On Valentine’s Day, local Boy Scout Troops from across the DFW Metroplex were “showing love” to their neighbors in need by collecting, sorting and stocking food to benefits the clients of NETWORK of Community Ministries.

Since 2011, the Boy Scouts have conducted an annual Food Drive on NETWORK’s behalf and this year’s drive was yet another success.  Our local Boy Scouts collected over 18,100 lbs. of canned goods- this amount is equal to almost  two weeks’ worth of food assistance given to families at NETWORK- where we provide 10,000lbs of food to families in need each week.

The annual Boy Scouts Food Drive is always scheduled for the month of February.  February is one of our lowest months for donations, as it falls right after the holiday season. 

Without the support of these young men, many families would go without food.  The Boy Scouts offer all us an image in real time of servant leadership.  We are so proud of our Boy Scouts and their commitment to helping their neighbors in need.

The NETWORK of Community Ministries, founded in 1985, is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to caring, coaching and empowering neighbors in need as they seek an improved quality of life.  91% of all donations to NETWORK go directly to program services through the Adolescent and Children’s Clinic, Emergency Services, and Seniors’ Net.  NETWORK is located at 741 S. Sherman, Richardson, TX 75081.  

For more information, please visit www.thenetwork.org. 

Monday, April 13, 2015

11^th Annual National Touring Film Festival Coming to Richardson, TX

LUNAFEST®: Short Films By, For, About Women®

LUNAFEST®, the fundraising film festival dedicated to promoting awareness about women's issues, highlighting women filmmakers, and bringing women together in their communities, will be hosted by NETWORK, Inc. & Women In NETWORK Auxiliary at Alamo Drafthouse in Richardson on Monday, April 13 from 5-7pm.    

This unique film festival highlights women as leaders in society, illustrated through nine short films by women filmmakers. The films range from animation to fictional drama, and cover topics such as women’s health, motherhood, body image, aging, cultural diversity and breaking barriers.

All proceeds from LUNAFEST will benefit the Breast Cancer Fund and NETWORK of Community Ministries, Inc. Thus far, LUNAFEST, which is created and funded by LUNA®, The Whole Nutrition Bar for Women®, raised over $456,000 for Breast Cancer Fund and over $785,000 for other women’s non-profit organizations.

WHEN:                      Monday, April 13, 2015

5 to 7pm Showing of LUNAFEST Films

WHERE:                   Alamo Drafthouse

100 S. Central Expwy, Richardson, TX 75081

TICKETS:                  $50 per ticket*

*ticket includes film, heavy appetizers, and non-alcoholic beverages. $5 cash bar will be on-site.

Available to purchase at www.thenetwork.org

CONTACTS:             Anna Adams, Development Director

NETWORK of Community Ministries, Inc.

aadams@thenetwork.org

972-234-8880 ext 127

Sabrina Chin

PR Associate, LUNA

schin@clifbar.com

(510) 596-6400
Online Media Room: http://www.lunafest.org/mediaroom

John describes himself and his wife as “ordinary folks trying to make a difference”. The Bayer’s have been donating to NETWORK regularly for the last few years. Having always had a heart to serve, when the Bayer’s learned about NETWORK and the services that we provide to Richardson families in need, the Bayer’s added NETWORK to their list of charities to support. A few times a year, the Bayer's buy clothing, books and personal care items in bulk to bless NETWORK. This month, they donated two full racks on new (with tags) children’s clothing, as well as, personal care items, and canned goods.  Allison stated “I know how excited I am when I get a new item of clothing.  I want families to feel that same excitement.  I know that the families appreciate all the donations they are able to receive.  And we’ve donated gently used items too.  But, everyone deserves something new sometimes.  We hope it brings them joy.”

NETWORK is grateful for all our donors like the Bayer's, who have adopted NETWORK as their charity of choice to help our neighbors in need during their time of crisis.

NETWORK is based in Richardson , Texas and has a service area encompassing fourteen zip codes in Dallas County. NETWORK is a basic needs charity with three divisions: Emergency Services, providing food, shelter, clothing and utility services to children, adults, and seniors; the Adolescent and Children's Clinic, meeting the acute care and dental needs of uninsured children; and Seniors' Net, dedicated to providing those 60+ with the right resources to live independently in their own homes. 

For more information about NETWORK of Community Ministries, Inc. please visit our website at www.thenetwork.org.   

The Thursday before Thanksgiving, NETWORK’s lobby  was filled to capacity as people waited patiently to hear their named called for an interview. Ms. Penny, part of NETWORK’s Grandfamilies Program, was no exception. She was eager for her appointment with Sheila.  

At the age of 44, Ms. Penny has found herself raising five of her  grandchildren. The children range in age from 1 to 16 yrs old. Each child has some kind of learning difference, as they were each born addicted to cocaine or heroin.

She refuses to give up on her grandchildren.

Sheila, a veteran volunteer at NETWORK, met with Ms. Penny that day. Sheila listened and encouraged Ms. Penny. Most of

all, Sheila helped her.

Amidst the all the challenges in Ms. Penny’s life, when asked what NETWORK means to her, she said “This place is filled with angels, and while they may not be able to completely change

my life situation, they are always here to encourage and listen. This place truly brings you a sense of peace and you walk out feeling hopeful again.”

No grandmother should have to wonder how she is going to feed her grandbabies. NETWORK continues to offer hope to all who enter.  

Interested in getting plugged in at NETWORK? Visit www.thenetwork.org for more information of giving your time, talent, & treasures. 

Children are often surprised to learn that there may be kids in their school whose families can’t afford toys for Christmas.  Students at White Rock Elementary learned that even at their tender age, they can make a difference in the lives of others by participating in the NETWORK of Community Ministries’ annual Kids Helping Kids program.  Kids Helping Kids offers the opportunity to plant the seeds of compassion and service in our next generation.  Kids Helping Kids provides community service opportunities to elementary age children through student led toy drives that benefit Richardson ISD children in need.  Under the leadership of Brittany Code, White Rock Elementary School Counselor, the students hosted a toy drive for three weeks and with the help of their parents, delivered the toys to NETWORK’s Toyland Express Warehouse.  As Ms .Code so eloquently shared, “I think giving is such an important lesson for our students to learn early on”. 

We are proud of the students at White Rock Elementary for having such giving hearts and spreading holiday joy to our neighbors who need it most.  

NETWORK of Community Ministries, Inc., (NETWORK), founded in 1985, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization supported by businesses, individuals, and a coalition of religious, civic and social organizations. NETWORK officially opened its doors on February 3, 1986. It provides health and emergency services to children, low-income families, and senior citizens in need within RISD. The mission is “caring, coaching, and empowering our neighbors in need as they seek an improved quality of life.” The organization has three divisions: Emergency Services, the Adolescent and Children’s Clinic, and The Seniors’ Net. In addition to the service to families, NETWORK also strives to educate the local community on issues that affect those in need. NETWORK has a small paid staff and hundreds of volunteers who actualize its mission and vision to promote self-sufficiency for low income families.

For more information about how to give, or volunteer at NETWORK, please visit www.thenetwork.org.