Philanthropy Tour - April 2014

Recently the Lubbock Area Foundation hosted a Philanthropy Tour to share with individuals a better understanding of the issues affecting those in the community and how nonprofit organizations are helping these causes.

On Thursday, April 10, 2014, LAF shared the work of Equine Refuge Services, Children’s Advocacy Center of the South Plains and Link Ministries/Tent City with those who were able to join us.

Our first stop on the tour was the Equine Refuge Services. Here the staff is helping children and adults cope with mental and physical disabilities through their equine psycho-therapy work. Patti Mandrell shared with the group all the great work they are doing with these animals and how these animals are able to reach the children through the therapy when other activities may not. You can find more about their services by visiting their website www.refugeservices.org.

The second stop of the day was at the Children’s Advocacy Center of the South Plains. Carmen Aguirre and her team shared with us the work they do with children who are brought to their center. The center is able to offer shelter, safety, structured and careful counseling, solace for traumatized children, and more. You can learn more about the work of the Center on their website www.safeplace4kids.org.

Also at the CAC, we were able to hear from two additional groups who shared their work and passion with the group. Fritzi Cates with High Point Village described the activities and programs individuals are able to partake in through a variety of vocational, educational, social, and motivational activities. High Point Village serves individuals with developmental disabilities including Down syndrome, Autism and Cerebral Palsy. They are currently working to develop a residential living community for individuals with special needs. You can learn more about High Point Village on their website www.highpointvillage.org.

Laurie foster with Backyard Mission explained to the group the work their volunteers do to ensure people have a warm and dry place to stay by doing free home repairs for them. Every week they are out doing repairs and helping improve the homes of those who most need it. You can find ways to help on their website www.backyardmission.org.

The last stop on our tour was Link Ministries/Tent City. Here we were able to learn more about Tent City and see where the individuals staying here gather, and also the resale shop that helps support those in need. Les Burrus shared with us stories of how individuals help earn their keep by providing assistance when things need to be done around Tent City. To find out more visit their website www.linkministries.org.

View all pictures from our Philanthropy Tour here.