Supporting Those Who Support Fort Worth
Yesterday, we highlighted some minority- and black-owned businesses that we have featured in the pages of Madeworthy and on TanglewoodMoms.com. Today, we’re focusing on various organizations that help minorities in our community, be it with food, educational opportunities, or simple hope.
If you are wanting to help your city and all its citizens, these organizations are a great place to start.
In the fourth issue of Madeworthy, we covered Leadership ISD and their mission of educational equality across Texas.
“LISD Executive Director Patricia Arvanitis explains the organization’s philosophy. “When civic leaders understand issues, are equipped with the skills to advocate, and are connected to a mission-driven community, we believe they promote policies and practices that can eliminate disparities within our schools and ensure those we elect make the best decisions for kids.” The emphasis on diversity in every dimension creates a richer learning environment for the Fellows and produces a more representative sense of advocacy.”
Read the full story HERE.
On the cover of the same issue, we highlighted the work that Marta Plata, principal of Manuel Jara Elementary School, is doing with Parent University.
“Parent University is a ground-breaking program designed by Fort Worth Independent School District Principal Marta Plata at Manuel Jara Elementary School in Fort Worth’s Northside neighborhood. Started in 2013, the program’s mission is to empower parents by teaching them the skills they need to become partners in the success of their children, both socially and academically.”
Read the full story HERE.
On TanglewoodMoms.com, we celebrated Redmond Wortham. She was the Young Women’s Leadership Academy’s first college graduate.
“Redmond Wortham, a member of the Young Women’s Leadership Academy of Fort Worth’s first graduating class in 2016, became the first YWLA alumna to earn a college degree. Wortham earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Texas A&M University in just three years — effectively bringing full circle the mission of both YWLA and its Foundation.”
Read the full story HERE.
Lyle Brooks wrote about Opal Lee and her mission to bring fresh produce to food deserts in the 14th issue of Madeworthy.
“Lee, Joel, and Blaylock are part of a movement that is transforming the way Fort Worth thinks about farming and food. Restaurants like Ellerbe’s and the Taste Project focus on locally sourced produce, while programs such as the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension are helping to foster the next generation of farmers. For projects like Opal’s Farm to become sustainable, however, they need donations of time and money (twenty dollars buys a bag of fertilizer) from other concerned citizens. The Opal’s Farm booth can be found out at the Cowtown Farmer’s Market, where they have a loyal following. What the farm doesn’t sell will be given away to the hungry. As the rich river bottom soil nourishes the carrots, beets, turnips, and radishes, Opal’s Farm nourishes its neighborhood and its city.”
Read the full story HERE.
Former MW/TWM writer Kam Phillips was inspired to help children in “dream deserts” by founding Dream Outside the Box.
DOTB mobilizes college students to expose children living in dream deserts to new career possibilities. For an area to qualify as a dream desert, DOTB considers the percentage of children on free and reduced lunches, the percentage of first-generation college students, and access to mentorship and enrichment programming. They then partner with after school programs in the community.
Read the full article HERE.
Tanglewood Moms has highlighted the work that Live Thankfully does on several occasions. Here’s a bit from our first blog post on LT.
“What began as a way of marketing John’s orthodontic practice 8 years ago, has evolved into a four-part service project involving the entire community. In the past, before Live Thankfully was established, Kelley Orthodontics gifted turkeys to its referring dentists around the holidays. In 2012, we redirected our efforts and reach out to families in our neighboring schools who were struggling to put a Thanksgiving meal on the table. That year, with the support of our dental community, we gave 60 meals to families in need. Today, eight years later, we are an established 501c3 organization with paid employees and hundreds of volunteers. Next month will give approximately 850 meals to families adopted through 30 Fort Worth schools, while focusing on student leadership and service.”
Read the full article HERE.
CommUnity Frontline was the focus of both a documentary, 76105: Dr. King Won’t Rise, and an article.
The documentary tells the story of the Stop Six neighborhood in East Fort Worth and the growth of Community Frontline, a network of community leaders dedicated to solving the various concerns and issues that have prevented the area from flourishing for far too long. The title comes from a thesis the group returns to often: leaders from the past are gone, and it is up to current generations to actualize effective change.
Read the full story: HERE
These are only some of the stories we have featured over the years, both in Madeworthy and on TanglewoodMoms.com. Please consider supporting these organizations in their mission to help our community.