6 minute read
LEND A HELPING HAND
by Deonna Osborn
Wylie is rich in many ways, from education to business to its sense of community. Volunteerism is an active, yet often understated value Wylie residents hold dear. Our community is home to a plethora of non-profits in which volunteers participate throughout the year.
By definition, a not-for-profit organization donates money received to help fund its objectives and goals. It might also use donations to run dayto-day activities but never to turn an actual profit, as with a traditional business.
Wylie’s extensive patchwork of such entities fosters civic engagement, promotes education, encourages health of both people and animals, and works to inspire, protect, and enlighten the lives of residents regardless of their socioeconomic status.
None of these could function without a significant volunteer base, oftentimes not immediately visible to those who benefit from the organization. For example, local wildlife rescue and educational center In-Sync Exotics, globally recognized home to over 69 animals rescued from private owners, breeders, the entertainment industry, and other sources, relies on the support of volunteers. According to Lon Ricker, liaison to many local nonprofits, the center is supported by over 100 trained volunteers who, due to the sensitive nature of the cats and safety measures, commit many training hours to the facility, the animals, and the public. In addition, In-Sync utilizes many project volunteers who assist in other areas that do not involve direct contact with the animals.
When patrons purchase the lovely jewelry for sale in Hope’s Gate, the downtown Wylie storefront, they may not know the behind-the-scenes work done by this outstanding group. Director Kendra Medina said that the jewelry is created by orphans and women in danger of becoming victims of sex trafficking in areas of India, Uganda, Thailand and certain areas of the Middle East. These women learn valuable skills and are employed by this all-volunteer organization, run by fewer than 10 volunteers. It has also provided 26 full scholarships since 2016.
Lori Villareal, Wylie ISD Education Foundation’s director, explained the mission of this longtime Wylie organization. “The Foundation works to enhance education by inspiring volunteer leadership and community giving to fund Grants for Teachers and Scholarships for Seniors.” Many neighbors, friends, and teachers of our own students have benefited from the work of the Education Foundation. This organization works yearround, hand in hand with the district and community, to improve the educational experience for all in Wylie ISD.
Karen Ellis, director of Amazing Grace Food Pantry in Wylie, said, “Amazing Grace Food Pantry is exclusively a volunteer organization, committed to providing nutritious food to our community struggling to make ends meet. Food insecurity can strike anyone at any time.”
Those who have been assisted by the pantry have said that it helps them meet essential needs with dignity and without judgment and that staff tailors family boxes to meet special dietary needs in a clean, organized, and safe environment. The food pantry serves over 2,000 families each year; Karen noted there has been a sharp increase in food insecurity over the last couple of years as COVID has created unexpected hardship for many families.
Wylie Acting Group is another prominent non-profit in our community, bringing acting opportunities to the youth and families of Wylie without charging tuition. The entity encourages young leaders and fosters confidence in many youngsters. Board of directors member Tiffany Harrod said, “Every show is an amazing evolution of building a new family group and deep friendships that last for years.” WAG began in 2010 as a children’s theater and debuted its first adult show in 2015, currently producing seven to eight productions each year. Despite COVID restrictions in 2020, Wylie Acting Group found unique ways for students and adults to express their creativity through acting and producing quality shows.
His Gracious Hands is a unique service-based organization within the city. Founder Tony Jacinto said the organization “dedicates its time and resources to veterans, families in trouble, first responders, and anyone who really needs a hand.” This entity has even developed partnerships with other local non-profits, such as Five Loaves Food Pantry and Jonathan’s House, in order to increase its service area and maintain its commitment to a true sense of community. Recently, the group restored a hot water heater to a community member who had been without hot water since February. Providing practical, yet necessary, daily functions is a goal of this organization, which brings comforts often taken for granted by the average resident.
At Texas Therapeutic Riding Center, individuals with diverse needs experience the healing power of the horse through equine-assisted activities and therapies, facilitated by a professional and passionate community. Equine therapy is offered for children and adults, including those with special needs, veterans, and their families. The organization was formed in 2018, and the horses serve over 60 clients each week.
Wylie Community Christian Care Center was founded in the 1970s by Wylie-area churches and provides food, clothing, and financial assistance; last year, over $100,000 was paid out to assist families with rent and utilities. The center is known for working with elementary school counselors and various community entities to provide essentials to residents in need, according to Mary Warkentine, co-director. The center hosts a couple of fundraisers each year, with the Taste of Wylie being an annual community favorite.
Many organizations in Wylie are supported by “friends of” groups. For example, Smith Public Library Director Ofilia Barrera said the library is supported by the Friends of the Rita & Truett Smith Public Library group, a non-policy-making non-profit organization that operates exclusively to support the library. The Friends benefit the library in many ways, from fundraising to helping provide instructors for computer classes or furniture for the Teen Room. They also give back to the community by funding enrichment programs for the public.
Wylie is fortunate to have too many non-profits to name. From large to small, each does its part to augment the lives of various sectors of the community. Each fills a need others may never see or hear about unless it touches their own lives. We are truly blessed by the efforts of those keeping these organizations alive and well through their donations of time and funds. A few other unique non-profits in the Wylie area include 1Lt. Robert F. Welch III Charity, Wylie Historical Society, The Coventry Reserve, numerous PTAs, the Wylie Rotary Club, Wylie Lions Club, The American Legion / Hale-Combest Post 315 and Auxiliary, and East Fork Masonic Lodge. A complete list of non-profit organizations belonging to the Wylie Chamber of Commerce can be found at: business.wyliechamber.org/list/ql/ non-profit-organizations-40
One thing is for sure: volunteerism is alive and well in Wylie. Maya Angelou once said, “I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.” Those giving back to the community find that, not only are the lives of those benefitting from their volunteerism enhanced, but their own lives are improved in unimaginable ways as well.
Take the time to read the mission statements of these entities and find one that fits your interests and philosophy. One person can truly change the community and maybe even the world. The Wylie community has long embraced the philosophy of volunteerism, one of the many things that makes Wylie a special place to live and work. •
