According to Founder And CEO Of The One Heart Project Steve Riach,
“The One Heart Project is thrilled to participate in our first North Texas Giving Day. Communities Foundation of Texas’ North Texas Giving Day represents an opportunity to enhance and expand our initiatives in Rockwall.
“This funding will support youth like Mack, a One Heart graduate who, after growing up in an unstable home and being drawn into gang life, witnessed a murder at age 12. While cycling through foster homes, Mack ended up in a juvenile corrections center. There, he found care through a One Heart mentor. Thanks to our programs, Mack has since pursued a successful career and now shares his story with disadvantaged youth, inspiring them to seek a better life away from crime. Mack is one of more than 250 youth who have successfully completed our programs and gone on to lead better lives.
“Since our launch in 2015, we have focused on developing a comprehensive model that provides both intervention services for justice-involved youth and prevention services for high-risk youth. We serve youth in correctional facilities, on probation, in diversion programs, and in high-risk public schools.
“The youth we serve receive social and emotional counseling, mentorship, and character development training. They also learn essential skills like financial literacy, workforce training, and employment readiness. They are supported by caring mentors who guide them throughout their journey. While the national recidivism rate among juvenile offenders exceeds 75%, it is below 25% for the youth we serve. Less than 3% of those we serve in high-risk schools have negative interactions with law enforcement.
“If we exceed our fundraising goal this year, The One Heart Project can expand our initiatives to include transitional housing. This will provide a safe environment for those in our program who have experienced trauma at home, helping them transition into independent living. This need has been identified by every jurisdiction we partner with.
“Funds raised during North Texas Day Giving Day will directly support our efforts. Each dollar directly funds educational materials, mentorship programs, vocational training equipment, and the resources needed to maintain and grow our facilities in Rockwall, eventually expanding into more areas of DFW.
“It is a privilege to have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of troubled and forgotten youth. We are honored that you share our passion for transforming young lives for generations to come. We are deeply grateful for the chance to work with you to make this generation of underserved youth the last to fall into the cradle-to-prison cycle.
“By supporting The One Heart Project during North Texas Giving Day, you are investing in the future of both our youth and our community. Our goal for North Texas Giving Day is not only to meet our financial targets but also to strengthen our community ties. We hope to grow our network of supporters who believe in second chances for youth today, and it starts with you.”
* Photo credit: Vera Crosby ** Graphic/photos provided by The One Heart Project
In 15 years, Communities Foundation of Texas’ North Texas Giving Day has pumped more than $566 million into the North Texas community. In 2023, more than $63.9 million was raised through 97,000 donors benefiting 3,249 area nonprofits.
On Thursday, September 19, support The One Heart Project by clicking here and spreading the word. #NorthTexasGivingDay2024