Vogel expands Mission with State-of-the-Art Childcare Facility at The Shops at RedBird

Texas Metro News: Dallas-based nonprofit Vogel has taken a major step in its mission to support children and families overcoming homelessness and poverty with the opening of its new 15,000-square-foot childcare facility at The Shops at RedBird in Southern Dallas County. The facility, named the Rita Sue and Alan Gold Child and Family Center in honor of the Golds’ long-time support, was unveiled during a ribbon-cutting ceremony this week, where there was also the presentation of a $106,500 donation to the Vogel Foundation by Paul Driscoll, partner and chairman of Hill & Wilkinson; underscoring the organization’s commitment to serving Dallas families.

 Vogel President and CEO Karen Hughes, who has been with Vogel for more than 14 years, expressed her excitement about the new center and its significance to the community. “I’m most excited that it’s state-of-the-art and beautiful,” Hughes said. “We didn’t just make another childcare center—we made it state-of-the-art for the community, from the playground to the inside. It’s beautiful.”  The Rita Sue and Alan Gold Child and Family Center features a stylish exterior with a modern design. A welcoming corridor creates a safe space for children and parents, leading to the educational area.  There is also an outdoor playground and green space to encourage children’s play and development. Additionally, the facility includes a state-of-the-art, action-based learning lab where kids can engage in lessons through movement and reinforce them through repetition. 

The space is further enhanced by a vibrant painting featuring trees and birds, creating an engaging and family-friendly atmosphere.  The facility embodies Vogel’s comprehensive approach to addressing homelessness, focusing on both children and their families.  Hughes emphasized the unique nature of their mission: “Homelessness has changed, and the way we address homelessness has changed. But the thing that hasn’t changed is the mission that the children of homeless families are the core of what we do, and it is unique across the country.”  The goal, she said is to break the cycle of child homelessness, ensuring that “a child will not be homeless when they become adults.” 

Dallas Mayor Pro Tem Tennell Atkins expressed his support for the facility at Red Bird, saying, “It’s great to have something here for the kids and the future of Dallas. The opportunity for parents to bring their child to this type of facility is something we should have had many years ago, but it’s wonderful to have it in this part of town.” He also highlighted the importance of the bond that forms between parents and children at the facility, “It’s a bond where a parent can come and see their baby, where they are creating a connection.” Atkins explained that the facility’s opening was made possible through a new market tax credit, with Peter Brosky and a partnership that provided free rent at Red Bird Mall to help establish the foundation.

Terrence Maiden, Chief Executive Officer for Russell Glen and partner in the redevelopment project at The Shops at RedBird spoke about the ongoing transformation in the area.  He highlighted the importance of Vogel’s involvement, “This is a great event, you know, to have Vogel here.” Maiden emphasized the role of quality services in the community, recognizing the impact of Vogel’s presence. “This community is in need of quality out here, and thinking about the workforce that’s located here in southern Dallas and the Redbird area. Having an asset like Vogel here is going to go a long way.”

 A father, Maiden understands the personal importance of a safe environment for children.  He shared, “When you think about having a place that’s safe and welcoming as a parent who’s working… It helps alleviate a lot of stress, especially if you work here. You can walk right downstairs and check on your child. I think that’s a huge benefit for people that have been working here.”

The director of the Vogel Redbird facility, Tamyra Belo, has witnessed the positive impact on families firsthand. Currently, the center serves nine children, with parents facing various challenges like job-seeking and housing transitions.  “Parents are enjoying what’s going on here; the community is very welcoming,”said Belo, adding that the facility provides a safe space for children,while also giving parents peace of mind. Her leadership has fostered a supportive environment where staff feels valued and heard. She leads by example, with a focus on empathy, and encourages staff to share their own experiences in their roles.  As a mother, she said she feels deeply responsible for the well-being of the children, treating them as her own.

Belo also emphasized the importance of community, “To have the parents come in and intermingle and be involved with parent engagement, to blend in and socialize with one another based on who they are.”  The opening of the Rita Sue and Alan Gold Child and Family Center marks a significant milestone for Vogel in its ongoing mission to support families in need.   As the community continues to grow, Vogel remains committed to breaking the cycle of homelessness and creating brighter futures for children and families across Dallas and beyond.