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.

Through its annual Community Grants Cycle, Texas Women’s Foundation (TXWF) has distributed $822,160 to 23 nonprofits improving the lives of more than 20,000 women, girls and families in North Texas. Among the grants, TXWF Board Alumnae awarded the Virginia B. Whitehill Board Alumnae Grant to Bonton Farms in the amount of $40,000; and TXWF’s Nineteen network provided a grant of $40,000 to Nexus Family Recovery Center.

Grant recipients were recognized at a special reception on September 26 at Texas Women’s Foundation, which is celebrating its 40^th anniversary this year. This reception kicked off a year-long tribute honoring the rich history of TXWF’s founders and the four decades of impact the organization has made on the lives of women and girls across the state.

Karen Hughes White, Texas Women’s Foundation president and CEO, said, “These incredible nonprofit organizations are transforming public education, providing critical healthcare access and helping fill the increasing gap in basic needs such as food and housing. We are so thankful to our donors and philanthropic partners who make this support possible, allowing TXWF to remove barriers to women’s economic security, stability and success as we work to build a strong and vibrant Texas for all.

Collin County:

Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation Inc. – Economic Security

The Samaritan Inn – Childcare

Dallas County:

Abide Women’s Health Services – Maternal Health

After8toeducate – Maternal Health

Bonton Farms – Economic Security

Brother Bill’s Helping Hand  – Workforce

Buckner Children and Family Services, Inc. – Workforce

Dallas Leadership Foundation – Leadership

Gateway of Grace – Economic Security

Interfaith Family Services – Housing

Junior Players  – Leadership Development

LBU Community Clinic – Maternal Health

Methodist Health System Foundation – Workforce

Nexus Family Recovery Center – Women’s Health

Poetic – Economic Security

Texas Woman’s University Foundation – Women’s Health 

Viola’s House – Housing

Vogel Alcove –  Child Care

Young Women’s Preparatory Network – Balch Springs – Education

Denton County:

Children’s Advocacy Center for North Texas Inc.  – Mental Health

HSNT/Health Services of North Texas – Women’s Health

Ellis County:

The Heights Ellis County Family Resources Inc. – Mental Health

Tarrant County:

Camp Fire First Texas – Workforce

To learn more about Texas Women’s Foundation’s grants and for a complete grantee list, visit txwf.org/grants.

About Texas Women’s Foundation:

Texas Women’s Foundation (TXWF) raises funds from a broad base of donors, including individuals, foundations and corporations. These resources support nearly $5 million in total impact each year to advance the economic security, stability and success of Texas women and girls through research, advocacy, grantmaking and leadership programs. Since its inception in 1985, TXWF has granted nearly $90 million in support of Texas women and girls. As the organization prepares to celebrate its 40^th year, the need to build #StrongWomenBetterTexas has never been more critical. 

The Foundation’s statewide research on issues impacting Texas women and girls provides corporate, state and local decision-makers and lawmakers with critical data to inform policies, practices and programs across the state. Its advocacy, grantmaking and educational initiatives support solutions that help Texas women and girls survive and thrive. In addition, Texas Women’s Foundation is an acknowledged leader and advocate in a mission-aligned portfolio that yields strong financial returns and social benefits to women and girls. For more information, visit www.txwf.org, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram or donate now

SELECT NORTH TEXAS COMMUNITY GRANTS

COLLIN COUNTY

The Samaritan Inn

The Samaritan Inn addresses economic mobility for women facing homelessness in Collin County, and who represent a majority of the population that is served by the Samaritan Inn. The grant supports the Family Foundations Program to address critical child care needs by increasing the availability of paid child care for non-school-age children and reducing financial strain on mothers in transitional housing. This includes expanding partnerships with child care providers to ensure sustainable, quality care for families, and includes sustaining essential services such as case management, counseling, and financial literacy for youth with the goal of breaking the cycle of poverty.

Kellie Maynard, Chief Development Officer, The Samaritan Inn:

"Thanks to the Texas Women's Foundation, we were able to launch our youth financial literacy program and expand evening childcare hours...we're building generational change by teaching both mothers and their children the tools for financial independence." 

DALLAS COUNTY

POETIC

With approximately 79,000 youth being victims of sex trafficking in Texas, and at least 35% of them in the DFW Metroplex, Poetic addresses the mental health and economic stability of young women who are survivors of child maltreatment, commercial sexual exploitation, and sex trafficking. Through innovative therapy models, education, case management, advocacy, paid internships, and the Poetic Design Co. Entrepreneurial Institute young women are equipped with the skills and opportunities to achieve financial independence and confidence to combat revictimization. 

HaeSung Han, Psy.D. ATR-BC, POETIC Co-Founder and CEO

“Texas Women’s Foundation’s continued investment in POETIC fuels transformation. Together, we are equipping youth to heal from trauma, rewrite their stories, and step into futures defined by strength and possibility.”

DALLAS COUNTY

Viola’s House

In Dallas, Viola’s House provides wraparound support and services to mothers faced with unplanned pregnancy.  Support includes safe and stable housing, education, access to healthcare, and transportation.  Viola’s House meets the unique housing needs of mothers through their recent expansion.  The Mini Purpose Place provides transitional housing that is family focused for mothers who are parenting multiple children. 

Thana Hickman, Founder, President and CEO, Viola’s House

"This grant is truly transformative for Viola’s House. It will allow us to expand our services, strengthen the support we provide to young mothers, and ensure that every family we serve has the tools and resources they need to thrive. We are deeply grateful for this investment in our mission, and we look forward to the lasting impact it will create in the lives of the women and children we walk alongside." 

DENTON COUNTY

Children’s Advocacy Center for North Texas Inc.

Children’s Advocacy Center for North Texas empowers child abuse victims, their families, and the community through education, healing, and justice. Abuse not only affects the victims of abuse but other associated people as well, this includes caregivers who often struggle with a child’s trauma.  The Center’s multi-generational approach supports the survivor and the caregiver. As the population of Denton County and North Texas explodes, the Children’s Advocacy Center for North Texas confronts the growing need for its services. 

Kristen Howell, CEO, Children’s Advocacy Center for North Texas Inc.

“Receiving this grant is so amazing, and I am so grateful our agency was awarded it. May this greatly benefit babies, children, and teens that are at our center. May they find joy in everything they do forever and for always! Just spectacular!”

ELLIS COUNTY

The Heights Ellis County Family Resources Inc.

A first-time grant recipient, The Heights Ellis County Family Resources Inc. guides victims of domestic abuse to safety and hope by connecting them to the services of many local nonprofits all together in one location.  The Hive Counseling Program was created recognizing that counseling is a necessary tool for survivors of gender-based violence. Funding supports the salary of a licensed professional counselor and the expansion of hours and available sessions. Ellis County and much of the area served is considered a medically underserved community by the Health Resources and Services Administration, an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Jennifer Salzman, Executive Director, The Heights Ellis County Family Resources Inc.

“Thanks to the generosity of the Texas Women’s Foundation, The Heights was able to add an additional full-time licensed counselor to our team. This vital support expands our capacity to provide trauma-informed care, ensuring survivors of domestic abuse and their children receive the consistent, professional counseling they need to heal and thrive.”  

TARRANT COUNTY

Camp Fire First Texas

Camp Fire First Texas supports the child care workforce and child care centers through its Early Education Apprenticeship Program (EEA) in North Texas.  Primarily serving Tarrant and Denton counties, the EEA program is designed to add a career and education pathway for early childhood educators that results in a better prepared workforce with certifications that lead to increased earning potential. In addition, this strengthens the child care landscape which impacts the economic security of women and impacts the state’s economy.

Yolanda Willis, Associate Vice President of Camp Fire First Texas

“Being a recipient of the Texas Women’s Foundation grant reflects the intentional support for our apprenticeship program. This funding strengthens our workforce initiative in which women make up the majority serving as early educators in childcare centers. Together, we are expanding access to professional development that empowers early educators to enhance their skills and positively impact children ages 0 to 5.”

Through its annual Community Grants Cycle, Texas Women’s Foundation (TXWF) has distributed $822,160 to 23 nonprofits improving the lives of more than 20,000 women, girls and families in North Texas. Among the grants, TXWF Board Alumnae awarded the Virginia B. Whitehill Board Alumnae Grant to Bonton Farms in the amount of $40,000; and TXWF’s Nineteen network provided a grant of $40,000 to Nexus Family Recovery Center.

Grant recipients were recognized at a special reception on September 26 at Texas Women’s Foundation, which is celebrating its 40^th anniversary this year. This reception kicked off a year-long tribute honoring the rich history of TXWF’s founders and the four decades of impact the organization has made on the lives of women and girls across the state.

Karen Hughes White, Texas Women’s Foundation president and CEO, said, “These incredible nonprofit organizations are transforming public education, providing critical healthcare access and helping fill the increasing gap in basic needs such as food and housing. We are so thankful to our donors and philanthropic partners who make this support possible, allowing TXWF to remove barriers to women’s economic security, stability and success as we work to build a strong and vibrant Texas for all.

Collin County:

Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation Inc. – Economic Security

The Samaritan Inn – Childcare

Dallas County:

Abide Women’s Health Services – Maternal Health

After8toeducate – Maternal Health

Bonton Farms – Economic Security

Brother Bill’s Helping Hand  – Workforce

Buckner Children and Family Services, Inc. – Workforce

Dallas Leadership Foundation – Leadership

Gateway of Grace – Economic Security

Interfaith Family Services – Housing

Junior Players  – Leadership Development

LBU Community Clinic – Maternal Health

Methodist Health System Foundation – Workforce

Nexus Family Recovery Center – Women’s Health

Poetic – Economic Security

Texas Woman’s University Foundation – Women’s Health 

Viola’s House – Housing

Vogel Alcove –  Child Care

Young Women’s Preparatory Network – Balch Springs – Education

Denton County:

Children’s Advocacy Center for North Texas Inc.  – Mental Health

HSNT/Health Services of North Texas – Women’s Health

Ellis County:

The Heights Ellis County Family Resources Inc. – Mental Health

Tarrant County:

Camp Fire First Texas – Workforce

To learn more about Texas Women’s Foundation’s grants and for a complete grantee list, visit txwf.org/grants.

About Texas Women’s Foundation:

Texas Women’s Foundation (TXWF) raises funds from a broad base of donors, including individuals, foundations and corporations. These resources support nearly $5 million in total impact each year to advance the economic security, stability and success of Texas women and girls through research, advocacy, grantmaking and leadership programs. Since its inception in 1985, TXWF has granted nearly $90 million in support of Texas women and girls. As the organization prepares to celebrate its 40^th year, the need to build #StrongWomenBetterTexas has never been more critical. 

The Foundation’s statewide research on issues impacting Texas women and girls provides corporate, state and local decision-makers and lawmakers with critical data to inform policies, practices and programs across the state. Its advocacy, grantmaking and educational initiatives support solutions that help Texas women and girls survive and thrive. In addition, Texas Women’s Foundation is an acknowledged leader and advocate in a mission-aligned portfolio that yields strong financial returns and social benefits to women and girls. For more information, visit www.txwf.org, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram or donate now

SELECT NORTH TEXAS COMMUNITY GRANTS

COLLIN COUNTY

The Samaritan Inn

The Samaritan Inn addresses economic mobility for women facing homelessness in Collin County, and who represent a majority of the population that is served by the Samaritan Inn. The grant supports the Family Foundations Program to address critical child care needs by increasing the availability of paid child care for non-school-age children and reducing financial strain on mothers in transitional housing. This includes expanding partnerships with child care providers to ensure sustainable, quality care for families, and includes sustaining essential services such as case management, counseling, and financial literacy for youth with the goal of breaking the cycle of poverty.

Kellie Maynard, Chief Development Officer, The Samaritan Inn:

"Thanks to the Texas Women's Foundation, we were able to launch our youth financial literacy program and expand evening childcare hours...we're building generational change by teaching both mothers and their children the tools for financial independence." 

DALLAS COUNTY

POETIC

With approximately 79,000 youth being victims of sex trafficking in Texas, and at least 35% of them in the DFW Metroplex, Poetic addresses the mental health and economic stability of young women who are survivors of child maltreatment, commercial sexual exploitation, and sex trafficking. Through innovative therapy models, education, case management, advocacy, paid internships, and the Poetic Design Co. Entrepreneurial Institute young women are equipped with the skills and opportunities to achieve financial independence and confidence to combat revictimization. 

HaeSung Han, Psy.D. ATR-BC, POETIC Co-Founder and CEO

“Texas Women’s Foundation’s continued investment in POETIC fuels transformation. Together, we are equipping youth to heal from trauma, rewrite their stories, and step into futures defined by strength and possibility.”

DALLAS COUNTY

Viola’s House

In Dallas, Viola’s House provides wraparound support and services to mothers faced with unplanned pregnancy.  Support includes safe and stable housing, education, access to healthcare, and transportation.  Viola’s House meets the unique housing needs of mothers through their recent expansion.  The Mini Purpose Place provides transitional housing that is family focused for mothers who are parenting multiple children. 

Thana Hickman, Founder, President and CEO, Viola’s House

"This grant is truly transformative for Viola’s House. It will allow us to expand our services, strengthen the support we provide to young mothers, and ensure that every family we serve has the tools and resources they need to thrive. We are deeply grateful for this investment in our mission, and we look forward to the lasting impact it will create in the lives of the women and children we walk alongside." 

DENTON COUNTY

Children’s Advocacy Center for North Texas Inc.

Children’s Advocacy Center for North Texas empowers child abuse victims, their families, and the community through education, healing, and justice. Abuse not only affects the victims of abuse but other associated people as well, this includes caregivers who often struggle with a child’s trauma.  The Center’s multi-generational approach supports the survivor and the caregiver. As the population of Denton County and North Texas explodes, the Children’s Advocacy Center for North Texas confronts the growing need for its services. 

Kristen Howell, CEO, Children’s Advocacy Center for North Texas Inc.

“Receiving this grant is so amazing, and I am so grateful our agency was awarded it. May this greatly benefit babies, children, and teens that are at our center. May they find joy in everything they do forever and for always! Just spectacular!”

ELLIS COUNTY

The Heights Ellis County Family Resources Inc.

A first-time grant recipient, The Heights Ellis County Family Resources Inc. guides victims of domestic abuse to safety and hope by connecting them to the services of many local nonprofits all together in one location.  The Hive Counseling Program was created recognizing that counseling is a necessary tool for survivors of gender-based violence. Funding supports the salary of a licensed professional counselor and the expansion of hours and available sessions. Ellis County and much of the area served is considered a medically underserved community by the Health Resources and Services Administration, an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Jennifer Salzman, Executive Director, The Heights Ellis County Family Resources Inc.

“Thanks to the generosity of the Texas Women’s Foundation, The Heights was able to add an additional full-time licensed counselor to our team. This vital support expands our capacity to provide trauma-informed care, ensuring survivors of domestic abuse and their children receive the consistent, professional counseling they need to heal and thrive.”  

TARRANT COUNTY

Camp Fire First Texas

Camp Fire First Texas supports the child care workforce and child care centers through its Early Education Apprenticeship Program (EEA) in North Texas.  Primarily serving Tarrant and Denton counties, the EEA program is designed to add a career and education pathway for early childhood educators that results in a better prepared workforce with certifications that lead to increased earning potential. In addition, this strengthens the child care landscape which impacts the economic security of women and impacts the state’s economy.

Yolanda Willis, Associate Vice President of Camp Fire First Texas

“Being a recipient of the Texas Women’s Foundation grant reflects the intentional support for our apprenticeship program. This funding strengthens our workforce initiative in which women make up the majority serving as early educators in childcare centers. Together, we are expanding access to professional development that empowers early educators to enhance their skills and positively impact children ages 0 to 5.”

The Coppell Cowboys and Cowgirls faced back-to-back competition last week in two new and challenging locations. On Thursday, September 18, the JV squads ran at the Rick Neill Memorial Meet at Lake Park in Lewisville, while on Friday, September 19, the Varsity teams tested themselves at the Nike South Invitational. Both meets brought high humidity and unfamiliar courses, providing a valuable test for Coppell’s runners as District approaches.

Cowboys Highlights

At the Lewisville meet, Sam Meier dominated the Varsity Boys division, running confidently from start to finish in his return from injury. Strong support came from Allan Ramirez, Abishek Suresh, Rigved Nehere, Aiden George, and Nolan Reeder, all of whom impressed with their aggressive racing on a tough course.

At Nike South, Coppell’s Varsity Boys Elite squad continued to show promise. Diego Morales once again displayed his consistency, while teammates Tanish Neelapu and Sidharth Kerthipati turned in strong performances. Coach Wren noted that Tanish is rounding into form and that Sid continues to improve each week. Srivanth Rudrangi stepped up as Coppell’s top runner in the Varsity Boys division, providing valuable leadership for the squad.

Cowgirls Highlights

At Lewisville, Bishakha Sinha led the Cowgirls with a 10th-place finish in the Varsity Girls division. Coach Wren praised her hard work in practice and believes she will continue to improve as the season progresses.

At Nike South, Coppell’s Varsity Girls Elite team battled a stacked field. Maya Easterwood led the way with an impressive 4th-place finish, while freshmen Finleigh Sanders and Anusha Patki turned in strong races to bolster the team. With five underclassmen in key roles, the Cowgirls continue to gain experience and confidence heading into championship season.

Coach’s Perspective

Coach Wren reflected, “Both meets were great opportunities for our runners to face tough competition on new courses. It was exciting to see Sam Meier back strong, Bishakha pushing herself into the top 10, and our Varsity teams stepping up at Nike South. We are young, but this group continues to work hard and improve each week. I’m confident that the progress we’re making will pay off when District arrives.”

Looking Ahead

Next up, Coppell’s Varsity teams will travel to the Cowboy Jamboree to compete on a college course against another strong field. Meanwhile, the rest of the squad will race at the Jesuit XC Classic, a traditionally fast meet that always produces exciting results.

Until next time, Coppell Cross Country will keep pushing forward!

Photo credit: Adrian Holguin

Contact Information
For more details or to support Coppell High School’s Cross-Country team, please contact:
Patricia Chi
Email: chi.patricia@gmail.com
Mobile: (469) 831-3709

Sept. 30, 2025

Flower Mound Taekwondo Students Win Big at National Tournament

Flower Mound, TX – The Taekwondo America National Tournament took place Sept. 26-27  in Dallas, TX, where 30 Flower Mound Taekwondo students competed and won medals in four individual competitions (board-breaking, forms, point-break sparring, and continuous sparring) and one synchronized forms team competition.

“Our students put in the work, and it showed,” said Bill Mischke, Owner and Chief Instructor at Flower Mound Taekwondo. “The effort and dedication they brought to their training truly paid off.”

The 2025 Sept. National Tournament featured 41 Taekwondo America Schools from 9 different states. Competitors ranged in age from 4 - 50+.

In addition to individual competitions, the National Tournament also hosted the Synchronized Forms Team Competition. During this event student groups of 2-3 present a 60-90 second long performance, created and choreographed by the team members. Flower Mound Taekwondo Team “The Rodeo Divas” took second place in their division.

“I am so proud of all of our students,” said Mischke, “and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for them.”

xx

About Flower Mound Taekwondo: Established in 2004, Flower Mound Taekwondo is a member of Taekwondo America. They offer taekwondo classes for students ages 4 through adult and Krav Maga classes for adults age 16+. Additional information is available at WinWithKarate.com or by calling (972) 355-0844.

About Bill Mischke: Bill Mischke has been teaching self-defense for over 20 years. He is a seventh-degree black belt in taekwondo and a Master Instructor. In addition, he is an Expert Level Two Instructor of krav maga and a Certified Instructor of ICS Tactical Handgun, ICS Tactical Rifle, Active Shooter Response, and Defensive Tactics for Law Enforcement through the Krav Maga Association. Established in 2004, Mischke is the Owner and Lead Instructor at Flower Mound Taekwondo & Krav Maga in Flower Mound, Texas.