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Courtesy of UNT Dallas Marketing & Communications

Gentlemen, it’s time to slip on a pair of women’s high-heeled shoes and take a stance against sexualized violence. The University of North Texas at Dallas (UNT Dallas) will host a “Walk A Mile In Her Shoes®” event Wednesday, Oct. 23, from 10 a.m.- noon on the university campus (located in southern Dallas at 7300 University Hills Blvd., Dallas, TX 75241). The public is invited to participate or attend the free event. Registration is not required.

Since 2001, men, women and families around the world have joined the award-winning “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes®: The International Men’s March to Stop Rape, Sexual Assault & Gender Violence” to raise awareness about the serious causes, effects and remediations to men’s sexualized violence.

UNT Dallas is joining forces with community partners to host the event, which will involve men walking a mile around the campus (starting in front of the UNT Dallas Student Center) in high-heeled shoes provided by UNT Dallas Counseling & Wellness Center. Participants are encouraged to bring their own heels if preferred, which can be donated afterwards to Hope’s Door New Beginnings, a local agency in Dallas dedicated to eradicating domestic violence and supporting survivors and their children.

UNT Dallas hosts the annual event in the fall in recognition of October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month. To help increase awareness, the university will offer an open Q&A session on domestic violence statistics and the dynamics of abuse, and provide university and community resources from partner organizations, including Hopes Door New Beginning, Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support, The Family Place, UNT Dallas Office of University Community Standards and more. UNT Dallas expects dozens of students, faculty and staff, and local men to tackle the 5,280-foot challenge, including UNT Dallas Interim President Warren Von Eschenbach and Interim Provost, Christopher Markwood.

“According to a recent report by the Texas Council on Family Violence, there were 14 domestic violence-related homicides in DFW in 2023, and over 200 across the State of Texas. Additionally, the National Domestic Violence hotline reported that every minute 24 people experience some form of gender-based violence by a partner,” said Teresa Espino Parnell, Director of the UNT Dallas Counseling & Wellness Center. “Based on this data alone, we must commit to spreading awareness about domestic/intimate partner violence in our communities and providing victims with life-saving resources such as the Dallas Area Rape Crisis Center and Genesis Women’s Shelter. By participating in and bringing ‘Walk A Mile in Her Shoes’ to our campus, we are doing our part in this crucial and life-saving effort.”

She added that the “UNT Dallas community includes many students facing domestic violence in their own homes, and, based on the current national statistics, there are many others surviving in silence. We have a responsibility to our fellow Trailblazers to get involved and save lives.”

Sexualized violence is any act of physical or psychological violence targeting sexuality or gender and used to undermine a person's sexual or gender integrity. Anyone can fall victim to sexualized violence regardless of gender identity. The target of sexualized violence can be a female body, the body of someone presenting as female or femme, or a male-bodied or male-presenting person insufficiently performing masculinity.

For more information about the organization, go to WalkAMileInHerShoes.org. If you have questions regarding the UNT Dallas event, please contact Teresa Espino Parnell at Teresa.Espino@untdallas.edu or 972-338-1816.

About UNT Dallas
The University of North Texas at Dallas (UNT Dallas) is one of the most diverse public universities in the metroplex, the only public, four-year university in the city of Dallas and the most affordable four-year university in Dallas-Fort Worth. UNT Dallas includes the UNT Dallas College of Law (accredited by the American Bar Association) in downtown Dallas and is part of the University of North Texas System. For more information, visit untdallas.edu.

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Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains

Guided by research that identifies the barriers to women’s economic security and success, Texas Women’s Foundation (TXWF), collectively with its donors, giving circle supporters and philanthropic partners invested $6 million in 2023-24 to advance its mission. Of that total, The Foundation distributed $4.9 million in grants to women- and girl-serving organizations, including $876,540 to 23 nonprofits impacting approximately 13,000 women and girls in North Texas.  

Karen Hughes White, Texas Women’s Foundation president and CEO, said, “As a statewide organization, Texas Women’s Foundation believes in the power of collective philanthropy to catalyze change. Since 1985, we’ve invested nearly $85 million toward achieving our vision for an equitable society in which women and girls can fully participate. And while we’ve made great progress, Texas women and girls have never needed us more! We are grateful for the donors, supporters and partners who share our vision and make our work possible.”

North Texas Community Grantmaking:

Through its Community Grant Cycle, TXWF awarded $867,540 to 23 nonprofit organizations. 

Dallas County:

Annie's Place: Child care

Braswell Child Development Center: Child care

Community Council of Greater Dallas: Cancer Care

Connections Multiplied Too: Leadership development

Hopeful Solution: Transitional housing  

ImmSchools: Leadership development

The Lullaby House: Transitional housing

Mi Escuelita Preschool: Child care

New Friends New Life: Legal services

Our Friends Place: Transitional housing

Wholly Informed Sex Ed: Health – sex education

Young Leaders Strong City: Leadership development

Irving:

Irving Healthcare Foundation: Women’s health

Richardson:

Methodist Richardson Medical Center Foundation: Breast health

Denton County:

Opening Doors International Services: Legal services

North Texas (Collin, Dallas, Denton, Tarrant Counties and surrounding):

Bridge Breast Network: Breast health

LiftFund Inc.: Entrepreneurship

Lone Star Justice Alliance: Just Sentencing Initiative

Rosa es Rojo: Health & well-being

SER-Jobs for Progress National Inc.: Entrepreneurship

Tarrant County:

Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains, Inc.: Math tutoring

Mercy Clinic of Fort Worth: Women’s health

Texas Health Resources Foundation: Women’s health

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:

As Texas Women’s Foundation (TXWF) nears its 40th year, it is clear that now more than ever is the time to create more equitable communities to build #StrongWomenBetterWorld. TXWF raises funds from a broad base of donors, including individuals, foundations and corporations. These resources support more than $6 million in investments each year that advance economic security and leadership for Texas women and girls through research, advocacy, grantmaking and strategic/educational initiatives. Since its inception in 1985, TXWF has invested nearly $85 million in Texas women and girls.

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 the gender lens investing movement, deploying 100 percent of its invested assets – endowments, operating investments and donor-advised funds – in a gendered impact 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

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SELECT COMMUNITY GRANTS

HOUSING – TRANSITIONAL HOUSING

The Lullaby House

Located in Dallas, The Lullaby House provides community care and residential support to pregnant and parenting teens in the foster care system. In 2021, the Texas Department of Family and Protective services reported that 380 Texas youth in foster care were pregnant. Five facilities in the state provide residential services for the teens and their babies (total 24 beds in the state).

An already complicated and traumatic situation is exacerbated for an already vulnerable teen. TXWF provided a $40,000 grant to support this organization.

"The grant has really helped us to increase our effectiveness with wrap around services.”

-Alexandrea Crutcher-Horsley, Executive Director, The Lullaby House

 

HEALTH

Mercy Clinic of Fort Worth

Serving the 76104 ZIP code in Fort Worth, the ZIP code with the lowest life expectancy for women in the state (UTSW 2019), a $40,000 Texas Women’s Foundation community grant supports hiring a Community Health Worker for La Clínica de Mujeres (Women’s Clinic). The Community Health Worker, hired from the community they serve, is uniquely equipped to break down barriers of access to care, and to maximize health outcomes for women.

“It is just very, very important for us to educate our patients. Just as much as they need us, we need them to understand what is going on with their health, because they are the ones taking care of themselves. So it is important for us to have Community Health Workers here with us to make sure there is no gap in the communication between the provider and our patients.

– Rosa Montalvo, Patient Care Coordinator, Mercy Clinic

 

LEADERSHIP & EDUCATION

Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains

Serving two of the lowest performing schools in Fort Worth ISD, a Texas Women’s Foundation grant of $15,000 expands the Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains’ (GS-TOP) piloted Math Tutoring Program to benefit 3rd and 5th grade girls at two Title I elementary schools. GS-TOP aims to introduce girls of every age to STEM as the U.S. will need more STEM professionals. GS-TOP’s goal is to reframe challenges into possibilities.

“We can make that math experience a lot of fun for them and that it is not a burden, and they can see that it is easy to learn when you are having fun!”

-Becky Burton, CEO, Girl Scouts of the Texas Oklahoma Plains

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Hispanic Heritage Month is being celebrated by the North Texas community through October 15. While the official celebration ends mid-month, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra  will continue to honor the community with its annual Day of the Dead concert on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center.

The show that invited audiences to Immerse themselves in the vibrant spirit of Día de los Muertos. 

Under the baton of Enrico Lopez-Yañez, Principal Conductor of Dallas Symphony, this colorful celebration of life honors lost loved ones through a dazzling program of traditional Latin American music and culture. This year's performance features Mariachi Lone Star, conducted by DISD and Young Strings alumni Maria Garcia and Juan Garcia, as well as Mariachi Los Unicos from W.E. Greiner Middle School Exploratory Arts Academy, led by Maria Garcia and Felipe Diaz.

Audiences will be treated to an unforgettable experience filled with lively music, cultural festivities, and decorated ofrendas, creating a heartfelt connection to the traditions of Día de los Muertos. The event is designed to be a fun-filled experience for the whole family, offering moments of reflection and joy.

Tickets start at $39 and are available at dallassymphony.org.

 

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Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc., the leading producer of spectacular lantern festivals in North America, has officially begun construction of the upcoming Tianyu Lights Festival in North Texas. More than 70% of the construction is already completed, and final touches will be made before the festival opens to the public on November 8. This enchanting event invites visitors on a magical nighttime adventure, following the story of Koda, a 7-year-old boy exploring the vibrant rainforest of Caballococha, Peru.

The festival will showcase stunning displays of plants and animals, infused with magical elements inspired by Koda's dreams and imagination. Attendees can look forward to 19 immersive scenes featuring larger-than-life lantern sculptures made from metal, steel, fabric and LED lights.

The Tianyu Lights Festival will run from November 8 through January 19, at the Texas Trust CU Theater Festival Grounds operating every Tuesday through Sunday from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM. In addition to the breathtaking displays, the festival will feature nightly performances by acrobats and folk artists, along with a variety of food options and handcrafted souvenirs.

Tickets are available for purchase, ranging from $16 to $35. For more information and to buy tickets, visit https://tianyuculture.us/dallas.

Don't miss this magical experience as the Tianyu Lights Festival comes to life in North Texas!

Kathy Beazley
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Photo credit Peterson Management Group

The cold is rolling in, but things are about to heat up at Blue Goose Cantina! Get ready to spice up your winter with our sizzling new specials, straight from Augie’s Cocina. This season, we’re serving up savory dishes and bold cocktails that are perfect for chilly days and even cooler nights. Available November 18 through December at its seven locations, these limited-time entrées and drinks are packed with flavor and designed to chase away those winter blues. The Goose has locations in Frisco, Plano, Highland Village, McKinney, Grapevine, Fort Worth and Grand Prairie.

Warm yourself from the inside out with these fresh, seasonal dishes:

Tacos al Pastor – $15
Adobo-marinated pork, grilled pineapple, and a drizzle of spicy cremosa, all served on street corn tortillas with jack cheese, onion, and cilantro. Each bite is a delicious escape from the winter chill.

Chile Rellenos – $17
Back by popular demand, our roasted poblano chiles are stuffed with chicken, cilantro, and melted jack cheese, all smothered in cilantro cream sauce. Served with rice and beans, this dish is the ultimate cold-weather comfort food.

Gringo Guiso – $13
Perfect for the season, this hearty guiso is made fresh daily with pork, onions, carrots, potatoes, roasted corn, jalapeños, and poblano peppers, all simmered in a savory broth. Served with rice and pico, it’s the kind of meal that’ll warm your soul—available while supplies last!

The Coyote – $13
This bubbly blend of Blanco tequila, ginger beer, and lime juice is sure to brighten up any winter day. Whether you’re out with friends or relaxing solo, The Coyote is the perfect cocktail to keep things lively this season.

Established in 1984, Blue Goose Cantina brings together fantastic made-from-scratch Mexican food, legendary cocktails, top-notch service, a fun atmosphere, and a kick-ass attitude. A division of Peterson Management Group, a family-owned and operated restaurant management company, For more information, including menu and locations, visit BlueGooseCantina.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and promotions. #bluegoosecantina

ABOUT PETERSON MANAGEMENT GROUP

Peterson Management Group is a family-owned and operated restaurant management company with 12 restaurants located across North Texas. Founded by Bob Peterson and Scott Holyfield, two guys with larger-than-life personalities, it all started in 1983 with eclectic seafood shack restaurants, Aw Shucks and Big Shucks Oyster Bar. They are the best places in North Texas to get raw oysters, shrimp, catfish, crab legs, po'boy boy sandwiches, a nice cold beer, and tasty crawfish when in season. In addition to Aw Shucks and Big Shucks, Peterson Management Group opened Blue Goose Cantina in 1984, where fantastic made-from-scratch Mexican food, legendary cocktails, top-notch service, a fun atmosphere and a kick-ass attitude come together. The restaurant chain has repeatedly been voted the best in North Texas for its winning combination of food, fun, and signature margaritas. Today, Nick Peterson, son of Bob, leads the family business, serving as its CEO. For more information, visit PetersonManagementGroup.net.

Jennifer Halstead
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Team Shaw Grapevine Headquarters
SERVPRO Team Shaw, based in Grapevine, is proud to be recognized as the 4th fastest-growing company in North Texas. Specializing in restoration and cleanup services, the company has become a trusted partner for property owners across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, responding to emergencies like water, fire, and mold damage. This rapid expansion reflects not just local success but also the team’s ambition to scale its operations across state lines.
 
Recently, SERVPRO Team Shaw merged operations into new regions, including Houston, East Texas, and South Carolina, further strengthening its ability to serve customers with speed and efficiency. This strategic growth allows the company to extend its high standards of service to new markets, maintaining the same core values that have fueled its success in North Texas. “Our mission is to bring top-tier restoration services wherever they’re needed,” said Derek Shaw, the team’s owner. “Expanding into these areas allows us to reach more communities and make a meaningful impact.”
 
In addition to regional growth, Team Shaw was on the front lines during Hurricane Milton in Florida, mobilizing resources and staff to assist residents affected by the storm. “When disaster strikes, we’re committed to being there,” said Francesco Mandara, Chief Operating Officer. “Helping during Hurricane Milton reaffirmed our purpose—there’s no better reward than restoring communities in their time of need.”
 
To support these expanding efforts, SERVPRO Team Shaw has also made significant investments in advanced equipment and technology. With larger fleets, more specialized machinery, and enhanced drying and dehumidification tools, the company is better prepared than ever to tackle large-scale restoration projects. “Bigger and better equipment ensures we can handle any job, no matter the size,” Shaw added. “It allows us to be faster, more efficient, and more reliable in delivering the results our customers deserve.”
 
With eyes firmly set on the future, SERVPRO Team Shaw is committed to continuous growth, improving its operations, and maintaining the highest standards of service. Whether serving local homeowners or mobilizing for national disasters, the company’s journey is driven by a relentless passion for helping people rebuild. The team is excited to keep building on this momentum, providing peace of mind to every community it touches.
 
Get In Touch:
Jennifer Halstead
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Team Shaw Grapevine Headquarters
SERVPRO Team Shaw, based in Grapevine, is proud to be recognized as the 4th fastest-growing company in North Texas. Specializing in restoration and cleanup services, the company has become a trusted partner for property owners across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, responding to emergencies like water, fire, and mold damage. This rapid expansion reflects not just local success but also the team’s ambition to scale its operations across state lines.
 
Recently, SERVPRO Team Shaw merged operations into new regions, including Houston, East Texas, and South Carolina, further strengthening its ability to serve customers with speed and efficiency. This strategic growth allows the company to extend its high standards of service to new markets, maintaining the same core values that have fueled its success in North Texas. “Our mission is to bring top-tier restoration services wherever they’re needed,” said Derek Shaw, the team’s owner. “Expanding into these areas allows us to reach more communities and make a meaningful impact.”
 
In addition to regional growth, Team Shaw was on the front lines during Hurricane Milton in Florida, mobilizing resources and staff to assist residents affected by the storm. “When disaster strikes, we’re committed to being there,” said Francesco Mandara, Chief Operating Officer. “Helping during Hurricane Milton reaffirmed our purpose—there’s no better reward than restoring communities in their time of need.”
 
To support these expanding efforts, SERVPRO Team Shaw has also made significant investments in advanced equipment and technology. With larger fleets, more specialized machinery, and enhanced drying and dehumidification tools, the company is better prepared than ever to tackle large-scale restoration projects. “Bigger and better equipment ensures we can handle any job, no matter the size,” Shaw added. “It allows us to be faster, more efficient, and more reliable in delivering the results our customers deserve.”
 
With eyes firmly set on the future, SERVPRO Team Shaw is committed to continuous growth, improving its operations, and maintaining the highest standards of service. Whether serving local homeowners or mobilizing for national disasters, the company’s journey is driven by a relentless passion for helping people rebuild. The team is excited to keep building on this momentum, providing peace of mind to every community it touches.
 
Get In Touch:
Jennifer Halstead
Pin on Pinterest
Team Shaw Grapevine Headquarters
SERVPRO Team Shaw, based in Grapevine, is proud to be recognized as the 4th fastest-growing company in North Texas. Specializing in restoration and cleanup services, the company has become a trusted partner for property owners across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, responding to emergencies like water, fire, and mold damage. This rapid expansion reflects not just local success but also the team’s ambition to scale its operations across state lines.
 
Recently, SERVPRO Team Shaw merged operations into new regions, including Houston, East Texas, and South Carolina, further strengthening its ability to serve customers with speed and efficiency. This strategic growth allows the company to extend its high standards of service to new markets, maintaining the same core values that have fueled its success in North Texas. “Our mission is to bring top-tier restoration services wherever they’re needed,” said Derek Shaw, the team’s owner. “Expanding into these areas allows us to reach more communities and make a meaningful impact.”
 
In addition to regional growth, Team Shaw was on the front lines during Hurricane Milton in Florida, mobilizing resources and staff to assist residents affected by the storm. “When disaster strikes, we’re committed to being there,” said Francesco Mandara, Chief Operating Officer. “Helping during Hurricane Milton reaffirmed our purpose—there’s no better reward than restoring communities in their time of need.”
 
To support these expanding efforts, SERVPRO Team Shaw has also made significant investments in advanced equipment and technology. With larger fleets, more specialized machinery, and enhanced drying and dehumidification tools, the company is better prepared than ever to tackle large-scale restoration projects. “Bigger and better equipment ensures we can handle any job, no matter the size,” Shaw added. “It allows us to be faster, more efficient, and more reliable in delivering the results our customers deserve.”
 
With eyes firmly set on the future, SERVPRO Team Shaw is committed to continuous growth, improving its operations, and maintaining the highest standards of service. Whether serving local homeowners or mobilizing for national disasters, the company’s journey is driven by a relentless passion for helping people rebuild. The team is excited to keep building on this momentum, providing peace of mind to every community it touches.
 
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Celebrating 20 years, NAPO-DFW’s Give on the Go annual event offers North Texans a place to donate unneeded items and chat with professional organizers on ways to clear the clutter before the holidays.

Looking to clear the clutter before the holidays while benefiting local charities? The DFW Chapter of NAPO (National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals™) will host its annual “Give on the Go with NAPO” event on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Container Store Galleria parking lot, located at 13710 Dallas Pkwy., Dallas. The event benefits the North Texas Food Bank and other DFW area charities.

Free and open to the public, the drive-through event will serve as a one-stop spot to unload donation items while engaging with professional organizers who are dedicated to conquering clutter and achieving organization. Volunteer organizers will answer questions and share simple, easy-to-adopt tools for everyday living.

Donated items include clothing; household items in good condition such as books, home electronics and cords (flatscreens, computers, small kitchen appliances); eyeglasses/sunglasses; pet supplies; office supplies (printers, filing cabinets); scrap metal; and unopened, in-date food (no glass) to benefit the North Texas Food Bank including peanut butter, canned fruit, shelf-stable milk, canned tuna, canned chicken, canned vegetables, trail mix and more. People may also bring documents to shred (limit two boxes per vehicle). For a detailed list of accepted/non-accepted items, please go here.

In its 20th year, NAPO-DFW’s mission is to help people and organizations bring order and efficiency to their lives through engaging events and activities. These include continuing education sessions, networking and collaborative opportunities, and unique discussions regarding the organizing and productivity profession to engage members and business partners in North Texas.

“Give on the Go with NAPO” is presented by NAPO-DFW, The Container Store, Junkluggers, and B2 Moving Supply.

To drop off items, enter the parking lot just north of Alpha Rd. For more information, go to napodfw.com/giveonthego.

ABOUT NAPO-DFW. NAPO-DFW, Inc. was formed in 2003 and has grown to serve North Texas and beyond! Our mission is to provide a robust schedule of engaging events and activities including continuing education sessions, networking and collaborative opportunities, and unique discussions regarding the organizing and productivity profession to engage members and business partners in North Texas. Our members value education, professional development, and staying current on trends and advancements in the industry.  These professionals dedicate themselves to providing organizing and productivity services, advice, and solutions to their clients.  Their support covers every imaginable aspect of organization. For more information, visit napodfw.com.

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Merriman Anderson Architects (MAA) is pleased to introduce Quincy Haynes as Director of Business Development. Haynes brings a proven track record from her previous role in advertising sales, where she consistently surpassed sales targets and developed strong client relationships. Her strategic approach to business development and commitment to client success make her an invaluable asset to the firm.

In her new role, Haynes will be instrumental in expanding MAA’s industry presence, cultivating both existing and new client relationships, and actively contributing to strategic planning and market analysis. Her efforts perfectly align with MAA’s vision for the future, driving the firm forward, fostering new successes, and further solidifying its strong client partnerships.

“Quincy’s natural ability to connect with clients and understand their needs, combined with her creative thinking and adaptability, makes her the perfect fit for MAA,” said Milton Anderson, President of MAA. “We are excited to see the fresh perspectives and dynamic energy she brings to our team.” 

Haynes is known for her excellent communication skills, ability to foster meaningful relationships, and passion for finding innovative ways to engage with clients. Her experience in fast-paced environments and unwavering dedication to achieving business goals will drive continued success for MAA.

For more information about MAA, please visit the company’s website merriman-maa.com.