Today we’d like to introduce you to Linda Ramirez.
Hi Linda, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Approx. 39 years ago, my family would get together and make about 35 fruit baskets for the Homeless Veterans at the VA Hospital. My father is a Vietnam Veteran and is always looking out for Veterans. My Grandfather and other family members were Veterans, and our family keeps them in high regard.
Around 2001, we were all a part of the Dallas American GI Forum men’s and women’s chapters and decided to adopt this program, and we would make anywhere from 100 -200 fruit baskets.
My Aunt and I worked at a senior citizen complex – Casa Trevino Apts in Oak Cliff, and we would put these together in the community room, and the residents helped us put these together every year!
In 2015, we decided we wanted to create a nonprofit so we could continue this program and start expanding what we would offer to the community. So, finally, in 2017, we became an official 501c3 nonprofit. At that time, we included the seniors at the complex and were making close to 300 care bags.
The fruit basket evolved into transportable pantry-stable food, and we started to include hygiene items. And instead of a basket, we started using reusable bags.
In 2019, we expanded our Board of Directors from 3 to 8 and decided we wanted to expand our programs. In 2020, due to the pandemic, we used that time to update our mission from just serving Veterans to expanding it to Cover Veterans, Youth, Seniors, Community, and humanitarian causes.
So finally, in late 2021, we were able to offer our Annual Operation Christmas; the need went from a couple hundred care bags to 1,000! We provided 800+ to Veterans and 175 to low-income seniors! In late 2021, we launched our program Operation Rescue Food, and the seniors receive pantry bags for Christmas. Operation Christmas is solely for Veterans.
We Rescue food now twice a month and distribute it to Veterans, seniors, and families in need.
We also distribute fresh produce and pantry essentials twice a month at the West Dallas Multipurpose Center.
When we can obtain personal care items, we distribute those to homeless Veterans, Disadvantaged youth, low-income seniors, and at-risk women.
We also provide toys to children in West Dallas, Oak Cliff, and Grand Prairie.
We provide volunteer support to partner nonprofits through our volunteer program – Los Amigos of the Last Patrol.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been a smooth road. We scale our projects and programs accordingly.
As a nonprofit, we are always in search of donations and grants. However, all grassroots nonprofits have this same struggle.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have worked in the nonprofit industry for the past 22 years, from running programs to overseeing them. Hard work and an openness to learning set me on a path to a non-profit program management career. I have a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Texas and am currently the Executive Director of Dallas Legacy Mission, Inc. This role has allowed me to use my creative, professional, and personal skills to bring this together. I am also the Secretary for The Mexican American Museum of Texas. I belong to several nonprofit organizations and volunteer regularly within the community. I have interests in graphic design, photography/ video, and social media. I enjoy learning about cooking, fashion, and tiny houses.
What do you think about happiness?
Several things make me happy! I love being able to have a work-life balance. I can work and be there for my family. I love being able to create my schedule and do my thing. Learning new skills and meeting new people. I love helping people and problem solving. Pretty much anything that keeps me in motion. I love to create and build upon ideas! A good meal, spending time with friends, or spending time alone makes me happy!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thelastpatrol.org/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tlpthelastpatrol
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-last-patrol
