December 11, 2025
Building Momentum
Preparing to Welcome Our First Youth Cohort
As we prepare for an exciting new chapter, Friends of the Children – Dallas is growing quickly and intentionally. Over the past few months, we’ve been laying the foundation needed to launch our long-term, relationship-based mentorship program, and today, we’re proud to share just how far we’ve come.
One of our most important milestones has been assembling a strong, mission-driven team. We recently welcomed Sharon Carson as our Executive Director. Sharon brings more than 15 years of nonprofit leadership experience, strength-based support, and community partnership. Under her guidance, our chapter is already making meaningful strides toward serving youth facing the greatest obstacles in Dallas.
Joining her is Magaly Solis, our Program Director, whose expertise in youth development and program operations ensures that we’re building systems rooted in consistency, compassion, and high standards of care. Rounding out our operational backbone is Lindsay Landrum, our Operations Manager, whose skill with logistics and organizational processes is helping us stay grounded as we grow.
And with the addition of our first Professional Mentor, Asiyah Martin, we are one step closer to welcoming our inaugural cohort of youth. Asiyah embodies the heart of our mission: showing up consistently, building trust, and creating opportunities for young people to thrive. Her role marks a significant moment for our chapter—the beginning of the 12+ year commitment we will soon be honored to make with each child and family.
We are also fortunate to have a complete Board of Directors whose leadership, expertise, and dedication have guided us through critical early milestones. Their partnership has been essential as we build toward launch. Complementing their work is our Founders Council, a group of committed community champions who have helped shape our direction and strengthen our connections throughout Dallas.
Together, we are nearing full readiness to select and welcome our very first cohort of youth. Our progress reflects the power of community, the belief in what long-term mentorship can make possible, and the shared commitment to walking alongside children and families, no matter what.
We’re excited to officially begin that journey, and we are deeply grateful to our supporters, as well as the dedicated leaders on our Board of Directors and Founders Council, whose guidance and partnership have made this moment possible.