As hot as it has been and promises to be in the days and weeks ahead, this isn’t North Texas’ first time in the frying pan. For instance, headlines made back in 1998 reported that Dallas’ summer went through nearly two months (exactly 56 days to be exact) of above 100-degree temperatures.
It was also 25 years ago that Preston Road Church of Christ received a plea for help. An exotic dancer wanted a better life and sought guidance from the church’s members. The response was to “help the woman find employment which provided the ongoing support she needed to make a fresh start.”
But as a result, the church’s members saw an even greater need for others searching for a way out of similar situations and created “a separate non-profit under the name of Amy’s Friends in January 2000.” The following year an executive director, two skilled social workers and one part-time advocate were hired.
During its first five years, Amy’s Friends provided financial and other assistance to approximately 87 women. By 2007 the number of women seeking helping had grown to such a degree that Amy’s Friends “revamped its presence and became New Friends New Life.”
According to NFNL CEO Bianca Davis, “In 2022, we served 357 women and girls with the dedicated work of 25 staff, an esteemed board of directors and scores of volunteers. Our Women’s Program, Youth Resource Center, Men’s Advocacy Group and newly enacted Legal Advocacy Clinic ensure that we are removing some of the most daunting roadblocks from the path to self-sufficiency for the women and girls who turn to us for help. Our growth is possible only because of this incredible community that has supported us for 25 years.”
To celebrate NFNL’s success, its Annual Luncheon fundraiser will celebrate the organization’s Silver Jubilee on Friday, September 29, at the Hyatt Regency Dallas.
Luncheon Co-Chairs Tracey Nash-Huntley and David Huntley and Elizabeth Carlock Phillips and Kevin Phillips have announced that Emmy-winning/SAG nominated actor, producer, director and lifelong advocate and activist Kerry Washington will be the keynote speaker.
In addition to her numerous video and film roles, Kerry is “also an advocate and activist dedicated to using her voice to fight for justice. She has spearheaded an effort to support grassroots organizations that empower marginalized groups, fought violence against women, raised money to protect the civil liberties of minorities, advocated for the arts and more.”
Joining the co-chairs will be NFNL founding members Nancy Ann and Ray Hunt, Pat and Pete Schenkel and Gail and Dr. Gerald Turner.
Sponsorships range from $2,500 to $100,000 and are available here.
* Graphic/photo provided by New Friends New Life