Children are a vulnerable population, and sadly many kids in Texas are not safe even in their own homes. In 2014, Tarrant County had more confirmed cases of abuse and neglect than any other jurisdiction in the state. The North Texas Community Foundation’s Martin H. and Helen M. Wikierak Memorial Fund for Abused Children is the legacy of the Wikieraks, who established a permanent trust to assist abused and battered children in Tarrant County. The Don and Barbara Kirk Endowment Fund supports nonprofit organizations that serve the needs of at-risk children in the greater Tarrant County area. The goal of the Kirk Endowment Fund is to empower at-risk children to overcome the difficulty and challenges they face to become successful members of society.
In April 2017, the North Texas Community Foundation provided grants to eight Tarrant County nonprofits that serve children and youth who have been neglected, abused, or battered. The recipients are ACH Child & Family Services, Alliance for Children, Child Care Associates, First3Years, Lena Pope, Shaken Baby Alliance, Texans Care for Children, and The Parenting Center. This year’s grant deliberations were significantly enhanced by the participation of Kim Brown, Associate Judge of the 323rd District Court, who generously shared her insights into the child welfare system with the grant committee.
“We, at The Parenting Center, are incredibly thankful for the award from the North Texas Community Foundation through the Don and Barbara Kirk Endowment Fund and the Martin H. and Helen M. Wikierak Memorial Fund for Abused Children,” stated executive director of The Parenting Center, Paul Gravley. “With grants like these, The Parenting Center seeks to prevent child abuse and maltreatment by offering tools and resources to families that built empathy, enhance protective factors, and ultimately create a better bond between parents and children. On behalf of the board, staff, and clients we serve – thank you!”
For questions about the grant cycles please contact our Program Associate, Angela White at 817.877.0702.
