It was just seven years ago that Michael Garrett came up with the plan to “provide the best resources, at no cost, to people or organizations who are providing services on someone else’s behalf.” He called it Trusted World. The process was simple. After the “partner group” made up of various schools, law enforcement agencies and non-profits submitted a form identifying the specific needs, Trusted World fulfilled and delivered the supplies to the partner group whereby protecting the recipient’s privacy.
But it would take time to gain the right partner groups and to find the support to provide the resources. Little did Michael know that in just five years, his brainchild would face a daunting challenge.
It was the pandemic walloping the world in 2020. Michael’s Garland-based Trusted World found the needs for its services were dramatically increased. But thanks to a dedicated team and a program that was lean and efficient more than 158,026 lbs. of food were delivered to individuals and families in need during the first seven months.
With winter coming on, Michael admitted, “We know that number will increase substantially.” But thanks to a donation of $50,000 from Atmos that November, Trusted World was able to rise to the demand for clothing, hygiene and food for children, families and senior citizens.
Today Trusted World partners with more than 550 North Texas organizations “to address the immediate needs of individuals and families suffering from situational poverty, often due to sudden life events like job loss, illness, divorce or natural disasters.”
Through partnerships and the support of individuals and companies, Trusted World has been able “to act quickly and serve the needs of individuals and families in crisis.”
It was due to an individual, who served on both Trusted World and Credit Union of Texas (CUTX) boards, that a remarkable partnership and donation has resulted. To increase its resources and expand its services, Trusted World has just received a donation of $1.5M from CUTX.
As Trusted World CEO/Founder Michael Garrett said, “This donation marks our largest to date that provides our team with the necessary resources for greater internal growth and even more widespread external community impact. Our partnership with Credit Union of Texas is instrumental in carrying out our mission to even more residents in need throughout North Texas.”
In addition to expanding its team, Trusted World will be able to “purchase additional delivery vehicles and meet fuel costs to deliver clothing food and personal care items across the region.”
CUTX is also providing Trusted World with a new van, donation bins at all its branch locations and volunteer hours by CUTX team members. CUTX branch managers will also be able to order supplies for its members in need.
According to CUTX CEO Eric Pointer, who will join Trusted World’s board, “In all that we do, Credit Union of Texas strives to positively impact peoples’ lives in the communities we serve. Our team was drawn to Trusted World’s proven ability to serve the needs of those in crisis and to make an immediate difference in their lives. Our partnership with Trusted World will allow us to help meet the ongoing challenge of situational poverty in our region head-on.”
Using its North Texas model, Michael and his team “plan to expand Trusted World’s services to East Texas in partnership with CUTX and to replicate its efforts in all major markets throughout the United States.”