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February’s American Heart Month is a timely reminder that caring for your heart isn’t just about responding to emergencies – it’s about the small, intentional choices we make every day. As the season of love fills store shelves with hearts, Carrollton Regional Medical Center encourages you to reflect on how a heart-healthy lifestyle supports long-term wellness and quality of life.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among adults in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The good news? Many risk factors can be managed – or even prevented – through healthy habits, awareness, and proactive care.

 

Understanding Your Risk

Heart health looks different for everyone. While family history and certain medical conditions can play a role, lifestyle factors such as physical activity, nutrition, stress management, and avoiding tobacco significantly influence heart wellness. High blood pressure, excess weight, and sedentary routines can increase risk over time, making regular check-ins with your healthcare provider an important part of preventive care.

For women, heart health deserves special attention. Factors such as pregnancy-related conditions, hormonal influences, and how symptoms present can differ from men, underscoring the importance of listening to your body and advocating for your health.

 

Listen to What Your Body Is Telling You

Heart-related symptoms don’t always look the same – and they’re not always dramatic. Fatigue, shortness of breath, discomfort in the back or jaw, nausea, or chest pressure that comes and goes can all be signals to pause and pay attention. Knowing these signs and acting early can reduce the risk of serious damage and improve outcomes.

 

Prevention Is a Powerful Tool

A heart-healthy lifestyle includes regular movement, balanced nutrition, stress reduction, and routine screenings. Advanced imaging, such as a preventive CT angiogram, can help detect early signs of heart disease before symptoms appear. Early detection empowers individuals to make informed lifestyle changes and work with their care team to protect their heart health.

A CT angiogram identifies early detection of heart disease by detecting plaque in the walls of your arteries before an obstructive heart attack occurs. Carrollton Regional Medical Center’s state-of-the-art 640-slice CT scanner, the first of its kind in North Texas, provides a three-second heart scan that uses a low dose of radiation and contrast. Call today or talk to your provider to see if a preventative CT angiogram is right for you.

 

Everyday Habits That Support Heart Health

While genetics and medical history play a role, daily lifestyle choices are powerful tools for protecting heart health. Simple, consistent habits can reduce risk and support long-term wellness:

• Eat a heart-healthy diet

• Get active

• Stay at a healthy weight

• Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke

• Control cholesterol, blood glucose, and blood pressure

• Drink alcohol only in moderation

• Manage stress

• Get enough sleep

 

Be Prepared, Be Confident

Caring for your heart also means being prepared to help others. Learning hands-only CPR and knowing how to use an AED are simple skills that can make a lifesaving difference in an emergency. Staying calm and acting quickly can help protect precious moments – and lives.

 

Make Heart Health a Daily Priority

A healthier heart isn’t built overnight. It’s shaped by daily choices, preventive care, and a commitment to well-being. This American Heart Month, take time to invest in yourself – because a healthy heart supports everything you love.

 

Carrollton Regional Medical Center is a 216 - bed Acute Care Hospital managed by Sana Healthcare. CRMC serves Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Lewisville, The Colony, and other surrounding communities. CRMC offers an array of services including 24/7 Emergency Care, Cardiac Catheterization Lab, Imaging Services, Rehabilitation and Therapy Services, Cancer Care, a 16- bed Intensive Care Unit, Surgical Services, and an Inpatient Orthopedic Center of Excellence. Our Women’s Imaging Center is just 2 blocks north of the hospital and provides 3D digital mammography and other specialized breast procedures. CRMC is here to serve its community with high quality, patient-focused care, close to home. Visit www.crmc.health.

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Dr. Qian Wang, professor in biomedical sciences at Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, is featured on the 22nd season premiere of History Channel’s “Ancient Aliens” series, now streaming on various platforms. “Skulls of the Gods” showcases the phenomena of artificial cranial deformations found worldwide. 

Wang, a biological anthropologist who spends some of his research time traveling the world to study skeletal remains from ancient burial sites, made international headlines in 2019 when he and other scientists announced the discovery of 25 skeletons, dating back roughly 5,000 years to 12,000 years, at a dig called Houtaomuga in northeast China. Eleven skeletons had skulls with artificially elongated braincases and flattened bones in the back of the heads, and the one dating back 12,000 years is believed to be the oldest example of artificial cranial deformation. 

“There are many theories as to why these elongated deformations were performed,” said Wang, who was interviewed for the “Ancient Aliens” documentary several months ago. “We humans constantly reshape our bodies and our minds. The elongated head could have symbolized and amplified the person’s higher status within the group. The head-binding practice could be humans reimagining themselves to look like gods and goddesses.” 

He said it’s possible the elongated head was paired with a head dressing, facial painting, fancy clothes, servants and an entourage.  

The skulls were people believed to be between 3 and 40 years old, including males and females. The oldest one was likely a man about 40 years old, Wang said. 

Houtaomuga was excavated from 2011 to 2015. Wang and researchers from Jilin University in China believe the deformations were performed in infancy by applying subtle pressure to babies’ skulls and wrapping their heads tightly with cloth and, sometimes, boards. The practice probably didn’t affect cognitive function. 

Wang initiated Global History of Health Project – Asia Module in 2018, an international collaborative effort that aims to learn more about ancient humans and how their health varied through environmental and social changes. That includes examining skeletal collections from China, Japan, Mongolia, India and other countries. 

Many of Wang’s studies on bones have been reported in scientific and general media outlets. He made international headlines in 2025 for the discovery of a 2,200-year-old Chinese burial of a young woman whose teeth were painted red with cinnabar, a toxic mineral made of mercury and sulfur. Wang named her Red Princess of the Silk Road and said she’s currently the first and only known example of cinnabar used to stain teeth. 

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Shelton Executive Director Suzanne Stell and Shelton Ethics Symposium keynote speaker Lynn McBee.

Shelton hosted the 24th annual Shelton Ethics Symposium: “Doing the Right Thing in a Changing World” on Friday, Jan. 23, welcoming juniors and seniors to Shelton’s Moody Fine Arts Center for a day of thoughtful conversation, real-world perspectives and ethical reflection.

This year’s symposium explored how ethics shapes decision-making across business, health care and the aerospace industry — fields where innovation, safety and accountability continue to challenge what it means to act responsibly and with integrity.

Students heard the Charge for the Day from Maggie Thomas (Shelton Class of 2013), co-founder and creative director of Parachute Studio, a Dallas-based creative studio specializing in branding, creative strategy and web development. Thomas earned her Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from Sewanee: The University of the South, where she studied ethics. “We live in a very complex world and every decision we make has complex consequences,” Thomas said. “The time to start building your ethical compass is not someday. It’s right now.”

Keynote speaker Lynn McBee, Dallas’ workforce czar, CEO of the Young Women’s Preparatory Network and a longtime Dallas civic leader focused on workforce development, education and public-private partnerships, challenged students to think of ethics as something built through daily choices, not dramatic moments.

“Ethical practices are not simply about checking a box,” McBee said. “They’re about protecting your credibility. And credibility is what makes long-term success possible.” She explained that many ethical dilemmas do not present themselves as obvious right-or-wrong decisions, but rather as small moments where someone may be tempted to take shortcuts.

McBee encouraged students to focus on consistency and character, emphasizing that trust is earned over time. “Trust isn’t built in big moments, it’s built in ordinary ones,” she said. “When you keep your word and you do what you say you’re going to do, that’s how you earn loyalty, develop your reputation and your character.” 

Following the keynote and Charge for the Day, students rotated through three panel discussions, hearing from leaders about how ethics guides decision-making in their industries.

Healthcare Ethics Panel

A discussion focused on integrity, compassion and fairness in patient care and medical innovation.

  • Fred Grinnell, Ph.D., Robert McLemore Professor of Medical Science, UT Southwestern Medical Center
  • Reenu S. Eapen Rose, MD, board-certified pediatric cardiologist; mother of Shelton senior Evan Rose
  • Jennifer Wimberly, MD, MA, chair of the Institutional Ethics Committee and medical director of Clinical Ethics and Resiliency, Parkland Health

Business Ethics Panel

A conversation on how integrity and accountability guide decision-making in business, innovation and community leadership.

  • Jorge Baldor, chairman of After8toEducate
  • Jennifer Chandler, managing director and president of Bank of America Dallas; head of Philanthropic Solutions; mother of Shelton ninth-grader Harper Chandler 
  • Madison Carrier Perry (Shelton Class of 2011), financial advisor, Northwestern Mutual

Aerospace Ethics Panel

A panel exploring how integrity, safety and accountability guide decision-making in one of the world’s most complex and high-stakes industries.

  • Brittany Dinsmore, associate director and chief flight instructor, Texas Woman's University Doswell School of Aeronautical Sciences
  • Ernest Huffman, program manager for congestion management and aviation planning, North Central Texas Council of Governments
  • Will Kresl (Shelton Class of 2017), stress engineer, Boeing

After lunch, students delved into ethical dilemmas and participated in group discussions, fostering critical thinking and collaboration. The symposium concluded with a final charge to carry forward the day’s lessons and make integrity a cornerstone of their future.

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The African American Museum, Dallas presents Icons of liberation: King and Mandela, an educational and interactive exhibit exploring the shared leadership values and global impact of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela. The exhibit is open now through April 17, 2026. Free and open to the public, the Museum is located in the heart of historic Fair Park at 3536 Grand Ave., Dallas 75210.

Designed as a learning-centered experience, Icons of Liberation: King and Mandela invites children, families, educators and community groups to actively explore ideas of citizenship, leadership and standing for justice. Rather than a traditional walk-through, do-not-touch exhibit, the gallery features interactive activity stations that encourage visitors to pause, reflect, read, write and engage with the material in meaningful ways.

The exhibit also serves as a thematic introduction to the Museum’s upcoming presentation, Nelson Mandela: The Official Exhibition, opening June 13, 2026, and on view through Nov. 1, 2026.

Through photographs, historical texts, interpretive panels and hands-on learning tools, visitors are introduced to King and Mandela as central Icons of Liberation while also encountering additional local and national figures whose lives reflect courage, service and collective responsibility. These layered stories invite visitors to form personal connections and consider leadership as a daily practice grounded in values.

The exhibit further extends learning beyond the gallery by connecting the space to the Museum’s Carol and Royce West Library and Research Center. Visitors are welcomed into the reading room to browse selected materials from the African American Museum archives and library collections, encouraging deeper exploration, literacy and reflection. This intentional connection transforms a gallery visit into an extended learning experience rooted in primary sources and cultural history.

Icons of Liberation: King and Mandela is part of the Museum’s broader “Icons of Liberation” initiative, which uses education and public engagement to explore leadership across generations. Student activity materials and group-friendly learning experiences are available to support school visits, youth programs, faith communities and nonprofit organizations.

Admission is free. The Museum is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Free self-parking is available in nearby lots.

To make group reservations for 10 or more, contact dstephenson@aamdallas.org. For more information, go to aamdallas.org.

About the African American Museum, Dallas. The African American Museum, Dallas, was founded in 1974 as a part of Bishop College and has operated independently since 1979. For more than 50 years, the African American Museum, Dallas has stood as a cultural beacon in Dallas and the southwestern United States. Located in Dallas’ historic Fair Park, the African American Museum, Dallas is the only museum in the Southwest devoted to the collection, preservation, and display of African American artistic, cultural and historical materials that relate to the African American experience. Anchored by ongoing funding from the City of Dallas through its Office of Arts and Culture, the Museum’s responsibility is to ensure that these irreplaceable treasures will endure to educate and inspire current and future generations. The African American Museum, Dallas incorporates a wide variety of visual art forms and historical documents that portray the African American experience in the nation, the Southwest and Dallas. The Museum has a small but rich collection of African art, African American fine art, and one of the largest African American folk art and decorative art collections in the United States. Learn more at aamdallas.org.

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Located at Juliette Fowler Communities, the preschool offers full-day, Montessori-inspired preschool at no cost to families served
 
Applications are now open for Bezos Academy Dallas - Lakewood at Juliette Fowler Communities (JFC), one of the oldest organizations in Dallas serving youth and seniors. With JFC’s partnership, Bezos Academy will operate a tuition-free, full-day, Montessori-inspired preschool on its campus starting in the 2026-2027 school year. Applications must be received by Friday, April 20 at 7 p.m. (Central time) to be included in a lottery system for placement.
 
Bezos Academy Dallas - Lakewood will feature three classrooms, a dedicated workspace for educators, and an outdoor play area. The program will have space for 60 children, ages 3-5. Bezos Academy covers operating expenses for its preschools at no cost to eligible families, providing everything the children need during the day, including meals and educational materials. The preschools’ Montessori-inspired approach is designed to meet every child where they are and to help them learn and grow at their own pace. The organization hires, trains, develops, and pays talented educators, and it provides everything that the children need during their day, including breakfast, lunch, and snacks.
 
Bezos Academy Dallas-Lakewood will be located at 1234 Abrams Road in Dallas. Families earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level (about $132,000 per year for a family of four) with children aged 3 or 4 are eligible to apply.
 
All eligible applications received before the deadline (April 20, 2026, 7 p.m. CT) will be entered into the lottery. Applicants who do not meet the income requirement will receive an ineligibility notification after application. For more information and to apply go to apply.bezosacademy.org.
 
# # #
 
Founded in 1892, Juliette Fowler Communities is a Dallas nonprofit serving people across generations. Located on 21-acres in East Dallas, Fowler provides housing and support for older adults, including independent and assisted living, memory care, middle-income apartments, and affordable senior housing. It serves young women at risk of homelessness through the Ebby House program and supports 700+ children, youth, and families through its family services and Youth Support Center. Fowler trains 100% of its staff in Hopeful Aging's "I'm Still Here" approach to dementia care, and it is home to the Dementia Friendly Dallas initiative. Recognized as an Intergenerational Program of Distinction, Fowler fosters a community for all ages to belong and thrive. The Bezos Academy Dallas-Lakewood Montessori preschool will open on Fowler’s campus in September 2026. Visit fowlercommunities.org or call 214.827.0813.
 
 
ABOUT BEZOS ACADEMY 
Bezos Academy is a nonprofit organization that is building a network of fully funded tuition-free preschools. Our preschools offer year-round, full-day programming, five days a week, for children from low-income families, ages 3-5 years old. Bezos Academy also provides students with all necessary educational supplies and services to set each student up for success, including Montessori materials, books, arts and crafts, field trips, and meals. For more information, visit www.bezosacademy.org.
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The region’s largest indoor pre-game party on the water features hundreds of boats, exclusive pre-season deals, fan-friendly experiences at Dallas Market Hall Beginning January 30th

 

The Dallas Winter Boat Show is making waves THIS WEEKEND as it returns to Dallas Market Hall for two action-packed weekends, January 30–February 1 and February 5–8, 2026. Timed with the excitement of Super Bowl weekend, this year’s theme—“Boats, Bowls & Big Waves”—turns Market Hall into Dallas’ ultimate indoor pre-game experience, blending lake life, tailgate energy, exclusive boat deals, immersive activations, and family-friendly fun.

Often called “The Super Bowl of Boating,” the Dallas Winter Boat Show will feature more than 600 boats from North Texas’ top dealers, along with the latest motors, watersports gear, marine technology, and accessories. The event delivers the region’s most comprehensive showcase of recreational boating—just in time for peak Texas boating season.

North Texas continues to drive national boating trends as one of the most active freshwater recreation regions in the country:

  • Texas ranks Top 10 nationally for boat registrations, with more than 625,000 boats statewide
  • The Dallas–Fort Worth area is home to a dozen+ major lakes within 90 minutes
  • According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), 68% of boat owners are middle-income households, underscoring the show’s strong family appeal
  • Recreational boating participation has reached 100 million Americans annually, with Texas among the fastest-growing markets

With rapid population growth, rising disposable income, and strong pre-season buying momentum, Dallas has become a national proving ground for new boat models, emerging lake trends, and innovative on-water lifestyles.

“North Texas is one of the fastest-growing boating regions in the country, and this year’s show brings all the excitement of Super Bowl weekend into one massive, immersive event,” said Bron Beal, Executive Director of the Dallas Winter Boat Show. “Whether you’re a first-time boat buyer or a lifelong lake lover, there’s no better place to get inspired, learn, and score the best deals of the season.”

Attendees can explore:

  • Pontoon boats
  • Wake surf and ski boats
  • Center consoles
  • Jet boats and PWCs
  • Electric boat innovations
  • Fishing vessels
  • Luxury cruisers
  • Docks, outdoor accessories, gear, and more

 

 

ABOUT THE DALLAS WINTER BOAT SHOW

 

For more than 40 years, the Dallas Winter Boat Show has been the region’s largest celebration of boating and the Texas lake lifestyle. Bringing together top dealers, manufacturers, and industry experts, the show offers families and enthusiasts a one-stop experience to shop, learn, and get inspired for the boating season ahead.

 

DALLAS BOAT SHOW DETAILS:

When: January 30–February 1 and February 5–8, 2026

Where: Dallas Market Hall, 2200 Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, Texas 75207

 

Show Schedule:

Friday, January 30, 2026 from 12-8pm

Saturday, January 31, 2026 from 10am-8pm

Sunday, February 1, 2026 from 10am-5pm

Thursday, February 5, 2026 from 3-8 pm

Friday, February 6, 2026 from 12-8 pm

Saturday, February 7,2026 from 10 am- 8 pm

Sunday, February 8, 2026 from 10 am -4 pm

 

Cost & Ticket Information:

Adults:                                 $15

Children (ages 5-13):       $8

Children under 5:             Free

Parking is free of charge

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_Love Above Dallas - Valentines at Sheraton Dallas

Celebrate love from new heights this Valentine’s Day at Sheraton Dallas with a romantic candlelit dinner on the 38th floor and an exclusive weekend getaway package!

Love Above Dallas: A Romantic Dinner in the Heart of Downtown Dallas

This romantic, skyline-level experience features a candlelit four-course dinner set against sweeping, panoramic views of the city, with a live DJ adding just the right touch of ambiance. Taking place on February 14 from 7 to 10 PM in Sheraton Dallas’ luxurious Chaparral Ballroom on the 38th Floor, the evening starts at $98 per person and offers limited seating for an intimate, elevated celebration.

Guests will check in at the Open Palette hostess stand before being escorted to the dinner. A welcome toast and complimentary self-parking are included.

Guests can indulge in a thoughtfully crafted Valentine’s Day menu that blends seasonal ingredients with elevated flavors, from rich, slow-braised 44 Farms short ribs with sweet purple potato purée to tender sous-vide halibut served over creamy corn risotto to decadent dark-chocolate crème fraîche delice.

Couples can make the night even more special with champagne enhancements, keepsake photo moments, or curated proposal packages designed for unforgettable memories.

Reservations for the Love Above Dallas dinner are required. To secure your table and view the full menu, please see here.

Love in the Heart of Dallas: A Romantic Getaway for Valentine’s Weekend

Enhance your Valentine’s weekend with the Love in the Heart of Dallas getaway at Sheraton Dallas, designed for couples seeking a romantic escape in the heart of downtown. This special package invites guests to a cozy stay just steps from the city’s best dining, nightlife, and cultural attractions, paired with thoughtful perks that make celebrating together effortless and memorable. Couples can enjoy a bottle of champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries, breakfast for two the following morning at Open Palette, and late checkout at noon.

From comfortable, stylish accommodations to the chance to explore nearby attractions, entertainment venues, and local favorites, it’s the perfect complement to a Valentine’s dinner or weekend adventure in Dallas, all wrapped in Sheraton’s signature Texas-sized hospitality.

Treat your Valentine to a weekend they’ll remember long after the last toast.

To learn more about the Love in the Heart of Dallas package and book your weekend stay, please see here.

 

Sheraton Dallas Hotel is located in Downtown Dallas at 400 North Olive Street, Dallas, Texas 75201.

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Pyramid Restaurant - Fairmont Dallas_105 Large.jpe

Fairmont Dallas is setting the stage for an unforgettable evening in the city’s culinary heart. Long regarded for its refined approach to seasonal, ingredient-driven cuisine,The Pyramid Restaurant will host an exquisite, prix-fixe Valentine’s Day dinner on Saturday, February 14, beginning at 5 PM.

Priced at $125 per person, the five-course experience showcases The Pyramid’s signature balance of sophistication and creativity, offering couples a memorable way to celebrate their affections. Reservations are now open on OpenTable.

Specially curated by Executive Chef Adam Reson, the Valentine’s Day menu features luxe touches such as Kusshi oysters with sturgeon caviar, lychee-pink peppercorn sorbet, and indulgent entrées ranging from saffron-kissed sea bass to an 8-oz prime filet with the option to add foie gras bordelaise.

Fairmont Dallas is located at 1717 N Akard St.

 

VALENTINE’S DAY MENU

Amuse-Bouche

  • Kusshi Oyster. Served on the half shell with sturgeon caviar and fermented chili.

First Course

Choice of:

  • Amberjack. Seville orange, pistachio, mint, and arbequina olive oil.

  • Roasted Heirloom Beets. Prosciutto san danielle, ultra crudite, raspberry, romaine crème fraiche, and honeycomb.

  • Endive. Sourdough granola, pecorino, walnuts, Spanish anchovies, and chardonnay vinaigrette.

Intermezzo

  • Lychee Sorbet. Pink peppercorn.

Entree

Choice of:

  • Risotto. Burrata, tomato conserva, salsify, and mint.

  • Sea Bass. Saffron, calamari, Spanish octopus, and rouille.

  • Duck. Artichoke, roasted almond, and amarena cherry jus.

  • 8 oz Prime Filet. Pommes à ligoté and asparagus. Foie gras bordelais +$35.

Dessert

  • Pavlova. Topped with balsamic-glazed strawberries, served with honey-basil ice cream.
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Dr. Lily T. García, dean of Texas A&M University College of Dentistry and Dr. Joseph DiFazio, chair of the American College of Prosthodontists Education Foundation Board.

 

Texas A&M University College of Dentistry was in the spotlight recently as Dr. Lily T. García, dean, and dental students Jessica Vu and David Qin each received awards at the 55th Annual Session of the American College of Prosthodontists in New Orleans. 

García received the American College of Prosthodontists Education Foundation’s 2025 Founders Society Award, presented in recognition of her significant impact on ACPEF’s growth and her commitment to advancing the prosthodontics specialty. The award honors those who have shown exceptional leadership, vision and service to the foundation and the prosthodontics community.  

García is a former ACP president and a past chair of the ACP Education Foundation Board of Directors. She’s also a Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics, a Fellow of the American College of Prosthodontists and holds Fellow status with several other dental organizations. Among García’s numerous honors, she is the recipient of the 2004 ACP Educator of the Year Award. 

 “It is truly an honor to receive the American College of Prosthodontists Education Foundation’s 2025 Founders Society Award,” said García. “My commitment to the ACPEF is based on seeing our residents and predoctoral dental students shine on a national stage. At this meeting, it is with immense pride that we witness the success of two of our students, who were recognized for their presentations. Their work reflects the excellence of their scholarship, the dedication of our faculty mentors, and our college’s commitment to advancing prosthodontic education and research.” 

A&M Dentistry third-year dental students Jessica Vu and David Qin placed first and second, respectively, in the poster research competition Speaking Well at the Speak Easy at the same conference. 

Vu won first place for the presentation “Making the Right Call: Implants of FPDs? Rethinking Anterior Maxillary Restorations.” Vu based it on her dental issues and the desire to have a smile she loves. 

“Not every patient will have a clear-cut treatment plan,” she said. “What drew me to prosthodontics was the careful planning that surrounds a complex case and how we can use our knowledge to help a patient achieve a better quality of life with a smile that is not only functional, but one they can be proud to show off.” 

Qin won second place for “A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Roadmap for Hereditary Dentin Disorders: What Every Prosthodontist Should Know.” 

“What drew me to the field of prosthodontics is the depth and breadth of restorative techniques it offers and the opportunity to learn and utilize them to enhance patients’ lives,” Qin said. “To me, prosthodontics integrates advanced problem-solving and technical skills to provide a challenging yet extraordinarily rewarding experience.” 

 The dental college is in Dallas.

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The start of a new year often brings quiet reflection. Many families think about what they want more of in the months ahead: more purpose, more connection, more ways to show up for the people around them.

For children in foster care across the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex, the idea of a “new beginning” can carry special weight. These are children navigating big transitions through no fault of their own, often moving between homes while waiting for stability and consistency. What they need most is not perfection, but care, patience, and a sense of belonging.

Across Dallas County and neighboring communities, the need for foster families continues. Each child represents a story still unfolding and a future shaped by the support they receive today.

Foster care looks different for every family. Some provide temporary care, others step in for relatives, and some offer long-term stability. No matter the path, families are supported with training, resources, and a network that understands the challenges and rewards that come with caring for children in foster care.

As the year unfolds, it offers a chance to consider how small, intentional choices can create meaningful impact. For some, that may mean learning more about foster care. For others, it may simply mean gaining a deeper understanding of the children and families in our community who need support.

EMPOWER is a child welfare collaborative that supports foster parents and helps children find safe, loving homes across Metroplex East — including Dallas, Grayson, Fannin, Collin, Hunt, Rockwall, Kaufman, Ellis and Navarro counties.

New beginnings do not always come with fireworks. Sometimes they begin quietly, with compassion, patience, and the willingness to care.