Today we’d like to introduce you to Jim Hampton.
Hi Jim, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Common Ground was founded in 1998 through a simple but powerful desire: to support those in need—especially children. Its beginnings were almost accidental. Two separate groups arrived at the same school, each with the same mission: to help children facing food insecurity. After just a few meetings, that shared purpose became something greater—Common Ground was born.
Since then, our focus has remained clear: serving the children of Mansfield ISD. Today, Common Ground is a coalition of local churches, civic organizations, businesses, and individuals—diverse in background, yet united by a common calling to care for and uplift children in our community.
We serve year-round through a variety of impactful programs, a sample of those are:
Feed the Kids (Summer) and the Backpack Program (School Year)
These programs provide easy-to-prepare supplemental meals for children enrolled in Mansfield ISD’s free and reduced lunch program, helping ensure they have consistent access to food beyond school hours.
Back to School Bash (August)
Held just before the start of each school year, this event welcomes over 10,000 attendees annually. Families receive backpacks, school supplies, shoes, and valuable community resources to help students start the year strong.
Christmas Program
In partnership with Mansfield ISD and Toys for Tots, local churches and organizations “adopt” children, providing clothing and gifts to make the holiday season brighter for families in need.
Common Ground is a truly diverse organization where people come together with a shared purpose—to be as God called us to be, a light in the lives of others and especially, children. It reflects a simple truth: when a community unites in compassion, meaningful change happens.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
In general, yes—every organization faces challenges, especially those that rely heavily on volunteers. Common Ground is no exception. What sets us apart, however, is our unwavering focus on the children we serve. Because of that shared purpose, personal agendas take a back seat and egos are left at the door.
Like most nonprofits, funding is always a consideration. Yet time and again, we have seen our needs met. We believe that as long as we remain faithful to our mission, God will continue to provide what is necessary to carry the work forward.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Common Ground?
That has already been explained fairly well.
We’ve never focused on what sets us apart from other organizations, because we don’t view this work as a competition. In fact, Common Ground actively partners with other philanthropic groups throughout Mansfield, working side by side to better serve our community. If there’s something we’re especially proud of, it’s that spirit of collaboration and unity.
What makes you happy?
What a great question, Seeing children in a place where their basic needs are met—where they’re free to simply be children, unburdened by the challenges their families may be facing—is deeply meaningful to us. Just as important is the reminder that there are still people and organizations committed to strengthening their community. That shared commitment gives us hope.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.commongroundmansfield.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/commongroundmansfield
