What's Happening at CCS?
August 2
Multi-Family Program positively impacts Oak Cliff MFP site!
June was the second month for Right Way Missionary Baptist Church to partner with Crossroads Community Services and the North Texas Food Bank in meeting the food needs of their Oak Cliff Community. From time to time I receive feedback from CCS' current MFP sites about the food program. Recently, I received an e-mail from Sister Nelson, church member and food coordinator at Right Way Missionary Baptist Church who wrote:
"These are the wonderful things we are experiencing at our church since becoming a part of the CCS program. One recipient has joined our congregation and now helps on distribution day. On distribution day, the men of our church are phenomenal. Some of our members take leave from their jobs to assist in the distribution and/or sign up. Another ministry was formed as a result of the Food Support Ministry. The new ministry members look for and post jobs, and search for other information that the city/county of Dallas offer to its citizens. Some members and friends have found employment through the jobs list that you have provided. As a result of the Job Postings that you have provided, we are now planning a Resume Writing Seminar for our membership."
Currently, CCS is working with 37 Multi-Family Sites within the 752-- zip codes of Dallas. Each of these sites are making positive impacts in their communities and are constantly looking for more ways to help out!
by Jennifer Johnson, CCS MFP Coordinator
July 15
New Members of Our CCS Staff
We are so happy to have three new highly qualified and very competent employees who share our mission to help the people we serve enjoy a more abundant life. They are:
Sara King, our new ASAP/SOCS Coordinator, is the principal of her own firm - Sara King Andrews Interior Design - formed in 1990. In addition to her residential and commercial design work, she has also taught design courses as adjunct faculty of Collin County Community College. Sara has a Bachelor of Science degree from Baylor and a Master of Theological Studies from SMU. Sara volunteers weekly for Exodus Ministry, is a member of SMU’s Town and Gown, and is an active member of Highland Park United Methodist Church where she serves on the Board of Directors for the Cox Chapel Vision for Change mission.
Amber Willoughby, who brings ten years of non-profit development experience to her position, is the Development Director for CCS. With a BBA in Marketing from TCU, Amber blends her knowledge of branding and communications with proven fund development strategies in order to build holistic donor relationships that generate sustainable revenue streams. Amber enjoys creating compelling stories that capture the essence of an organization’s mission and illustrate its impact in the community. In her previous positions, Amber created successful special events, marketing campaigns, membership groups and funding proposals. Amber and her husband are looking forward to the adventure that is parenthood; their daughter, Isabella, is due to arrive at the end of August.
Sonya Parker applies her passion for serving children, families, and individuals for over 10 years to her new position as our Programs Director. Most recently, Sonya worked with The Salvation Army’s financial assistance and homelessness prevention programs. Previously, she co-founded Inspiring Families to provide family strengthening workshops and worked for Catholic Charities of Dallas with resettled Refugee families. Sonya enjoys developing programs and activities aimed at supporting at-risk youth and families, promoting and improving the health status of families, reducing violence and drug use, and promoting self-sufficiency. She proudly serves on the leadership team of the North Texas Fatherhood Initiative, attends Springcreek Community Church, and enjoys reading, walking, and spending time with family and friends. Her daughter, Brittany, is a Senior at Texas Tech University.
Yes, Sara, Amber, and Sonya share the same passion -- to pursue excellence in their respective areas of responsibility so that our neighbors-in-need receive maximum benefit from their talents and our work at CCS! The future is even brighter with these stars added to our stellar staff. Come meet these fine folks the next time you visit CCS.
by Rev. Jay Cole, CCS Executive Director
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