Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Higginbotham.
Amanda, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Several years ago, when I was a young teenager, I signed my mom and myself up for what I thought was a highly acclaimed pedicure appointment at a place called Beautiful Feet in Fort Worth. My mom, amused and suspiciously quiet, didn’t care to clear up the confusion.
That weekend, instead of stepping into a serene salon filled with plush chairs and polished floors, we walked into an outreach shelter. The contrast was eye-opening. Not far from my own neighborhood, people were living in conditions I had never truly seen before. I noticed half-empty boxes of Lucky Charms stacked against the walls, blankets worn by time and use, and the donation bins empty from demand.
Yet, everyone was grateful, happy for the warmth of a volunteer’s smile and the opportunity for a wholesome meal. In that moment, something shifted inside me. While I didn’t come from luxury, I came from comfort – and I realized I wanted a life which would revolve around compassion. I didn’t know what my role would be quite yet, but I knew I wanted to stand in the gap and be part of the solution. Those outreaches were doing extraordinary work for people in need – but a question lingered with me: who was helping the outreaches?
That realization, paired with knowledge of the constant need for volunteers and resources, ignited a mission to change the trend – to transform the next “selfie” generation into a “selfless” generation. So, I assembled a team who shared that vision, and together we adopted a guiding principle we call TTT: starting Today, continuing through Tomorrow, to make an impact Together. That philosophy became the foundation of Reach Out to Outreaches. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, our mission is simple yet powerful: to serve those who serve others.
At its core, Reach Out to Outreaches is about unity, empathy, and expanding the understanding of lives beyond our own. Not everyone accidentally stumbles into volunteering while expecting a pedicure, but that’s exactly why our work matters. Now, we manage a database of volunteers, focus on fund allocation, and co-host fundraising events that pours thousands of dollars and years of service into the North Texas area.
That shy, timid, little girl wondering, “What can I do?” while standing in the middle of a shelter, would be proud. I cannot wait for all that lies ahead.
So, what do you say?
Want to go get our nails done?
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
While the Reach Out to Outreaches board is comprised of dedicated individuals, none of us take a salary, and most of us work full-time jobs outside of the nonprofit sector (for instance, I’m an airline pilot). So, when founding ROTO as a 501(c)(3), I quickly learned that passion alone was not enough – nonprofits require prioritization, delegation, and persistence. As a small, newly formed nonprofit, we often felt like a small fish in a very large ocean.
Early outreach to businesses and corporations was challenging, as the process was often intimidating and, at times, discouraging. ROTO was young—and so was I—making it difficult to gain credibility and trust. Rejection was common, which nurtured thoughts of doubt…was our message strong enough? Could our vision ever be seen and understood?
Still, guided by our motto TTT – start Today to see results Tomorrow – we pushed forward. A brand that could connect, a website that could promote, and a reputation that could prosper required countless late nights spent researching regulations, marketing volunteer opportunities, reaching out to local charities, and watching more “how-to” videos than I can count…and coffee, lots and lots of coffee.
Over time, “no” slowly turned into “yes.”
We began forming meaningful relationships throughout the North Texas community, growing our resources, and evolving our mission. So, just as in starting any new endeavor, Reach Out to Outreaches was a team of dream chasers that turned into goal achievers!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I incorporated Reach Out to Outreaches (ROTO) into a 501(c)(3) in 2017 as a ‘nonprofit for nonprofits’. I know – seems like a broad mission slogan, but we exist to strengthen the hands doing the hard work in our neighborhoods. We believe changing the world is a team sport, and we’re here to be charities’ bench coach, cheer squad, and occasionally, the star player. In other words, we support local charities, state initiatives, and national organizations by planning meaningful events, promoting volunteerism, and raising essential donations — bridging the gap from need to need. So, rather than serving a single cause, we specialize in empowering other nonprofits to achieve greater impact, typically those needing more resources, volunteers, or visibility to expand their reach.
ROTO is known for turning passion into action through purpose and intention. Everyone has unique gifts – whether it’s a voice that inspires, hands that create, or a heart that connects – and when those talents are shared, they can transform lives. We believe service looks different for everyone, and we create opportunities for individuals to give in ways that align with their talents, interests, and availability. The internalization of this has caused small ideas to grow into sustained impact, which has *debatably* been the most rewarding part of this journey: bringing people together for a specific purpose in an intentional way. What started with local donation drives and community bake sales has been empowered into a mission of true substance (e.g., co-organizing a Relay For Life event benefiting the American Cancer Society, hosting a holiday booth benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, entertaining at nursing homes/retirement centers through Musical Melodies, flying medical patients through Angel Flight, arranging free haircuts for the children of Gatehouse Woman’s Shelter, throwing a harvest festival in Southlake Town Square, funding/arranging afterschool activities, and so much more!). Looking back on the past few years – looking back on the hours served and the smiles received, I can’t help but have pride in our past progress and faith in our future feats.
So, if you’re a charity wanting to connect, a volunteer wanting to join, or a business wanting to support, come be the reason we can do good, better!
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Google Calendar is my best friend; organized chaos is the best way to tackle a long to-do list and an overwhelming number of meetings while still making time for brunch with mom. Also, I have go-to ‘pick me ups’ like a productive soundtrack (lo-fi music), a guilty-pleasure snack (Unreal chocolates), and a grounding book (The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch) on hand. Lean into yourself and leverage your strengths – because when you work the way you’re wired, productivity feels less like pressure and more like purpose. Who knew that color-coded calendars and chocolate breaks could coexist so beautifully?
Finally, Psalm 119:105, which reads, “Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path”.
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- We do accept donations via our website!
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