COMMUNITY

TJC Student

I enjoy reading, spending time with my dogs, and learning new things. I’m also greatly interested in art. I joined the coalition because I would like to see there be more creative outlets within the community. I want to see people having more opportunities to learn about how to express themselves in a creative way.

Informal Educator for Homeschooling

I see my role as someone who wants to work to see our communities engage our students with public art initiatives. In my free time, I love to spend time with my family, work in our garden, and just soak in life. I joined the coalition to help make a positive difference in our community and give youth opportunities that are generally lacking in rural communities. It is my hope that the coalition will continue to foster opportunities for artists and youth to work together in a way that improves the community, brings us together, and allows our area to grow artistically, culturally, and educationally.

Crisis Center volunteer

I am a Crisis Center volunteer and have worked for about 40 years working with addicts & their children. I love working with kids. They need something to do & somewhere to be to keep them safe & off the streets. I'm working on Quitman now trying to line up help to get the city council to lift the prohibition on skating in the park. I’m also touching base with veterans groups here & Celebrate Recovery which has restarted in Winnsboro & plans to come back to Quitman too.

Business Owners

Larry and I are local business owners but more importantly, we are also parents. Once we heard about the coalition, we immediately wanted to help in any way we could. We love our community and if not for them, we would not be able to continue to operate our business, so it is important for us to find a way to give back and show our appreciation. We hope the coalition will provide a safe space for the younger generation to go and be comfortable being themselves. We also hope that it will help the younger generation learn how to have a healthy outlet and gain life skills to become productive and kind citizens.

Director of Mineola Memorial Library

I am a parent of multiple MISD graduates. I’m interested in learning about options for older youth and young adults in this growing community. I would like to be a resource for information about activities / events.

Author/Recreational Therapist

My role in our community is to give back what I wish we could’ve had. I graduated from MHS in 2017, and I want to create a better environment for the youth. There is so much more to do than just play sports or be in band, and the goal is to create a space for everybody. I joined the coalition to advocate for the field I work in. I am a full-time recreational therapist in Fort Worth, but my goal is to provide these services in East Texas. Individuals with a disability have just as much of a human right to join clubs like the ones the Coalition provides. I want to create a positive environment for individuals with disabilities to keep growing to their highest potential even after they “graduate” out of the school system. My hopes for the coalition are that this organization will build a better place for the youth. A place where all are welcome.

Retired Community Member

My hope for the coalition is that it will continue to be a big part of wood county, but not too big that kids don’t matter first. I like to work in my flower beds, walk, do estate sales, and read a good book. I joined because I became aware that I had met some amazing, dedicated people and wanted to see if I could help. My "job" is to get acquainted with the community and see where I fit the best.

Trejo Boards

I’m a Wood County resident and was told by another volunteer about the skatepark and I was Hooked! I’m here for volunteer help & fulfilling the needs of the Community Skate Park. I own Trejo Boards, a local skateboard company, and I'm also a reader of fiction, I love imaginary adventure.

Guest Educator/Photographer

I am a guest educator in Mineola ISD. I am also a part-time photographer with Ken Kirk Photography. I am proud to be a part of the Flint and Steel Family. I joined Flint and Steel because of my passion for youth and community development. My hope is that we will continue to improve our Community and many others thru various programs and outreaches.

The Tyler Loop Staff Writer

Child Protection Serivices

General Contractor

Dragon Concrete

Retired Teacher

Hurst Construction

Minor League Football Player

Social Entrepreneur

Muralist/Artist

Artist/Designer

Artist/Designer