Modernization

Modernization has become a key focus for the Foundation — not just in the way we operate, but in how we envision our spaces, partnerships, and community impact. Nowhere is this more visible than in the evolving ecosystem of the Wilson Historic District.

As nonprofits’ needs shift and communities grow, we have reimagined what it means to support mission-driven work in a modern context. One of the most exciting ways we have done that is by transforming the District into a wellness and innovation hub.

One of our major partners is Café Momentum, a workforce development program for justice-involved youth that builds paths away from incarceration by providing marketable job skills through education and a paid internship in a fine dining restaurant. After the Foundation donated land for this project last year, they launched a capital campaign to move the flagship location in the Wilson Historic District. It will unify its core programs and national operations under one roof. The new space will include the restaurant, where their interns receive hands-on culinary training; a community services center, which provides interns with therapy and case management; and the Café Momentum Academy, a classroom where interns can earn a high school diploma or GED.  We couldn’t be more excited for their doors to open in 2026.

Our other partner in this venture is Hugs Café, a nonprofit social enterprise that provides training and competitively paid employment for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities. With the Foundation’s help through a rent-free space, they will expand into a new storefront in the District. This will open the door to employing more than 30 individuals with disabilities in Dallas. Their inclusive employment model not only empowers individuals with valuable skills and independence but also strengthens the entire community by promoting equity and economic opportunity.

We are thrilled to have both nonprofit partners be part of the District.

The goal has been to shift public perception by showing that nonprofit work can also be deeply rooted in a city’s daily life. It’s also breathing new life into the District while preserving its historic integrity, which we admire.

As we look ahead, we will continue to invest in thoughtful modernization, ensuring that the Foundation’s spaces, strategies, and partnerships remain relevant.