2025 SUMMARY OF GRANTS
Est. 2006
LOVE THAT COMPELS
Letter from the President
What have we been talking about in our 19th year? We at The Rees-Jones Foundation are acknowledging the firm foundation on which we stand. Yes, from our formation in 2006 into 2026, that firm foundation is built on what we have learned and experiences that have formed us as we make our journey together. It has been built through the richness of relationships with amazing people who lead important work serving others, and we always acknowledge the true firm foundation on which we stand is Christ our Lord. As we steward His resources, we acknowledge the great love He has for his people and His creation and strive to share that great love.
And additionally, we are asking— how can we enter our 20th year without talking about the impact of the use of Artificial Intelligence in the work others are doing. How will we choose to participate? I mention this because for us as Christians, we must think long and hard about how this can both impact the work we do for good, but also take a lot of caution and intentionality in the process of uptake. After 19 years of serving and giving, we believe more than ever that we are created to use our unique God-given ingenuity in addressing concerns and solutions. We strive to do so, in very personal and humane ways.
Right now, we are thinking about creative generosity. We serve a very creative and generous God. Following the example of God’s imaginative and abundant giving, we hold resources lightly and we aspire to focus our resources in creative and generous ways with the goal of not just what some might call success, and not for our own gratification, but for the good of creation as a whole, for the good of our neighbors close by and in far places, and yes for the good of the one child who is facing difficult challenges. And it is that holy love that compels our generosity and fuels our creativity and the creativity of others.
We find great joy in supporting creative people doing creative things. There is nothing more joyful than to serve community leaders and healing programs that utilize imagination and talent to meet pressing needs; ones that glorify God and help transform chaos into life-giving blessings. We have had the good fortune over the past 19 years to be in rich relationships with many who are working creatively towards that same good outcome.
We have witnessed the training of caretakers in physical rehabilitation therapy for children with cerebral palsy in places where healthcare is unavailable. We have applauded as organizations designed workarounds when federal funding was diminished or cut. We have observed grantees’ innovating interventions that have addressed the critical needs of veterans who have experienced the trauma of deployment. We have also watched as organizations fortified youth formation programs that innovate in mentoring and high-quality out-of-school time programs where faith and character development are prioritized.
Today, we are looking forward with gratitude and expectation for what God leads us to in our upcoming 20th year. We are full of joy and celebrating His love, His generosity and great creativity in all He has and will design.
Terese Stevenson Foundation President
About the Rees-Jones Foundation
Founded in 2006 by Jan and Trevor Rees-Jones, The Rees-Jones Foundation is a private foundation that works with nonprofit organizations, primarily in North Texas, to serve others and improve their quality of life in tangible ways.
The mission of The Rees-Jones Foundation is to serve God by serving others, sharing His resources in ways that provide opportunities for the disadvantaged, relief for the suffering, and encouragement in the growth and well-being of children and families in the community.
The vision of The Rees-Jones Foundation is that the love of Christ is experienced in tangible ways by those in our community who have disadvantages or who are suffering spiritually, physically, or emotionally.
The Foundation works to defend the welfare of children suffering from abuse or neglect, provide youth with opportunities for enrichment and character development, encourage healthy families and thriving communities, improve the quality of life for children with disabilities, and promote the humane treatment of companion animals.
FOUNDATION STAFF
Thornton Hardie III
President
Terese Stevenson Incoming President Vice President of Grants
Cissy Moses Vice President of Finance Treasurer & Secretary
Adrian Cook Director of Research and Evaluations
Lynn Gibson Senior Program Officer
Trey Hill Senior Program Officer
Thomas Kincaid Senior Program Officer
CJ Stevenson Program Officer
Shellie Velasco Program Officer
Liz Curfman Program Associate
Allyson Plumlee Research Associate
Sara Meyers Communications Specialist
Amy Brooks Grants Manager
Natalie Darwin Administrative Assistant
About the Founders
Jan and Trevor Rees-Jones established The ReesJones Foundation in 2006 out of proceeds from an entrepreneurial business enterprise and a conviction that God had blessed them as custodians of His resources.
For Jan and Trevor, the premise of the Foundation is straight forward: serve God by serving others, and in the process enable others to experience the love of Christ in very tangible ways.
Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, The Rees-Jones Foundation is a multi-generational, private foundation that serves nonprofit organizations in North Texas and around the world.
The Foundation is led by Jan and Trevor, both life-long residents of the Dallas area. They are active members of Highland Park Presbyterian Church, and are privileged to be included in many meaningful events around the community; however, they also enjoy family time at their ranch or a quiet night at home with their dogs.
“We have always known that our lives have been blessed by God beyond anything we deserved. As custodians of what He has provided, we are called to share our resources with those around us who lack the same resources,” say Jan and Trevor Rees-Jones. “In 2006, with a lot of thought and great joy, we were able to establish The Rees-Jones Foundation to be an instrument by which we could begin to fulfill this call. We do what we do in response to what He has done for us.”
Also involved with the Foundation are the Rees-Jones children, Trevor R. Rees-Jones and his wife Jenny, and David G. Rees-Jones and his wife Margaret. Both Jenny and Margaret served as program officers at the Foundation with portfolios that included animal welfare, global Christianity and youth experiences. Trevor R. and David G. are both members of the Board of Directors of the Foundation, Co-Presidents of Rees-Jones Holdings LLC, and active in all of the family’s business activities, including oil and gas through Chief Energy, real estate through Chief Partners, and mission-driven impact investing through Cubit Capital.
2025 Grant Making Portfolios International
The Foundation accomplishes its mission of serving the least of these by partnering with nonprofit organizations in North Texas through relational philanthropy.
Grant Making:
• Community
•
•
•
•
Focus Counties:
• Collin
2025 Grant Making Portfolios International
Lifetime Grant Making
2025 Lifetime Grant Making
2025 Grant Making
2025 Grant Making
ANIMAL WELFARE
Love compels us to care for companion animals.
To Promote the Ethical and Humane Treatment of Companion Animals
The Foundation aims to promote the ethical and humane treatment of companion animals, because companion animals should have secure, loving, forever homes; and communities should be safe for animals and residents alike.
Percentage of Dollars Awarded by Portfolio:
1. Animal Maltreatment Prevention: Programming around law enforcement and animal welfare focused on intervening in animal maltreatment.
2. Animal Rescue and Adoption: Programming around rescue and adoption to place companion animals in permanent homes.
3. Animal Spay/Neuter Procedures: Programming around spay/neuter procedures to control animal population.
“O Lord, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures.”
Psalm 104:24
4. Animal Welfare System: Programming around public and private systems that ensure animal and community well-being.
Spay Neuter Network
After completion of its new Dallas clinic in late 2024 – made possible with support in part from The Rees-Jones Foundation – Spay Neuter Network completed 9,467 spay and neuter surgeries in 2025, preventing thousands of unintended litters and reducing strain on local shelters. In addition, The Rees-Jones Foundation supported 73 mobile clinic days, delivering 1,670 surgeries directly into underserved neighborhoods. Together, the Dallas clinic and mobile services have provided 11,137 spay/neuter surgeries, including 2,804 free surgeries for families most in need.
Building on this impact, Spay Neuter Network also completed an additional 2,557 reduced-price spay/neuter surgeries through its partnership with the Bissell Foundation and the Rees-Jones Foundation, further expanding access for families who may not qualify for free services but still struggle with affordability.
The impact of this work is felt at the individual level.
When Maria rescued Lobo, a two-year-old dog found undernourished and roaming the streets, she was determined to give him a safe and loving home. But she worried she couldn’t afford the veterinary care he needed. Lobo required neutering, vaccinations, and a microchip, and the costs felt overwhelming to Maria.
Through Spay Neuter Network’s Dallas clinic, Maria learned she qualified for free services based on where she lived. Lobo received the care he needed – at no cost – allowing Maria to focus on helping him heal and settle into his new life.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, more than 30% of U.S. households with pets delay or forgo veterinary care because of cost. The ReesJones Foundation’s partnership with Spay Neuter Network helps close that gap, ensuring pets like Lobo receive spayed/neutered and receive essential preventive care, so that families can keep their pets healthy, safe, and at home.
Animal Welfare Grants Awarded
BISSELL Pet Foundation $150,000
Funding to support spay-neuter surgeries targeted to ten high-intake Dallas zip codes.
Dallas Pets Alive $120,000
Funding to support general operations as the organization continues its merger with Human Society of Dallas County.
Hearts & Bones Animal Rescue $100,000
Funding to support the Transport Program that moves vulnerable dogs from Dallas Animal Services to foster and adoptive homes in the New York City metro area.
Humane Society of North Texas $50,000
Funding to support the Cruelty Investigations Program.
Operation Kindness $200,000
Funding to support the spay/neuter and vaccine clinics for owned dogs in 10 specified zip codes in Dallas.
Saving Hope Foundation $50,000
Funding to support the “Snip Snip Hooray” spay-neuter project in Fort Worth.
Spay Neuter Network $657,000
Funding to support the Dallas Surgery Growth Project as it increases access to low-cost spay/neuter services and microchipping.
Texas Coalition for Animal Protection $75,000
Funding to support spay-neuter surgeries along with vaccinations and microchipping for dogs in 10 specified zip codes.
The Texas Humane Network $30,000
Funding to support general operations.
BISSELL Pet Foundation
BISSELL Pet Foundation provides critical support by scheduling high-quality, high-volume, spay/neuter veterinarians at clinics in Dallas to dramatically increase access to these much-needed services to help communities prevent pet overpopulation.
Given The Rees-Jones Foundation’s animal welfare priorities centering on ending the abuse and neglect of animals in our city and ensuring every family in the City of Dallas with companion animals has access to basic veterinary care, the partnership with Bissell Pet Foundation was a win.
To date, the collaboration has led to 527 spay/neuter surgeries in the ten highest needs zip codes in Dallas just over the past two years. This is significant given the average size litter for dogs is five to six puppies. A female dog can have four to six litters, conservatively. Approximately 8,640 births were prevented in 2024, with thousands of additional births prevented in 2025. As we continue these targeted efforts, we anticipate fewer calls to Dallas Animal Services for strays, a decrease in crisis calls, fewer unplanned litters, and healthier pets. Healthier pets equals happier humans!
CHILD WELFARE
Love compels us to seek healing and safety for children.
“In
peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, o Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
Psalm 4:8
To Serve Children and Youth Referred to the Substitute Care System
The Foundation aims to serve children and youth who are referred to the substitute care system, because children and youth who have experienced maltreatment should have opportunity to heal from their trauma and find permanency in loving homes.
Percentage of Dollars Awarded by Portfolio:
1. Child Welfare System: Programming around implementing the child substitute care system.
2. Family Reunification & Safety: Programming around family safety and reunification for families involved with Child Protective Services.
3. Foster Youth CASA Advocacy: Programming around implementing the child substitute care system.
4. Foster Youth Healthcare: Programming around integrated health care for children or youth who are in substitute care.
5. Foster Youth Permanency: Programming around permanency for children or youth who are in substitute care, including adoption or permanent kinship care.
6. Foster Youth Placements: Programming around temporary placements for children or youth who are in substitute care.
7. Foster Youth Support: Programming around education, social, and therapeutic services for children or youth who are in substitute care.
New Horizons
New Horizons serves 1,200 children and families each year, providing residential treatment in a ranch setting, foster care, and community-based services. The Ranch helps young people heal from trauma, develop life skills, and build healthy relationships through therapeutic programs.
Throughout the year, the Ranch provided safe homes, individual and group therapy, education support, and daily structure for youth who have experienced abuse and neglect. Beyond the therapeutic work, youth also volunteered at community events, helped veterans with service projects, and participated in local activities.
Community members supported youth involved in the
county stock show by providing clothing and equipment.
Among those served in 2025 was an 11-year-old boy who came to the Ranch after years of abuse and isolation, having been locked in his room with boarded windows and told he was worthless. Walking through his new home, he looked up and said, “This place is so nice. I don’t deserve to live somewhere this nice.” Staff were quick to share with him what is communicated to every child who comes into their care – ”you are valued and cherished.”
Child Welfare Grants Awarded
ACH Child and Family Services
$1,000,000
Funding to support their Kinship Connections program.
Azleway $50,000
Funding to support their North Texas foster care and adoption programs.
Buckner Children and Family Services
$100,000
Funding to support their North Texas foster care and adoption program.
CASA of Tarrant County $125,000
Funding to support general operations and continue serving foster children in Tarrant County.
Child Poverty Action Lab $100,000
Funding to support the Dallas County Child Protection and Permanency Court Navigator Program.
Children’s Medical Center Foundation
$4,500,000
Funding to support The Rees-Jones Center for Foster Care Excellence at Children’s Health.
Christ’s Haven for Children $50,000
Funding to support their residential care program serving youth who have been displaced.
First3Years $60,000
Funding to support the Safe Babies program in Dallas and Tarrant Counties.
Gladney Center for Adoption $75,000
Funding to support the Adoptions from Foster Care programming, including the Gladney Home for foster youth.
NewDay Services for Children and Families $100,000
Funding to support the FOCUS+ programming for fathers and mothers in DFPS Region 3.
New Horizons $75,000
Funding to support residential programs serving foster youth at the ranch treatment center in Goldthwaite, Texas.
Our Father’s Children $30,000
Funding to support camper scholarships for children who have experienced abuse or neglect as they experience the love of Christ through the camping experience.
Phased IN $20,000
Funding to support residential programming for youth aging out of foster care.
Southern Methodist University (SMU)
$30,000
Funding to support the Child Advocacy Clinic as it provides legal assistance to aging-out foster youth.
TRAC $100,000
Funding to support general operations and continue serving youth aging out of foster care with support needed to reach self-sufficiency.
Unfaulted $15,000
Funding to support general operations to further serving young people aging out of foster care.
Unfaulted
One young woman Unfaulted served entered the program at 18 years old, immediately after aging out of foster care. At intake, she displayed significant developmental delays and lacked the basic life skills necessary for independent adulthood. She struggled with motivation, direction, personal hygiene, and appropriate social behavior. She had no work experience, no driver’s license, no sense of community, and demonstrated extreme childlike behaviors, including carrying a baby doll and communicating in a noticeably immature manner.
Rather than rushing her through services or focusing solely on surface-level goals, Unfaulted committed to walking alongside her at a pace that honored both her trauma history and her developmental needs. She engaged fully in Unfaulted’s programming, including Bible study, trauma-informed healing classes (Restore), Empowered life skills conferences, consistent mentoring, and community-building activities. Her attendance and communication were consistently strong, reflecting growing trust and engagement.
Over time, her growth was profound and holistic. She secured and maintained employment, moved into her own apartment, learned to budget and save, and developed healthy routines around self-care and hygiene. She now demonstrates appropriate social skills, emotional regulation, and personal responsibility.
Today, she has completed all program requirements and is scheduled to graduate from Unfaulted’s full programming in 2026. Most importantly, she has matured into a confident young woman who believes in her own capacity to thrive.
COMMUNITY BENEFIT
Love compels us to seek the welfare of our neighbors.
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16
To Serve Children and Youth with Specialized Philanthropic Programming
The Foundation aims to serve children and youth with specialized philanthropic programming, because North Texas children and youth should live in a community that actively supports philanthropy and civic participation.
Percentage of Dollars Awarded by Portfolio:
1. CCR Scholarships: Programming around Cook Canyon Ranch Scholarships for Eastland and Ranger High Schools.
2. Christmas Philanthropy: Programming around Christmas gifts for children or youth from disadvantaged backgrounds.
3. Community Philanthropy: Programming that benefits the community.
4. Paradise Valley: Grantmaking to Paradise Valley, Montana.
5. Philanthropy, Charity & Volunteerism: Programming around philanthropy, charity and volunteerism.
6. Rees-Jones Youth Internship: Programming around the Rees-Jones Youth Internship Program.
Community Benefit Grants Awarded
The Archway $4,000
Funding to provide Christmas gifts for children escaping domestic violence.
Arlington Life Shelter $1,500
Funding to provide Christmas gifts for children experiencing homelessness.
Behind Every Door Ministries $16,500
Funding to support the 2025 Rees-Jones Foundation Youth Internship.
Casa del Lago $27,500
Funding to support the 2025 Rees-Jones Foundation Youth Internship.
Communities Foundation of Texas
$100,000
Multi-year funding to support North Texas Giving Day.
Cornerstone Community Action Agency
$50,000
Funding to support the family assistance services for residents of Eastland County.
The Dallas Foundation $200,000
Funding for the Rees-Jones fund for community projects.
Dallas Leadership Foundation $33,000
Funding to support the 2025 Rees-Jones Foundation Youth Internship.
Dallas Life
$3,500
Funding to provide Christmas gifts for children in need.
Denton County Friends of the Family
$3,500
Funding to provide Christmas gifts for children escaping domestic violence.
Eastland Animal Control $50,000
Funding to support shelter facility improvements for dogs and cats.
Eastland County Child Welfare Board
$3,000
Funding to provide Christmas gifts for children in need residing in Eastland County.
Eastland County Crisis Center $50,000
Funding to support their children’s advocacy center programming to serve children who have experienced abuse.
Eastland Independent School District
$20,000
Funding for Cook Canyon Ranch scholarship.
Family Gateway $5,500
Funding to provide Christmas gifts for children impacted by homelessness.
The Family Place $4,000
Funding to provide Christmas gifts for children escaping domestic violence.
For the Nations Refugee Outreach
$33,000
Funding to support the 2025 Rees-Jones Foundation Youth Internship.
Genesis Women’s Shelter and Support
$2,500
Funding to provide Christmas gifts for children escaping domestic violence.
Interfaith Family Services $3,000
Funding to provide Christmas gifts for children impacted by homelessness.
Mosaic Family Services $3,000
Funding to provide Christmas gifts for children in need.
Perot Museum of Nature and Science
$10,000,000
Funding to support the Perot 2.0 capital campaign for additions to the museum and for the creation of a 4-acre outdoor experiential space.
Presbyterian Night Shelter of Tarrant County $5,000
Funding to provide Christmas gifts for children impacted by homelessness.
Community Benefit Grants Awarded
Rainbow Days $5,500
Funding to provide Christmas gifts for children experiencing homelessness.
Ranger Independent School District
$20,000
Funding for Cook Canyon Ranch scholarship
The Stewpot $250,000
Funding to support capital costs related to the acquisition, improvement and operation of The Opportunity Center in South Dallas.
Texas 2036 $100,000
Funding to support general operations for the benefit of all Texans.
Union Gospel Mission of Dallas $3,000
Funding to provide Christmas gifts for children experiencing homelessness.
Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant County
$3,000
Funding to provide Christmas gifts for children experiencing homelessness.
Yellowstone Forever $330,000
Funding to support the ongoing research and monitoring of the Yellowstone Wolf Project.
*Grants listed in orange are Capital Grants
Youth Believing in Change $33,000
Funding to support the 2025 Rees-Jones Foundation Youth Internship.
The Rees-Jones Youth Internship Program
The Rees-Jones Foundation Youth Internship Program started in 2018 with the hope of directly pouring into the next generation. By partnering with longstanding partners with a grant to each agency, interns have had the chance to receive pay from their respective nonprofits, build mentoring relationships, learn the importance of excellence in the workplace, and focus on building strong character in relationship with God.
In 2025, the Foundation brought together a cohort of interns from Behind Every Door Ministries, Buckner Children and Family Services, Casa del Lago, and For the Nations Refugee Outreach, four organizations doing transformative work across the city, for an unforgettable summer experience. Supported by Rees-Jones Foundation funding, each organization hired interns to work at their respective agencies for the summer under the care of a dedicated staff member who led them in Bible study and oversaw their work.
Over four in-person gatherings, hosted and planned by the Foundation, interns dove into real-world skills not covered in a school syllabus: financial literacy, navigating higher education, professional etiquette, buying a car, launching a career, and more. Foundation staff also played a role, sitting down with each intern over lunch for honest conversations, mock interviews, and some home-spun advice on career and calling. Interns also rolled up their sleeves and served at two homeless ministries for a day. The intended lesson is that everyone has something to offer, and a good citizen gives back to their community.
On closing Day, we celebrated together with a good meal and recognition of the hard work put in. Each group also had an intern share their experience and how they planned to apply what they learned going forward.
Christmas Giving
In 2025, the Foundation awarded $50,000 to 14 nonprofit shelters to provide Christmas gifts to children and families. These gifts are meant to serve as tangible reminders that every child deserves to experience the wonder of Christmas regardless of circumstances.
Since 2009, the Foundation has contributed toward the purchase of gifts for children residing in shelters across DFW each Christmas season. The hope is that each family is given the opportunity to experience joy and create memories throughout the holidays because no one should have to choose between celebrating Christmas and providing for basic needs.
DISABILITY CARE
Love compels us to include regardless of differences.
To Serve Children and Youth Living with Profound Disabilities with Access to Therapies and Supports
The Foundation aims to serve children and youth living with profound disabilities with access to therapies and support, because children and youth with disabilities should have the highest quality of life possible.
Percentage of Dollars Awarded by Portfolio:
1. Adaptive Adult Living: Programming around life skills, housing, employment, and socializing for youth with disabilities who are transition to adulthood.
2. Adaptive Camping: Programming around camping opportunities for youth with disabilities.
3. Adaptive Quality of Life: Programming around home support, financial support, and experiences for families that have a child or youth with disabilities.
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Mark 10:45
4. Animal-Related Therapy: Programming around animalrelated therapy for children and youth with disabilities.
5. Disability Awareness & System: Programming around raising awareness about disabilities and addressing system needs.
6. Disability Condition Treatment: Programming around healthcare and social resources for children or youth with disabilities.
7. Early Childhood Intervention: Programming around screening and therapeutic Early Childhood Intervention programming for children.
8. Special Education: Programming around education for children or youth with disabilities.
Disability Care Grants Awarded
Advocates for Special People $70,000
Funding to support general operations so that individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Association for Independent Living $40,000
Funding to support the AFIL Way Program that teaches young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Camp Summit $100,000
Funding to support camper scholarships for children with disabilities to experience barrier-free camping experiences.
Camp Sweeney $50,000
Funding to support camper scholarships for children with diabetes to experience barrier-free camping experiences.
Canine Companions $250,000
Funding to support general operations to continue matching service dogs with children who have disabilities.
Clayton Dabney for Kids with Cancer
$20,000
Funding to support the Medicine of the Heart program for North Texas families.
Dallas Education Foundation $67,000
Funding to support Heart of Teaching grants that benefit special education students within Dallas ISD.
Down Syndrome Partnership of North Texas $20,000
Funding to support the Integrated Therapy & Enrichment Program for adults with Down syndrome.
Goodwill Industries of Dallas $260,000
Funding to support the construction of a Life Skills Lab as a component of the Now and Forever Capital Campaign.
Grace Lake Ministries $25,000
Funding to support general operations and continue offering Christian, equine-assisted services for those with disabilities.
Hugs Café $50,000
Funding to support job training and professional mentorship for participants with disabilities.
Hugs Café $260,000
Funding to support the construction of a new Hugs Café located at 2918 Live Oak Street in Dallas.
It’s A Sensory World $30,000
Funding to support general operations for youth with sensory processing challenges to participate in therapeutic programming.
Joni and Friends $50,000
Funding to support camper scholarships for military families and families with children with disabilities.
ManeGait $100,000
Funding to support general operations and the purchase of new therapy horses in service of children and adults with disabilities.
Metrocare Services $150,000
Funding to support the first phase of the Texas Disability Project.
My Possibilities $150,000
Funding to support the Lifelong Learning Program so that adults with disabilities can continue their education.
Neuro Assistance Foundation $25,000
Funding to support the Quality of Life for Children Program in Tarrant and Dallas Counties.
Disability Care Grants Awarded
Notre Dame School of Dallas $385,000
Multi-year funding to provide scholarships so more children with developmental and intellectual disabilities can have access to high-quality education.
Patriot PAWS Service Dogs $500,000
Funding to support the purchase of land for their future campus expansion.
The Warren Center $200,000
Funding to support general operations for early children intervention services.
Hugs Café
Hugs Café officially opened its doors in McKinney, Texas in 2015, and with it 23 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) obtained meaningful jobs. Today, 91 adults with IDD run the Café. 16 of the original staff members are still with Hugs today, and one of them is Ashton Roberts.
Ashton started in the dish pit at Hugs, and was nervous to interact with customers. But the welcoming, empowering environment at Hugs helped Ashton find her voice, and now she works at the Café in both front-of-house and production positions. Ashton is universally known and beloved by both the Hugs team and its customers for her dedication to her work and radiant smile.
Watching Ashton grow has been an immense privilege for the Hugs team and led to the Hugs Ambassador Program. Ambassadors are strong self-advocates and are one of their greatest assets in spreading awareness.
Advocates were hard at work in the fall of 2025 as the organization celebrated the grand opening of the new Hugs Café location in the Wilson Historic District in Dallas!
This site gives an opportunity for neighbors in Dallas to appreciate first-hand the talents every advocate on staff bring to the table as they serve their community and bring high-quality service to every customer.
EVANGELISM & DISCIPLESHIP
Love compels us to share a faith that changes lives.
To Serve Youth and Families By Providing Winsome Opportunities to Hear the Gospel and Grow in Purposeful Living
The Foundation aims to serve youth and families by providing winsome opportunities to hear the Gospel and grow in purposeful living, because everyone should have the opportunity to know Jesus and be transformed by being part of God’s family.
Percentage of Dollars Awarded by Portfolio:
1. Christian Church Planting: Programming around building up the church and establishing new congregations.
“But these things have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and so that believing, you may have life in His name.”
John 20:31
2. Christian Evangelism: Programming around exposing individuals to the Gospel.
The Veritas Forum
Founded in 1992, The Veritas Forum is motivated by a love for university students and faculty, and a “mission to seek truth.”
The organization held its first forum at Harvard University in 1992 and holds fast to its aim to “partner with world-class scholars, experts, and thought leaders” to hold public dialogue that leads to faith and reason. The Veritas Forum engages hundreds of students each year in student formation programs. Their flagship formation event, Veritas Weekend, brings student leaders together in Boston each February to inspire a vision for sharing the beauty of the Christian story on their campuses. These students serve on Forum planning and Christian thought journal teams.
Veritas Weekend 2025 brought together 335 student leaders from 34 universities nationwide to explore the theme “Think on These Things: Faithful Attention in an Age of Distraction.” Among this group were 26 students from the University of Pennsylvania who gained valuable resources and equipping during sessions from leading scholar speakers, including Jeremy Begbie (Duke Divinity), Andy Crouch (Praxis), Esau McCaulley (Wheaton), Molly Worthen (UNC-Chapel Hill), Karin Öberg (Harvard), Christine Emba (The Atlantic), and many more. Below are the reflections of two Penn students following Veritas Weekend 2025:
• “The conference helped me clarify how we can walk the line between speaking Christian truth and inviting a non-Christian audience into conversation about life's challenges and mysteries.”
• “Veritas Weekend helped me see that faith and intellect can coexist and are intertwined with each other.”
The student leaders from Penn left inspired to host a Forum tailored to the big questions of their campus community. The Forum that followed was held in November 2025 with speakers Ross Douthat (NYT) and Damon Linker (Penn) on “Is Religion for Everyone? A Discussion on Belief, Doubt, and Coping with Existence.” The event set a record for Forum attendance at Penn, with 210 participants encouraged by the model of generous dialogue through the lens of faith. The Forum planning team also rallied 6 Christian groups and 5 non-Christian student organizations to cosponsor the event, which resulted in 52% non-Christian attendance.
A campus minister who supported the planning team (and who also attended the Veritas Weekend campus minister’s track) shared, “It was a fantastic conversation…especially considering that there was a real exchange of disagreement but done in a humble and respectful manner. The feedback we heard afterwards was incredibly positive. Typically, students grab food and dash, but they stuck around, in some cases for an hour after the Forum, to talk around their tables. We hope that these Forums lead to continued conversations around the ideas we discuss, and this forum certainly achieved that.”
The Penn team continues to gain momentum and is excited to bring 19 students to Veritas Weekend 2026.
Evangelism & Discipleship Grants Awarded
Denison Ministries $250,000
Funding to support general operations to ensure more people can engage with the free content offered through all media channels.
Philo Trust/J. John $300,000
Funding to support general operations and the Broadcast and Media Ministry.
The Veritas Forum $75,000
Funding to support general operations and continue equipping students and faculty in the Christian faith.
FAMILY & YOUTH SUPPORT
Love compels us to work for the thriving of others.
To Alleviate Conditions That Are Harmful to Families and Put Children at Risk
The Foundation aims to alleviate conditions that are harmful to families and put children at risk, because children and youth should live in families that love and nurture them and are equipped with the strengths to protect them from abuse, neglect, or other traumas.
PORTFOLIO ACTIVITY CATEGORIES:
1. Advocacy Center Care: Programming around forensic and therapeutic programming for children or youth who are victims of abuse.
2. Early Childhood Development: Programming around early childhood development and education.
3. Family Home Visiting: Programming around social services delivered to families with new children through a home visiting program.
But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
Psalm 5:11
4. Family & Parenting Care: Programming around family and parent support for children or youth who have experienced traumatic experiences.
5. Household Supplies Access: Programming around services to help families sustain a transition to stable conditions.
6. Outpatient Mental healthcare: Programming around mental health outpatient specialists such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, therapists, counselors, or nurse practitioners.
7. Shelter Care: Programming around housing, personal goods, and social resources for homeless children or youth.
8. Trafficking Care: Programming around housing and social resources for trafficked children or youth.
9. Teen Pregnancy Care: Programming around pregnancy services and social resources for pregnant youth.
10. Veteran Care: Programming around services that provide assistance to veterans.
In My Shoes
In My Shoes had a lot to celebrate in 2025. They were able to serve 118 mothers, offer 327 hours of therapy, serve 71 precious babies, and totaled 30,503 safe sleep nights for the women.
In My Shoes is launching their Room to Refuge initiative focused on improving the living spaces of the mothers in the home. The aim is to redesign mom bedrooms into spaces of dignity. By redesigning and updating bedrooms, they hope to create rooms that provide greater functionality, improved storage, and a peaceful environment- so every woman in the home can experience refuge, not just shelter.
They were also excited to share that In My Shoes received a grant for Christian somatic care training- a traumainformed approach that helps staff better support mothers who have experienced crisis, loss, addiction, or abuse. This training will equip the team with practical tools to help residents regulate stress, feel safe, and build emotional stability. This training aligns with their mission to provide Christ-centered care for the whole person- body, mind, and spirit.
Family & Youth Support Grants Awarded
After8toEducate $25,000
Funding to support drop-in center services for unhoused students in Dallas.
Alliance for Children $300,000
Funding to support general operations to continue offering quality services to children who have experienced abuse in Tarrant County.
The Archway $100,000
Funding to support the SafePlay shelter program for children who have experienced domestic violence.
Ascend Dallas $150,000
Funding to support the Nurse-Family Partnership home-visiting program.
A Soldier’s Child $25,000
Funding to support camper scholarships for children who lost a parent that served in the US military.
Braswell Child Development Center
$40,000
Funding to support general operations for high-quality early childhood programming.
Center for Survivors of Torture $50,000
Funding to support the Healing Children program to provide strengths-based services for child torture survivors.
Center for Transforming Lives $75,000
Funding to support the Early Childhood Education Program for homeless and lowincome families.
Child Care Associates $250,000
Funding to support the construction of two early childhood education centers in the Stop 6 and Las Vegas Trails neighborhoods in Fort Worth.
ChildCareGroup $100,000
Funding to support the Born Learning Program that teaches parents through a home-visiting model.
Children’s Advocacy Center for North Texas $600,000
Funding to support general operations and continue serving children who have experienced abuse with services promoting healing and justice.
Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County $200,000
Funding to support general operations so high-quality services can continue being offered to children who have experienced abuse in Collin County.
Educational First Steps $250,000
Funding to provide disability training to early childhood teachers and support program development.
Family Compass $200,000
Funding to support general operations to continue offering high-quality child abuse prevention services for families.
Fortress $100,000
Funding to support general operations for their early childhood, pre-kindergarten, and after-school programming.
Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support
$100,000
Funding to support case management services and youth programming for children and youth while residing in the shelter.
Family & Youth Support Grants Awarded
Gill Children’s Services $30,000
Funding to provide last resort financial assistance to children in foster care and to children with disabilities.
Hope Cottage $25,000
Funding to support the Parenting Support Program and continue investing in child abuse prevention services.
Hope Supply $40,000
Funding to support their Critical Needs Program.
In My Shoes $35,000
Funding to support general operations for maternity home and support services for expectant and parenting mothers.
Jewish Family Service of Dallas
$200,000
Funding to support the Children’s Mental Health Services program.
Jewish Family Service of Dallas
$500,000
Funding to support the renovation construction of the new service location in Addison.
Johnson County Children’s Advocacy Center $35,000
Funding to support training for their staff and multidisciplinary team partners.
Jonathan’s Place $25,000
Funding to support the Wesley Inn maternity program for pregnant and parenting mothers.
Journey to Dream $50,000
Funding to support Kyle’s Place Transitional Living Program serving youth with safe shelter.
Lion of Judah Montessori $50,000
Funding to support general operations to provide children in South Dallas with a Christian, Montessori education.
Lumin Education $100,000
Funding to support the B4Six home visiting and early childhood education programs.
Men of Nehemiah $500,000
Funding to support construction of the new Men of Nehemiah Headquarters and Residential Treatment Center.
Mighty Oaks Foundation $50,000
Funding to support Christian programming for North Texas veterans.
Mosaic Family Services $25,000
Funding to support children’s programs and services for survivors of human trafficking, family violence, and other human rights abuses.
Paluxy River Children’s Advocacy Center $100,000
Funding to support general operations to continue offering quality services to children who have experienced abuse in Hood, Erath, and Somervell counties.
Paluxy River Children’s Advocacy Center $320,000
Funding to support the construction of the new advocacy center building in Granbury, Texas.
The Parenting Center $50,000
Funding to support the Parent Coaching program.
Family & Youth Support Grants Awarded
POETIC $65,000
Funding to support general operations and continue serving youth who have experienced maltreatment or trafficking, and become involved with the child welfare or juvenile justice system.
Rainbow Days $60,000
Funding to support Rainbow Days’ Family Connection program for children and youth experiencing homelessness.
Ranch Hands Rescue $250,000
Funding to support Bob’s House of Hope serving male survivors of sex trafficking.
Recovery Resource Council $250,000
Funding to support the Transforming for Tomorrow campaign to rebuild and expand the spaces where the Enduring Families program operates in both Fort Worth and Dallas.
Shaken Baby Alliance $50,000
Funding to support Victim Family Support services.
STEPS with Horses $30,000
Funding to support equine-assisted counseling for military veterans and their families.
Unbound Now $50,000
Funding to support programming for youth who have been trafficked or are vulnerable in North Texas.
Union Gospel Mission of Dallas $60,000
Funding to support operation of the Center of Hope program.
Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant County
$40,000
Funding to support the Therapeutic Children’s Enrichment Program.
Union Gospel Mission Dallas
Francoise was a single mom of five who hit hard financial times and lost her home. She was living in her car with her children. She heard God tell her to call UGM Dallas Center of Hope. Her family found hope and peace at UGM Dallas. The entire family joined the discipleship program. They all drew closer to God and started to get back on their feet. Francoise started to acquire job skills training and started to think about a career.
Francoise shared, “UGM Dallas Center of Hope is not like any other shelter. They’re not only providing for your physical needs, they put Jesus at the center of everything they do. My family drew closer to God and together we got back on our feet. I’m forever grateful to UGM Dallas Center of Hope.”
*Names changed to protect identities.
NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT
Love compels us to cultivate community.
To Support the Well-being of Communities and a Place-Based Strategy For Neighborhood Revitalization
The Foundation aims to support the well-being of communities and supports a placed-based strategy for neighborhood revitalization, because North Texas children and youth should live in communities that support them.
PORTFOLIO ACTIVITY CATEGORIES:
1. Neighborhood Advocacy: Programming around giving voice to communities and empowering leadership.
2. Neighborhood Housing Development: Programming around affordable housing development and construction.
“But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.”
Jeremiah 29:7
St. Philips School & Community Center
St. Philip’s School and Community Center, with the support of The Rees-Jones Foundation, had a very productive 2025 in its community development efforts and its longtime vision to remake the MLK Boulevard corridor.
The year opened with Ruthie’s Café opening a permanent home, a brick-and-mortar landing for a concept that had been serving gourmet grilled cheese out of food trucks for years, hiring second-chance employees. That mission continues inside the café through a partnership with Unlocking Doors, a nonprofit focused on keeping formerly incarcerated individuals connected to support systems and steady work.
In August, Sweet & Chill opened a dessert shop in the corridor at 1602 MLK, bringing Frios pops, ice cream, frozen lemonades, and a genuinely fun gathering space to a stretch of road that needed some life. Then in November, Baylor Scott & White opened a 7,000-square-foot family clinic at 1632 MLK with 21 healthcare workers, full wrap-around
social services, and an on-site pharmacy offering low-cost and free prescriptions and care. Residents can now receive personalized, high-quality care in their own neighborhood.
To help keep everyone (and everyplace) safe, the Foundation provided funds to hire security patrols for the school and community. The officers patrol on foot and in their marked cars to deter crime and help mitigate criminal activity before it starts. The officers also report to the police when needed and advise St. Philip’s on security matters.
Rounding out the year, a former gang headquarters at 3100
Botham Jean was shut down through a coordinated effort between St. Philip’s, the City Attorney’s Office, Dallas Police and Fire, and Dallas County Court, with financial backing from the Rees Jones Foundation. Taken together, it was a year of real, tangible progress on a long-time vision to create a community that, in Dr. Flowers’ words, “will make God smile.”
Neighborhood Development Grants Awarded
Advocates for Community Transformation $150,000
Funding to support general operations and continue creating safer neighborhoods for families in Dallas and Fort Worth.
St. Philips School & Community Center $125,000
Funding to support continuation of private security patrols in the Forest District of South Dallas.
Act
A lot can happen in four decades – 40 years. Biblically, this is the number of Testing and Triumph. 40 years the Israelites spent wandering in the desert, 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness being tempted by Satan, and it was 40 days between Jesus’ crucifixion and his ascension. 40 years is also considered the amount of time passed from one generation to the next.
Forty years is sadly how long the neighbors of one of Act’s cases had been plagued by two related drug houses in their neighborhood. The once quiet and quaint street tucked away in a historic neighborhood was burdened by four decades of trauma. Violence poured from and around these properties, including murders, shootings, drug sales and use, assaults, aggressive dogs, and gang activity. The neighbors were beyond tired of this fear and anxiety-inducing plague. Some were even growing numb to it – accepting the apparent fact that this must be normal. These properties affected multiple generations of neighbors. Forty years of turmoil.
Finally, one of the older residents of the neighborhood said “enough is enough”. He feared that his family or any one of their neighbors would get shot by a stray bullet because of all the drug activity.
When four murders occurred within four years – all tied to these drug houses – he said something more has to be done. “I can’t and won’t live like this anymore.”
Once Act was introduced to these neighbors, they signed on as clients quickly, and the partner law firm agreed to take on the case. The two properties had different owners. The first owner simply sold the house after Act instigated legal action. But the second fought hard. Finally, after two years of zealously representing these neighbors and navigating the legal process, the second house was sold to new owners and was remodeled.
40 years of testing and turmoil - 40 years that evil tried to extinguish the light in this neighborhood – but ultimately peace and safety - shalom - was restored. A triumphant victory was won and, now, the neighborhood is bustling with activity. Children play outside, neighbors feel safe, and the community has been restored to peace. It took working alongside the courageous clients, the neighborhood association president, city officials, and the local police department to bring about this triumph.
After 40 years of endurance, these courageous neighbors are now experiencing safety and peace as their normal reality.
YOUTH FORMATION
Love compels us to emphasize faith and strong character.
“We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might, and the wonders that he has done. “
Psalm 78:4
To Serve Youth with Instructive and Christian-Character Forming Experiences
The Foundation aims to serve youth with instructive and Christian character-forming experiences, because youth should have safe places in their community where they have the opportunity to flourish and fulfill their God-given potential.
PORTFOLIO ACTIVITY CATEGORIES:
1. Youth Camping: Programming around camping experiences for youth.
2. Youth Education: Programming around literacy, language, vocational training, primary education, and higher education.
3. Youth Enrichment: Programming around out-ofschool time experiences for youth.
4. Youth Formation System: Programming around supporting the out-of-school-time system.
5. Youth Guidance: Programming around services for youth that are at risk of dropping out of school or are involved with juvenile justice.
6. Youth Mentoring: Programming around adult and peer mentoring for youth.
7. Youth Scouting: Programming around scouting experiences for youth.
For The Nations
For the Nations Refugee Outreach is able to support 1,800 refugee children and their families annually through a variety of programs and services as a result of funding from the Rees-Jones Foundation. For the Nations is a Christian organization providing educational and family services for refugee families who are legally and permanently resettled to the Dallas area. These programs include English, literacy, citizenship, and GED classes for adults as well as preschool, after school, and summer academic programs for children.
One of For the Nations’ highlights is our growing youth programs for youth ages 12-18, which include academic support, mentorship, volunteerism, internships, and college readiness. These services are extremely important for refugee youth who are often the first generation in their families to enter higher education and the professional workforce in the USA.
One youth said, “When my family and got to America, we were welcomed by For the Nations Refugee Outreach, who helped us to settle in the United States. have hope for my future plans to graduate from college and serve my community because I know I am loved and supported by For the Nations.” For the Nations provides services to meet immediate and long term needs for refugee families, and shares the hope and good news of Jesus Christ with our new neighbors.
Youth Formation Grants Awarded
AB Christian Learning Center $30,000
Funding to support general operations for faith-based summer and after-school programming for youth from low-income communities.
Academy 4 $100,000
Funding to support general operations for students in fourth grade to receive one-on-one mentoring services.
Beacon Hill Preparatory Institute
$75,000
Funding to support general operations and continue offering literacy intervention services to children in kindergarten through fifth grade.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star
$150,000
Funding to support faith-based mentoring programs in Dallas and Tarrant Counties.
Big Thought $50,000
Funding to support general operations and continue offering Thriving Minds after-school programming.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas
$50,000
Funding to support programming at their Dallas locations for afterschool and summer programming.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County $50,000
Funding to support programming for afterschool and summer at the Fort Worth Club locations of Las Vegas Trail, Northside, Poly, Southside, and Stop Six.
BridgeBuilders $50,000
Funding to support youth development programs serving kindergarten through 12th grade students.
Café Momentum $50,000
Funding to support the Tiers of Success Internship program and continue equipping justice-involved youth with education, life skills, and employment opportunities.
Casa del Lago $40,000
Funding to support out-of-school time programming that promotes academic growth and spiritual development.
Communities In Schools of Greater Tarrant County $250,000
Funding to support the Center for Student Supports Capital Campaign.
Communities In Schools of Greater Tarrant County $65,000
Funding to support their Individualized Support Services programming for students.
Communities In Schools of North Texas
$75,000
Funding to support the Integrated Student Supports programming.
Cornerstone Crossroads Academy
$50,000
Funding to support general operations for youth in South Dallas to receive a transformative education.
Crossfire Kids $25,000
Funding to support general operations and continue equipping youth for abundant lives out of poverty.
Dallas Afterschool $75,000
Funding to support the Program Quality Initiative serving Dallas afterschool providers.
Dallas Leadership Foundation $75,000
Funding to support the POWER Mentoring program in South Dallas, South Oak Cliff and Richardson.
Forerunner Mentoring Program
$100,000
Funding to support general operations and continue youth mentoring programs.
Youth Formation Grants Awarded Hope Farm
For the Nations Refugee Outreach
$75,000
Funding to support after-school and summer programming for refugee students as they provide education and family services, and engage them with the Gospel.
Friends of Sky Ranch $65,000
Funding to support camper scholarships for youth from low-income communities with overnight camping experiences.
Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas $75,000
Funding to support the Oak Cliff InCommunity Initiative so more girls have access to Girl Scouts programming.
HOPE Farm $75,000
Funding to support general operations to continue its leadership development initiatives for young men at its Fort Worth and South Dallas locations.
Jubilee Park & Community Center
$75,000
Funding to support general operations and continue after-school and summer programming in Southeast Dallas.
Kids Across America $65,000
Funding to support camper scholarships for youth from low-income communities with Christ-centered sports camp.
King’s Academy Dallas $125,000
Funding to support general operations to provide Christian education for children and youth in South Dallas.
Mercy Street $125,000
Funding to support general operations for its Christ-centered programs in West Dallas.
Mercy Street $250,000
Funding to support capital costs related to Phase I improvements to the Lakewest Multipurpose Center.
Project Transformation North Texas
$75,000
Funding to support general operations and continue offering after-school programming in under-resourced communities.
Project Transformation of Greater Tarrant $25,000
Funding to support general operations for summer programming to provide academic enrichment and biblical character development.
Readers 2 Leaders $65,000
Funding to support general operations and continue offering reading interventions for elementary-age students.
Reading Partners North Texas $50,000
Funding to support literacy programming restricted to Dallas ISD schools.
Read Up $20,000
Funding to support general operations and continue leading literacy partnership efforts with Dallas ISD.
Rivertree Academy $100,000
Funding to support general operations for Christian school programming in the Como neighborhood of Ft. Worth.
Stoney Creek Ranch $40,000
Funding to support camper scholarships for youth from low-income communities with overnight camping experiences.
T.R. Hoover CDC $40,000
Funding to support year-round youth programming in the Ideal neighborhood.
West Dallas Community School
$125,000
Funding to support general operations and continue offering Christ-centered education for children in West Dallas.
Youth With Faces $50,000
Funding to support general operations and continue offering services to justice-involved youth as they create more positive futures.
Jayden and his mom, Krystal, personify why Hope Farm embraces single moms and their sons. In 2018, Krystal left Chicago and moved to Dallas to escape an abusive situation with her four children at the time, including Jayden who was 10 years old. Looking for a better life, Krystal wanted the best education and support for her children. Then she met Hope Farm. After entering the Dallas school system, Hope Farm helped Jayden enroll in one of the gifted and talented programs. Throughout his time there, he maintained an A/B average and became very active in band through his love of music. Krystal, because of the support Hope Farm gave her and her family, was able to enroll in mortician school, eventually successfully
graduating in 2024. Jayden is currently a high school freshman, and continues to thrive in school at Hope Farm, growing and continuing to be a leader for younger children in the program. His family also became members of a church and Jayden and his brother were recently baptized. In Hope Farm’s program, Jayden has grown into a mature young man that you can always count on, who has a great sense of humor, and a competitive nature that comes out when he plays chess. Jayden also mentors the younger Hope Farm students, as they cling to the wisdom that he imparts as a mentor and “big brother.”
*Names changed to protect identities.
INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Love compels us to build opportunity for all communities.
“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.”
2 Corinthians 9:8
To Collaboratively Invest in Community, Society, and Church Assets That Are Foundational to Flourishing
The Foundation aims to collaboratively invest in community, society, and Church assets that are foundational to flourishing, because youth and families should be the drivers of development and opportunity.
PORTFOLIO ACTIVITY CATEGORIES:
1. Church Capacity & Outreach: Programming around developing church capacity to serve local communities in international settings.
2. Market Solutions: Programming around philanthropy stage investment in market applicable ideas.
3. Water, Sanitation & Hygiene: Programming around extending water, sanitation, and hygiene services to under-resourced, international communities that do not have access to safe water.
4. Youth Formation & Opportunity: Programming around education, youth formation, economic stability, and Christian faith for international youth and families.
World Relief
In 2025, The Rees-Jones Foundation’s partnership with World Relief continued to advance a shared vision of thriving, welcoming communities where children, families, and people with disabilities can flourish. Across Burundi and Malawi, this collaboration expanded holistic support for those experiencing vulnerability, strengthened church-led systems of care, and deepened local ownership.
In Burundi, World Relief partnered with 215 churches within the Gitega Church Empowerment Zone and Nyankanda Refugee Camp, reinforcing communitybased child protection and disability inclusion. Child Protection Committees in 19 communities demonstrated strong ownership of safeguarding efforts, while collaboration between churches and government authorities ensured consistent support and accountability.
The establishment of 70 disability inclusion support groups created safe spaces for 1,027 individuals with disabilities where participants were able to share their stories, support one another socially and economically, and foster mutual encouragement and belonging. Early Childhood Development centers and newly launched Adolescent Girls Clubs further supported children and youth with
safe, nurturing environments for learning, leadership development, and life skills.
In Malawi, World Relief partnered with 282 churches across the M’mbelwa and Kaphuka Church Empowerment Zones, equipping families to become advocates for change and strengthening communities to confront gender-based violence, nurture healthy families, and invest in children and youth.
2,741 couples participated in family strengthening programming, while 1,372 children accessed Early Childhood Development services and 5,806 youth engaged in clubs focused on holistic well-being. Disability inclusion efforts supported 350 individuals, strengthening advocacy and participation among groups previously marginalized within their communities.
Across both countries, churches played a central role in implementation – mobilizing volunteers, contributing local resources, and embedding programs within existing community structures. These efforts not only improved child safety, family relationships, and educational outcomes, but also laid the groundwork for longterm sustainability through strong local leadership and collaboration with government.
International Development Grants Awarded
Design Outreach
$152,000
Funding to support the Technical Development & Pilot Evaluation water pump innovation project in Zambia.
Design Outreach
$156,000
Funding to support preparation of the MaxLife Upgrade Kits for lower cost manufacturing and market launch.
Inspire Spaces $50,000
Funding to support general operations.
Living Water International $3,015,000
Funding to support programming in Zambia and Uganda, the global SATURATE program, and general operations.
Living Water International $457,000
Funding to support the Ripple Effects long-term independent impact evaluation of all 16 completed Wash Program Areas.
Praxis $100,000
Funding to support the Africa Accelerator project as it supports Christian entrepreneurs in their ventures.
Water4 $300,000
Funding to support installation of new NUMA water systems in the Kyenjonjo District of Uganda.
World Relief $1,000,000
Funding to support the Church Empowerment Zone programming for children and families living in Burundi and Malawi.
Design Outreach
Christian humanitarian engineering nonprofit Design Outreach (DO) has partnered with Rees-Jones Foundation and Living Water International (LWI) to address the devastating water crisis and scale a sustainable and cost-effective solution that ensures marginalized communities have the safe water they need to thrive.
Committed to engineering sustainable solutions that transform communities living in extreme poverty, Design Outreach has developed several reliable solutions that address the devastating problem of catastrophic hand pump failure: LifePump™, their flagship product that has been providing safe water since 2013, and their newest global initiative MaxLife™. The MaxLife Program was created to design and implement improvements to the most commonly used hand pumps, the Afridev and India Mark 2 (IM2).
These upgrades offer a cost-effective solution to improve pump performance, reduce breakdown frequency, minimize the financial burden of ongoing maintenance costs, reduce corrosion and lead contamination, and ensure that even more individuals have reliable access to safe water.
With 7.5 million traditional hand pumps in use globally, MaxLife has the potential to revolutionize stable, consistent water access for vulnerable communities around the world.
During the IM2 MaxLife pump installation at Deeper Life Church, the congregation’s minister, Pastor Lovemore, expressed deep gratitude for the new pump. He explained that the community began construction on a new church building but had to stop the project midway because of lack of funding. Without access to a reliable source of safe water, the community had to purchase water from a neighboring village. But, with the new IM2 MaxLife pump, they will be able to save the money they were spending on water and continue their church building project.
“Water has been a challenge,” Pastor Lovemore said. “We normally get our water from shallow wells, and our neighbors with boreholes, they sell us a drum for 15 kwacha (0.77USD). It has not been easy for us as a community to draw water. Down here, it’s rock, and some people have been trying to drill and they’ve been finding dry boreholes. … They’ve failed to deliver the water to us. So for years, we have been really struggling with water, so we really appreciate you’re coming here.”
INTERNATIONAL DISABILITY CARE
Love compels us to invest in care that makes the impossible possible.
To Serve Children and Youth in Developing Countries with Treatable and Lifelong Disabilities
The Foundation serves children and youth in developing countries who have treatable and lifelong disabilities, because children and youth should have the opportunity to live their fullest lives and be cared for by family and community.
PORTFOLIO ACTIVITY CATEGORIES:
1. Clubfoot Treatment: Programming around treatment of clubfoot in infant children.
2. Community-Focused Therapeutic Care: Programming around therapeutic, quality of life, and enrichment programming for international youth with disabilities.
3. Specialty Pediatric Surgery: Programming around specialty pediatric surgery for international children and youth who would not be able to access specialty surgery, particularly orthopedic procedures.
“I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured.”
Ezekiel 34:15-16
WorldVision
With support from The Rees-Jones Foundation, World Vision’s Able to Thrive program has expanded disability support for children across Malawi’s rural districts — improving early identification, medical referrals, and access to rehabilitation and assistive devices. Over the past two years, the program reached 5,042 children, many of whom had never received a diagnosis or long-term care. More than 91% showed improvement in their ability to participate in daily activities, and over 30% experienced a more supportive home environment, with greater involvement in family and community life.
Children received life-changing assistive devices, including 1,026 wheelchairs, prosthetics, standing frames, and more, which opened doors to communication, learning, and independence. Parents experienced transformation as well: through workshops and support groups, 70% reported feeling better equipped to meet their child’s learning, health, and developmental needs. World Vision also partners with CURE Malawi to transport children to screenings and expand school-based outreach, enabling the hospital to surpass its annual targets by regularly seeing and supporting more children across the nation.
International Disability Care Grants Awarded
Bethany Kids $275,000
Funding to support general operations to increase surgical capacity and serve more children with disabilities in Kenya and surrounding countries.
CURE International $2,980,000
Funding to support the hospital operations of the CURE Ethiopia hospital.
CURE International $2,005,000
Funding to support medical equipment and furnishings for the new clinical services building in Ethiopia.
Hope Walks $1,490,000
Funding to support general operations and Ethiopia operations and continue treating children’s clubfoot.
Kafika House Tanzania $125,000
Funding to support general operations to continue caring for children in pre- and post-operative care.
Kupenda for the Children
$50,000
Funding to support urgent needs for medication for children with epilepsy.
Kupenda for the Children $170,000
Multi-year funding to support services, training, and advocacy benefitting children with disabilities in Africa.
Kyaninga Child Development Center
$75,000
Funding to support general operations to serve children and youth with special needs through the Community-Based Rehabilitation Program.
Mukisa Foundation $75,000
Funding to support general operations and continue to serve children with disabilities in Uganda.
Ubuntu Life Foundation $150,000
Funding to support general operations to further high-quality care of children with disabilities in Kenya.
Ubuntu Life Foundation $480,000
Funding to support the purchase of land adjacent to their existing facility to secure the property for future program development for their participants who are aging out of their current programming.
World Hope International $250,000
Funding to support Enable the Children operations in Sierra Leone.
World Vision $2,500,000
Funding to support the Able to Thrive project in Malawi and the global project.
Mukisa Foundation
At four years old, Hosea was diagnosed with delayed developmental milestones secondary to mild cerebral palsy and delayed intervention. He experienced weakness in his lower limbs, poor balance, and limited coordination, all of which affected his ability to move independently and participate in everyday activities.
Through consistent therapy, his program focused on strengthening, balance, and stability exercises. He was also provided with a gait trainer to support gait training at home, and his caregivers were guided to continue the exercises as part of his home program. Gradually, he gained strength, control, and confidence.
Over time, his gait became more coordinated and stable, his speed and endurance improved significantly.
Today, Hosea can stand and walk independently. He can feed himself, dress, use the toilet, and take care of his personal hygiene. He actively plays with his peers and participates in daily activities with confidence. Because of his tremendous progress, Hosea was successfully discharged at the end of the year and is now ready to begin mainstream schooling, opening up a new chapter of learning, friendship, and independence.
INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE
Love compels us to bring freedom.
To Promote Effective Systems of Justice, Which Deter Human Trafficking
The Foundation supports effective systems of justice, which deter human trafficking, because children, youth, and families should be able to flourish under the protection of the law and not be subject to human trafficking.
PORTFOLIO ACTIVITY CATEGORIES:
1. Justice System Capacity Building: Programming around rescuing victims of human trafficking and systems work to prevent human trafficking.
“But
you must return to your God; maintain love and justice, and wait for your God always.”
Hosea 12:6
Justice Ventures International
In June 2025, a message sent from a brothel in Mumbai sparked a breakthrough in a cross-border human trafficking case. That message came from *Razia, a young woman from Bangladesh who had been trapped in exploitation for months.
Razia had been working as a salesgirl when a woman she trusted offered her a promising job as a domestic helper in Mumbai. Instead, she was smuggled across the border into India, moved through transit locations, and ultimately sold into a brothel. Isolated and afraid, Razia found a moment to contact her family back home. That act of courage connected a Bangladesh-based partner organization and the Mumbai Justice Hub, setting a rescue effort in motion.
Inside the brothel, Razia and another woman, *Nisha—who had been confined even longer—secretly shared critical intelligence with investigators, including the building’s exact location. Their bravery made intervention possible.
On June 20, the operation was launched. The Justice Hub partner alongside police conducted a floor-by-floor search, breaking locks and barriers, inspecting each room for hidden compartments. Razia and Nisha were found on the third floor. A total of 45 women were rescued. Many were visibly distressed, and early accounts revealed they had been trafficked or coerced into the sex trade through deception or force.
Authorities arrested 34 perpetrators, including brothel managers, pimps, and owners, along with 28 customers.
Survivors immediately received food, emotional care, legal support, and safe placement in government shelter homes. Justice Hub lawyers began working with each woman, ensuring their testimonies were recorded and their rights protected. Legal proceedings are now underway, with ongoing support to help survivors pursue justice and begin rebuilding their lives.
This case reflects the power of survivor courage combined with coordinated action. It is a reminder that trafficking thrives in silence, but systems of protection grow stronger when survivors are heard, and partnerships and justice are pursued with persistence. Together, we are helping build communities where exploitation is exposed, survivors are supported, and freedom becomes possible.
*Names changed to protect identities.
International Justice Grants Awarded
Human Trafficking Institute $1,250,000
Multi-year funding to support the Uganda Program as it partners with prosecutors and law enforcement.
International Justice Mission $9,500,000
Funding to support the Ending Bonded Labor Slavery in India project.
Justice Ventures International $300,000
Funding to support program operations in India as they work to bring more freedom to those impacted by human trafficking.
Human Trafficking Institute
A young girl in Uganda, born with hydrocephalus, fell into the wrong hands at the very young age of 3, and was exploited for years. Because of her visible medical condition, she was forced to beg for money, treated not as a child but as a source of income.
Her life changed when a Ugandan social worker noticed her and stepped in, bringing her to a hospital for urgently needed care. Once there, it became clear that the people claiming to care for her were not her family at all. Law enforcement was immediately notified, and arrests followed.
Throughout this process, the Human Trafficking Institute (HTI) walked alongside the case. They partnered with a children’s hospital to ensure she received proper treatment, covered transportation no one else could provide, and made sure she had meals during long hospital days. These small, practical acts of love and care made a real difference. At the same time, their Law Enforcement Coordinators supported witnesses through the court process, helping the case move forward efficiently and clearly through trial.
Because of this steady, behind-the-scenes support, her health has improved dramatically. And in December of 2025, the two individuals who exploited her were each sentenced to 15 years in prison.
In the six years since HTI launched its flagship program in Uganda, prosecutions of traffickers have increased 1,400%. The Rees-Jones Foundation has been the bedrock of support for this work, driving a sustainable model that strengthens the Ugandan justice system and holds traffickers accountable.
Every trafficker stopped by enforcement or deterrence not only frees current victims but also protects countless future victims who will never experience the trauma of trafficking in the first place.
Today, this young survivor is living with her grandfather, surrounded by care instead of harm.
Est. 2006
“From everyone has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” Luke 12:48
The Rees-Jones Foundation 8111 Westchester Drive, Suite 950 Dallas, Texas 75225 www.rees-jonesfoundation.org (214) 751-2977