My Nonprofit Reviews

I was first introduced to the Travis Manion Foundation by the DFW chapter leader Dion Brugger during the first Fish Creek Cleanup Challenge in January 2019. Since then Dion has become a staff member as the Central Region Manager and Sam Horwitz has become the local chapter lead. Meanwhile I have become an Ambassador for TMF, Character Does Matter mentor, #CharacterIsntCanceled presenter and 911 Heroes Run DFW local race director.

Over the past two years what I have gained personally far outweighs anything I have done with TMF. With pep talks from Sam and Dion as well as support from not only other TMF Spartans but even organizations we partner with such as TMC, I have been able to give and give back in a way I had not dreamed was even possible before. I absolutely love how TMF works with other veteran service organizations, youth organizations, community partners and individuals. While the Character Does Matter presentations are meant to educate youth on their character strengths, how they can develop them and use them in their lives and their communities; I too have learned these things as well. My life now has a sense of purpose and direction as well as I have many awesome people to look up to as role models and inspiration. Some of these awesome people I get to work side by side with through various opportunities with the Travis Manion Foundation.

The best part? There are so many best parts! I find myself struggling to adequately express how great being a part of the Travis Manion Foundation has been, is and the impact it's not only had on me personally but those around me and my community. I can't begin to imagine the number of lives that have been changed. If I give a Character Does Matter presentation to a class of students, I may never know the impact that might have in the life of one of our youth who had no role model to look up to. When I participate in Operation Nourish and we feed 500 families that day, we are giving more than food; we are giving hope. When we have a fund raiser, I may not know how that money is spent but I know it's done so in a responsible manner that truly gives back and pays it forward. When calling fellow Spartans during Covid19, I can never truly know if one of the dozens I talked with will go on to change the life of another. I have seen the look of pure joy when someone was relieved that there was really food for them at the food pantry. I have experienced great gratitude and hugs for simply just showing up. My heart was full of joy when I'd hang up from an hour long phone call to a fellow Spartan who was lonely during social isolation. I have felt the appreciation when I have given someone my "If Not Me; Then Who" bracelet. And each time I talk with a group of students about character strengths and role models, I have great hope for each and every one. Some get it that very day and with others I pray that I'm planting seeds. I'm honored and proud to be a Spartan volunteer. I'm grateful for each and every opportunity. And TMF has many opportunities to participate!

I am not a TMF employee but I will speak from what I have seen and heard. The people I know that work with TMF have nothing but awesome things to say. "Dream Job" with a dream company. Not once have I heard an unkind or less than complimentary word about TMF from anyone who works with them in a paid capacity or otherwise.

From community partners I have heard nothing but great things. And as I volunteer with other organizations, I'm also a community partner with TMF. While some may tell me, "Angel, you need to cut down some of what you're doing." TMF and my local leadership encourage volunteering with other organizations. Each time I have gone to TMF leadership, they've always come through to support whichever community partner has a project or event happening. And they do so with enthusiasm.

It is an honor and blessing to be a volunteer with the Travis Manion Foundation. I write this review in the hopes that others too can benefit from being involved with TMF. "If not me; then who?"