February 17, 2025

Our Friends Place Appoints New CEO to Enhance Support for Young Women

Community Resource Consultants Inc. (CRCI)

Community Resource Consultants Inc. (CRCI) is a Michigan-based organization specializing in trauma rehabilitation medical case management. With over 34 years of experience, CRCI is dedicated to empowering survivors of catastrophic auto accidents to regain control of their lives and achieve both physical and emotional well-being. Their team of Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSWs) and Registered Nurses (RNs) are experts in navigating the complexities of today’s healthcare system, ensuring that survivors receive the necessary services for their recovery and rehabilitation. CRCI’s core values include advocacy, people, knowledge, and dependability, reflecting their commitment to being leading advocates and facilitators of long-term collaborative care.

News Summary

Our Friends Place (OFP), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting young women in crisis, has appointed Helena L. Banks as its new CEO. Banks will lead OFP into a new era, focusing on fundraising, outreach, and sustainability. Since its inception in 1987, OFP has provided vital resources and life skills training to young women facing abuse, neglect, poverty, and homelessness. With innovative programs in place, the organization continues to empower its participants while fostering community support.

Our Friends Place Welcomes New CEO to Lead Support for Young Women in Crisis

Exciting changes are afoot at Our Friends Place (OFP), a dedicated organization in North Texas that has been a beacon of hope for young women facing challenges like abuse, neglect, poverty, and homelessness. With the retirement of the longtime CEO, Sue Thiers Hesseltine, OFP has appointed Helena L. Banks as its new leader, stepping into her role in September 2024.

A Legacy of Support Since 1987

Since its establishment in 1987 by founder Susybelle Gosslee, OFP has made immense strides in creating safe spaces and providing vital resources to young women in need. By offering support and life skills training, this nonprofit has helped countless women forge paths to brighter futures.

OFP operates a *Transitional Living Center (TLC)* program specifically designed for single women aged 18-24. With two apartment-style TLCs located in Old East Dallas, the first facility opened its doors in 1992, followed by a second one in 2015. Each year, approximately 40 young women find refuge and support at these centers, staying for an average of 219 days.

Empowerment Through Education

One of the key highlights of the TLC program is its focus on life skills development, with participants engaging in weekly lessons aimed at helping them become self-sufficient. It’s not just about providing a roof over their heads; OFP ensures that these women receive intensive case management from dedicated staff living on-site. This meaningful support helps guide the young women towards making empowered choices for their futures.

Additionally, the *SOAR to Success* non-residential program allows participants to engage with site coordinators during the school year, ensuring that their educational needs are met alongside their personal growth.

New Beginnings with Helena L. Banks

Helena L. Banks is excited to spearhead OFP’s mission and looks forward to implementing innovative strategies for fundraising, enhancing public outreach, and strengthening the overall organizational framework. She brings with her a wealth of experience, having previously served in significant leadership roles across various organizations, including KERA and the American Heart Association. Her leadership journey began with OFP as a volunteer, eventually transitioning to a four-year term on the board.

Banking on her business acumen and community-focused vision, Banks emphasizes the importance of long-term sustainability for OFP’s programs and services. She is determined to expand OFP’s reach and impact, ensuring that even more young women in the community can benefit from the organization’s invaluable support.

Making Strides With Community Support

One of the recent success stories from OFP includes a remarkable program graduate who displayed exceptional financial responsibility by exceeding savings account contribution requirements. This speaks volumes about the positive impact OFP has on the lives of its participants, fostering financial literacy and independence.

Looking Ahead

As OFP gears up for upcoming initiatives, including North Texas Giving Day, there’s a palpable sense of excitement in the air. The organization is rallying community support to further its mission of empowering young women and helping them navigate toward self-sufficiency.

In Good Hands

With Banks at the helm, and guided by the visionary founder Susybelle Gosslee’s confidence in her leadership abilities, OFP is set to continue its enriching legacy of support for young women in crisis. The future looks bright, and the community looks forward to rallying around this vital cause as OFP strides confidently into a new era of outreach and empowerment.