It’s hard to believe I’ve been president of The Meadows Foundation for the past five years and that this time is winding down. As I reflect on my presidency, I am filled with gratitude for the privilege of serving, for the trust placed in me, and for the opportunity to help continue our mission. It has been rewarding to lead an organization created by my Uncle Al and Aunt Virginia and led by my family for the past 76 years. To experience the beauty of Texas is to understand the people of this great state.

I have been committed to upholding the mission and values that define our work: integrity, stewardship, and responsibility to serve the people of Texas. Together with our board, our staff, and our partners, we have worked to ensure that our resources are directed where they can have the most meaningful impact.

Ending homelessness in North Texas has always been especially meaningful. Behind every statistic is a person with a story. They are someone’s parent, child, or friend. Safe, stable housing is fundamental to well-being and fuels our efforts to create real, lasting solutions. Nonprofit partners like Housing Forward have been leaders at the forefront of this mission, transforming the rehousing system in Dallas and Collin counties and achieving a 24% decrease in unsheltered homelessness. The Foundation has been proud to support these efforts, partnering with Housing Forward to secure an additional $120 million in new funding from federal, local, and philanthropic sources.

Another area that we’ve focused on is the Wilson Historic District, our Dallas nonprofit neighborhood. We’ve introduced a variety of new ventures. Liberty Street Garden, in operation under New Friends New Life, has become a touchpoint of the District. Seeing all of the workers and volunteers day in and day out is a continual reminder of the District’s spirit of collaboration and the dedication to urban farming that we hoped for.

Also noteworthy in the District are the announcements that Café Momentum’s new flagship and Hugs Café’s newest location will both open. These organizations will play a vital role in moving the District forward and redefining its role in the community. As more nonprofits choose to plant roots here, they help create a vibrant, walkable environment that attracts visitors, supports local businesses, and fosters more meaningful connections. It is a dynamic, evolving community where people come to engage, collaborate, and make a difference.

The years have not been without their challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic completely changed the way we operated. Yet, it has been in those challenging times that I have witnessed the very best of this organization: our resilience, our creativity, and our steady commitment to the future of Texas and those who call it home. I am deeply proud of the progress we have made toward Al and Virginia’s legacy.

As I am preparing to transition the presidency to my cousin, Eric R. Meadows, in 2026, I do so with great optimism. The Foundation’s future is bright. This is not just a strong and vibrant organization, but a community of family and staff who believe in the power of philanthropy to create positive change.

The Foundation will continue to grow, to innovate, and to fulfill its mission in ways we can only begin to imagine today.

Be Well,

Peter M. Miller