NETWORK of Community Ministries

Network of Community Ministries is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a service area encompassing the 14 zip codes in Dallas County that make up RISD (including the city of Richardson along with parts of the cities of Dallas and Garland). Founded in 1985, Network's services consist of both basic needs assistance and longer-term stabilization support, which align with its mission to care, coach, and empower our neighbors in need as they seek an improved quality of life. From July 2023 to June 2024, Network served 13,979 unique individuals, provided 276,569 units of service, and distributed more than 3.6 million pounds of food.

As our community has worked to rebuild from the 2019 tornadoes, economic hardships resulting from COVID-19, the impact of Winter Storm Uri, and the damaging storms that rolled through north Texas in late May, the need for Network's services has continued to grow. Since moving into our new home in September of 2021, Network has been able to roll out a wide array of services to help our community in need, including:

• A weekly Senior Day, where attendees over the age of 60 receive a warm meal, education, exercise, entertainment, and more. There were three seniors at the first meeting in 2024. In June of 2024, we averaged 75 attendees each week.
• Bimonthly Fresh Produce Fridays, where Network Neighbors can receive fresh produce at no cost. This program helps mitigate the high cost of healthy food and ensures that our neighbors have access to nutritious fruits and veggies. Each month, nearly 250 individuals receive fresh produce through this program.
• Quarterly Community Events to ensure that neighbors can be a part of our larger community. These events invite neighbors, partners, and community members to celebrate the season. Whether it's Summer Kick-Off, Fall Festival, Breakfast with Santa, or Spring Fling, we want to ensure that our neighbors get to attend social events.
• Mental Health Services to meet the growing needs in our community. Since June of 2023, Network has hired four mental health professionals, including two Licensed Master Social Workers to serve as Counselors, and a Qualified Mental Health Professional to serve as a Clinical Case Manager. From June of 2023 to July of 2024, over 300 neighbors received mental health services.
• Annual Career Fairs to help neighbors connect with local organizations seeking employees. Since 2021, we've hosted five career fairs, and have connected hundreds of neighbors with local job opportunities.

Additionally, this new building houses the RISD Student Services Department, an acute care clinic provided by Methodist Medical Group for our neighbors and RISD teachers, a community rental space, and a space for monthly psychiatrist appointments for neighbors receiving mental health services. 

Following the 2019 tornadoes, economic hardships from COVID-19, Winter Storm Uri, and the recent damaging storms that affected Richardson, Network has served as the community's Disaster Recovery Center. Network is more than a source of food and clothing; we're a place for our community to come together and support each other in their time of need.

Our Needs

The challenges of the past year have also shown Network what must change to continue meeting the needs of our neighbors. Network is continuing to work to provide services that meet the needs of the community in the face of economic hardship. Our greatest needs to help us be successful i are cash donations, food donations, and volunteers. Keeping our Community Food Market well-stocked with items and volunteers is our top priority right now to ensure no family goes hungry.

On an ongoing basis, the needs for Network include but are not limited to: food, clothing, and financial donations for the provision of programs. Food will be directed towards our growing food pantry, especially as we continue to extend our outreach through Network's Mobile Food Pantry program this year. Financial contributions will be used for the provisions of our Emergency Services Program (utilities, as-needed rental assistance, and temporary housing), long-term stabilization and coaching programming which includes adult education programs, life skills training, and career coaching and seasonal youth programming including Toyland Express, Big Meals for Little Kids Summer Meals, and Tools for School Backpack program.