Meet Jessica of Owenwood Neighbor Space

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica.

Hi Jessica, 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?
My path to Owenwood has been shaped by both professional experience and a deep personal commitment to community. I have spent over 12 years working in mental health and social services, supporting children, adults, and families through roles with CPS, Dallas ISD, counseling centers, and community-based organizations. Throughout that time, I saw firsthand how systems often fail families, not because people don’t care, but because access, trust, and consistency are missing.

Owenwood became the place where all of those experiences came together. I stepped into leadership with a clear belief that communities already have strength and resilience; they just need spaces that truly listen, respond, and show up consistently. As Executive Director, I now oversee all operations at Owenwood, serving hundreds of families and children each month through programs focused on education, basic needs, wellness, and community connection.

As a mom of two, my work is deeply personal. I understand the pressure families are under, and that perspective shapes how I lead, with empathy, accountability, and a strong focus on impact. Today, Owenwood is more than a nonprofit to me; it’s a reflection of what I believe community care should look like: accessible, dignified, and rooted in relationships.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all, it hasn’t been a smooth road, and I think that’s true for most work that’s meaningful. One of the biggest challenges has been stepping into leadership during times of uncertainty and limited resources. Nonprofit work often requires doing more with less, building trust while also building systems, and making hard decisions that impact both people and programs.

There have also been moments of burnout, navigating change, and learning how to lead while still holding space for the community’s needs. Balancing the emotional weight of the work, especially when serving families in crisis, has been a real challenge, particularly as a mom and as someone who leads with empathy.

That said, those struggles shaped how I lead today. They pushed me to be more strategic, more transparent, and more grounded in collaboration. Every challenge reinforced why Owenwood exists and why sustainable, community-centered leadership matters.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Owenwood, is a community-centered nonprofit rooted in the belief that access, dignity, and opportunity should not be determined by zip code. We serve families, children, seniors, and individuals across Dallas and it’s surrounding counties, through a wide range of wraparound services designed to meet real, everyday needs while also supporting long-term stability and growth.

What sets Owenwood apart is our deeply relational, community-driven model. We don’t just provide programs, we build trust. Our team works alongside families to address immediate needs such as food access, diapers, youth and senior programming, and community outreach, while also connecting them to resources that support education, wellness, and self-sufficiency. We are known for being accessible, consistent, and responsive, especially to families who have historically been overlooked or underserved.

We specialize in holistic programming that centers the whole family. Each week, we serve around 100 children with after-school programming and support more than 300 families monthly through programming that is culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and designed with community voice at the forefront.

Brand-wise, we are most proud of the trust we’ve built and the impact we see firsthand. Owenwood is often described as a safe space, a place where people feel seen, supported, and empowered. Our brand is not about charity; it’s about partnership and progress.

We want readers to know that Owenwood is committed to long-term community empowerment. Every service, partnership, and initiative is rooted in the goal of helping individuals and families thrive, not just survive. When you engage with Owenwood, you’re supporting a model that believes community knows best and that lasting change happens when people are truly invested in one another.

In 2025, Owenwood served 93 zip codes, which we are deeply proud of, showing that any neighbor is welcome to our community center.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Owenwood is very much a collective effort, and I’m incredibly grateful for the people and partners who have made our work possible.

First and foremost, Owenwood is lucky to have an amazing internal team. Esther, our Program Director, plays a critical role in shaping and strengthening our programs and ensuring they truly meet community needs. Shelly, our Food Coordinator, and DaeVonya, who oversees our diaper distribution, are essential to making sure families receive consistent, dignified support. Behind the scenes, our facility stays welcoming and in great shape thanks to Rose and Roderick, whose work often goes unnoticed but is vital to everything we do.

The very start of Owenwood was only possible because of the vision and belief of White Rock United Methodist Church and the Quad W Foundation. Their commitment to creating a space rooted in service and community laid the foundation for everything we continue to build today. I’m also deeply thankful for Owenwood’s founding and current board members, whose leadership, trust, and early advocacy helped establish the organization and guide it through its formative years.

Owenwood is also made possible through the many collaborations and partnerships across our community. These relationships allow us to expand our reach, strengthen our programs, and respond more effectively to the needs of the families we serve. We can do more, and do it better, because we don’t do this work alone.

Finally, I want to recognize the previous leadership of Josh and Zach. Their work set the stage for where Owenwood is now, and their dedication helped shape the organization’s direction and growth. I see my role as building on that strong foundation, honoring what came before while continuing to move Owenwood forward alongside an incredible team and community.

Pricing:

• All of our services are free regardless of income.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.owenwood.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/owenwoodneighborspace/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/owenwoodneighborspace/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicah10/