Plano nonprofit gives injured, orphaned animals a second chance By Sonia Duggan A rotating cast of injured or orphaned wildlife — from baby opossums and raccoons to skunks, armadillos, rabbits, squirrels, birds and turtles — are given second chances every day because someone cared enough to …
This month, the city of Farmersville will commemorate two historic milestones during its annual Audie Murphy Day celebration, set for June 20–21: the 100th birthday of Audie Murphy and the 80th anniversary of his heroic homecoming. In the summer of 1942, at just 17 years …
Undaunted Warhorse Initiative Empowers Veterans with Housing, Hope By Sonia Duggan Bradley Tiegs spent years serving others—as a Marine, a teacher, and a coach—but it wasn’t until 2019, nearly two decades after his military service, that he learned asking for help could lead to a …
Poiema Foundation’s Fight Against Human Trafficking By Sonia Duggan Human trafficking thrives in the shadows, preying on society’s most vulnerable. The statistics are staggering—Texas ranks second in reported trafficking cases, with an estimated 79,000 minors victimized by sex trafficking. Amid these grim realities, Poiema Foundation …
Habitat for Humanity of Collin County powers forward with renewed vision By Sonia Duggan Last year, seven Collin County families celebrated the holidays as new homeowners thanks to a program that has been putting “God’s love into action by building homes and communities” since 1992. …
Gold Star Stables and Sanctuary By Sonia Duggan Tucked away on 70 serene acres in Farmersville, Gold Star Stables and Sanctuary has been a refuge for horses in need since its establishment in April 2014. Founded by Mollie Hines, the sanctuary currently cares for 55 …
Equine therapy program to aid incarcerated non-violent veterans By Sonia Duggan Thanks to the efforts of two Collin County leaders, military veterans in the justice system now have a powerful new resource for healing and rehabilitation. Determined to leave ‘no man behind,’ Sheriff Jim Skinner …
Collin County Veteran Services By Sonia Duggan Navigating and filing paperwork for benefits available to veterans, their spouses and children can be a complex experience that can potentially overwhelm many individuals. In Plano, the small staff at Collin County Veteran Services (CCVS) work to make …
Nonprofit group advocates for legislative change, education By Sonia Duggan Eight years ago, Shannon Dion’s world was turned upside down. Her mother, once vibrant and full of life, was found lifeless in her apartment at a senior living facility, robbed of jewelry and cash, leaving …
B.I.G. Feed fights food insecurity in Wylie ISD By Sonia Duggan Driven by the urgent need to address students’ weekend hunger, the B.I.G. Feed initiative at Wylie United Methodist Church has been quietly making a significant impact on the lives of children in Wylie Independent …