For eight decades, Brother Bill’s Helping Hand has reached out with compassion and comprehensive support, to provide people in need stepping stones toward a better life.
When Wes Keyes joined as CEO in 2017, the organization served only one zip code, 75212, in Dallas. Keyes quickly recognized the pressing demand to expand their service area. As a result, now whenever people seek assistance, the response is a resounding ‘yes.’
“We’ve really just expanded our reach in ways that we could never have imagined, and we try to follow where the need is,” Keyes said.
Brother Bill’s outreach now extends to over 100 zip codes across North Texas, with six physical locations that represent a vital lifeline for community members throughout the metroplex. As Brother Bill’s has forged partnerships with various organizations to offer a comprehensive array of wraparound services, Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT) has supported this growth with financial assistance by awarding multiple grants to the organization over the past several years.
In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Brother Bill’s received a grant from CFT to help serve an increased number of families showing up for food, clinic services, and telehealth. This funding created the opportunity to serve up to 1,200 individuals.
Brother Bill’s comprehensive services include a community health clinic, mental health services, adult education programs, an after school program, multiple grocery store service days, and an e-pantry. Among its partnered offerings is the South Dallas Community Market, a satellite food pantry created in collaboration with Bridge Builders that has been operational for just over a year. “The South Dallas Community Market is a wonderful place to go. The people there are so welcoming and helpful. The fresh food and other goods are exactly what is needed in this area,” said Brother Bill’s neighbor, Marlene Shakir, emphasizing the market’s value to the community.
