WITH PURPOSE
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
Directors Foundation’s mission is to be the best, most-respected partner to like-minded non-profit organizations in order to promote the cause of Christ and be His hands and feet in a lost and hurting world.
THE PRESIDENT LETTER FROM
here are so many needs in our community, state, nation, and around the world. At times, it can feel overwhelming to decide where to start and how to make a difference.
As I pondered this thought, Matthew 25:35-40 came to mind. It reads, “For when I was hungry you gave me food, when I was thirsty you gave me drink… Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.”
These words reminded me that no matter what needs are in front of us, by helping the “least of these,” we’re fulfilling a greater purpose at Directors Foundation.
As I look back on 2025, I am filled with gratitude for what Directors Foundation accomplished. This past year reminded me that great opportunities and solutions surround us every day—often revealed when we choose to serve, to listen, and to act with purpose.
Over the past 12 months, Directors Foundation has helped agencies minister to the flood victims of the Texas Hill Country, built three homes for deserving families in Costa Rica, established a support fund in the funeral profession, provided volunteers for life-changing projects, supported people going on mission trips at home and abroad, offered
skills and life training to youth involved in sports, introduced young people and coaches to the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the list goes on! Whether responding to immediate needs or investing in longterm solutions, Directors Foundation has focused on creating impact that honors both our values and our mission for over a decade. It is both inspiring and humbling to see the Foundation grow exponentially to serve more people than ever before!
As Directors Foundation looks ahead to the coming year, we do so with confidence and hope. Scripture tells us this: “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans” (Proverbs 16:3).
Every day, we will commit our plans to the Lord. And when the opportunities before us are many, God will establish our plans and provide solutions as we continue to work alongside like-minded charities with purpose, faith, integrity, and compassion.
KRIS SEALE President & CEO Directors Foundation
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
“There could be no definition of a successful life that does not include service to others.”
–GEORGE H. W. BUSH
Kris Seale President & CEO Directors Investment Group
EVP & Chief Financial Officer Directors Investment Group
Todd Carlson EVP of Sales & Chief Sales Officer Funeral Directors Life Directors Investment Group
EVP & Chief Marketing Officer Funeral Directors Life Directors Investment Group
Drew Seale
Terry Groban
Theron Holladay President & Chief Executive Officer Parkway Advisors
Pat Baxter Advocate Directors Foundation
Paul Lovelace EVP of Corporate Development
Funeral Directors Life Directors Investment Group
Jeff Stewart
EVP & Chief Culture Officer
Funeral Directors Life Directors Investment Group
Smith Executive Director of Directors Foundation
Funeral Directors Life
Dawson
EVP & Chief Information Security Officer Directors Investment Group
EVP & Chief Operations Officer Funeral Directors Life Directors Investment Group
Principal & Chief Operating Officer Parkway Advisors
Board Member Directors Investment Group
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and He will make straight your paths.”
3:5-6
Nadene
Addison Templeton
Lisa Davidson
Robert Hamil
Rodriguez
MISSION PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
During summers of extreme heat and winters where the wind chill rips right through you, aren’t you grateful for a home that keeps you comfortable and safe? Over the years, Directors Foundation (DF) has helped 19 families achieve this same level of comfort, and it has been such a fun journey! In 2025, over 38 volunteers worked hard to build three homes in Costa Rica for the Potosme-Reyes, Garcia-Rodriguez, and Moraga-Rodriguez families.
POTOSME-REYES FAMILY
The Potosme-Reyes family (Carlos, Fátima, and their three children, Emely, Victor, and Karlita) lives next door to extended family members, and together, they all care for and help raise the children while the parents find meaningful work. During the build process, the mother and children of the Potosme-Reyes family worked alongside DF volunteers to complete their new home, helping paint, clean, and nail boards.
At the Key Ceremony (when the family receives the key after the home is complete), the mother gathered the volunteers who worked on her home to tell them that she had never owned a home before. She told us her dad had come to Costa Rica decades earlier, found a tiny piece of land, and tried to develop it to the best of his ability. But the home we built her family would have “never happened without us, the money it took to build it, the tools, everything!” She was overwhelmed and thanked each person for their contributions. She really couldn’t believe the quality of the structure, that it had 2 bedrooms, that there was a roof that wouldn’t leak, or that there were two windows and a front door that could be locked!
Volunteer Caitlin Bela said, “What really stuck out to me was the fact that the family said they truly felt the love of God through the hard work that we provided them. And to me, while it was hard work, it wasn’t impossible work, and it meant everything to this family!”
“The family said they truly felt the love of God.”
–CAITLIN BELA
THE GARCIA-RODRIGUEZ FAMILY
The second family we had the honor to build a home for was the Garcia-Rodriguez family, which consisted of a single mom, Guisell, her son Cristhian, and her daughter Ana. Arthur Martinez, a volunteer for the past two years, was struck by the level of poverty the family experienced. He, along with his wife and son (who also volunteered), all gained such an appreciation for the blessings in their own lives and knew their time spent with the Garcia-Rodriguez family made a huge impact! Arthur said, “The Key Ceremony, where the family truly owns the house and can even lock the doors, is so powerful!” In fact, the Key Ceremony was one of Arthur’s favorite moments because his son became emotional, and the experience had a big impact on his young heart.
At the same build, Cristal Iris, a first-time volunteer, said the trip was inspiring and a lesson in thankfulness. She added, “What the family had was so little, but they didn’t focus on what they lacked. They were happy people. They were so thankful for each room in the house, each wall, door, and piece of furniture. Each item gave them more hope for a brighter future!” And Celeste Alvarado, another first-time volunteer, noted how she felt a strong connection to the single mom. She said, “We both had teenage sons the same age, and it reminded me of God’s amazing ability to unite families across cultures and nations through shared experiences!”
THE MORAGA-RODRIGUEZ FAMILY
And finally, we were able to provide a home for the Moraga-Rodriguez family. This family of five (Misael, Wendolyn, and their three children, Hazel, Dilan, and Britanny) was so engaged in the process and a big help with many of the building tasks. They were joyful, eager to make a difference, and destined to make a painting mess! Alvino Sanchez, a long-time volunteer with the mission team, said his favorite moment was “seeing the children and the family gather around their new dining table, enjoying lunch. It was amazing to know that they had a home where there was room for the entire family to sit together and break bread.”
For first-time volunteers Joel and Hope Pond, the experience had a long-reaching impact. After returning to the United States, the Ponds felt called to be more generous in every aspect of their lives. Joel said, “Going to Costa Rica and spending time with people truly living in poverty was eyeopening. The families and people we met were so kind. The experience was fulfilling and joyful.”
What an incredible mission trip, serving three families! And it wouldn’t have been possible without our long-term mission partners, Vital Seed Ministries (which provides the direction and planning) and Youth With A Mission (which provides the tools and expertise). With their partnership, DF was able to live out its motto: “Changing people’s lives; one family at a time.”
“The families and people we met were so kind. The experience was fulfilling and joyful.”
– JOEL & HOPE POND
BUTLER
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT SCOTT
nyone who has been on a mission trip recently has probably met the Butlers! Their family has taken part in at least five trips with Directors Foundation. For Scott, his wife Saleena, and their kids, Emma and Evan, a passion for helping others has become a part of their testimony.
A few years ago, the Butlers helped with the home build for the Ruiz family, where Evan and the Ruiz family’s son, Sebastian, first met. They’ve kept in touch over the years, and the two boys worked side by side again on the 2025 trip!
Reflecting on this experience, Scott says the most incredible part is “the willingness of the family to donate their time and effort in order to help us build a house for another family.”
This ongoing connection extends beyond the trips themselves. The families support each other yearround, with the Butlers meeting needs from afar, providing a stove and mixer that encouraged the Ruiz family’s mother to start a baking business.
Looking back on the 2025 mission trip, Scott believes it showed the community what it means to receive help with no strings attached. He shares, “The tears of joy of both the participants and the families we serve are physical signs of God’s work on our hearts.”
The Butler family’s motivation for returning to Costa Rica each year is rooted not only in a desire to make a difference and grow God’s kingdom but also in the joy of reconnecting with friends and working together as a family.
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT MARY BETH HENSLEY
hen Mary Beth Hensley isn’t overseeing the Customer Care team, she’s spearheading the latest Simply Hands and Feet project here in Abilene or serving on the annual mission trip to Costa Rica.
She has been to Costa Rica five times, and 2026 will be her sixth. As the first-chair organizer of the Costa Rica mission trip, she spends a lot of time planning logistics. From interest meetings to working with Tony Delrio at Youth With A Mission, Mary Beth ensures that every trip is successful!
Mary Beth said, “It’s very exciting to see interest grow and to share the impact of what we’ve done in past years.”
Going to Costa Rica is meaningful for her because of the blessing she receives from serving each family. It’s a privilege for her to help build homes alongside the families who will live in them. With every trip she takes, Mary Beth witnesses the joy and friendship that builds between the DIG crew and the family receiving a home. Partnering with the family means not only providing them with a home and furniture but also giving back to the communities of Costa Rica.
As Mary Beth works on each house, she is reminded of Isaiah 6:8, “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’”
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’”
ISAIAH 6:8
“Happiness doesn’t result from what we get, but from what we give.”
–BEN CARSON
CHILDREN’S PROJECTS: YOUTH SPORTS:
CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES:
SCHOOL PROJECTS:
NATIONAL CHARITIES: COMMUNITY PROJECTS: MISCELLANEOUS:
EXPENDED $125,000 $1,170,000 $494,971 $126,000 $70,000 $559,000 $37,450
TOTAL: $2,582,421
YEAR IN REVIEW
ABILENE YOUTH SPORTS AUTHORITY
AYSA continued to offer sports programming to hundreds of youths and adults within a 220-mile radius of Abilene. In 2025, they completed the soccer/football fields that Directors Foundation helped fund, and upon grand opening, over 1,400 kids enrolled in soccer leagues. The ROC (Recreation Outdoor Complex) is near completion!
ABILENE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
DF supported students and faculty through the DIG Study Abroad Scholarship, the DIG Endowed Scholarship, and the College of Business Administration.
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF ABILENE
DF helped launch a successful “Day of Giving” to raise funds for local non-profits. This event spotlighted charities and their needs in and around the Big Country and raised over $2 million in 24 hours!
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS
DF supported hundreds of “Big and Little” matches that “build and support one-on-one relationships to ignite the biggest possible future for youth.”
HEALING HEARTS CONNECTION
Healing Hearts Connection serves children, teenagers, young adults, and adults experiencing the loss of a loved one. DF dollars helped this organization conduct two annual grief camps.
INDIA CHRISTIAN MISSIONS
DF supported the “Blessings Fund” to help the disadvantaged with education, job orientation training, and medical assistance. The fund also supports widows and their needs. On top of that, DF provided financial assistance for the construction of a small village church.
MESSIANIC JEWISH MISSIONS
In partnership with the Beit Hallel Ashdod Congregation in Israel, DF provided support for people who were displaced due to the escalating war.
HENDRICK HOME FOR CHILDREN
DF contributed to scholarships extended to young people continuing their education beyond high school.
KIDS CLUB AT THE PARK
DF helped over 780 children from needy families cover the cost of after-school & summer programming that centers around Jesus, fun, and fellowship.
VARIOUS MISSION PROJECTS
Three deserving families in Costa Rica received homes built by volunteers. Additionally, 3,000+ Christmas care packages were delivered to prisoners in 2025.
“Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.”
PSALM 82:3
SUPPORTED AGENCIES AND PROGRAMS
Abilene Chamber Foundation
Abilene Christian University
Abilene Youth Sports Authority
Abilene Zoological Society
Alive Church
All Kind Animal Initiative
Alzheimer’s Association
Back the Badge Foundation
Beltway Park Church Ministries
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Camp Able of Buffalo Gap
Camp Courage/Club Courage
Cancer Services Network
Community Foundation of Abilene
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)
Dyess and Abilene
Children’s Theatre
East Davidson High School
Fellowship of Christian Athletes
Food Bank of Abilene
“The purpose of human life is to serve and to show compassion and the will to help others.”
–ALBERT SCHWEITZER
Funeral Service Foundation
Global Samaritan
Habitat for Humanity
Hardin-Simmons University
Healing Hearts Connection
Hendrick Home for Children
Hendrick Hospice Care
India Christian Missions
Kids Club at the Park
Love and Care Ministries
Meals on Wheels
Messianic Jewish Missions
MORE SUPPORTED AGENCIES AND PROGRAMS
Middle East Christian Ministries
New Horizons
Noah Project
Pregnancy Resources of Abilene
Presbyterian Medical Care Mission
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
1 PETER 4:10
San Diego Foundation
The Salvation Army
Steps Recovery Center
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Timothy International
Treehouse Safe Exchange and Training Center
Various Mission Projects
Vital Seed Ministries
Wylie Bulldogs Education Foundation
IS SERVICE ORIENTED:
• Sponsors, organizes, and works mission trips
• Highlights partner non-profit organizations on its website
• Extends money for projects helping people in need
VALUES PARTNERSHIPS:
• We continue to reach out to partner organizations to build a close relationship with their staff.
• Understanding the vision and heart of the people involved helps us make future funding decisions.
RAISES AWARENESS THROUGH:
• The Giving Tree campaign, which highlights the charities and causes Directors Foundation supports
• Memorial gifting opportunities
We invite you to join us by giving a meaningful gift in memory of a loved one, in honor of a role model or mentor, and in the spirit of helping those in need. Checks and cash are accepted.
ATTN: Nadene Smith Directors Foundation
6550 Directors Parkway
Abilene, TX 79606
WITH PURPOSE
“‘ FOR I WAS HUNGRY and you gave me food, I WAS THIRSTY and you gave me drink, I WAS A STRANGER and you welcomed me, I WAS NAKED and you clothed me, I WAS SICK and you visited me, I WAS IN PRISON and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’”
MATTHEW 25:35-40