TDW of Ellis County
June 17, 2025 Meeting
The meeting was called to order by President Nancy Post at 6:05 p.m. with 23 members and 6 guests in attendance. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Special Presentation:
2025 Emma Wilson Memorial Scholarship Essay – Nancy Post introduced Bruce Wilson who spoke about his wife, Emma, who was a long time beloved teacher. He said she would be so proud that TDW-EC named the scholarship in her honor. Emma’s daughter, Melissa and her husband, Ron, drove from Austin to be in attendance. Kathleen Bowen introduced Destan Burks, one of the recipients of the 2025 Emma Wilson Memorial Scholarship. Destan read her inspiring essay about Jasmine Crockett. Destan’s Mother and Grandmother were also in attendance.
Program:
Nancy introduced Jamie McNulty, Executive Director of United Way – West Ellis County.
Topic: What United Way does and how it helps those in our community
Highlights:
- United Way – West Ellis County provides support to all of Ellis County except Ennis (which is covered by another United Way organization)
- United Way supports 24 local non-profits
- Focus areas include:
- Youth Opportunity – help young people reach their full potential
- Financial Stability – create a stronger financial future for every generation
- Healthy Community – improve health and wellbeing for all individuals
- Community Resilience – address urgent needs for a better tomorrow
- 30% of Ellis County residents cannot pay their bills; they are 1 emergency issue away from not being able to survive
- The survival budget for Ellis County residents is $93,000 per year. The average income for Ellis County residents is $89,000
- The most common type of homelessness encountered is a single mom with kids who live in their car
- A federally funded program that provides emergency food and shelter is no longer being funded because of federal government cuts
- Rather than having more people ask for help, there is a trend that fewer people are asking for help out of fear that they will be deported because of actions by ICE and other federal agencies
What can you do?
- Become involved in a local nonprofit agency that helps others such as American Red Cross, Boys and Girls Club, Ellis County Homeless Coalition, Meals on Wheels and many others
- Every year, United Way has a Day of Action. This year it will be Wednesday, June 25th 3:00-5:00 at the Ellis County Youth Expo. Anyone can drive through and get food with no paperwork and no questions asked. Over 50,000 pounds of food will be distributed.
Meeting Minutes and Treasurer Report:
The May meeting minutes are available on the TDWEC website. Mary Lou Shipley made a motion to approve. Mary Brooks seconded. All ayes.
Treasurer Joanne Hunt reported a PAC account balance of $4,331.61 and a Scholarship balance of $4,491.86. Kelly Blackburn made a motion to approve the report. Mary Brooks seconded. All ayes.
Committee Reports:
Program – Nancy Post for Lynda Begnaud
Speaker for next month will be Kathleen Bowen and Becky Kauffman who will discuss the Importance of Historic Preservation in our Local Communities.
Advocacy – Mary Lou Shipley
There will be a “Fighting Oligarchy” rally in Ft. Worth on Sunday, June 22nd.
Scholarship – Nancy Post for Lynda Begnaud
Kathleen Bowen will be the new Chair of the Scholarship Committee with Helen Brock, Vivian Gibson, Rebecca Cockerham and Lynda Begnaud on the committee.
Community Outreach – Julie Mendenhall
No report.
Fundraising – Nancy Post
No report.
Refreshments/Social – Carol Young
Thank you to Mary Brooks for providing snacks.
Voter Registration – Mary Brooks, Devita Ross
No report.
Other Business:
Billye Summers developed a New Member packet which was distributed to new members. Please let Billye know if any member needs this packet which includes an overview of TDW-EC and expectations of members.
Vivian Gibson stated that the Juneteenth parade will be on Thursday at Lee Penn Park and encouraged everyone to attend.
Ginger Cole suggested that TDW-EC hold “Democrat Chat” times at local parks to visit with others and have peaceful conversations regarding our government.
Kelly Blackburn discussed the Democratic HQ building progress. Demolition started and will work in phases as money is available. Still looking for grants and assistance. She also stated that the Texas Democratic Party is actively recruiting candidates to run for office. Contact Kelly if you know someone who would like to run for office at any level.
Nancy Post discussed that TDW-EC will host a peaceful “Defend Democracy” demonstration at the Ellis County Courthouse on Saturday, June 21st from noon-1:00. The theme will focus on positive rather than negative issues about what we, as Democrats, believe. We believe in democracy, we believe in due process, we believe in human rights, we believe in clean water and air, etc. Nancy contacted all local city and county officials for awareness and to ensure all safety precautions are met. Safety and procedures for the march were discussed at length. “What it means to be a Democrat” handouts will be distributed. The purpose of the demonstration is to let our community know that there are Democrats here, provide support to other like-minded people and to start the conversation with others, be willing to listen to other points of view and work together for a positive outcome for our country.
Refreshments:
July Refreshments – Kathryn Mossom
Next Meeting:
July 15th at the Chamber of Commerce
Adjournment:
Helen Brock made a motion to adjourn the meeting. It was seconded by Carol Young. All ayes.
Meeting adjourned at 7:17 p.m.
The minutes were prepared by Kathleen Bowen.