared how impressed she has been with the teams continued streamlining of all processes, helping The Storehouse to not only better serve neighbors but to also serve more neighbors. She reflected on how the team has also figured out multiple touchpoints to engage with each neighbor, such as through greeters in the food line or with volunteers running the food carts and assisting neighbors in Josephs Coat.

We are all working together to get to know our neighbors, find out their needs, and direct them to all of the ways we can help them, continued Smith. And with The Academy that relationship grows even deeper as they come to classes regularly and have that one-one-one time with the staff and volunteers.

One memory that has stayed with me from the beginning is from my early years volunteering at Seven Loaves and meeting with neighbors to gather their information, said Smith. A well-spoken, well-dressed young woman came in for food assistance. I asked for her ID, made a copy, and returned it to her. Suddenly, she couldnt find it. I retraced my steps but didnt find it either. When I returned, she had found it and mentioned that moments like these are common for her as she continues her journey of recovery from substance use. That moment reminded me that every neighbor has a storyone that brings depth and humanity to their visit to The Storehouse. Nobody wants to have to come get clothing or food, but when it happens, Im grateful this community is here to offer care and dignity.

Smith expressed many things she enjoys about volunteering at The Storehouse. She has made wonderful friends who enjoy doing things together socially outside of volunteering together.

When you work with others who also believe in what you are doing, you build a great relationship and want to spend more time together, added Smith. I have made some very close friends. We share text strands, and we pray for one another in times of need. This is an added bonus of doing something we love together.

Volunteering has also made me much more aware of what others are experiencing in our community, continued Smith. Its easy for us to think that people in a food line arent working or dont want to be contributing members of society. Because of my work completing data entry for The Storehouse, I happen to know that most neighbors in The Academy program are college educated and above. When we first meet our neighbors, we do not know all they have accomplished or what led them to that food line. This has been a true lightbulb moment for me.

Joan Smith is no stranger to volunteering in her community. She has been a loyal volunteer with the Womens Auxiliary of Childrens Medical Center Plano for more than a decade. She served as its president during the pandemic, and this past year she led a five-year strategic plan detailing how the auxiliary can best support the new tower in Plano, which tripled the size of the hospital. Since 2011 she has volunteered for the Hendrick Scholarship Foundation, which provides Plano ISD graduates who have overcome adversity with scholarships for higher education. She enjoys mentoring students in this program and is currently mentoring the daughter of one of The Storehouses neighbors, who is in her sophomore year and studying to become a nurse. Smith is the one who connected this family with this foundation.

Originally from Des Moines, Iowa, Joan and her husband Berk, live in The Colony. The couple first met as science partners in eighth grade but did not date until their sophomore year of high school. After attending separate colleges, the couple married, moved to California, and then relocated to Plano, where they resided for 30 years and raised their family. Their daughter, Kayla, who lives in Frisco, and son, Nick, who lives in Richardson, are both married and are expecting babies a couple of weeks apart. Kayla already has a son.

The Volunteer of the Year is our highest honor, awarded to one individual whose dedication, consistency, and impact exemplify the spirit of service in our community, said Candace Winslow, CEO, The Storehouse Community Center. Joan Smith has been a beloved volunteer across multiple areas of our mission at The Storehouse for many years and is so deserving of this honor. We cannot begin to thank her enough for her extraordinary service and dedication, helping so many of our neighbors on their pathways to self-sufficiency.

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

# # #

The Storehouse Community Center (formerly The Storehouse of Collin County) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the community through food, clothing, resources, education, and employment support. By creating strong partnerships and offering transformational programs, TSCC works to address the root causes of food insecurity and empower neighbors to achieve self-sufficiency. During its previous fiscal year, The Storehouse served 182,024 unduplicated neighbors with the support of more than 2,000 volunteers. Visit www.thestorehousecc.org. The Storehouse EIN: 27-1883333

40 Area Teens Focus on Teamwork and Make a Year-Long Impact at The Storehouse Community Center

Elizabeth Lenart — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 13:49:57 Z

The 2024-25 Youth Leadership Council learns how to create successful teams from Googles landmark Project Aristotle study; contributes 1,655.5 service hours; and launches multiple impact projects

Founded in 2021, the Youth Leadership Council (YLC) of The Storehouse Community Center was established to provide high school leadership experience while fulfilling the mission of The Storehouse to feed, clothe, and care as neighbors in one community. This years group of 40 students from 19 area high schools in Carrollton, Dallas, Frisco, Plano, and Richardson took their service a step beyond, launching multiple impact projects while learning how to work best as a team.

This years theme, Creating Successful Teams, was built around Googles Project Aristotlea landmark study that explored what makes teams thrive. Each month, student leaders facilitated interactive learning sessions on five traits identified in the study: psychological safety, dependability, structure & clarity, meaning, and impact. The research, a multi-year initiative, found psychological safety where team members feel safe to take risks and be vulnerable as the most critical element of team success.

YLC Squad Leaders Abigail Muccio, Ava Henry, Blair Neumayer, Caroline Hathaway, Carter Jacob and Assistant Squad Leaders Joshua Montes, Nikhil Aluri, Nina Zucconi, Sophia Perez, Tessa Devasia developed the meeting content alongside their squad members and implemented learning activities focusing on these characteristics.

I was quite impressed with the creativity of squad leaders in coordinating these learning sessions, said Ben Skye, director of communications and culture and YLC advisor at The Storehouse. Through obstacle courses, skits, discussions, and more, each meeting brought the concepts to life in memorable ways, helping students build leadership and teamwork skills theyll carry into their futures.

"Last year, we spent a lot of time learning about our personality profiles and figuring out our individual strengths and weaknesses, said Raghav Gupta, senior, Plano West Senior High School. This year built on that foundation, and we got to really dig into what makes a team work. Leadership isnt just about you its about how you work with other people, and learning about Project Aristotle helped all of us understand how to do that better."

The group also came together in teams to launch a series of projects that would directly benefit The Storehouse. When Josephs Coat clothing closet needed warm clothing for the winter, the students created a marketing campaign with materials and served as liaisons for two large high schools whom they asked to launch drives: Plano West and John Paul II, which collected a combined 562 items. The council also closed out the year with a socks and underwear drive which resulted in 402 donations a pressing need they learned about while volunteering.

Over the summer, YLC alumna and founding member Rishika Chimaji now a junior at Texas A&M majoring in environmental science returned to The Storehouse to complete the eight-week Nonprofit Management internship. While working in the food pantry, Chimaji noticed that damaged packages of oats, though still safe to eat, were being set aside and left unused. Drawing on her academic background, she proposed a new YLC project: repurposing the oats into protein bites for neighbors attending The Storehouses Saturday morning Academy education classes. Made with oats, honey, peanut butter, chia seeds, and vanilla, the protein bites quickly became a popular and energizing snack for Academy students. Preparing them grew into an ongoing YLC team effort a project that combined sustainability, creativity, and care for their neighbors. This year, the students prepared more than 1,100 protein bites.

We could not be prouder of our council and the impact they have made not only through their service hours but also through these multiple projects, added Skye. Rishikas project is a prime example of what we hope our YLC members take away from their year or years of service at The Storehouse. For her to see a need, take the initiative, and apply what she has learned in college to her deep commitment to the YLC and our mission to care for our neighbors was extremely rewarding to watch. Not only that, her efforts and initiative launched a YLC project that will likely be continued in the years to come.

As the 40 members of the 202425 Youth Leadership Council wrapped up the councils fourth year, they gathered to reflect on their accomplishments, recognize their leaders, and honor their graduating seniors. They also celebrated this years recipients of the David A. Huerta Student Volunteer Award* for the most hours of service: Joshua Eappen (79.5 hours, 11th grade, Frisco Memorial High School), Nina Zucconi (74.25 hours, 12th grade, Plano West Senior High School), and Misha Kandukuri (71 hours, 11th grade, Plano West Senior High School). Altogether, the 40 YLC students contributed an impressive 1,655.5 hours of service averaging 41.38 hours per member, well above the councils 30-hour annual requirement.

Beyond their scheduled service days, many council members also volunteered independently across all four of The Storehouses core programs, lending their time and talents to the clothing closet, neighbor care, education, and food pantry programs.

Twenty-one seniors were honored for their service, including founding members Raghav Gupta (Plano West Senior High School) and Charlotte Bray (Plano East Senior High School), who helped grow the YLC into the thriving program it is today

The YLC is one of the best experiences I have ever had, said Charlotte Bray. I was very shy and introverted as a 9^th grader, and since being a part of the YLC, I have become more comfortable opening up, talking, and being seen. This whole experience has shaped me into being more of a leader than I ever thought I could be. Its a cool thing to be a part of a group of leaders dedicated to helping people. If I hadnt joined YLC as a freshman, I honestly dont know where Id be today.

This is my third year leading the Youth Leadership Council, and its been incredible to not only watch the growth of the council but also our individual members, added Skye. After two years of developing the structure, this years council stepped into their own taking on projects that truly made an impact at The Storehouse. These were initiatives uniquely designed by and for the YLC.

While the YLC roster is complete for the 202526 year, The Storehouse welcomes all high school students to volunteer. To sign up, visit www.thestorehousecc.org/volunteer-sign-up. To learn more about the Youth Leadership Council, visit www.thestorehousecc.org/ylc.

The Storehouse created the YLC to provide students an opportunity to serve our neighbors while developing life and leadership skills, said Candace Winslow, CEO, The Storehouse Community Center. And each year under the leadership of Ben Skye, I am overjoyed to see it develop into so much more. Students are not only learning more about themselves, but they are also seeing that they can create positive change in the world. We are beyond grateful for their many hours of service and the love and care they have shown to our neighbors.

In her remarks at the councils year-end celebration on April 26, Winslow highlighted research showing that high school students who volunteer and engage in leadership programs like the YLC are much more likely to step into leadership roles and stay active in community service throughout their adult lives. She shared with the students, The work you are doing today is planting seeds for a lifetime of leadership and service.

*DAVID A. HUERTA, 22, the awards namesake, began volunteering at The Storehouse at age 14 after he and his family arrived in Plano as immigrants from Venezuela. He volunteered weekly, helped found the YLC, and is a recent graduate of University of Texas at Dallas with a bachelor's degree in finance. He is a YLC advisor and works part time with The Storehouse team.

# # #

The Storehouse Community Center (formerly The Storehouse of Collin County) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving residents of Collin, Dallas, and Denton counties through food, clothing, resources, education, and employment support. By creating strong partnerships and offering transformational programs, TSCC works to address the root causes of food insecurity and empower neighbors to achieve self-sufficiency. During its previous fiscal year, The Storehouse served 180,000 unduplicated neighbors with the support of more than 2,000 volunteers. Visit www.thestorehousecc.org. The Storehouse EIN: 27-1883333

Storehouse Community Center Neighbors Thrive at Hilti North America

Elizabeth Lenart — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 13:23:23 Z

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 Hiltis 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, Hiltis 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 Hiltis 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 Storehouses 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 couldnt 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. Lets move philanthropy from transactional to transformational.

Hiltis 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 Hiltis 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.

Hiltis 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 Storehouses first job partner, Hilti, and Nebraska Furniture Mart (NFM).

If anyone asks me about The Storehouse, Im 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.

# # #

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; Josephs 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. Hiltis 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.

Winter Coats Needed for All Ages at The Storehouse Community Center

Elizabeth Lenart — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 12:24:58 Z

Local organizations and businesses are invited to host a coat drive and share the warmth with those in need this winter

Josephs Coat, a program of The Storehouse Community Center that provides clothing at no cost, is asking the community for donations of new and gently used winter coats and jackets for all ages. Last year Josephs Coat distributed 1,829 coats to men, women, and children.

As hot as it has been this past summer, its hard to believe we will all need winter coats soon, but that time is just around the corner, said Christi Ferrell, co-director, Josephs Coat. For many families, paying bills, putting food on the table, and supplying other critical needs take priority over purchasing coats, which are essential clothing needed for warmth and wellness. Additionally, warm coats provide confidence and self-worth, especially for children, enabling them to attend school, wait at the bus stop and engage in outdoor activities. The impact of a coat is much greater than many of us may realize.

The Storehouse invites local businesses and organizations, groups, or clubs to consider hosting a coat drive.

Volunteers and community members often ask if there are some specific ways they can help, and conducting a coat drive is a wonderful way to make an impact this season, said Susan Gradick, co-director, Josephs Coat. Many of us likely have a coat or two at home that is no longer worn that could be enjoyed by someone in need! Josephs Coat also welcomes monetary donations for purchasing coats needed to accommodate varying sizes and ages. Since our founding in 2009, Josephs Coat depends on the generous donations of our community, which enable us to serve our neighbors each week at no cost.

Donations may be dropped off at the Josephs Coat shed, which is open 24 hours, seven days a week, at The Storehouse, located at 1401 Mira Vista Blvd., in the north parking lot. For large donations or anyone needing unloading assistance, clothing closet staff are onsite sorting items and can assist you on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

For anyone interested in volunteering at Josephs Coat, please sign up at https://www.thestorehousecc.org/volunteer. For anyone needing clothing, Josephs Coat is open on Mondays and Wednesdays by appointment only.

"Time and time again, neighbors express how Josephs Coat clothing closet impacts their lives, added Gradick. Recently we helped an older gentleman find a jacket, and he exclaimed, Its like this jacket was made just for me. He shared that money was tight and Josephs Coat helped him to stretch his budget. Children outgrow clothing and wear things that no longer fit, or they do without. Your gifts of clothing are such a blessing, helping others feel good about themselves and go forward with confidence. So please take a look in your closet or think about conducting a coat drive with your business. Your generosity means everything to those we serve.

# # #

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; Josephs 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 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 Storehouse Community Center Launches Club 52

Elizabeth Lenart — Fri, 09 Aug 2024 08:59:20 Z

52 weeks, 52 corporationscoming 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 TSCCs 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 companys 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.

# # #

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; Josephs 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

The Storehouse Youth Leadership Council Gains Hands-On Experience Leading Through Change

Elizabeth Lenart — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 12:26:49 Z

The 50-member group, representing 20 different North Texas high schools, reflects on year of service and leadership development, while honoring seniors, group leaders, and top achievers

Founded in 2021, the Youth Leadership Council (YLC) of The Storehouse Community Center was established to provide high school leadership experience while fulfilling the mission of The Storehouse to feed, clothe, and care as neighbors in one community. As the 50 members of the 2023-24 council wrapped up the councils third year, the group reflected on their accomplishments, recognizing their leaders, and honoring their seniors, along with this years three recipients of the David A. Huerta Student Volunteer Award* for the most hours of service: Nina Zucconi, 106 volunteer hours (junior, Plano West Senior High School); Theresa Wootton, 90.25 volunteer hours (senior, John Paul II High School); and Sarah Cho, 71.5 volunteer hours (junior, Allen High School).

Midway through the academic year, this years council was faced with an unexpected scheduling change as The Storehouse shifted to an appointment system for food pantry distribution. Originally meeting only on Saturdays, the group had planned the year volunteering during the morning food distribution, followed by a council meeting eight Saturdays a month. When The Storehouse shifted its schedule, eliminating Saturday distributions, the group had to restructure its plans. The solution involved keeping Saturday mornings for meetings and selecting one of three weekday evenings for the group to volunteer a potential challenge with high school schedules.

A big part of leadership is learning to lead through change, especially unexpected change, said Ben Skye, director of communications and culture and YLC advisor at The Storehouse. Due to major changes in our food pantry service schedule, our leadership team had to develop a change management plan for the council going into 2024. It was inspiring to see how they came together and got the job done with teamwork and leadership. They learned a powerful lesson this year: even when you do your very best planning, circumstances outside of your control can change and you must adapt.

The 50 YLC students contributed a total of 2,114.25 hours, an average of 42.385 hours per member. Council members also volunteered across the four programs at The Storehouse, serving in the clothing closet, neighbor care, and education programs on their own accord outside of scheduled service days.

This year, council members also explored their personal leadership styles using the 16 Personalities report to facilitate discussions about practicing leadership across various areas in life.

"I really never thought that I could be a good leader, said Theresa Wootton, a YLC squad leader. Im not typically extroverted or charismatic, and Im not super positive. But I found that I didnt have to try to be something I wasnt to contribute and to lead. I've been so grateful to be part of such a diverse leadership team, not for just one, but two years.

Additionally, sisters Leah Devasia and Tessa Devasia, a senior and a sophomore, respectively, at John Paul II High School, were recognized for achieving 100 percent attendance by participating in all required YLC activities, including a meet and greet, orientation, a summer volunteer session, a midweek food bagging and planning session, eight service days, and eight YLC meetings.

My experience volunteering at The Storehouse showed me how much time, effort, and communication goes into running an efficient organization, said Leah Devasia, senior, John Paul II High School. I hope to handle my responsibilities as well as The Storehouse staff in college and in my future career!

Fourteen seniors were recognized for their year of service: Lakshmi Aravindan, Charlotte Blank, Leah Devasia, Matthew Farrell, Justin Goodlin, Katherine Happe, Lauren Latham, Adil Miah, Lupe Oloyede, Ajay Raghavan, Henry Rutnam, Ally Troxler, Theresa Wootton, and Shirley Xinyi Yang.

Additionally, five squad leaders, Charlotte Blank, Leah Devasia, Katherine Happe, Ajay Raghavan, and Theresa Wootton, along with five assistant squad leaders, Ava Henry, Carter Jacob, Blair Neumayer, Ally Troxler, and Henry Troxler, were recognized for their efforts in helping plan and execute the YLC's objectives and activities this past year.

The 2023-24 YLC members represented the following 20 high schools: Allen High School, Frisco High School, Frisco Memorial High School, Harmony Science Academy, Hebron High School, Jasper High School, JJ Pearce High School, Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas, John Paul II High School, Leadership Prep School Frisco, Lebanon Trail High School, McKinney Boyd High School, Plano East Senior High School, Plano West Senior High School, Prestonwood Christian Academy, Prince of Peace Christian School, Rick Reedy High School, Shepton High School, The Episcopal School of Dallas, and Wakeland High School.

"This is my second year serving as advisor for the council, and I am so proud to see how the program continues to innovate and grow, added Skye. Our student leaders play a major role in strategizing and implementing plans for the year while cultivating an inclusive, diverse, and supportive environment for their peers to interact and serve their community. One of my favorite points of feedback this year was from a student who shared how he always looks forward to coming to the YLC. He shared that even when it was a bad week at school, YLC was always an uplifting place to be!

The YLC roster is complete for the 2024-25 year, but all high schoolers are invited to sign up and volunteer at The Storehouse. To volunteer, visit www.thestorehousecc.org/volunteer-sign-up. To learn more about the YLC, visit www.thestorehousecc.org/ylc

We created the YLC to provide students an opportunity to serve our neighbors while developing life and leadership skills, said Candace Winslow, CEO, The Storehouse Community Center. Under the leadership of Ben Skye, our director of communications and culture, the YLC has developed into so much more. Students are not only learning more about themselves, but they are also seeing that they can create positive change in the world. We are beyond grateful for their many hours of service and the love and care they have shown to our neighbors.

*DAVID A. HUERTA, 21, the awards namesake, began volunteering at The Storehouse at age 14 after he and his family arrived in Plano as immigrants from Venezuela. He volunteered weekly, helped found the YLC, and is currently a student at the University of Texas at Dallas, majoring in finance. He is a YLC advisor and works part time with The Storehouse team.

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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; Josephs 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

The Storehouse Community Center Hosts Historic Graduation Ceremony for the Academy Education Program

Elizabeth Lenart — Fri, 31 May 2024 09:51:03 Z

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 Academys 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 programs 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 Academys 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 fathers 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, Youll 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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PHOTOS BY KIM LEESON

The Storehouse of Collin County Changes Name to The Storehouse Community Center

Elizabeth Lenart — Mon, 20 May 2024 13:06:19 Z

A beacon of hope for neighbors throughout North Texas, The Storehouses new name more accurately reflects the region served and the nonprofits direction for the future

The Storehouse of Collin County announced that its name is changing to The Storehouse Community Center, effective immediately. The announcement was made on May 16 at the nonprofits 15^th anniversary celebration. During the last 15 years, The Storehouse has seen growth across a wider geographic area due to its strategic location at the intersection of Dallas, Collin, and Denton counties. The new name, The Storehouse Community Center, is a more accurate reflection of this unique hub where neighbors, regardless of zip code, may come for support, hope, and transformation.

At the time of its founding as the Seven Loaves food pantry in 2009, The Storehouse only served neighbors within a specific list of zip codes. Those restrictions were lifted in 2020 at the start of the pandemic, and since that time, the number of families throughout North Texas who seek assistance at The Storehouse has steadily increased. In 2023, 68% of those served at The Storehouse resided in the city of Dallas.

While East, West, and South Dallas receive substantial support in the metroplex, we know from our neighbors that there is invisible poverty in North Dallas, said Candace Winslow, CEO, The Storehouse Community Center. This was demonstrated by a more than 400% increase in our service numbers from the start of the pandemic until today. It is our desire to be a champion for North Dallasserving the neighbors and needs in this community deeply and transformationally.

The Storehouses pathway of programs serves neighbors holistically and includes a food pantry, a clothing closet, a resource referral program, and an education program that offers job, language, and life skills training. This pathway culminates in a job partnership program connecting neighbors with stable, high-quality employment opportunities. Presently, The Storehouse serves around 5,000 families per month.

Through our job partnerships, first Lux Ice, and more recently, Hilti, we are seeing our neighbors thrive on their individual pathways to transformation, added Winslow. Our integrated programs are designed to support them on their journeys from food insecurity to stable high-quality employment, and our vision is to change the life trajectories of 20% of the individuals we serve.

Our mission at The Storehouse is to feed, clothe, and care for our neighbors in one community, added Winslow. We will continue to adapt, change, and develop new programs based on the needs of our neighbors on their pathways to transformation. The Storehouse Community Center a warm and safe hub for our neighbors from across the region to come together and feel loved and supported reflects who we are today and who we want to be tomorrow.

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The Storehouse of Collin County Names Kathy Jascott 2024 Volunteer of the Year

Elizabeth Lenart — Wed, 01 May 2024 10:11:42 Z

Jascott, who has volunteered since 2009, was the guest of honor at the Storehouses 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 Josephs 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 Storehouses 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 Josephs 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.

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 Josephs Coat in need of a coat, and we couldnt 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 dont 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 Josephs Coat and waited in a line to shop for clothing. In 2023, The Storehouse began serving neighbors by appointment three days a week. Today Josephs 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 Josephs 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 childrens clothing one of the biggest needs in the clothing closet. The staff also refers to her as the childrens 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 Josephs Coat is just what I do now, and I love it!

Jascott shared that there are many incredible stories of serving neighbors in Josephs 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 couldnt 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 Josephs Coat, as an added benefit, you will also soon have the most organized closet at home because you are so used to sorting!

I dont know how we could begin to thank Kathy Jascott for her many years of service in Josephs 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; Josephs 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

The Storehouse Increases Pantry Capacity and Wraparound Services with North Texas Food Bank Grants

Elizabeth Lenart — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 13:46:40 Z

Providing a new sprinter van; assets such as tents, tables, carts, and cones; and support of The Academy, NTFB grants equip nonprofit to accommodate growth while addressing underlying barriers to food security

The Storehouse of Collin County is celebrating the addition of a new sprinter van as well as new operational assets, including tents, carts, and cones for utilization during food distribution all provided as part of a fiscal year 2023 Capacity Building Grant from the North Texas Food Bank (NTFB).

The North Texas Food Bank has been our faithful partner for 15 years, helping us to meet a 450% increase in the demand for food over the last two years, said Candace Winslow, CEO, The Storehouse of Collin County. Serving around 5,000 households monthly with 80+ pounds of food is only possible because of our ongoing partnership. This Capacity Building Grant has allowed us to drive incremental growth regarding pounds of food as we enhance our efficiency as well as safety procedures for neighbors, volunteers, and staff.

Wrapped and ready to roll, the new van will allow for an increase in retail food program pickups. Another benefit of the van is its use in off-site food distribution activities such as the nonprofits monthly delivery and on-location service of Evergreen Arbor Hills Senior Living facility. Operational assets also provided through the grant included six new tents, 30 traffic cones, eight carts, 10 stanchions, 12 vinyl rolling bins, three portable radios, and six plastic folding tables.

During the same fiscal year, The Storehouse also received a NTFB Hope for Tomorrow Grant, supporting The Academy education program and its expansion of neighbor language, job, and life skills training.

The Academy education program first began in 2022 with 40 neighbors enrolled in our ESL program, and this semester, we are proud to welcome 198 neighbors into the program, said Ligia Urrego, director, The Academy. It is hard to believe that a program that started only two years ago has been able to accommodate such tremendous growth! We are grateful for NTFBs support of The Academy through the Hope for Tomorrow Grant, which has allowed us to lean into this growth and holistically serve our neighbors.

Through The Academy, The Storehouse fosters relationships with neighbors and connects them with education and services that lead to long-term change. In addition to the ESL classes, The Academy offers education in health management, computers, automotive certification, and more.

The NTFB continues to be a critical part of our growth journey through ongoing support and pivotal grants as we adapt and expand to meet the needs of our community through our integrated programs, continued Winslow. We look forward to our continued partnership for years to come as we work to provide nutritious food to our neighbors with the highest levels of love, care, and compassion.

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The Storehouse of Collin County Promotes Nancy Mendez to Director of Project Hope

Elizabeth Lenart — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 12:02:55 Z

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 Womens 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 neighbors 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 Storehouses 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 Storehouses 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 Storehouses 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. Its 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; Josephs 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