February 17, 2025

Our Friends Place Welcomes New CEO

Community Resource Consultants Inc. (CRCI)

Community Resource Consultants Inc. (CRCI) is a Michigan-based organization specializing in trauma rehabilitation medical case management. With over 34 years of experience, CRCI is dedicated to empowering survivors of catastrophic auto accidents to regain control of their lives and achieve both physical and emotional well-being. Their team of Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSWs) and Registered Nurses (RNs) are experts in navigating the complexities of today’s healthcare system, ensuring that survivors receive the necessary services for their recovery and rehabilitation. CRCI’s core values include advocacy, people, knowledge, and dependability, reflecting their commitment to being leading advocates and facilitators of long-term collaborative care.

News Summary

Our Friends Place has appointed Helena L. Banks as the new CEO, following the retirement of Sue Thiers Hesseltine. With a background in nonprofit leadership, Banks aims to enhance programs for young women facing hardships. A strong advocate for community support, she plans to expand outreach and revamp fundraising efforts. Exciting preparations are underway for North Texas Giving Day, marking a bright future for the organization and the young women it serves.

Exciting Times Ahead at Our Friends Place with New CEO at the Helm!

There’s some big news circulating around North Texas! Our Friends Place (OFP), an amazing organization dedicated to supporting young women experiencing hardships like abuse, neglect, poverty, and homelessness, has officially appointed Helena L. Banks as its new CEO. After the retirement of Sue Thiers Hesseltine, Banks stepped into her new role in September 2024, just in time to make a splash!

Helping Young Women for Over Three Decades

Founded in 1987 by the inspiring Susybelle Gosslee, OFP has been a shining beacon of hope for countless young women in the Dallas community. The organization offers everything from shelter to life skills, helping young women build better futures for themselves. It operates two Transitional Living Centers (TLC), which provide a home and support for women aged 18 to 24. One TLC opened its doors in 1992, and the second followed in late 2015, so they’ve got some serious history!

A Home Away from Home

At the TLC, about 40 young women receive support each year. These young ladies typically stay for an average of 219 days, fully immersing themselves in weekly life skills lessons designed to prepare them for independent living. What’s particularly special is that the staff lives right on site, providing intensive case management and support. There’s also the SOAR to Success program, which focuses on education and prevention, allowing participants to work closely with site coordinators throughout the school year.

Innovative Leadership with Helena L. Banks

Helena Banks comes to OFP with a wealth of experience. Before her new leadership role, she volunteered and served on the OFP board for four years, which means she already has a strong understanding of the organization and its goals. Her previous roles at various nonprofits, including KERA and Planned Parenthood of North Texas, showcase her commitment to making a difference in the community.

Cultivating Success and Independence

Under Banks’ leadership, the goal is clear: to ensure the long-term sustainability and expansion of OFP’s programs. She plans to revamp fundraising efforts, expand outreach to the public, and strengthen the overall organization. Excitingly, a recent program graduate has already set the bar high by demonstrating exceptional financial responsibility, exceeding her savings account goals.

Looking Toward a Bright Future

As the organizational transition unfolds, preparations are in full swing for North Texas Giving Day, an event aimed at bolstering OFP’s mission. There’s a sense of excitement and optimism in the air as the organization embarks on this new chapter under the leadership of Banks. With her passion and experience, she is poised to drive OFP’s mission forward, helping even more young women navigate their paths to self-sufficiency and independence.

So, stay tuned! The future is bright for Our Friends Place, and with Helena L. Banks leading the charge, it’s bound to be an exciting ride ahead.