as a unified team, we bridged meaningful partnerships to create restored community in Bonton+Ideal
Through a unique style of partnership, we see restoration in the lives of our neighbors. Our neighbors rely on the expertise of partners who specialize in fields we don’t, allowing our impact to go beyond what we can accomplish alone.
This type of partnership lets us cater specifically to the community we serve and help them meet their unique needs with targeted programs and services.
With your help, 2025 can bring even more restoration!
“Jesus brought me here out the blue. I finally found a place I can give back to this community.”
Mark’s Story
(Part 1: The South Dallas Community Market)
Mark came to the South Dallas Community Market for food, and he found a place that could bring his heart for serving to life! He knows what the neighborhood goes through, as he was going through it himself. South Dallas faces troubles as a food desert for healthy grocery access.
A powerful partnership with Brother Bill’s Helping Hand makes this Market strong, and restores food access to our neighbors.
Seeing the restorative work of the Market, Mark began giving to others what he needed and restoring the long-missed fellowship of running into friends at the grocery store. The Market brings a purpose to his life that he cherishes.
Mark prioritizes being at the Market every day to make sure people have the food they need. On his way home, he’ll give any extra groceries to anyone he finds in need. As he says it: “It makes me feel so good when I can do that, because I know what they’re going through.”
(Part 2: Bonton bible church)
At the South Dallas Community Market, Mark met Pastor Brandon Rowe, who would play a big part in his story. Mark says, “On day one, he talked about opening up a church and I told him I wanted to be there.
Due to no fault of his own, Mark’s living condition had become unsafe. As his situation worsened, he was forced to move, which would leave him homeless. “I prayed to get out of that house;” Mark says, “I started praying harder than ever. Without God, I would be alone.”
Since meeting Pastor Brandon, Bonton Bible Church has supported and cheered him on in his journey to find a new place. The Market and Bonton Bible Church have become crucial parts to a safer and better life for Mark.
Mark serves at his church, and his church serves him. The deep restorative partnerships at South Dallas Community Market address both physical and spiritual needs, and Mark is living proof of the powerful impact that can have.
“I feel free, a lot freer than I’ve felt in years!”
“It never hurts to get involved with your neighborhood because you never know what blessings come from it.”
Brenda’s Story
(PART 1: THE SOUTH DALLAS COMMUNITY MARKET)
Residing in the Bonton+Ideal area for years, Brenda heard about the South Dallas Community Market through word of mouth. She knew immediately the blessing it could be, saying “We needed something like that on Bexar Street” as she headed in for the first time to grab her groceries.
She can tell you of a time when this street was more developed, but over the years many have moved out or passed on, and buildings have sat vacant. To see things coming back to her neighborhood is a reminder that when South Dallas has the opportunity to thrive, they do.
Brenda is learning of new services and programs with great benefits and gaining education on healthy food choices through this Market. Before coming to us, Brenda was struggling to make food stamps last each month, and this place of partnership honors her perseverance, giving back to her a wonderful neighborhood space to access healthy food and build friendships.
(PART 2: TOLER COMPANY PROPERTY TAX PROGRAM)
Brenda grew up in Bonton+Ideal, in the same house she now lives. She shares ownership of the home but pays all the taxes herself. After turning 65, her yearly property taxes doubled. “If I didn’t have that home, I’d be homeless,” Brenda says. She tried for years to get help, but was never able to get the tax-relief she needed. Overwhelmed by the issue, she says, “I get in the bed to open tax mail, so if it’s bad I’m already laying down.”
Brenda found restoration at the South Dallas Community Market upon meeting Will Toler. After completing The Toler Company pro-bono property tax program, Brenda’s $200 monthly tax bill reduced to $0 and will remain that way for the next 10 years. She also received refunds for the past two years! The day Brenda put her last tax payment check in the mail, she got her first refund check.
We value partners with specialized skills and knowledge that we don’t have ourselves. There are many processes and tasks too complicated to navigate without help. When you’re in a crisis, like Brenda and many of our neighbors, it’s difficult to know where to go for help.
The money Brenda was paying in taxes can now go to home repairs to keep it in the family. “Me and that house, we’ve grown old together,” says Brenda. When partners bring unique skills to create restoration–we get to see stories with happy endings.
“The money I save, it always has somewhere to go.”
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