Santander Consumer has worked with the Dallas Hope Charities (DHC) organization supporting LGBTQ+ homeless youth to provide “Hope for All” for several years now.
Back in 2019, a group of Operations associates from Dallas headquarters spent a day giving back to young people at Dallas Hope Charities. Santander employees, with the dedicated workers at Dallas Hope, prepared a good meal with a tasty dessert, and provided the youth with a bag of food to go. SC associates also took the youth on a shopping experience complete with clothing, necessary personal items, toys, books and even some beauty supplies for those in need.
Santander Associates volunteering at one of the many events supporting Dallas Hope Charities.
“We were proud to be able to serve more than 120 people with kindness, fairness and contagious smiles!” said one employee who participated in the event.
Working with Dallas Hope Charities draws from one of the Santander Consumer USA Foundation’s pillars — Social and Racial Justice and Equity. It’s a pillar that addresses issues affecting justice and equity for all.
In 2021 it was announced that the Foundation presented a $50,000 grant to Dallas Hope Charities to provide food, shelter and services that instill dignity and stability for LGBTQ+ youth, ages 18-24. The grant was renewed in 2022.
“This group helps the community in so many various aspects including housing, food, mental health, medical help and community guidance,” says Santander Operations associate Charity McLemore, an Embrace Business Resource Group leader who has been involved with Dallas Hope since 2010.
“I have volunteered and attended many Dallas Hope Charities events over the years, including a golf tournament this past summer,” Charity says. “My life has been changed by the time I have spent with the people that benefit from their services. I have passed out necessity bags in the streets, set up outdoor restaurants to feed those who needed a meal and even spent time mentoring at the Hope Center that focuses on helping youth needing a hand in our community. All these experiences taught me and humbled me.”
But it’s the help Charity received from the organization that truly made a significant personal connection.
“The most impactful moment I had with Dallas Hope Charities was when I needed mental health services at the Hope Coalition,” Charity says. “I needed someone to talk to and help me navigate a very difficult time in my life and the services they provided me were invaluable. I will be a better person for the rest of my life because of Dallas Hope Charities, for so many reasons, and I am thankful for each one.”
Plans are already in place for more volunteer opportunities for Santander employees to support Dallas Hope Charities into 2023.
