Posts tagged Dallas
Sharon Grigsby on Journalism, Justice, and the Power of Paying Attention

What does it mean to report with compassion in a culture driven by clicks and controversy? George Mason sits down with veteran journalist Sharon Grigsby to talk about her newest venture—The Lab Report Dallas—a bold, nonprofit newsroom rooted in data, equity, and solutions for reducing child poverty in Dallas. They reflect on her decades of writing with kindness and accountability, the changing landscape of media, and how Sharon’s own evolving faith informs her work and voice.

Sharon Grigsby is a longtime Dallas journalist, former metro columnist for The Dallas Morning News, and co-founder of The Lab Report Dallas, a new publication powered by the Child Poverty Action Lab.

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Gratitude and the Common Good: Reimagining Community with Kyle Ogden

At the heart of downtown Dallas lies Thanks-Giving Square—a place designed to inspire gratitude, foster interfaith understanding, and call an entire city toward the common good. In this episode, George Mason sits down with Kyle Ogden, President and CEO of The Thanks-Giving Foundation, to talk about the Square’s origins, its bold civic vision, and its evolving role in today’s divided cultural landscape. 

Together, they explore how gratitude functions as a foundational virtue, why nonprofits matter in a healthy democracy, and what it means to shift from personal success to public significance. Kyle also shares his own story of professional transition—from leading a family business to helping reshape Dallas through civic reflection, spiritual hospitality, and the quiet power of place.

Kyle Ogden is the President and CEO of The Thanks-Giving Foundation, where he leads efforts to cultivate gratitude, bridge community divides, and promote human flourishing in the city of Dallas.

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Bringing Faith to Dallas Civic Life with Jaynie Schultz

What does it look like to bring your whole self—your values, your faith, your history—into public life? Councilmember Jaynie Schultz joins George Mason for a candid conversation about her years in public service, the joys and challenges of representing a diverse district, and the values that have shaped her decisions along the way. Together, they reflect on civic responsibility, zoning and housing justice, faith-rooted ethics, and the spiritual soul of Dallas. Jaynie also shares why she’s stepping away from elected office and what comes next.

Jaynie Schultz is a Dallas City Council member representing District 11. First elected in 2021, she has served two terms and will conclude her tenure in 2025.

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Restorative Farms: Community Supported Agriculture in South Dallas

George pays a visit to Restorative Farms where he meets with co-founder Brad Boa. He tours the farm and learns how this Community Farm is working to address the issues of food access by growing food and creating jobs for the community. Later, co-founder Owen Lynch joins George online and tells the origin story of Restorative Farms. 

In South Dallas where a population of people has to leave their community to get access to healthy food, Restorative Farms works to support systematically underdeveloped communities. The farm's focus is on food sustainability but is also creating a network of local farmers who are working their land in an environmentally responsible manner. The farm provides job opportunities and fresh food, ingrains a pride of ownership, and fosters collaboration. 

This episode is the fourth in the new series “More than Food for Thought: Community-Based Solutions to Hunger in South Dallas."

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City of Dallas: Sustainable Hunger Solutions through Food Distribution and Education

George pays a visit to the West Dallas Multipurpose Center where he tours the grounds, meets with Center Manager Ashley Hutto, and learns how the city of Dallas is addressing the issues of food access and insecurity.

In a part of the city where access to grocery stores and fresh produce is limited, the Center offers emergency food assistance, bilingual SNAP application support, a teaching kitchen, a Neighbors' Community Garden, and more. Follow along as George and Ashley explore the importance of seeking out sustainable and long-term solutions to hunger that arise from the community and maintain the dignity and independence of its members.

This episode is the third in the new series “More than Food for Thought: Community-Based Solutions to Hunger in South Dallas.”

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A different kind of Sunday Service: 4DWN's food rescue and recovery

This episode is the second in the new series “More than Food for Thought: Community-Based Solutions to Hunger in South Dallas.” In it, George introduces us to 4DWN’s Sunday Service and its leaders.

4DWN is a skate park, an organization, and a service-driven community that meets the needs of hundreds of kids and families each week. It creates upward mobility opportunities, and through its “Sunday Service” distributes with the help of its volunteers thousands of pounds of nutritious food—eliminating waste and feeding bodies, minds, and souls throughout this area food desert. It’s good for people, and good for the planet.

4DWN “is a metaphor, right? About four wheels down and rolling. It’s a sort of celebration of movement…all moving forward together.” - Rob Cahill

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Joey Darwin: A grocery store in South Dallas that nourishes body and spirit while nurturing autonomy and dignity

This episode is the first in the new series “More Than Food for Thought: Community-Based Solutions to Hunger in South Dallas.”

In it, George introduces us to Joey Darwin, Executive Director of Bridge Builders and the group’s South Dallas Community Market. Together, they explore what a grocery store would look like if the neighbors who shop there got to say what they needed and wanted.

In partnership with Brother Bill’s Helping Hand, that’s exactly what this market does; it offers nutritious food chosen by clients right in the community of South Dallas.

BridgeBuilders engages, equips, and empowers individuals, families, and communities in South Dallas. 

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