Today we’d like to introduce you to Peyton Lehrer.
Hi Peyton, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have been fortunate to spend my career working for nonprofit organizations serving children and families. A college internship at Lena Pope sparked my passion for fundraising and development, and when I came home from college, I joined the team at Communities In Schools of Greater Tarrant County. When an opportunity to lead Gill Children’s Services came along, I couldn’t pass it up. Gill Children’s Services had been a pillar in the community, serving children as a last resort and only hope. 11 years later, I still come to work every day with an eagerness to drive the mission forward, trying to serve just one more child.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Starting as an Executive Director at 24 years old had its challenges. I had the energy for change, but not yet the experience and wisdom to gracefully propel it. Have you seen Bambi skating on the ice? That’s what it felt like for the first couple of years. Thankfully, the Gill board and team were impossibly patient and allowed me to grow into the leadership role I was gifted. I am forever indebted to Gill’s champions for taking a chance on me.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
The mission of Gill Children’s Services is so special. Truly, I have not encountered one like it. Gill was founded in 1979 with $1 million and an idea. Fort Worth couple Nina and Smith Gill had passed, leaving their estate to benefit the community. The trustees of the estate had no idea what to do with this generous gift. But the wife of one of the trustees, Martine Ginsburg, saw an opportunity. What if the $1 million was used on children who were falling through the cracks? Martine roped in her friend Ginny Richards, and together they founded Gill Children’s Services, a place where local children could find a safety net. They used the money to pay for needs no other agency could address. Medications, surgery, medical equipment, tuition, anything for a child who had exhausted all other options.
The $1 million was running dry, but the need persisted. Local families and organizations began donating, compounding the generosity from Nina and Smith Gill. Today the mission continues, providing emergency funds to children who are the most in need.
Recently, the need for dental and medical treatment has increased. In the wake of population growth, Medicaid protections unwinding, and inflationary pressures, children have trouble accessing affordable care. For children who are uninsured, underinsured, children sent home in pain for their inability to pay, Gill is there for them.
We serve about 1,500 children a year, funding summer school tuition to stay on track in school, birth certificates to enroll unhoused children in housing programs, root canals to alleviate suffering and heal, and more. But we can’t do it alone. Thanks to generous discounts from providers like dentists and hospitals, every $1 donated last year had a $3.62 impact.
An idea in 1979 has grown to serve tens of thousands of local children who would otherwise fall through the cracks. It is an honor to continue the work Martine and Ginny started, all because of the generosity of the Gill’s.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Find your community. For me, building a network of female nonprofit CEOs and Executive Directors has fortified my work. Finding trusted confidantes who share your experiences can completely shape a career, and in my case, shape the mission you’re entrusted with.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gillchildres.org
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/gillchildrens
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/gillchildrensservices
- Twitter: https://x.com/gillchildrens
Image Credits
My headshot and the photos of Gill children were captured by Mariel Garza of Mariel and Joey Lifestyle Photography. The photo of me at the podium was captured by Rachel DeLira of Style FW.
