On Sept. 18, EMPOWER hosted the Next Chapter – Life After Foster Care Symposium at Dallas College Richland Campus, bringing together 57 leaders from 43 community organizations. The first-of-its-kind event focused on how the community can better support older youth in foster care as they transition into adulthood.

The need is clear: while 75% of all youth in foster care are placed within the Metroplex East Region, only 41% of those ages 14 and older remain here, leaving many separated from schools, friends, and support systems at a critical stage of life.

“This symposium was about more than just a meeting, it was about building a network of people and resources that can walk alongside youth as they step into adulthood," said Randy Neff, Senior Vice President of EMPOWER. “No single organization can meet every need, but together, we can make sure no young person feels alone in this transition."

The symposium offered a meaningful space for collaboration, where leaders began shaping next steps to help ensure young people can thrive beyond foster care. Dr. Knetra Shaw of MacDac Center highlighted the inclusive format, noting it gave organizations the opportunity to truly connect.

“No matter what the need was, there was someone to represent everyone all the way up until adulthood,” said Dr. Knetra Shaw of MacDac Center. “I loved the idea of everyone getting the chance to introduce their organization, because typically you come to these meetings and everyone sits in silence, but this format gave us the opportunity to connect.”

Together, the community can ensure older youth in foster care have the support they need to thrive. One of the most powerful ways to help is by opening your home to foster a teen and provide the love and stability they deserve. Learn more atwww.3empower.org/fosterfutures/.

About EMPOWER
EMPOWER, a nonprofit child welfare collaborative, is a partnership between Texas Family Initiative LLC, CK Family Services, Jonathan’s Place, Bair Foundation, and Pathways Youth and Family Services. Together, these organizations bring nearly 190 years of combined child welfare experience. Learn more at www.3EMPOWER.org.

Over the weekend, Grammy Award-winning musician, songwriter and producer David Foster and acclaimed singer, television and Broadway star Katharine McPhee headlined the fifth annual Rhapsody gala benefiting Turtle Creek Chorale at the Statler Hotel. 

This year’s event was especially significant as 2025 marks 45 years since the organization’s establishment in Dallas, and is the the fifth Rhapsody gala, held at the same venue as the first Rhapsody at the Statler Hotel in 2019. 

The evening offered an opening reception, seated dinner, luxury live auction, and an exclusive concert by David Foster and Katharine McPhee. This year’s chair was Dr. Whitney Strauss, and funds raised at the are being used to support the Chorale’s mission to entertain, educate, unite, and inspire through its musical, cultural, and educational programs. 

The highlight of the luxury live auction came when bidding heated up over Chef Ken Rathbun’s dinner for 10 in his home. The excitement reached a peak, and then cooled off just as quickly, when it was announced that Chef Rathbun would offer the dinner twice. This year’s gala, attended by more than 250 guests, raised over $400,000. 

“For over four decades, the Turtle Creek Chorale has built a remarkable legacy of entertaining, educating, uniting, and inspiring our community through the power of music,” said this year’s Rhapsody chair Whitney Strauss. “Rhapsody is not only our signature fundraising event, it’s a celebration of the voices and stories that make this organization so extraordinary. I am deeply grateful for the generosity of our supporters and the unwavering dedication of our singers, staff, and volunteers. Together, we are ensuring that the Chorale’s music continues to uplift lives and strengthen our community for generations to come.”

The Friends of the Dallas Public Library (FoDPL) is proud to support one of the many ways our Libraries serve as vital community hubs. This fall, the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library is transforming into a place where every child can share in the joy of Halloween, no matter their family’s circumstances.

Throughout September, students in grades K-5 are invited to visit the Library’s Scarytale Closet to pick out a Halloween costume completely free of charge. With the Scarytale Closet, the Library is opening doors for children across Dallas to experience the magic of Halloween together, strengthening our community and creating a brighter season.

We invite the community to donate and support the cause. It not only gives a costume to a deserving family but also helps the Library continue its mission of meeting community needs, from literacy and lifelong learning to providing free resources, safe spaces, and programs.

Help stock the Scarytale Closet by shopping the FoDPL Amazon wishlist at bit.ly/ScarytaleWishlist, or by donating directly to the FoDPL at bit.ly/ScarytaleDonation.

Established in 1950, the Friends of the Dallas Public Library (FoDPL) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that supports the mission of the Dallas Public Library by working to achieve excellence in the Library’s delivery of resources, services, and information to the Dallas community. To learn more about how to get involved, please visit their website at https://supportdpl.org/.

DALLAS – September 8, 2025 – Sheraton Dallas is pleased to announce the appointment of two accomplished hospitality professionals to key leadership roles within its Food & Beverage team: Jessica Kraus as Executive Sous Chef of Restaurants & Bars and Blake DeAlessandro as Restaurant Manager. Together, their diverse backgrounds and proven leadership will play a pivotal role in elevating the hotel’s dining experiences and driving continued innovation across all restaurant and bar outlets.

The double-island kitchen is having a moment, and Kitchen Design Concepts is leading the conversation. In a recent Dallas Morning News feature, Rebecca Sutton, senior designer at Kitchen Design Concepts, shared why two well-planned islands can be more functional than one oversized centerpiece.

For a Dallas home, Rebecca designed one island for cooking and prep and a second for entertaining, complete with seating and a beverage fridge. The approach balances style and practicality while creating a true gathering space.

As Rebecca noted, the key is space and intention: “If your islands are taking up more space than you have to walk, there’s a problem.” With the right layout, though, double islands can transform how families cook, host, and connect.

Read the full story in The Dallas Morning News: Get a second helping of style and functionality with double kitchen islands