Rockwall County Helping Hands has been providing help and hope to your neighbors since 1976. We believe that no one in Rockwall County should go without food, shelter, or essential medical care. Supporters like YOU help us meet the needs of those with nowhere else to turn. YOU make it possible for us to open our doors each day and provide critical services and programs in our community.
Vision Statement
We strive to ensure that no one in Rockwall County goes to bed hungry, without a roof overhead, or is deprived of needed medical care.
Values
- Compassion and Kindness
- Integrity
- Consistency
- Confidentiality
- Dignity
- Fiscal Sustainability and Stewardship
Our History
1976 – Helping Hands was co-founded in 1976 by volunteers under the leadership of Bob Reeves, the pastor at first Presbyterian Church in Rockwall, and Claudette Johnson.
1980 – Helping Hands Thrift Store opens.
1989 – Margo Nielsen becomes Executive Director.
1992 – Helping Hands opened the Reeves Center, with the Thrift Store, Food Pantry and Assistance & Referral on the 1st floor.
2000 – The Health Center of Helping Hands opens.
2005 – Helping Hands moves into the former Lakeside Church of Christ Campus.
2010 – The 1st ever Festival of Trees weekend is held at the Hilton led by Sr. Philanthropy Director Melody Hail and becomes the agencies largest fundraiser beloved by the community.
2015 – Jon Bailey becomes President/CEO; Assistance & Referral moves back to Reeves Center.
2016 – Helping Hands celebrates its 40th anniversary!
2018 – Boutique moves and expands to Building A.
2019 – Christmas Toy Drive, started in 1976, serves over 1,000 children with 4 toys each and stocking stuffers.
2020 & Beyond – The Future is in your hands
