Annual Report ‘24
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
Directors Foundation’s mission is to be the best, most-respected partner to like-minded non-profit organizations in order to promote the cause of Christ and be His hands and feet in a lost and hurting world.
THE PRESIDENT LETTER FROM
It’s been a privilege to be a part of Directors Foundation for a decade now. Hearing the stories of the lives we have touched through local and international charities isn’t just heartwarming; it’s the fuel that continues to propel our actions.
In 2024, we helped hurricane survivors through Global Samaritan, contributed to the Kentucky Race Track Chaplaincy, built homes in Costa Rica, and supported missions internationally. To be part of such a diverse and life-giving organization is a blessing! I know we are showing the fruit of the spirit with every dollar, every volunteer opportunity, and every action. Our goal is to always show goodness, gentleness, joy, kindness, and love, be faithful to our calling, and exhibit peace, patience, and self-control in our efforts.
Seeing our growth since starting Directors Foundation a decade ago has been humbling and exciting. We could not have partnered with such wonderful charities all on our own.
We give glory to God and continue to ask for wisdom as we serve people in future years. It’s also exciting to take inventory of where we are today and know the years ahead are ripe with opportunities to serve.
Although we wish we could help every person in need, we continue to remain faithful to hear the Holy Spirit’s guidance. By partnering with like-minded charities that take care of people well, we’ll align with our mission of being the “Hands and Feet” of Jesus.
KRIS SEALE President & CEO Directors Foundation
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”
John 15:12
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kris Seale President & CEO Directors Investment Group
Addison Templeton EVP & Chief Operations Officer Funeral Directors Life Directors Investment Group
Drew Seale EVP & Chief Marketing Officer Funeral Directors Life Directors Investment Group
Todd Carlson EVP of Sales & Chief Sales Officer Funeral Directors Life Directors Investment Group
Lisa Davidson Principal & Chief Operating Officer Parkway Advisors
Terry Groban EVP & Chief Financial Officer Directors Investment Group
Dwayne McGraw EVP & Chief Actuary Directors Investment Group
Robert Hamil Board Member Directors Investment Group
Theron Holladay President & Chief Executive Officer Parkway Advisors
Dawson Rodriguez EVP & Chief Information Security Officer Directors Investment Group
Paul Lovelace EVP of Corporate Development Funeral Directors Life Directors Investment Group
Pat Baxter Advocate Directors Foundation
Jeff Stewart EVP & Chief Culture Officer Funeral Directors Life Directors Investment Group
Nadene Smith Executive Director of Directors Foundation Funeral Directors Life
“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”
Hebrews 6:10
MISSION PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
THE BAHAMAS PROJECT
In April, Vital Seed Ministries and Directors Foundation once again came together for a life-changing mission trip for those in need in Nassau, Bahamas. The local Salvation Army welcomed the help of Funeral Directors Life’s customers, sales agents, guests, and staff who worked for several days on projects that helped the community.
Projects Included:
• Building a vegetable garden to use with their live-in residents
• Assembling food bags for the homeless
• Preparing the ground for several playgrounds and assembling the equipment
• Installing a security camera system
• Making a women’s shelter more secure by building walls and installing barbed wire fencing and cameras
In Nassau, the Salvation Army is known for their work with the blind and visually impaired, running a school and workshop for the students. The Salvation Army’s motto is to “Do the most good, for the most people, in the most need.”
Over 120 volunteers helped carry out this mission!
We thank Vital Seed Ministries, The Salvation Army in Nassau, and every volunteer who donated time, a willing heart, and skillful hands to accomplish the work.
COSTA RICA BUILD
Building homes never gets old!
Directors Foundation has been involved in 16 house builds over the years, and the satisfaction of providing something so essential for a family is exhilarating!
In July, 26 people built two homes in Costa Rica for the Salazar Bustos family and the Bolanos Jiron family.
Finding Deserving Families
As a single mom to six and a grandmother of two, Johana Salazar Bustos has many mouths to feed! They were all living together in a small, cramped home and were selected to receive a brand-new one. The Bustos family worked alongside the volunteers for three days and even stayed up nightly to ensure the building supplies for the home weren’t stolen.
The Bolanos Jiron family - we fondly referred to them as “Owen’s family” - consists of 1-year-old Owen and his parents. Hugo, the
father, is a builder, and he worked side by side with volunteers to build his home.
Building the Homes
Everyone painted, hammered, sheetrocked, installed windows and doors, roofed, and decorated! Both homes were furnished with beds and linens, bathroom supplies (towels and hygiene products), a dining room table, dishes, and kitchen appliances and furnishings. In addition, a large number of volunteers contributed clothing and toys for the children, along with kitchen items. And both families got to shop for food and personal clothing items.
Karen Wilkens, a long-time volunteer, noted that Hugo was standoffish the first day, but then he loosened up and joined in the fun of the build.
“I just love every aspect of these builds,” Karen said. “It seems the family is shy when we first meet them, but then we’re joking and working together like we’ve been best friends for years!
It amazes me how it all comes together in three days! I’ve learned so many building ‘tricks of the trade,’ but what keeps me coming back is the satisfaction of loving people in such a tangible, meaningful way. I’ve seen how these families live before our group arrives and afterward, and it’s starkly different!”
Amanda Buch, volunteer, stated that one of her favorite parts of the build was the key ceremony:
“After we complete the housebuilds and furnish the home with needed items, we have a ceremony for them. We remind the homeowners that this is now their home, and we speak a blessing over and pray with them. Then, we present them with keys to their home. My son, Colin, was chosen to present the keys to the family we worked with, and it was so moving to see my young, college-aged son articulate the love, blessings, and prayers for this family. I’ll always be grateful for my experience with my son in Costa Rica.”
Serving with Pride
Many volunteers are repeat attendees and love serving families and transforming lives.
One group of women, Jenny Hoff, Lori Schneider, Pat Baxter, and Karen Wilkens, has been on numerous trips over the last decade. Including Coordinator Nadene Smith, this group became the “Golden Girls” during last year’s trip due to their similar ages, joyful hearts, and dedication to volunteering year after year.
Jenny Hoff owned Hoff Funeral & Cremation Service with her husband, Tim, who also co-founded Healing Hearts Connection, an organization that has hosted family grief camps for over 20 years. Serving others has always been important to Jenny.
“On trips, we give to others, but we all get more in return,” Jenny said. “It’s amazing to watch the transformations from when we
get there to when they get the keys to the house. Families are unconditionally happy and grateful for everything!”
Lori Schneider is Jenny’s sister-in-law and a retired nurse after serving her community for over 40 years. She has attended three trips and enjoys meeting new volunteers, working alongside her friends, and serving families.
“I’m in awe of families’ love and happiness,” Lori shared. “Last year, we took the families to Walmart and gave them extra money to buy other items they needed. Volunteers also bought food to feed the neighborhood dogs who were starving. Everyone is so giving.”
Karen Wilkens is the ultimate volunteer. She was invited by Nadene Smith to go on the mission trip years ago and has attended every year but one. She enjoys seeing everyone come together to help families.
The “Golden Girls” from left to right: Pat Baxter, Nadene Smith, Lori Schneider, Jenny Hoff, and Karen Wilkens.
“We each start out as individuals wanting to do the Lord’s work,” Karen stated. “By the time we come home, we are all ‘one,’ united with the Lord by doing His work for the Kingdom and being Jesus’ hands and feet. He is so good. It’s a win-win for all!”
Pat Baxter, Advocate for Directors Foundation, has attended three trips over the years. She believes wholeheartedly in Directors Foundation’s mission to be service oriented.
“Connecting with families is the best part of the trip,” Pat stated. “They’re kind, loving, and proud of their new homes. Plus, the camaraderie among the volunteers is
incredible. Young or old, male or female, strong or weak, we all work together to be the hands and feet of Jesus, bringing all the glory to God.”
Reflecting on the success of the trips, Coordinator Nadene Smith said:
“These trips can’t happen without the support of Directors Foundation to provide monetary support, Vital Seed Ministries and Youth With A Mission to provide tools, expert builders, and ensure the project gets completed, the dedicated volunteers who spend their annual vacation time to serve, and the families who are willing to trust people they have never met for a chance to change the trajectory of their futures.”
“No one has ever become poor from giving.”
Anne Frank
YEAR IN REVIEW
Habitat for Humanity
A local, single mom with two children received volunteer support for framing her home and monetary support to ensure it got built!
Abilene Youth Sports Authority
AYSA continues to offer sports programming to hundreds of children and adults within a 220mile radius of Abilene, TX. They broke ground on The ROC, an outdoor field development project that will be completed in 2025.
Abilene Zoological Society
The Abilene Zoo is adding an exhibit, and Directors Foundation made a multi-year commitment to support the project, which will attract more local and state visitors!
Mentoring Alliance
Directors Foundation supported this new charity that hosts afterschool and summer programs for at-risk kids in partnership with local schools.
Back the Badge Foundation
Directors Foundation supported this organization that helps the Sheriff’s Department, the Abilene Police Department, and the Abilene Fire Department families with medical support, funeral expenses, and more.
Fellowship of Christian Athletes
Directors Foundation helped students and coaches learn about and accept Jesus by sponsoring retreats and Fields of Faith events and offering free Bibles.
Big Country Court Appointed Special Advocates
This organization provides volunteer advocates for children who have experienced abuse and neglect and are currently in the foster care system. Directors Foundation funding supports the recruiting and training of new volunteers who will ultimately handle the increased caseload of children served. They served over 370 children in 2024!
All Kind Animal Initiative
Directors Foundation provided monetary donations to support the construction of a new, local shelter with the capacity to hold more animals. All Kind’s goals are to reduce overpopulation and increase adoption.
Cancer Services Network
Directors Foundation supported this organization, which aided families with emotional and spiritual support as well as financial assistance for cancer-related costs, such as medical supplies and equipment and transportation to and from treatments.
Global Samaritan
Global Samaritan provides Christian humanitarian aid to people in crisis locally and worldwide. Directors Foundation dollars helped build a local resource room that benefits other charities.
Pregnancy Resources of Abilene (PRA)
PRA served over 1,800 clients through pregnancy tests, ultrasound services, educational classes, professional counseling, and adoption support. And over 50 babies lived because their mothers chose life for them! What a great investment Directors Foundation makes in this charity!
Love and Care Ministries
Directors Foundation helped fund the operational costs of this charity that serves the homeless and working poor in Abilene, Merkel, Clyde, and Anson. Also, 59,000 CarePacks were assembled and shared with students who need weekend food for nourishment.
Healing Hearts Connection
This organization in Minnesota serves children, youth, young adults from ages 18-24, and adult family members who are grieving the loss of their loved ones. Directors Foundation’s funding supported two grief camps.
Hendrick Hospice Care
Over 60 uninsured and underinsured patients and families received financial support for end-of-life care during their stay. Directors Foundation’s money also supported their children’s grief programs called Camp Courage and Club Courage.
“A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
John 13:34
AGENCIES AND PROGRAMS
Camp Able of Buffalo Gap
Camp Courage/Club Courage
Cancer Services Network
Community Foundation of Abilene
Court Appointed Special Advocates
Fellowship of Christian Athletes
Global Samaritan
Habitat for Humanity
Hardin-Simmons University
Healing Hearts Connection
Hendrick Home for Children
Hendrick Hospice Care
India Christian Missions
Kentucky Race Track Chaplaincy
Kids Club at the Park
Love and Care Ministries
Messianic Jewish Missions
Middle East Christian Ministries
Pregnancy Resources of Abilene
Serenity Foundation
Steps Big Country
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Treehouse Safe Exchange and Training Center
Various Mission Projects
Vital Seed Ministries
Wylie Bulldogs Education Foundation
Is Service Oriented:
• Sponsors, organizes, and works mission trips
• Highlights partner non-profit organizations on its website
• Extends money for projects helping people in need
Values Partnerships:
We continue to reach out to partner organizations to build a close relationship with their staff. Understanding the vision and heart of the people involved helps us make future funding decisions.
Helps Others Realize the Impact It’s Making Through:
• The Giving Tree campaign, which raises additional awareness of the charities and causes Directors Foundation supports
• Memorial Gifting opportunities
We invite you to join us by giving a meaningful gift in memory of a loved one, in honor of a role model or mentor, and in the spirit of helping those in need. Checks and cash accepted.
ATTN: Nadene Smith Directors Foundation
6550 Directors Parkway
Abilene, TX 79606
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
2 Corinthians 9:7
“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.”
Proverbs 3:27
