Growing up in a small rural community in Humphrey, Arkansas, is where I first began to learn the power of community. It was not just that the town was small, yet it was the commitment of the people who made sure we all knew the care and value of our neighbors. It was Mrs. Laura Robinson, who made sure I was ready for school through early learning and literacy programs. It was Mrs. Annie Hatch, who used First Missionary Baptist Church to instill community values and teach us the importance of intergenerational relationships. It was the local farmers who opened their fields so families could have fresh food. And it was the Robinson family, who kept their small business open and ready to serve the community providing one delicious meal at a time.
That’s where I learned what it means to truly thrive in community and embrace my culture.
Now living in Fort Worth, one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, I carry those same lessons with me. And I believe every child and family here, no matter their zip code, deserves to know there are people and organizations working every day to ensure they have what they need to learn, grow, and thrive.
As our city grows, your investment helps make that possible. With your support, people in our neighborhoods are upholding traditions and embracing culture, supporting small businesses, and building a shared vision for the future. It is with great hope and a deep level of commitment that with your generous support, I believe NTCF’s investment in neighborhoods will preserve culture, commerce, and community.
Culture is the unique identity of a neighborhood, its food, music, language, celebrations, and history. Without it, communities lose their story.
Commerce is the local economy, small businesses, entrepreneurs, and jobs that keep money flowing close to home. Without it, opportunities dry up.
Community is the network of relationships that make people feel safe, welcome, and supported. Without it, people become isolated.
When culture, commerce, and community are strong, neighborhoods flourish.
This is where our grant cycles come in. Whether we’re supporting conservation and environment, arts and culture, capacity building, or opportunity and access, each cycle touches a piece of what makes neighborhoods whole. Together, they build the foundation for a thriving community.
And now, you have the chance to see this work firsthand. On October 9, we’re hosting our Driving Change: Community Development in Action Bus Tour through the Historic Southside and Morningside neighborhoods. This is our chance to show you a front row view of the impact your giving makes possible. You will see an Arts and Culture grantee preserving neighborhood history, meet a BEACON grantee providing critical mental health support, and learn how a ToolBox grantee grew stronger through capacity building.
I believe every person deserves to live in a place where culture is celebrated, opportunities are available, and the environment supports well-being. I hope you will join us on October 9 to experience for yourself how your investment with NTCF is driving lasting change across our neighborhoods.
Together, we can ensure every family in Fort Worth has the chance to learn, grow, and thrive.
