PHPC Community Impact

We are
Called to Serve

At PHPC, we believe God invites us to embody our faith. As Christians, we are called to live as Jesus lived – loving our neighbors, standing with the oppressed, enacting mercy, working for justice,caring for Creation, and sowing seeds of compassion.

Our Approach to Community Impact

Education: Nurturing hearts and minds through information sessions, classes, and trips. These experiences broaden perspectives, deepen compassion, and enable serving with sensitivity and inclusivity.

Service: Actively contributing to the betterment of our community through hands-on involvement. Volunteering is woven into our culture, and dedicated volunteers work tirelessly to make a meaningful impact.

Advocacy: Firmly committing to justice and equality. Whenever encountering injustice, our collective voice is used to support causes that uplift and benefit our community, promoting a harmonious and inclusive society.

Financial Support: Addressing pressing needs. Community Impact grants, cause-based donations, and in-kind contributions, making a lasting impact on community-driven projects.

Partnership: Collaboration is at the heart of our approach. By partnering with our community, we combine resources, expertise, and compassion to achieve meaningful, sustainable change.
History of Community Impact at PHPC

Goals

In 2019, at the recommendation of the session and the approval of the congregation, together we affirmed our commitment to ensuring that “PHPC reflects the love of Jesus Christ in Dallas and beyond.” This goal was created through a process of congregational discernment where the work of alleviating and eliminating poverty was overwhelmingly identified as a priority.

We aim to reach this goal by:

• PHPC is a catalyst for hope and justice for those living on the margins.

• PHPC is a strategic partner in breaking the cycle of poverty in Dallas

• PHPC ensures the voices of those long silenced are named, heard, and valued

• PHPC's investment in Dallas is a priority and includes expertise, time, and money

• PHPC members and families grow in faith through supporting the dignity of their mission partners

Areas of Impact and Engagement

As we strive not only to alleviate but also eliminate poverty in Dallas and beyond, we recognize that poverty is complex and multi-dimensional. Our volunteers and dollars allow PHPC to love our neighbors by ensuring that individual basic needs are met, children are nurtured, families are supported, and whole communities are strengthened.

PHPC’s Community Impact ministry involves five impact areas:  

  1. Housing & Income
  2. Education
  3. Hunger & Health
  4. Social & Community Life
  5. Immediate Needs

Each Impact Area is comprised of external community partners and projects developed within the PHPC community.

Poverty and the Margins

Whether it was to touch the wounds of the lepers or offer living water to the Samaritan woman at the well, Jesus frequently traveled to places and people outside of the centers of economic, political, social, and even religious power.

At the beginning of his ministry, Jesus announces:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind,

to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18-19).

As people called and sent by God, empowered by the Spirit, we seek to continue Jesus’ ministry with and for individuals and communities whose fullness of life and inclusion has yet to be realized. We often use terms like “the margins,” “the oppressed,” and “the poor” to name the reality of inequality and inequities in our world.

Our mission is to join God and these communities in proclaiming and upholding the dignity and humanity of all God’s people through the transformation of our own lives and communities to be more reflective of God’s shalom.

Community Impact Funding

Every Dollar Counts

The Gospel of Luke tells us a story of Jesus witnessing a poor widow giving two small copper coins into the temple treasury. Moved by this small gesture, Jesus exclaims to those who are listening that “she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on” (Lk. 21:4).

The widow’s offering of two small coins was an extraordinary act of faith. This story reminds us that we were created to be generous. Regardless of our own financial circumstances, we always have something of ourselves to offer God and to one another.

Our Every Dollar Counts (EDC) Offering designates the single dollar bills and coins that are given to PHPC throughout each month to a selected community partner whose mission makes a tangible impact in the lives of those they serve.

Grants

Community Impact Committee grants are by invitation only. Organizations interested in applying for funding are welcome to submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) to grants@phpc.org.


The committee prioritizes invitations to organizations whose work aligns with funding priorities, commitments, and Impact Areas, specifically organizations whose primary mission serves marginalized and underserved communities with an ultimate goal of eliminating poverty, reducing barriers, and building inclusion.

Mission and Outreach

At Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, we believe God invites us to embody our faith. As Christians, we are called to live as Jesus lived – loving our neighbors, standing with the oppressed, enacting mercy, working for justice, caring for Creation, and sowing seeds of compassion

Goals

In 2019, at the recommendation of the session and the approval of the congregation, together we affirmed our commitment to ensuring that “PHPC reflects the love of Jesus Christ in Dallas and beyond.” This goal was created through a process of congregational discernment where the work of alleviating and eliminating poverty was overwhelmingly identified as a priority.

We aim to reach this goal by:

• PHPC is a catalyst for hope and justice for those living on the margins.

• Leading efforts in breaking the cycle of poverty in Dallas, and

• Ensuring the voices of those long silenced are named, heard, and valued.










Impact Areas

As we strive to not only alleviate but also eliminate poverty in Dallas and beyond, we recognize how poverty is complex and multi-dimensional. Each of our mission teams, mission partners, and mission initiatives allow PHPC to love our neighbors through ensuring individual basic needs are met, children are nurtured, families are supported, and whole communities are strengthened.

PHPC’s Mission & Outreach ministry involves 5 impact areas:  

  1. Housing & Income
  2. Education
  3. Hunger & Health
  4. Social & Community Life
  5. Immediate Needs

Each Impact Area is comprised of external outreach partners and projects developed within the PHPC community.

Poverty and the Margins

Whether it was to touch the wounds of the lepers or offer living water to the Samaritan woman at the well, Jesus frequently traveled to places and people outside of the centers of economic, political, social, and even religious power.

At the beginning of his ministry, Jesus announces:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind,

to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18-19).

As people called and sent by God, empowered by the Spirit, we seek to continue Jesus’ ministry with and for individuals and communities whose fullness of life and inclusion has yet to be realized. We often use terms like “the margins,” “the oppressed,” and “the poor” to name the reality of inequality and inequities in our world.

Our mission is to join God and these communities in proclaiming and upholding the dignity and humanity of all God’s people through the transformation of our own lives and communities to be more reflective of God’s shalom.

Get Involved

PHPC
in the Community

We work in partnership with diverse ministries and organizations to support programs and services catering to our city's most vulnerable members. Through volunteer efforts, we extend the reach of our church beyond its walls.

McShan and MLK Jr Art Academy - School Support Teams

PHPC partners with two Dallas ISD elementary schools - Lee A. McShan in Vickery Meadow and MLK Jr. Arts Academy in South Dallas. Our volunteers serve as English tutors, provide enrichment, support classrooms, lead STEAM programs, and assist teachers and parents.

Group Service Projects

Throughout the year, we organize service projects open to all ages and stages in our community and on campus. Notably, PHPC Serves Week is a collective commitment to engage in city-wide service during one week in the fall and one week in the spring. Additionally, on fifth Sundays, we invite everyone of any age to come together between our two worship services for service activities called Service Between Services.

Advocacy Impact Team

A newer initiative at our church. This Impact team empowers church members to use our collective voice is to give a voice to the voiceless and support causes that uplift and benefit our community. Through educational programs, we clarify critical issues and provide tools to engage decision-makers at all levels, fostering positive change through informed and active citizenship while always respecting individual autonomy.
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Epiphany Ministry

Our Epiphany Ministry offers enrichment-based programs for adults with disabilities, incorporating their unique gifts and talents in worship, life skills, art, and community service. The ministry gathers on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Youth House, and special events take place throughout the year.
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Poverty and the Margins

Whether it was to touch the wounds of the lepers or offer living water to the Samaritan woman at the well, Jesus frequently traveled to places and people outside of the centers of economic, political, social, and even religious power.

At the beginning of his ministry, Jesus announces:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind,

to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18-19).

As people called and sent by God, empowered by the Spirit, we seek to continue Jesus’ ministry with and for individuals and communities whose fullness of life and inclusion has yet to be realized. We often use terms like “the margins,” “the oppressed,” and “the poor” to name the reality of inequality and inequities in our world.

Our mission is to join God and these communities in proclaiming and upholding the dignity and humanity of all God’s people through the transformation of our own lives and communities to be more reflective of God’s shalom.

PHPC
Around the World

With the support of the World Mission Office of the Presbyterian Mission Agency, PHPC actively participates in global missions that emphasize building relationships with God's people. Additionally, we offer service learning trips in coordination with our international partners.

Malawi and Nicaragua Impact Teams

These Impact Teams meet regularly to pray for our partners and invest in international relationships. We strive to support the goals of our sister churches and organizations in areas such as community development, sustainable agriculture, women's empowerment, early childhood and special needs education, and medical care, among others.

Impact Areas and Partners

Advocates for Community Transformation (Act)

Act is a new model of ministry that uses the justice system to empower Dallas residents to reduce crime in their neighborhoods, while sharing with them the hope of the gospel. Since Act was founded, over 100 crime-ridden properties in five target neighborhoods across Dallas have been closed. Volunteer lawyers are needed to represent concerned residents.

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Austin Street Center

For over 30 years, Austin Street Center has specialized in caring for the most vulnerable homeless men and women in Dallas. Beyond meeting basic needs, Austin Street is committed to individualized care for each person who comes to us for help. As the largest, low barrier, single location homeless shelter in Dallas, Austin Street Center serves about 400 of the most vulnerable homeless population nightly: women, ages 18 and older, and men, ages 45 and older.

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CitySquare

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Forest Forward

Forest Forward is a grassroots nonprofit with a mission to work with the community to drive neighborhood revitalization that accelerates the advancement of Black and marginalized people. Incubated at CitySquare, Forest Forward envisions a future in which South Dallas is a just, healthy and thriving community that builds opportunity, exemplifies equity, and prioritizes creativity among its residents.

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Housing Forward

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Joy Empowerment Center of Abundant Life AME Church

Joy Empowerment Center’s mission is to engage in social dialogue and reformative community action, to actively seek partnerships that aid in urban recovery, and to serve as an omnibus organization mapping out the needs of a changing urban landscape and developing specific policies and programs to meet those needs in a holistic way.

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Nicaragua Mission Team

In 2007, PHPC initiated a relationship with CEPAD (Nicaragua’s Council of Protestant Churches) to expand PHPC’s options for engagement in international mission in a location closer to Dallas. Through CEPAD, PHPC supports programs benefitting rural Nicaraguans with training, resources and leadership programs that empower local leadership councils to identify community needs, develop solutions, and advocate on behalf of their communities. Trainings include improved agricultural techniques and business / job skills, as well as youth programs and women’s empowerment. CEPAD works with 40-50 communities in a region over a 5-year period, then moves on, leaving behind increased food security and health, greater economic stability, stronger families and sustainable, locally-led programs to continue community progress.

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Presbyterian Children’s Homes & Services

Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services has been helping families in need since 1903. They offer a continuum of care and programs aimed at fostering healthy relationships and brighter futures for at-risk families, children in foster care, adoptive families, and children aging out of care and more. PCHAS welcomes anyone considering fostering or adoption, as well as volunteers to support the children and families entrusted into their care.

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The Stewpot of First Presbyterian Church, Dallas

The Stewpot offers individuals experiencing homeless and at-risk of homelessness a safe haven, resources for basic needs, and opportunities to start a new life. In addition to casework assistance and enrichment programs to those who are experiencing homelessness, the Stewpot’s Children & Youth and Family Stabilization programs are aimed at-risk children and their families. Volunteers provide administrative support, serve meals at the Second Chance Café of the Bridge, assist with the clothing closet, and offer mentoring and tutoring.

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Austin Theological Seminary

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Literacy Achieves

Literacy Achieves equips non-English speaking adults and their young children with English literacy and life skills to promote self-sufficiency and overall well-being. All classes are volunteer taught, with classes offered morning, afternoon, and evenings in the fall, spring and/or summer sessions. Literacy Achieves offers three locations across Dallas: East Dallas, Vickery Meadow, and West Dallas.

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Malawi Mission Team

Over the past two decades, PHPC has nurtured a relationship with outreach partners in Malawi who serve the region's most impoverished, rural populations. Through PHPC mission trips and exchanges, we have earned a reputation for being a reliable, responsive and engaged congregation willing to support Malawian not-for profit organizations and institutions who are bringing health care, food security, education (pre-k through university) orphan care, fresh water and sanitation to Malawi's most vulnerable citizens of all ages.

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Martin Luther King Jr. Arts Academy

Located in Sunny South Dallas, MKL Arts Academy is a Pre K – 6th grade, grade level added each year through 8th is a Dallas ISD Transformation school where students are able to be a part of a nationally recognized fine arts program consisting of dance, art, photography, theater and music. Volunteers can adopt a classroom, serve as a STEAM program leader, or provide teacher and parent support.

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McShan Elementary School

This Dallas ISD school serves a student population where 80% of students are English language learners and 33 languages are spoken. Volunteers serve as tutors, chaperones for field trips, and provide enrichment and creative opportunities. During the Summer, a district-wide three-week program is offered to help decrease the “Summer slide” and help students maintain their academic progress.

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Presbyterian Pan American School

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Preston Hollow Presbyterian School

For over half a century, Preston Hollow Presbyterian School has been dedicated to educating children of average to superior intelligence with mild to moderate learning differences. The types of learning differences served by our school include reading disorder (dyslexia), auditory processing disorder, oral language disorder, written language disorder, and mathematical disability.

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Vickery Meadow Summer Reading Academy & McShan Reading Homeroom

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Vickery Meadow Youth Development Foundation

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Bonton Farms

What started out as a garden in a small lot has grown into two fully functioning farms and the Bonton Market. Bonton Farms grow organic food and hope for a better tomorrow, right in the Bonton community and on a separate 40-acre farm south of Dallas. Determined to grow the best-tasting, healthiest produce in the city while inspiring hope in everyone around, Bonton’s mission is to restore lives, create jobs and ignite hope in a once forgotten and neglected neighborhood with some of the most marginalized people.

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Cornerstone Baptist Church

The Cornerstone Community Development, Inc. exists to serve the South Dallas and Fair Park community by addressing social needs with the goal of helping individuals break out of the cycle of poverty and become contributing members of the community. Over their 75 year history Cornerstone Baptist Church has launched more than14 ministries including Cornerstone Community Kitchen, Clothing Closet and Shower Facility, Southpoint Community Market, transitional housing, a Christian School, Entrepreneur Training Programs, and a community laundromat.

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Feed My Starving Children

Founded in 1987, Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) is a Christian non-profit that provides nutritionally complete meals specifically formulated for malnourished children. Volunteers hand-pack the meals. Meals are donated to FMSC food partners around the world, where kids are fed and lives are saved!

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HHM Health (Formally Healing Hands Ministries)

Believing all patients are God’s children, Healing Hands Ministries strives to provide compassionate, accessible, quality care to all of its neighbors. HHM is a full-service medical, dental, and behavioral clinic that offers hope for the spirit and health for the body. Accessible healthcare for the uninsured, underinsured, and privately insured are possible through their comprehensive family practice, OB/GYN, pediatric services, and community resources.

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Kids Against Hunger Tarrant County

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New Bethlehem Center

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TR Hoover CDC

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VNA Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels provides hot, nutritious, freshly prepared meals five days a week to Dallas County residents whose illness, advanced age or disability serve as a challenge to preparing quality meals. Volunteers provide meal transportation and delivery, and serve as the eyes and ears for VNA in assuring the wellbeing of clients.

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WE Over ME Farm at Paul Quinn College

The former football field turned urban, organic farm seeks to transform the health and well-being of under-resourced communities in southern Dallas by providing fresh, healthy, affordable food options and by educating and empowering future generations to take better care of themselves, their environments, and their communities. Located in a federally-recognized food desert, the Farm has produced and provided more than 30,000 pounds of organic produce since its inception in March 2010.

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Advocacy Ministry Team

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Dallas Dialogue Institute

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Epiphany Ministry

Started in 2010, PHPC’s Epiphany Ministry provides enrichment-based respite care programs for adults living with special needs that incorporate their unique gifts and talents in worship, life skills, art, and community service.

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Presbyterian Mission Agency

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Project Unity

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Refugee & Immigrant Ministry Team

The PHPC Refugee & Immigrant Ministry Team welcomes and supports refugee and immigrant families through offering material goods, transportation, and assistance in navigating systems and services (school, doctors, employment, etc.) and cultures and customs. This team seeks to build upon PHPC’s long history of welcoming and supporting refugees and immigrants and to explore how God continues to call us to love and serve our neighbors.

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UKIRK at SMU

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Viola's House

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Hope Supply Co.

Hope Supply Co. seeks to meet the critical needs of homeless and at-risk children across North Texas by providing necessities including diapers, clothing, school supplies, toys, and programs to enhance their lives. In partnership with 85+ organizations, including homeless shelters, transitional living centers, school districts, and state agencies. These essential items are given directly to families and children who need them the most. Donations and volunteers are always welcomed.

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Network of Community Ministries

A community-based organization, Network’s mission is to care, coach, and empower neighbors in need as they seek an improved quality of life. Network has expanded its services and financial assistance to anyone impacted by the 2019 Tornadoes, regardless of zip code or income level. Donated household items are accepted donations for those rebuilding and restoring their lives after the storm.

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North Dallas Shared Ministries

NDSM is a cooperative effort of 52 congregations whose combined resources offers assistance to individuals and families through emergency assistance (food pantry, financial aid, clothing), no-cost medical and dental clinics, and financial independence programs. Almost entirely volunteer-run, NDSM relies on committed volunteers to deliver services to over 60,000 individuals each year.

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Presbyterian Disaster Assistance

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The Outreach Foundation

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Connect Your
Faith to Action  

Get Involved with Community Impact

We would love to explore how your presence and gifts can be shared here at the church or with the community where we live.  
Join Us In Making a Difference

Poverty and the Margins

Whether it was to touch the wounds of the lepers or offer living water to the Samaritan woman at the well, Jesus frequently traveled to places and people outside of the centers of economic, political, social, and even religious power.

At the beginning of his ministry, Jesus announces:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind,

to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18-19).

As people called and sent by God, empowered by the Spirit, we seek to continue Jesus’ ministry with and for individuals and communities whose fullness of life and inclusion has yet to be realized. We often use terms like “the margins,” “the oppressed,” and “the poor” to name the reality of inequality and inequities in our world.

Our mission is to join God and these communities in proclaiming and upholding the dignity and humanity of all God’s people through the transformation of our own lives and communities to be more reflective of God’s shalom.

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