Grayson Magazine- Giving Edition featuring area nonprofits 2019

GRAYSON NONPROFIT 2019

MAGAZINE $3.95

UNITED WAY A look at the organization that helps other area nonprofits succeed

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GRAYSON MAGAZINE - VOLUME 02 NUMBER 11

table of contents

NONPROFIT 2019

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GRAYSON COUNTY SHELTER HELPS COMMUNITY THROUGH SERVICE 10 .... GRAYSON COUNTY SHELTER 10 .... HABITAT FOR HUMANITY 12 .... SALVATION ARMY 13 .... HOUSE OF ELI 14 .... FOUR RIVERS OUTREACH 15 .... GRAYSON CO. CRISIS CENTER 18 .... FAMILY PROMISE

STYLE

FINANCE

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CLOTHING THE MASSES ONE PERSON AT A TIME

HOW TO STRATEGICALLY

SUPPORT NONPROFITS 30 .... SHERMAN EX-STUDENTS ASSOCIATION

22 .... WOMEN ROCK 22 .... CASA 23 .... TEXOMA COMMUNITY CENTER

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30 .... GRAYSON COLLEGE FOUNDATION

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2019

NONPROFIT 24 C O V E R

FOOD

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A look at the nonprofit organization that helps other area nonprofits succeed

GRAND CENTRAL STATION

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LOOKING TO BUILD NEW LOCATION 34 .... GRAND CENTRAL STATION

ON THE TOWN

Highlights from Texoma’s most notable events and gatherings

35 .... VISIONS OF SUGAR PLUMS 35 .... MEALS ON WHEELS

CULTURE

HEALTH

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HAGERMAN

LOCAL MINISTRY HOPES TO HELP HEAL ABUSE SURVIVORS

IN NEED OF FRIENDS TO KEEP SITE FLOURISHING

38 .... HOPEFUL HEARTS

44 .... HOME HOSPICE

38 .... CHILD & FAMILY GUIDANCE CENTER

46 .... GIRL SCOUTS OF NORTHEAST TEXAS

40 .... CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTER

47 .... MASTERKEY MINISTRIES

41 .... GREATER TEXOMA HEALTH CLINIC

47 .... BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF SHERMAN

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Duck Fence & Deck Cedar fences Iron fences Remote Gates Decks & Arbors Residential & Commercial Free Estimates Retaining Walls

Phone: 972-824-7237

www.duckfence.com

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GRAYSON COUNTY SHELTER HELPS COMMUNITY THROUGH SERVICE Back in 1987, the Denison Ministerial Alliance decided to put its efforts behind the community in a way that is still affecting the city 30 years later.

While homelessness has been a topic of heavy discussion within the city of Denison in 2019, volunteers and staff at the Grayson County Shelter have been working to help those who are unemployed or under employed get on their feet. The shelter generally sees around 300 people each year with an average stay of about 50 or more days and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The current shelter director is Sheila Penn, who has been leading the group for a few months.

To be eligible for a bed, a single man must be over the age of 45 and a single female must be over the age of 23. No minors without parents are eligible to stay at the facility and there is no admission without state issued identification.

No unregistered guests are allowed, no illegal drug or alcohol use and no tobacco

use is allowed in the building, and each individual must clear a police check.

Individuals seeking shelter may not act violently or have a violent past charge, including charges of any kind against a child. Anyone seeking refuge must follow the written rules of the shelter.

During the Christmas season and all other seasons, the site is not only in need of food and supply donations, but also in need of volunteers willing to help keep the shelter moving forward. The shelter is run by donations and does not receive federal support.

“The little things when you are growing up help form the person you are,” former Grayson County Shelter director Annette Limoges said in 2018. “If you feel that everything is bad, you are going to be resentful. You are not going to be a people person. You are going to be a person that takes and does not give.

We want to show children that there are people that love them just because they are kids.”

Grayson Magazine

By Future Brown

While there are many people who still may be unaware of the shelter that sits at 331 W. Morton Street in Denison, area church groups and social and civic organizations have been known to come in for a day and volunteer or provide meals to those staying at the shelter.

“There are so many organizations in this area that are looking to help people,” Limoges said. “There is even a new non-profit program that is church-based that is trying to help homeless families.

We get a lot of $20 donations here and there and also get a lot of larger donations from regular supporters, but we cannot depend on others for funding because there are just so many organizations helping people in this area.”

Some of the greatest help for the shelter comes in the way of support. Limoges said that cards saying that individuals or groups are praying for the staff and residents at the shelter are not overlooked.

For more information on the shelter, call (903) 465-6041.

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GraysonCounty Shelter is not affiliated with any government agency (local, state or federal) and relies on the goodwill donations, grants, and revenue from their resale shop, The Crowded Closet, to cover all operating expenses.

For the Christmas season, the shelter is currently accepting Christmas gifts for all residents, including girls, boys, men and women ranging from four years old to 63 years old. These could be in the way of gift cards, toys, clothes, shoes, coats and/ or household items. Donations can be tremendously helpful to give families and individuals a chance to become self-sufficient once again.

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INSIDE FLAT WALL PAINT (WHITE)

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OFFICE PRINTER

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DOLLY FOR THRIFT STORE

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MEDIUM SIZED PUSH CART TO HELP MOVE DONATIONS INTO THE SHELTER

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35 GALLON TRASH BAGS

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TALL KITCHEN BAGS

FUNDRAISING: The shelter holds a gala each year that features a dinner, silent auction, raffle dancing and door prizes.

There are numerous sponsorship levels each year.

[DREW SMITH / HERALD DEMOCRAT ]

The Grayson County Shelter, located at 331 W. Morton Street in Denison, began in 1987 through the efforts of the Denison Ministerial Alliance. A year later it moved into its present location. Now, the shelter provides temporary living quarters, meals and showers to homeless men, women and families and is the only 24-hour family facility in the county.

Grayson County Shelter is a non-profit homeless shelter for displaced families and singles that serves Grayson and surrounding counties in North Texas and southern Oklahoma.

All services are provided free of charge to clients. The shelter

WISH LIST:

WISH LIST: FOR SOCIAL SERVICES & WORSHIP CENTER: •

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PICK-UP TRUCK FOR DISASTER SERVICES & DONATION PICK-UPS (SPONSOR RECOGNITION WELCOMED)

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PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT

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FORKLIFT (NEW OR PRE-OWNED)

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PROJECTOR

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OFFICE DESK CHAIRS

BOX TRUCK FOR DONATION PICK-UPS (SPONSOR RECOGNITION WELCOMED)

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ELECTRICAL SERVICES

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PAINTING, INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR

PLUMBING SERVICES

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PARKING LOT RESURFACING

TREE/BRUSH REMOVAL

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ELECTRICAL SERVICES

LINENS (E.G. BLANKETS, SHEETS, TOWELS)

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TREE/BRUSH REMOVAL

(2) HVAC UNITS REPLACED • RESTROOM RENOVATIONS • FOR SHELTER • ICE MACHINE

FOR SALVATION ARMY THRIFT STORE:

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[DREW SMITH / HERALD DEMOCRAT ]

The Salvation Army Social Service & Worship Center, located at 5700 Texoma Parkway in Sherman, provides emergency assistance for food, clothing, emergency shelter for men, women, and families, and pastoral counseling and prescriptions, when funding warrants. Persons must call before coming to the shelter, if possible. Seasonal programs include summer camps for children and adults and Christmas assistance for food and gifts.

[HERALD DEMOCRAT ]

The Salvation Army

House of Eli House of Eli is a faith-based program that provides housing, food and more to youth aging out of the juvenile justice system, foster care, or those that are homeless. We believe that “what was broken in a home must be healed in a home.”

Our direct care staff provide 24hour care, financial planning, education, life skills training and much

more. In 2018, we began the final piece of programming by starting a house flipping business. When young men come to House of Eli they are immediately able to go to work for Eli Bros. and paid competitive wages, learn many aspects of construction, and are taught the importance of a good work ethic. This part of our program allows House

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of Eli to better meet the needs of the young men we serve by allowing us flexibility in our schedule to work around their educational, emotional and life-skills needs.

House of Eli would like to thank everyone that supports our program. We are truly blessed by the Sherman community, your encouragement and generosity.

FUNDRAISING: Our upcoming annual fundraiser, The Choice, will be held February 21, 2020 at the Sherman Municipal Ballroom.

This is a singing competition for talented Grayson County residents. Tryouts will be held at the Finley on January 24, 2020. Call (903) 771-4339 for more information. Visit our website, www.houseofeli.net, and our Facebook page for more information about our program. Mentoring and volunteer opportunities are available.

603 N. Travis St. • Sherman • 903-224-5171 407 8th St. • Gunter • 903-224-5846

Four Rivers Outreach Four Rivers Outreach is a faith-based organization providing programs for men and women who have life-controlling issues, including substance abuse and homelessness. Programs offered include life skill classes, GED and adult literacy programs, job skills programs, job placement, 12-step spiritual study classes and many other opportunities to assist with recovery.

Four Rivers Outreach is funded through the generous donations of local churches and community members, grants, and the support of organizations like United Way and Rotary Club. Those interested in supporting Four Rivers Outreach through a donation or volunteering can call (903) 870-4000.

FUNDRAISING: Four Rivers’ biggest fundraiser is the Giving Banquet, held annually on the last Thursday of September and featuring musical acts. Gala tickets were $100 each and sponsorship levels started at $1,000 and went through $5,000.

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BATH TOWELS

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PAPER TOWELS

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WASH RAGS

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TOILET PAPER

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TWIN SIZE BED SHEETS

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COFFEE

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COFFEE CREAMER

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STYROFOAM PLATES, BOWLS, SAUCERS

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BOTTLED WATER

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STYROFOAM COFFEE CUPS, TEA CUPS

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LAUNDRY SOAP

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PLASTIC SPOONS, FORKS

TALL KITCHEN TRASH BAGS

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55 GAL TRASH BAGS

[DREW SMITH / GRAYSON MAGAZINE] [MARY JANE FARMER / VAN ALSTYNE LEADER]

Grayson County Crisis Center The Grayson Crisis Center is a designated emergency shelter by the Health and Human Services Commission — one of only 73 in the entire state of Texas. Located in Sherman, it is the only shelter for victims of family violence or sexual assault in an area bounded by Durant, Oklahoma to the north, Wichita Falls and Denton to the west, Piano and McKinney to the south, and Greenville and Paris to the east.

It began as the Rape Crisis Line in 1976 and then in 1979, the line’s name was changed to the Women’s Crisis Line of Grayson County and expanded its service to include emotional support and crisis intervention counseling to victims of family violence. In 1986, the program purchased a vacant church building and started providing shelter to victims of domestic violence. Then in 2004, the organization moved to its current location on Travis Street, which offers 9,000-square feet of space for

WISH LIST: •

CHILDREN’S GAMES, ALL AGES

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SCOOTERS

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CHILDREN’S TOYS/BOOKS, ALL AGES (NOTHING VIOLENT PLEASE)

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WOMEN’S SLIPPERS/HOUSE SOCKS

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COMPACT MIRRORS

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TEEN GIFTS (E.G. GIFT CARDS, ELECTRONICS)

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WOMEN’S & CHILDREN’S BODY LOTIONS/SPRAYS

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FAMILY DVDS

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MANICURE SETS

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FAMILY GAMES

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WALLETS

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SPORTING GOODS (E.G. BATS, BALLS, FRISBEES, POGO STICKS)

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GIFT CARDS TO LOCAL RETAIL STORES & ENTERTAINMENT VENUES

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BICYCLES

survivors of domestic violence and the organization’s staff.

The Crisis Center operates a thrift store at 1729 Texoma Parkway in Sherman. Clients are allowed to shop from the thrift store to get the

Grayson Magazine

items they need to restart their lives at no charge. All of the sales from the Thrift Store go back to Crisis Center programming. The Crisis Center is located at 4200 N. Travis Street in Sherman.

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Habitat for Humanity

WISH LIST:

Low-income families have few options for decent rental housing and even fewer have an opportunity for home ownership. Many rent older, poorly-insulated homes or move in with relatives or friends. Habitat for Humanity offers an alternative. Habitat builds energy-efficient, affordable homes, sold through a no-interest loan to applicants in Grayson County who need housing and cannot qualify for traditional loans.

Those who qualify earn 30 - 60 percent of the median income for Grayson County and applicants work alongside local volunteers to build their homes.

Habitat for Humanity of Grayson County also operates a resale shop called the ReStore, 3822 N. Frisco Road in Sherman. The organization also accepts the donation of vehicles. To donate a vehicle call 1-877277-4344 or go to www.habitat.org/carsforhomes.

For further information, please contact Laurie Mealy at (903) 893-0009 or visit their website at www. graysonhabitat.org.

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DUCT TAPE

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BOXES OF SHOP RAGS

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CONTRACTOR TRASH BAGS

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EAR PLUGS

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DUST MASKS

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DUCT TAPE

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12-FOOT TANDEM-AXLE DUMP TRAILER

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DONATIONS OF CLEAN, FUNCTIONING LARGE AND SMALL APPLIANCES, FURNITURE, CABINETS, AND HAND TOOLS OR POWER TOOLS

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VOLUNTEERS! HHGC IS CURRENTLY BUILDING A HOUSE IN SHERMAN

FUNDRAISING: Habitat for Humanity of Grayson County’s main fundraiser of the year is Habi-Taters, a baked potato dinner and silent auction held in January each year. The next event will be held January 25, 2020 at the Sherman Municipal Ballroom, 405 N. Rusk in Sherman. The organization is currently seeking sponsorships.

Grayson Magazine

FINANCE

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Family P romise Our vision is a community where no child is homeless. Our mission is intersecting faith and community to empower Grayson County families to end child homelessness. To make those goals a reality, Family Promise of Grayson County addresses the crisis of family homelessness. Since

Family Promise began operation in May 2018, we have served 12 families with 26 children. Nationwide, 126,000 people were served last year, with 88 percent of those finding stable housing.

We are one of over 200 Family Promise affiliates nationwide using a

holistic approach to address the range of issues that affect low-income families. Host congregations open their hearts and doors to provide our guests with lodging, meals, and caring hospitality for a week at a time, three to four times a year. Support congregations assist host congregations and/ or provide financial support. We are always looking for more congregations that want to help end childhood homelessness in Grayson County.

During the day, guests go to school, work or daycare. They also can go to our Day Center, where they can shower, do laundry, pursue employment opportunities and seek housing. A professional caseworker assists families with budgeting and attaining employment, housing, counseling, medical and other support services.

Volunteers are essential to our guests’ success and provide a wide range of services, such as cooking and serving meals, entertaining children or helping with homework and more.

To find out more about us or to donate online, visit www.familypromisegrayson.org. If you would like to volunteer and have not yet attended training, call Leigh Walker or Amyee McAlister at (903) 771-0322.

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MORE HOST AND SUPPORT CONGREGATIONS - FIND OUT HOW YOUR CHURCH CAN BE A PART OF THIS WORTHWHILE MISSION! VOLUNTEERS – COOK A MEAL FOR OUR GUESTS, SERVE AS AN EVENING HOST, OR SPEND THE NIGHT AT A CHURCH.

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DONATIONS

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GAS CARDS TO HELP OUR GUESTS GET TO WORK, TAKE THEIR

CHILDREN TO SCHOOL, ETC. •

WALMART GIFT CARDS TO PURCHASE ESSENTIALS FOR FAMILIES & THE DAY CENTER (E.G. OTC MEDICINES, SHOES, UNDERWEAR)

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LAUNDRY SOAP (FREE AND CLEAR)

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CLEANING SUPPLIES (E.G. DISH SOAP, DISINFECTANT WIPES, KITCHEN AND BATHROOM CLEANERS, FLOOR CLEANER) Grayson Magazine

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DIAPERS, WIPES AND PULL-UP DIAPERS (ALL SIZES)

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FUNCTIONAL WASHING MACHINE AND DRYER

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AND THEN, “IF ONLY” WE HAD VEHICLES FOR THOSE FAMILIES WHO COME INTO THE PROGRAM AND NEED RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION IN ORDER TO “GRADUATE” FROM THE PROGRAM, WHAT A JOYFUL CHRISTMAS IT WOULD BE!

[REBECCA JONES / HERALD DEMOCRAT ]

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Grayson Magazine

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CLOTHING THE MASSES ONE PERSON AT A TIME

By Future Brown

Grayson Magazine

She also said there’s an extensive and growing population who live on little or no income, ranging from senior citizens to young people and families.

“When you think about people who have limited incomes of like $500, $600 or $700 a month, that doesn’t leave you anything for clothing, even at garage sale or thrift store prices,” Singletary said. “They absolutely cannot afford stuff.”

This year’s event was held Nov. 8-9 in Kohfeldt Hall, a 2,000 square-foot room at the church.

In addition to clothing giveaways, Manna Ministries operates a food bank situated across the street from St. Luke’s Church that is open each week, Monday through Friday. The

[DANIEL DUSEK]

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required and no one is questioned, Singletary said. No limits are placed on what an individual or families can get, but recipients are asked to remember there are also others in need. Singletary also asks that those who aren’t in need not take advantage of the ministry.

Carol Singletary, a retired nurse, now heads up the nonprofit Manna Clothing Ministry.

“There are a lot of people here in Denison who need this,” she said during the ministry’s fall 2018 event.

“If you think of people who are on disability, they can get housing and rent assistance, they can get Medicaid, they can get food stamps. However, there is little out there (in the way of) clothes.”

[MARK BEARDSLEY / HERALD DEMOCRAT ]

Twice a year, a local non-profit organization puts on a clothing drive that provides thousands of clothing items to the community. Manna Ministries works out of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Denison and just in time for the winter and summer seasons, the organization works to clothe anyone looking for items.

While the group is always in need of more children’s clothing for its biannual event, they also accept clothing for adults with an emphasis on items that can be worn to job interviews or for work in the labor fields.

Back in 2008, the program was able to clothe about 125 people during its giving days. Now, the organization sees more than 6,000 clothing items.

No proof of income or residency is

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[FUTURE BROWN / HERALD DEMOCRAT ]

STYLE STYLE

Volunteers at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Denison spend months collecting donations of clothing and other goods to have two clothing giveaways and a garage sale each year.

ministry also provides a weekly meal every Saturday in Kohfeldt Hall.

“When I arrived in Denison a little over seven years ago, we did a community needs assessment,” said Rev. Don Perschall of St. Luke’s. “We dis-

covered that Denison needed three things in particular — a good food pantry, a free clothing program and a meals program. We immediately set out to meet these needs, all of which is in response to Jesus’ command in Matthew 25. We believe

that the measure of a Christian is found in Jesus’ words: ‘If you love me, you will keep my commandments.’”

For more information or to donate clothes, food or time, call (903) 465-2630.

Apparel

Shoes

Accesories

100 N. Travis St. Ste B, Sherman, TX 75090.

(214) 937-5665 www.lookalikes.shop

STYLE

Women Rock Women Rock is your local breast cancer awareness organization serving people in need in our community. The mission of Women Rock is saving and changing lives by increasing the awareness and early detection of breast cancer and providing hope and support to those we serve.

While many are out hustling and bustling to purchase gifts for everyone on their list, many others are not able to think that far ahead. Some are getting ports put in and starting

chemotherapy amidst holiday activities, while others are hoping to get through treatment in time to feel well enough to enjoy them.

Some are struggling with the diagnosis they have been given, and some just want to make memories in case they’re not here next Christmas. Many others are juggling bills while still trying to buy a gift or two. Please consider donating this holiday season and help us help some of our own. Thanks for your kind consideration.

WISH LIST: •

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GROCERY & GAS GIFT CARDS (E.G. KROGER, ALBERTSON’S, WALMART, BROOKSHIRE’S) HOBBY LOBBY/ JOANN’S GIFT CARDS FOR SURVIVOR SUPPORT GROUP PROJECTS

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CAPS/HATS

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INSPIRATIONAL BOOKS

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ADULT COLORING BOOKS

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COLORED PENCILS/ GEL PENS/MARKERS

FUNDRAISING:

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SCARVES

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WORRY STONES

Bras for a Cause is held annually during the month of October. Tickets for the event are $75 each and tables for ten can be reserved beginning at $750.

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LAP QUILTS/THROWS

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PLANNERS/JOURNALS

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LOTION

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LIP BALM

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GIFT CERTIFICATES FOR PEDICURES/ MANICURES/ MASSAGES

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RESTAURANT GIFT CARDS

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TICKETS TO LOCAL THEATER PRODUCTIONS & PLAYS

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GIFT CERTIFICATES FOR ARTS & CRAFTS ACTIVITIES

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OFFICE SUPPLIES

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MULTI-PASSENGER VAN FOR CLIENT TRANSPORT

Court Appointed Special Advocates of Grayson County Court Appointed Special Advocates of Grayson County’s mission is to train volunteers from the local community to advocate in court for abused and neglected children.

CASA of Grayson County’s Executive Director Natalie Jamison said the number one need for their organization is caring volunteers who want to make a difference in the life of a child.

It is a commitment, she said, but it is 22

one worth making.

CASA volunteers meet with children who are involved in the foster care system and report back to the judge in their case on what best meets the child’s needs. To do that, CASA volunteers talk to the parents and foster parents in the case, as well as teachers, therapists and doctors. All of that information is then forwarded to the judge, who ultimately makes decisions Grayson Magazine

about where the child goes and when.

One doesn’t need to be a lawyer or a social worker to be a CASA volunteer, just have the best interest of children at heart and the ability to commit to being there for that child once they have been assigned to a case. Sometimes that commitment is just a few months, but could be as long as a few years.

WISH LIST:

Texoma Community Center

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Texoma Community Center is the local mental health and intellectual and developmental disabilities authority. Its mission is to promote and enhance access to intellectual, developmental and behavioral health services that improve the lives of those in our community. TCC pledges to deliver quality services through partnerships with individuals, families, and community stakeholders. Ultimately, we want to strengthen resiliency and support recovery.

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FUNDRAISING: TCC’s biggest fundraisers for the year are the silent auction held around Valentine’s Day and the array of things the center does to earn money for Destination Dignity in September. Destination Dignity is an event TCC hosts to erase the stigma associated with mental health/IDD, where community leaders and individuals with a diagnosis party together as one.

WHO IS DEVELOPMENTALLY AROUND ONE - TWO YEARS OLD. HE WOULD LIKE A ZIP-UP HOODIE AND SWEATPANTS (BOTH L ). HE COULD USE BABY TOYS AND ANYTHING THAT SINGS AND LIGHTS UP. “CUPID” IS A 64-YEAR-OLD WOMAN WHO IS DEVELOPMENTALLY AROUND SEVEN - 10 YEARS OLD. SHE WOULD LOVE A TRAPPER KEEPER, SPIRAL NOTEBOOKS, STICKER LABELS AND STRING THAT HOLDS GLASSES. SHE LOVES ARTWORK AND ART SUPPLIES.

“DANCER” IS A 73-YEAR-OLD WOMAN WHO IS DEVELOPMENTALLY AROUND 12 - 15 YEARS OLD. SHE WOULD LIKE A TEXAS RANGERS JACKET (3X), COLORFUL HEADBANDS AND COLORING • BOOKS. SHE LOVES TO READ.

“DONNER” IS A 50-YEAR-OLD WOMAN WHO IS DEVELOPMENTALLY AROUND 12 - 15 YEARS OLD. SHE LIKES LONG, COMFORTABLE DRESSES (4X) AND LOVES BUTTERFLIES AND THE OUTDOORS.

“COMET” IS A 53-YEAR-OLD MAN WHO IS DEVELOPMENTALLY AROUND 12 15 YEARS OLD. HE WANTS A PAIR OF RED SHOES (12), STRETCHY PANTS/ SWEATS (XL ). HE LIKES TO WATCH TV • AND LOOK AT THE NEWSPAPER.

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“VIXEN” IS A 56-YEAR-OLD WOMAN WHO WOULD LIKE A SWEAT SUIT (L ), HOUSE SHOES (8) AND MAKEUP, JEWELRY OR OTHER GIRLY THINGS.

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“PRANCER” IS A 53-YEAR-OLD MAN

“BLITZEN” IS AN 81-YEAR-OLD MAN WHO IS DEVELOPMENTALLY AROUND 10 - 15 YEARS OLD. HE WOULD LIKE A STRAW COWBOY HAT (SIZE L/XL IN A BASEBALL CAP). HE COULD USE A NEW LUNCHBOX, LIKES COWBOYS AND IS A RELIGIOUS PERSON.

WISH LIST:

FUNDRAISING: CASA’s biggest fundraiser of the year is Chocolate Indulgence, held annually around Valentine’s Day. For more than 20 years, the event has provided locals with a romantic evening filled with great food, exceptional chocolates and the chance to support an organization that supports local families. In all, the event generally features about 30 different types of chocolate in addition to dinner, spirits, live music and both a silent and live auction.

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“DASHER” IS A 41-YEAR-OLD MAN WHO IS DEVELOPMENTALLY AROUND FIVE - EIGHT YEARS OLD. HE WOULD LIKE STRETCHY PANTS/SWEATS (XL ), COLORING BOOKS (BIG BIRD, BARNEY & FRIENDS), CRAYONS, AND SOCKS. HE STILL BELIEVES IN SANTA CLAUSE • AND LOVES MOVIES FROM THE 80S AND 90S.

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4 OFFICE DESK CHAIRS

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PRINTER/SCANNER COMBO

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OFFICE DESK WITH DRAWERS

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SHELVING AND RACKS FOR THE CENTER (A CLOSET FOR CHILDREN IN NEED)

Grayson Magazine

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WINTER CLOTHING (E.G. HOODIES, JACKETS, SWEATPANTS, ETC.) FOR THE CENTER

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WINTER SHOES IN ADULT AND CHILDREN’S SIZES

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(3) THREE-HOLE PUNCH

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DUFFEL BAGS FOR CHILDREN’S BELONGINGS 23

UNITED WAY A NONPROFIT THAT HELPS OTHER NONPROFITS SUCCEED

BY JERRIE WHITELEY // PHOTOS COURTESY OF UNITED WAY OF GRAYSON CO. United Way of Grayson County, like a lot of nonprofits in the county, has undergone changes as the county’s population changes and grows.

Long-time Director and CEO David Cortinas left the agency at the end of 2017, succeeded by Stephanie Chandler in May 2018. Chandler had been with the agency for almost two years before she took the reins. Since then, she has added Community Investment Coordinator Olivia Lewis and Community Engagement Director Chele Wells to the team.

One thing that has not changed, how24

ever, is the commitment to focusing on community needs and helping those who work to meet those needs.

“Our credo is, ‘We surround our community’s most pressing issues and we are going to fight until we solve it’,” Chandler said. “Not just be on the front line doing — we are going to solve the problem.”

United Way of Grayson County is part of a coalition of charitable organizations that work together to pool efforts in fundraising and support. United Way partners with approved local agencies that fill needs in three crucial areas: Grayson Magazine

health, financial sustainability and education. It operates through a one-year funding cycle that selects programs to give to after surveying the community on what it would like to see taken care of and having fundraisers in workplace environments.

Chandler said they now partner with Texoma Council of Governments on their community assessment “because it is as robust as it is.” That is one way, she said, to assure that local agencies aren’t repeating the same actions and wasting resources to get the same information.

COVER Laurie Mealy said their partnership with United Way has made a big difference to the organization dedicated to helping locals find quality, affordable housing.

“It is not a coincidence that Habitat began building homes and serving families in a more deliberate and goal-oriented way after that relationship was established,” Mealy said.

“The majority of our homes have been built in the last 12 years.” Mealy said 24 out of 38 homes have been built since Habitat became a United Way partner agency, and 18 homes have had exterior repair.

The most recent funding cycle saw United Way give $650,000, divided among 22 agencies and supporting a total of 32 programs. Chandler said the majority of the money goes to educational programs and agencies helping with youth and education.

“We saw our biggest needs there,” she said.

Mental health is another big area.

United Way of Grayson County has been particularly involved in the formation of the Texoma Behavioral Health Leadership Team.

“We helped form that from the very beginning and we serve on the executive committee,” Chandler said. “We helped move that mission forward, especially with our corporation making sure that the information is getting out there.”

Whether it is working to help the area get the most out of the census count or working to help put mental health needs at the forefront of everyone’s mind, United Way helps by putting human resources on the task.

But they won’t be holding galas, 5K’s or other fundraising events to help put money behind those projects.

“Our goal is to never compete for money with our nonprofits. We don’t want sponsorship dollars. We aren’t having events or galas. We do workplace campaigns,” Chandler said.

“Eighty-four percent of my donors work on the corporate floors of places like Tyson, Emerson, Caterpillar and from school districts.”

This year, United Way’s biggest

According to Chandler, United Way of Grayson County is now considered an “evergreen United Way,” meaning they don’t have a set campaign period.

“The old model was that we just (campaigned) in the fall and it was like three months long,” she said. Now, they campaign year-round whenever a company or group wants them to make a presentation. Last year, they did 32 workplace campaigns. The agencies apply for funding in February and United Way makes allocations in the spring. Payments to the agencies then start in July.

Meals on Wheels Executive Director J. Greg Pittman said the organization will receive $35,000 from United Way this year, which will provide an additional 7,000 meals to area elderly in need. Habitat For Humanity of Grayson County’s Executive Director Grayson Magazine

25

COVER campaign was with the Denison Independent School District.

“Their faculty and their staff raised $65,000 for this community,” she said. “That is mind blowing. But they believe in (United Way) and they buy it.

They get it. They know what we do and why we do it.”

But not all the money United Way uses locally comes from local pockets. Chandler said UW of Grayson County’s Community Investment Coordinator Olivia Lewis has been instrumental in looking for and obtaining grants to help bring in additional dollars. As for how they divide that money among other agencies, Chandler said they try to make the process of applying for funding as easy as possible.

Mealy said that though the process has changed a number of times over the years, applying for United Way support is not difficult. In exchange for the work put into the application process, agencies get consistent funding that they can count on month after month, and support from United Way staff who strive to answer their questions. Mealy said gaining United Way approval is also a respected stamp of approval in the community and people know that

“partner agencies have to submit financial information, regular reports, and audits.”

Chandler said no matter how many times an agency has been funded in the past, “everybody applies. There is no given just because you have always gotten funding before. Their financials are reviewed by a group of community volunteers who have expertise in finance.”

Those volunteers make sure the nonprofits being considered pay their taxes and are legitimate 501(c)(3).

“The next step is that they get to apply for a program and then it goes through another totally different, group of community leaders,” Chandler said. That

group decides if the nonprofit fits under one of the three crucial areas.

Then there is Allocation Day, where UW invites community members in to study those who have applied.

“We really try to focus on donors, because if you give us money you should be able to have some say in how it is spent,” she said.

Those volunteers get copies of the grant requests and the nonprofits then get to come in and make a presentation for the volunteers. Those volunteers make the decision on which programs get funded and which don’t.

Those decisions are then sent to the board for their approval. At that point, Lewis steps in to monitor the agencies to make sure they do with the money what they said they would do. She makes site visits, gets reports on who the agencies are serving and in which areas, and on their results with the programs that United Way funds.

Though money is always needed, they also need volunteers. They are currently looking for volunteers for the upcoming census and for the point in time count held in January. Additionally, their community partners need

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volunteers. Habitat for Humanity, for example, always needs people to work on their houses. People who know they want to get involved in the community but don’t know where to start can always come to United Way and find a place to get involved. United Way knows which agencies and programs are needing people at which times of the year and can help people find the right fit.

Chandler was quick to add that United Way itself often has need for volunteers who can come in and stand with them to accomplish their missions. For

example, United Way was nominated

by Grayson County Judge Bill Magers to the county’s community response team. One of the crucial roles UW plays in any community is being prepared for a service emergency.

“We have designated funds for a crisis that we hold so if we need emergency services, be it counseling or anything, we have funds available to immediately disperse to our community partners,” Chandler said.

She said United Way of Grayson County’s biggest need is the community’s support. They need volunteers

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for their response team and also need people to show up to support their initiatives, like the point in me count and census count. Most of all, she said, they need support from the general public.

“We are a new team, all of us together. This is both their (Chele and Olivia) first year here with us. I just finished my first year as the CEO. I think we need support from the community,” Chandler said. “I think we need understanding. We need them to understand what we do and how we help everybody. We help everyone from senior citizens to babies and everyone in between.”

FINANCE Although your primary goal in charitable giving is to help make the world a better place, keep in mind that being strategic in your giving may lead to a win-win situation for you and your favorite causes.

The massive tax reform enacted near the end of 2017 included increases to the standard deduction, which means fewer Americans will be able to itemize their deductions, potentially eliminating that tax benefit of giving. As a result, it’s all the more important to consider how to give before you give.

AVOID CAPITAL GAINS TAXES TO HELP INCREASE YOUR GIFT’S EFFECT Charitable giving can be as simple as writing a check and dropping it in the mail. But before you pull out your checkbook, think about different ways to donate that may have tax benefits. Consider this example: Suppose you’re holding in a taxable account $100,000 of stock you paid $10,000 for several years ago. The IRS would call the $10,000 your “cost basis.”

If you want to make a significant donation to a charity, you could (1) sell the stock, (2) pay long–term capital gains taxes of up to 20 percent on the difference between the proceeds and your cost basis, or (3) donate what’s left to your favorite charity.

On the other hand, you could simply give the stock directly to the charity and avoid the capital gains tax.

Assuming the charity is tax-exempt, it could then sell the stock without incurring capital gains tax and wind up having more than if you sold the stock yourself. The charity ends up with more if you simply donate the stock, and isn’t that the whole idea?

HELP ENHANCE YOUR INVESTMENT INCOME Suppose you hold in a taxable account a substantial amount of stock that’s paying you little or no dividends and you’re looking to generate current income. As in the example above, you could sell the stock, pay any capital gains taxes, and use what’s left to purchase oth-

HOW TO

er investments or make charitable gifts.

However, if you’d like to avoid immediate capital gains taxes, one strategy to consider is a charitable remainder trust, or CRT. After you establish a CRT, you can donate the stock to the trust, which may give you a tax deduction for a portion of your contribution. The trustee can sell the stock without incurring immediate capital gains taxes and purchase other investments. The trust will pay income to you. Keep in mind, this income may be taxable to you.

You determine the payment you want to receive from the CRT based on a percentage (not less than five percent) of the donated stock’s fair market value. (IRS factors may limit the income payout. Your tax advisor will help you with this calculation.) Remember the larger your payout, the less of a tax deduction you may receive for making the donation.

At your death, the death of your beneficiary, or the completion of the trust’s term (it’s your choice), the trustee will distribute what’s left in the CRT (the remainder) to the charity or charities named in the trust document.

GIVE POOLED-INCOME FUNDS A LOOK Although a CRT offers a number of advantages, there are costs involved. For example, you’ll need to enlist an attorney to draw up the trust document, and depending on whom you choose, you may have to pay for the trustee’s services.

For a less costly alternative, think about a pooled– income fund. It shares many features of certain CRTs, such as avoiding capital gains tax on your gift and the ability to make future contributions.

A pooled–income fund is created and maintained by a public charity. As its name implies, the fund is comprised of donations contributed by many different donors, which are pooled and invested together.

All the donors are paid a share of the net income the fund earns. The income amount depends on the fund’s

STRATEGICALLY

SUPPORT NON-PROFITS

performance and is taxable to you.

When an income beneficiary dies, the charity receives an amount equal to that donor’s share in the fund. These funds are less flexible than CRTs. For instance, you cannot choose your income payout; you will be paid the net income the fund earns. The payout will vary from year to year, depending on what the portfolio generates.

In exchange for a lack of flexibility, a pooled– income fund offers simplicity. Rather than having your own trust document drafted, you will be provided with a standard agreement that lets you transfer your assets to the charity.

CONSIDER OTHER STRATEGIES

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These are just a few charitable giving strategies for you to think about. Others available include charitable lead trusts, charitable foundations and donor advised funds.

Contact a financial advisor for more information about incorporating tax planning into your charitable giving and work with your tax advisor to determine the strategy, or strategies that may be right for you.

Choice.

This article was written by/for Wells Fargo Advisors and provided courtesy of Chad F. Manning, Branch Manager, First Vice President – Investments Sherman, TX (903) 893-6656.

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FINANCE

Sherman Ex-Students Association The Sherman Ex-Students Association was established as a non-profit organization with the purpose of “celebrating the past and building the future.�

The association is open to graduates and former students of Sherman High School or Fred Douglass and is organized to provide opportunities for further education for graduates of Sherman High School in the form of scholarships, preserve the cultural and literary histories of both Sherman High and Fred Douglass Schools through a collection of artifacts, and recognize, unite, inform, and involve all in the support of education and fellowship.

A vision of former SHS and Fred Douglass High School leaders, the work of many volunteers has resulted in a unique high school museum comprised of treasured memorabilia from both of the former high schools. The Sherman Ex-Students Museum is always in need of interested volunteers to serve at the museum.

Currently the museum is open on Wednesdays and Fridays from noon to 3 p.m. and during special reunion events. To volunteer, email Betty Roberts (Class of 1945) at broberts.2@verizon.net and for more information, visit www.shermanisd.net/ domain/102 or call (903) 893-8250.

Grayson College Foundation Grayson County College Foundation, Inc. exists to bridge the gap between the needs and resources of Grayson College.

As a Texas non-profit corporation, the foundation was created to address the following goals: to generate funds and endowments for scholarships to GC students, to encourage gifts for facilities and equipment, to develop private funding sources for new programmatic ventures, and to communicate the evolving needs of the college to business, educational, cultural, governmental and other constituencies to facilitate collaborative and mutually supportive relationships.

The foundation continuously seeks new sources of financial support beyond the scope of tax-based funding.

New grants and revenue sources must be sought to replace gaps resulting from significant legislative reductions in order to provide the tools and resources

30

for all students to achieve success. The foundation is governed by an 18-member board of directors.

Grayson College serves over 4,500 students annually. Nearly 50 percent of these students face multiple financial obstacles, creating difficulties in achieving their dream of a college education.

For this reason, the Grayson College Foundation began the Grayson College Foundation Scholarship Program in 2009. This program has grown dramatically due to the generosity of local donors who realize the importance of a strong, educated workforce in local communities.

Today, over 302 endowments have been established. In 2019, 466 students were awarded $659,724 in scholarships to attend Grayson College. Donors may choose to either establish a named or endowed scholarship in their own name, in the name of a local business

Grayson Magazine

or in honor or memory of someone else. Donors determine the name of the scholarship and the recipient criteria.

In addition to the basic standards established by the Grayson College Foundation (credit-hour enrollment each semester and a minimum 2.5 GPA), donors may designate additional criteria, such as major, graduate of a particular high school, etc. The Foundation Scholarship Committee makes every attempt to match the scholarship applicant with the appropriate scholarship.

Donors wishing to fund a scholarship may do so in a variety of ways. The two most common are annually-funded scholarships, ranging from $250 to $2,000 per year, and permanently-endowed scholarships beginning at $5,000. Endowed scholarships can be established as a one-time gift of $5,000 or more or payments over a multi-year period.

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GRAND CENTRAL STATION LOOKING TO BUILD NEW LOCATION TO SERVE MORE PEOPLE

BY JERRIE WHITELEY

32

VOLUNTEER SABRENA KEATHLY HANDS A LUNCH TRAY TO VISITORS AT THE GRAND CENTRAL STATION DINING CAR IN SHERMAN. try, food storage and sorting, and office space. It will also increase the space for restrooms, showers, and laundry, provide a covered, secure food delivery and distribution area, increase management and volunteer efficiency by bringing operations under one roof, and increase their capacity to provide food for their after school food program for children.

Bray said the new facility will allow them to provide meals to more than 150 people at one time and will double the number of times they can provide food to pantry clients each month. It will also reduce the stress of their clients and help implement shorter wait times. Additionally, it will allow them provide a waiting room that will be sensitive to clients’ emotional and basic needs and allow them to offer a “choice pantry,” which allows clients to shop for their food.

The expansion will mean that GCS will be able to provide more relief to families, seniors and disabled people who struggle with hunger. They will also be able

Grayson Magazine

to continue to meet the after school and weekend nutritional needs of children to help them in school and offer more volunteer opportunities for students, families and adults.

“Local businesses, churches, and individuals are the strength of our organization and we are so grateful for the cooperation and generosity of all of the volunteers and groups,” Bray said. “This community is unbelievable as far as its volunteers and support. It is amazing what we have accomplished and what we are looking to accomplish. It’s exciting.”

GCS is currently hosting private fundraising events for small groups and offer presentations to any group interested in having them talk about their need for the expansion. For more information on donating to the campaign, call Pete Schulze at (903) 814-6945 or email pschulze@austincollege.edu or call Jerry Holbert at (903) 267-9326 or email rjholbert@cableone.net.

[DREW SMITH / HERALD DEMOCRAT ]

Growth seems to be the word of the year in Grayson County and that is especially true at Grand Central Station in Sherman.

GCS is the hub to four programs: The Dining Car, The Green House, Children’s Express and Tools 4 Schools. All programs provide for underserved people in the area.

Executive Director Karen Bray said in order to continue to serve people with those programs, they have undergone a major fundraising campaign to pay for the renovation of a building at 619 E. Houston which will be three times larger than their current space. The cost for purchasing and remodeling the new building will be $1.2 million.

“We are about half way there,” Bray said of fundraising efforts. At this point, she said monetary donations are the only thing holding up the project. “We are getting ready to start framing out the walls in the next few weeks.”

The committee working on the expansion meets weekly and discusses what steps are planned for the coming week.

The plan is to be ready to move to the new location in early to mid-2020.

“A lot that depends on funding, so we are definitely in need of donations for the building campaign to get this completed,” Bray said.

The new facility is needed because GCS is currently at capacity at the dining car and have to feed people in shifts. Bray also said they have limited refrigerator and freezer space for food, sometimes resulting in having to turn away donations, as well as limited parking space for staff, donors and clients.

The new space will allow them to improve services in all areas, including increasing kitchen, dining room, pan-

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GrandCentral Since opening its doors in 2010, Grand Central Station helps the underserved population by providing food to alleviate hunger and assists with other needs such as showers, laundry facilities, clothing, funding for prescription drugs, emergency housing, and dental services and referrals to other groups and individuals for social services.

Grand Central Station is the HUB to four programs: The Dining Car, The Green House, Children’s Express and Tools 4 Schools. All programs provide for the underserved. Donations may be delivered to 110 Throckmorton in Sherman. Monetary donations cam be sent to Grand Central Station, P.O. Box 3173, Sherman, Texas 75091.

Our annual fundraiser is “A Night of Grace and Gratitude,” held at the Hilton Garden Inn in August. We are currently carrying on a building fundraiser to expand. The organization recently purchased a building at 619 E. Houston for the expansion that is more than three times the size of GCS’s current space. The cost for purchasing and remodeling the 10,000-square foot building is estimated at $1.2 million. Thankfully, the organization is already almost half way to that goal, but need help reaching the rest of the way.

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CASH FUNDING FOR UTILITIES

•

12 -16 UNIT STEELBICYCLE RACK WITH BICYCLE LOCKS

•

CANNED COFFEE

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GALLON SIZED TEA BAGS

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PLASTIC FORKS, SPOONS, KNIVES

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COOKING SPRAY

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TRASH CAN LINERS (13 & 33 GAL )

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ZIPLOC BAGS (SANDWICH, QUART, GALLON)

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BROWN PAPER BAGS

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RAZORS

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DEODORANT (SMALL SIZE)

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STYROFOAM CUPS (8 OZ, 12 OZ)

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STYROFOAM BOWLS (7 OZ)

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STYROFOAM TO-GO CONTAINERS

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BATTERIES (AAA, AA, C, D)

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CANNED GOODS

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LOUISIANA HOT SAUCE

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WHITE COTTON MEN’S SOCKS

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WHITE COTTON SHORT WOMEN’S SOCKS

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BOTTLED WATER

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HAND SANITIZER

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LAUNDRY SOAP (PODS WORK BEST )

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ADULT PULL-ON DISPOSABLE DIAPERS (SIZE L, XL )

Grayson Magazine

[CHRIS JENNINGS / HERALD DEMOCRAT ]

FUNDRAISING:

•

[DREW SMITH / HERALD DEMOCRAT ]

Station

WISH LIST:

V isions of Sugar P lums Visions of Sugarplums is a non profit organization that provides breakfast and lunch food during each extended school break and on weekends to students who qualify for the free or reduced-cost meal program in the Pottsboro Independent School District.

Since Christmas 2003, children and teens in the Pottsboro Independent School District have received nutritious, pre-packaged

breakfast and lunch food provided by Visions of Sugar Plums volunteers during winter break, spring break and throughout the summer.

Applications for winter break 2019 are still coming in, but again this year, VOS will make food deliveries to families who have applied for assistance and qualified as recipients by Pottsboro school counselors.

FOOD

FUNDRAISING: This year’s biggest fundraiser for Sugar Plums was the Empty Bowls lunch held at Grayson College in conjuction with the school’s Culinary and Ceramic Arts programs. Participants paid to buy a handmade bowl from ceramics students and were then allowed to fill it with soup made by Culinary Arts students.

Meals on Wheels Meals on Wheels Texoma funds and operates the home-delivered and senior center congregate meal programs throughout Cooke, Fannin and Grayson counties. Its mission is to promote the dignity and independence of older adults, persons with disabilities, and other home-bound persons by delivering nutritious meals and providing or coordinating additional long term services and supports which are needed.

In addition to providing a nutritious meal, Meals on Wheels volunteers are often the only person to see some elderly residents on a day-today basis and can be instrumental in providing the face-to-face contact that helps stave off depression or mental decline with a quick conversation and encouragement.

The organization’s two most pressing needs are unrestricted donations to eliminate waiting lists for service and contributions to its Centralized Food Production Center capital campaign.

This new facility will lower food production costs dramatically, allowing the cost savings to fund services for the ever-growing senior population.

Blankets and/or donations to support the central kitchen building or to expand services may be mailed to or dropped off at Meals on Wheels Texoma, 4114 Airport Drive, Denison, TX 75020.

FUNDRAISING: The agency’s biggest fundraiser is a direct mailing, which goes to about 22,000 households. Funds from that are used as a local cash match for funds the organization receives from the state, allowing the agency to continue to provide meals for local elderly and disabled individuals. Financial contributions may also be made by clicking our “Donate” button online at www.mowot.org.

WISH LIST: •

DONATIONS OF BLANKETS TO LOCAL SENIOR CITIZENS CENTERS FOR DISTRIBUTION TO HOME-BOUND SENIORS

•

DONATIONS TO SUPPORT OUR CENTRAL KITCHEN BUILDING PROJECT

•

DONATIONS TO EXPAND SERVICES AND REMOVE SENIORS FROM WAITING LISTS FOR HOME-DELIVERED MEALS

•

BLANKETS MAY BE DROPPED OFF AT ANY OF OUR SENIOR CENTERS 35

HEALTH

LOCAL MINISTRY HOPES TO HELP HEAL

ABUSE SURVIVORS

BY JERRIE WHITELEY

When a person is sentenced for a crime like the sexual or physical abuse of a child, they are told how long they must serve for their crime. Their victims, however, often find themselves dealing with the impacts of the crime for the rest of their lives in one form or another.

A local woman is at the heart of a charity that aims to help adult victims of abuse of any kind find their self worth and strength again. Shannon McGraw is the founder of Hopeful Hearts Ministry. The 1991 graduate of Sherman High School is also the daughter of the late Tim McGraw, a former Grayson County judge, and Judy McGraw, a former volunteer and employee at CASA of Grayson County.

A survivor of both rape and incest, McGraw said she went through a lot in coming to grips with the abuse she had suffered. Once she found her strength and her faith again, she knew she wanted to help others with their journeys as well. She has since written two books about her experiences: “Exposed: Inexcusable Me … Irreplaceable Him” and “Redeemed: The Story of a Marriage Torn by the Effects of Past Abuse and Restored by Faith.”

McGraw spent some time talking

36

to youth groups and others about her journey, but felt the call to reach out to more people like herself who hadn’t fully addressed their abuse until they were adults and became a certified mental health peer support specialist. Explaining that many people don’t start working on overcoming their abuse until they are in their 30s, 50s, or even 70s and beyond, McGraw said there are a lot of people who need the kind of one-on-one connection offered at Hopeful Hearts.

“We want to help them overcome being a victim and realize the full potential of their lives,” McGraw said in a recent phone interview.

She talked about an event that was recently held in Grayson County to help her find supporters for the ministry. There were about ten people at the event, and after hearing her share her story, two of those people each described their own experiences of abuse that they had not previously shared before.

The ministry recently had a video that went viral and are getting referred to more people than they can currently help; they need to certify more peer counselors and that takes money. The ministry is fully funded by donations and are looking for people who want

Grayson Magazine

to help make it possible for them to respond to each of the survivors who reach out for help.

“We have created an online support group for (those survivors) to join to seek and provide encouragement for each other,” McGraw said.

She explained that Hopeful Hearts doesn’t try to take the place of counseling with a professional therapist. In fact, they encourage therapy and are sometimes referred clients from therapists who think their clients might benefit from being able to discuss their abuse with those who have lived through the same experiences.

“We really only see people for a good three or four sessions and I don’t know how long they work with their therapists after that,” McGraw said. The clients “really only need that moment to be validated to maybe get through a hard time.”

However, McGraw said sometimes if they hit another life moment that triggers them, they do come back.

“Unfortunately, no matter what the abuse is, this is something that is going to remain with you forever,” she said.

That is not meant to be a daunting statement, rather just a statement of fact. At this point in their lives, what the

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“If it was something that happened to you during your childhood, for instance, it has obliterated certain boundaries or has taken over certain subconscious thoughts,” she said.

“The work with Hopeful Hearts is about finding the tools and the abilities to be the best version of oneself and to move forward with the ability to recognize your own triggers and to know what you can do rescue yourself from the insecurity or self-doubt that those triggers can cause. It can help a survivor know they can stop and call a friend or a therapist to help them avoid making decisions based on that old trauma or the negative feelings it caused.”

McGraw said there is no set amount of time survivors take to work through their abuse, but progress is generally quicker if they are able to dedicate time to really talk through it with someone. To do so, she said, is not wallowing in the past, but more like a “spring cleaning” of one’s own true self. Moving survivors forward without that uncertainty and with confidence in themselves is the ministry’s goal, but to make all that happen funding is needed to be able to have enough peer-to-peer counselors on hand to work with those asking for help.

To find out more about Hopeful Hearts Ministry or to donate, visit www.hopefulheartsministry.org or their Facebook page @ Hopeful Hearts Ministry.

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Hopeful Hearts Ministry

HELPS HEAL THOSE STRUGGLING WITH PAST ABUSE

One in three adults has been emotionally, physically, sexually or verbally abused or neglected in their past.

Most don’t receive therapy and assume they are “over it” until it comes up in personal and work relationships. Hopeful Hearts Ministry began when founder Shannon McGraw saw the need for adult survivors to unearth the skeletons in their closet.

She created a way for survivors to

find hope in one-on-one peer counseling, to know they are not alone with online support groups, and other empowerment programs to help survivors reprogram their mind from negative to positive and embrace their worth to thrive in relationships.

Hopeful Hearts Ministry is a 501(c)(3), 100 percent donor funded non-profit and is in need of $100,000 for operating, managing and salary

Child & Family Guidance Center of Texoma

WISH LIST: •

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WATERCOLORS

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FINGER PAINT

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BRIGHT COLORED COPY PAPER

•

BEAN BAG CHAIRS

•

CRAYONS/MARKERS

FUNDRAISING:

•

MOLDING CLAY

•

ART PAPER

•

PAINTING CANVAS

The agency’s signature fundraiser is the Star Fish Benefit, held each year for the past eight years. In 2019, the Star Fish Benefit had sponsorship levels that started at $1,200 and went up to $10,000. Those sponsorships included tickets to the event as well as the sponsor’s logo on the CFGC website and other recognition.

•

DRY ERASE MARKERS

•

CLOROX WIPES

•

LYSOL SPRAY

•

BOARD GAMES OF ANY KIND

The Child & Family Guidance Center of Texoma exists to strengthen, improve, and empower the lives of hurting Texoma children and families through compassionate and restorative mental healthcare. CFGC envisions a future in which all people throughout Texoma, especially those who are low income, have immediate access to quality mental health care at the right time.

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costs to provide staffing and certifications for our online and in-house peer support, support groups and empowerment programs. Every donation not only affects the life of one survivor but helps that survivor to thrive, ultimately affecting their every relationship.

To find out more about Hopeful Hearts Ministry, visit www.hopefulheartsministry.org.

Grayson Magazine

HEALTH

' Advocacy Center Childrens

CHILDREN PLAY WITH OVER-SIZED GAMES AT DENISON’S TEXOMA KIDS FEST IN MARCH 2019, BENEFITTING THE GRAYSON COUNTY CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTER. through the investigation, therapy, and prosecution stages.

Concerning the wish list, gifts for teenagers are particularly helpful. Many of our teens use gift cards (e.g. Target, Walmart, Best Buy, Amazon, Bath and Body Works, iTunes, Playstation/Xbox, Spotify subscription, JCPenny, Acad-

40

•

GIFT CARDS (FOR TEENS)

•

TOILET PAPER

•

PAPER TOWELS

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CORDLESS STICK VACUUM

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SNACKS AND WATERS FOR CHILDREN

•

CLOROX WIPES

•

HAND SOAP

Grayson Magazine

[CHRIS JENNINGS / HERALD DEMOCRAT ]

WISH LIST:

FUNDRAISING: The Grayson County Children’s Advocacy Center is excited to announce the rebranding of our annual fundraising gala. Mark your calendars for the CAC’s Storybook Gala on May 2, 2020. For sponsorship information call or email Britney Barker at (903) 957-0440, ext. 201 or bbarker@cacgc.org. To donate an item for auction call or email Abigail Hill at (903) 957-0440, ext. 207 or ahill@cacgc.org.

emy, Belk) to buy clothes and shoes.

Other ideas include: Headphones, makeup, colored pencils, markers, pens for adult coloring books, family games, card games, sports equipment, art supplies, jewelry, perfume, lotion, “superhero” items, nail products, cell phone accessories, gloves and scarves).

[DREW SMITH / HERALD DEMOCRAT ]

Since 2004, the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) has provided services to abused and traumatized children in Grayson County. The mission of the CAC is to provide a multi-disciplinary collaboration of services for the prevention, intervention, investigation, prosecution, and treatment of child abuse.

This collaboration is an effort to reduce the potential for additional trauma as a result of investigation and prosecution by promoting the recovery of the child victim and non-offending family members, and facilitating the prosecution of those individuals who perpetuate crimes against children in Grayson County.

The CAC provides a variety of programs including forensic interviews, on-site SANE exams, trauma treatment therapy, family advocacy, and prevention and intervention education. Counseling is recommended for children who are assessed to be experiencing trauma from their abuse and is provided on-site by licensed therapists who have highly specialized training in treating childhood trauma. A family advocate (also a CAC employee) is assigned to each family during the initial investigation and works with the children and family members to ensure that they receive all necessary services while guiding them

HEALTH

Greater Texoma Health Clinic Greater Texoma Health Clinic in Denison opened its doors in February 2003 to serve uninsured residents of Grayson County. Growing from a part-time clinic open two Saturdays per month, GTHC now operates 40 hours a week to serve medically underserved individuals living in Grayson County and the surrounding areas. GTHC is a non-profit clinic that operates from grants and donations, with no county, state or federal funding received.

The Greater Texoma Health Clinic accepts Medicaid, Medicare and uninsured patients.

Our providers offer comprehensive, compassionate care and strive to prevent and treat chronic disease to not only reduce hospital

stays and emergency room visits, but to empower our patients to live healthier and more productive lives.

GTHC believes every member of our community should have access to affordable health care. Last year, we were able to serve 11,032 children and adults in our community.

Services provided by the Greater Texoma Health Clinic include primary care medicine to adult and children, women’s health, dermatology and prescription assistance programs.

Donations to Greater Texoma Health Clinic can be mailed or dropped of at 900 N. Armstrong, Denison, TX 75020. For more information about our program, call (903) 465-2440.

Grayson Magazine

WISH LIST: • • • • • • • •

VINYL LOBBY CHAIRS 8 X 11 COPY PAPER PAPER TOWELS LYSOL DISINFECTANT SPRAY LYSOL WIPES BATTERIES (AA, AAA) POST-IT NOTES STAMPS 41

IN NEED OF FRIENDS TO KEEP SITE FLOURISHING

BY FUTURE BROWN Back in the early 1900s, the Texoma region was a lot different. Through advocating done by Sam Rayburn and many others, the Flood Control Act of 1938 authorized the creation of the Denison Dam. In the time between the enactment of the public law and the completion of the dam in January 1944, the region lost the city of Hagerman, but was on the brink of gaining two local wildlife refuges and the nonprofit organization that helps with education and maintaining the visitor’s center and site.

Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge and Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge each sit on the banks of Lake Texoma, with Hagerman bordering the Texas side and Tishomingo on the Oklahoma side.

While the refuges are each managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Friends of Hagerman are a group of volunteers that oversee programs like the site’s monthly second Saturday education program for teens and adults and Refuge Rocks, the monthly children’s program at the site. Volunteers also manage the site’s photo club, tram tours, site clean ups, visitor’s center and gift shop and more.

The High on the Hog Barbecue fund-

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raiser is one of the site’s biggest fundraisers of the year. This year’s event was held on Oct. 26, with proceeds specified for the purchase of a new tram which would enable the Friends of Hagerman to continue offering free educational tours to refuge visitors.

“It depends on the time of year,” U.S. Army Corp of Engineers Deputy Manager Paul Balkenbush said in 2018 about the site that is always looking for new volunteers. “In the spring when the flowers are blooming, the butterfly garden is very popular. It’s a volunteer-run garden and is one of the best representations of North Texas plants. There’s a lot of volunteer hours put into maintaining the butterfly garden, and it’s a real draw for people to come see it. We [also] have five hiking trails that people can use that run from about .75 of a mile to a little more than 5.7 miles.”

All of these things make the site an optimal place for bird watching.

“Hagerman is an important resource for migrating birds since it is on the central flyway,” Friends of Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge President Becky Goodman said in an email interview in

Grayson Magazine

February. “This makes it important for birders and people who love nature. Refuge staff and volunteers work very hard to keep the refuge in good shape and to provide educational programs for the public.”

The refuge offers hiking, wildlife observation, fishing, limited hunting opportunities, free nature programs and more and is free for patrons.

“The refuge staff appreciate our neighbors and local community and feel fortunate to have the opportunity to manage these 11,320 acres of federal public lands for wildlife and people,” Whaley said. “For those who come here often, we are always happy to see you. For anyone who has heard about or seen signs for Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge but have never visited, we invite you to come out and enjoy the beautiful natural resources it offers.”

Information on all of the these and other activities can be found on the refuge’s website at www.fws.gov/refuge/hagerman or the Friends of Hagerman website at www.friendsofhagerman.com/Home.

[HERALD DEMOCRAT ]

HAGERMAN

denisondermatology.com

(903) 463-2223

Liqiao Ma, M.D.

Board Certified Dermatologist

Home Hospice Founded in 1982 by a group of committed community leaders, Home Hospice was the first and remains the only locally based, 501(c)(3) non-profit hospice serving Grayson County. Our mission is to provide the best care and support, enhancing the quality of life of our patients and their families. Home Hospice focuses on our patients and serving our community — not a profit margin.

Home Hospice is licensed by the State of Texas, certified

by Medicare and accredited by the Community Health Care Accreditation Program through an exhaustive self-study and on-site survey process that occurs every three years.

The organization is a member of the Texas and New Mexico Hospice Organization and the Texas Non Profit Hospice Alliance.

Our team provides the following services depending on the needs of the patient and regardless of their financial resources: at-home nursing care (wherever that might be), medications, medical and equipment supplies, personal aide care, physician visits and reviews, social work support (emotional and resources), bereavement support and special programs, spiritual chaplains, grief and loss support groups, volunteers for patient and family care, legacy, petal pushers, and veteran’s programs, workshops including advance planning, caregiving, pain management, and invisible diseases.

FUNDRAISING: Our major fundraiser of the year is Light up a Life. Donations are represented with a dove on the dove tree, located at Kelly Square in Downtown Sherman. Participants are encouraged to attend a reception and tree lighting ceremony in Grayson Hall inside Kelly Square.

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WISH LIST: •

BABY MONITORS ( THIS IS A HUGE NEED FOR OUR AGENCY)

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BABY WIPES

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ENSURE DRINKS (ALL VARIETIES, ALL FLAVORS)

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BOOST HIGH PROTEIN DRINKS OR CARNATION INSTANT BREAKFAST

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INEXPENSIVE RED OR MAROON TOWELS

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HOSPITAL BED SHEETS OR EXTRA LONG TWIN SHEETS

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$25 GIFT CARDS FROM KROGER OR ALBERTSON’S

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CLEAR BUD BASES WITH 1 ½ -2” OPENING AT THE TOP FOR PETAL PUSHERS PROGRAM

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POLYESTER FIBERFILL 16 OZ BAGS

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GIFT CARDS TO HOBBY LOBBY

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BLUE INK PENS

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SPIRAL NOTEBOOKS

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COPY PAPER

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DISINFECTANT WIPES

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BOTTLED WATER

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ZIPLOC BAGS (QUART OR GALLON SIZE)

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KITCHEN & LARGER (33 GAL ) TRASH BAGS

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TISSUE PAPER (ALL COLORS)

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FLAT BOTTOMED WICKER BASKETS (9” OR LARGER IN DIAMETER)

Grayson Magazine

Aus Deutschland mit Liebe!

Fischer’s 304 N. Main Muenster, TX 940-759-4211 since 1927

Smoked Sausage • Summer Sausage • Smoked Cheeses Grayson Magazine

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Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas provides leadership education to help girls build courage, confidence, and character to make the world a better place.

Locally, Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas serves over 250 girls in grades K-12 across Grayson County each year. Girls participate in troop activities and experience outdoor adventures at Camp Rocky Point in Denison. Girls choose exciting, hands-on activities that interest them most — whether that’s earning badges, exploring the great outdoors, learning business skills while selling Girl Scout Cookies, making a difference in their community and more.

Girl Scouts offers hands-on, girl-centered learning in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), which can be a game-changer for girls.

Research shows that Girl Scouts who said they didn’t like math or science at the start of their STEM programs became more positive about these subjects after participating, and 77 percent said that because of Girl Scouts, they’re considering a career in technology.

Girl Scouts helps girls develop essential social/emotional competencies, which prepares them to become inspi-

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WISH LIST: •

MONETARY DONATIONS TO SUPPORT LOW-INCOME GIRL SCOUT MEMBERSHIPS AND CAMP EXPERIENCES

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WATER SPORTS EQUIPMENT FOR CAMP ROCKY POINT IN DENISON (E.G. LIFE JACKETS, PADDLES, CANOES)

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HAND-HELD GARMIN GPS

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CAMPFIRE COOKING EQUIPMENT (E.G. DUTCH OVEN, ROASTING STICKS, PIE IRONS)

rational, empathetic leaders. Through Girl Scouts, girls discover the importance of teamwork, become creative problem-solvers, and empower others to be their best selves, too.

Girls become part of an inspiring sisterhood that leads to amazing initiatives that improve their communities.

Girl Scout’s higher awards give girls a chance to make a sustainable, positive impact, but the experience also directly benefits them as they learn valuable organizing and project management

Grayson Magazine

skills and helps them stand out on college applications. The Girl Scout Gold Award can result in scholarships and enables young women to enter the military one rank higher.

To support Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas, we encourage you to choose an item from our wish list, donate your time or treasures, or purchase Girl Scout Cookies from a local girl this January through February to help her develop business and people skills. Learn more at www.gsnetx.org.

MasterKey

Founded 10 years ago, MasterKey is a Christian ministry that exists to help area families in need. Volunteers, donors and a partnership with the North Texas Food Bank make it possible for MasterKey food pantries to meet immediate needs by giving more than 200,000 pounds of groceries and half a million pounds of fresh produce every year to over 500 area families each week.

MasterKey works to break the cycle of generational poverty by offering affordable educational support for children and adults. Programs include adult ESL and citizenship classes. More than 65 schoolage children come to MasterKey’s after-school program to get academic help and learn social and behavioral skills.

MasterKey also hosts a summer learning loss prevention program to help children retain academic and language skills over the summer break.

CULTURE

WISH LIST:

MasterKey partners with Texoma Council of Governments to facilitate “Getting Ahead in a Just Gettin’-By World,” an out-of-poverty program for those who wish to create a better future story.

Through this program and its follow-up “Staying Ahead,” many participants have been able to find jobs, enroll in college and secure better quality housing.

In December 2018, MasterKey launched the MasterKey Bilingual Academy, an affordable, licensed preschool program taught in both English and Spanish for 3and 4-year-olds from low-income families.

MasterKey Ministries exists solely through the support of the community.

MasterKey will host “HeART to Heart,” an art-themed luncheon on March 19, 2020 to raise funds for our growing programs.

Contact MasterKey Ministries at www. masterkeyministries.org or call (903) 8706014.

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VOLUNTEERS TO HELP WITH OUR FOOD & EDUCATIONAL MINISTRIES

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DONORS WILLING TO GIVE MONTHLY TO SPONSOR A PRESCHOOL CHILD

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15-PASSENGER VAN FOR AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM

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HELP WITH MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS TO FOOD PANTRY FACILITY

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PAPER GOODS (E.G. TOILET PAPER, PAPER TOWELS, FACIAL TISSUES, ETC.)

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PRAYERS FOR GOD’S CONTINUED PROVISION & BLESSINGS

Boys & Girls Club of Sherman The Boys & Girls Club of Sherman is a unique organization consisting of a beautiful facility located at 1500 North Luckett. Since 1966, the Boys & Girls Club has provided thousands of area youths a positive, supervised place to participate in after school and summer activities. Membership is open to boys and girls ages 5-18. Club members must at least be in kindergarten and pay member fees to participate in Club programs.

WISH LIST: •

POSTAGE STAMPS

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POOL STICKS

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TETHERBALLS

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CASES OF 8 ½ X 11 COPY PAPER

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LEGOS

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CONNECT FOUR

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FOOSBALL TABLE

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UNO CARDS

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3-PART RECEIPT BOOKS

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LIQUID BLEACH

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TOILET PAPER

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SIDEWALK CHALK

CHECKER AND CHESS SETS

FOAM-TYPE DODGE BALLS

DECKS OF CARDS

PING PONG BALLS & PADDLES

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•

•

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FIRST AID KIT SUPPLIES

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KICK BALLS

Grayson Magazine

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Heritage Park Downtown Denison November 10, 2019 Photography by Daniel Dusek

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5000 Texoma Parkway • 2011 Texoma Parkway 400 N. Travis St. • 209 W. Washington

Whitesboro • 903-564-3577 Counterclockwise from top left: Bent Creek, Jason Talley, audience at Denison Forward Benefit Concert, Mary Fay Jackson and Johnny Brooks, Joe and Sandra Madden, and Jason Talley.

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Counterclockwise from top left: Austin Michaels, Casey Baker band, Bent Creek, Jason Talley band (2) and Mockingbird.

GRAYSON SENIOR GROUP PUBLISHER NATE RODRIGUEZ

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR HEIDI BERGE

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR FUTURE BROWN

SENIOR EDITORS FUTURE BROWN WILLIAM C. WADSACK

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS DREW SMITH

STAFF WRITERS FUTURE BROWN JERRIE WHITELEY

GRAPHIC DESIGNER AUDREY LOVE

MULTI-MEDIA SALES EXECUTIVES DEVON HUGHES KELSIE MASON MELODIE JACKSON TERESA YOUNG

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS DANIEL DUSEK

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS CHAD MANNING

Texoma Marketing & Media Group GRAYSON MAGAZINE IS A PUBLICATION OF TEXOMA MARKETING AND MEDIA GROUP, A LOCALLY OPERATED MEMBER OF GATEHOUSE MEDIA. FOR QUESTIONS OR TO SUBSCRIBE, CALL 903-893-8181. © 2019 GATEHOUSE MEDIA

Check Mammogram off Your List Tomosynthesis 3D Digital Mammography Is an advanced screening and diagnostic tool that may help to improve early detection of breast cancer.

Schedule your mammogram today, call 903.41.MAMMO.

TMC Breast Care Center is the region’s only Breast Imaging Center of Excellence.

Physicians are on the medical staff of Texoma Medical Center but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Texoma Medical Center.

The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the non-discrimination notice, visit our website. 190046-6293 9/19