In this powerful episode of Nonprofits Today, we speak with Thana Hickman-Simmons, founder and executive director of Viola’s House—a transformational nonprofit serving homeless expectant teen mothers in Dallas, Texas.

What began as a small mentoring program has evolved into a comprehensive residential and community-based organization that supports over 500 mothers daily. Viola’s House is not only Dallas County’s largest diaper distributor, providing over 6 million diapers annually, but also a lifeline offering transitional housing, a voucher-based boutique, mobile outreach, parenting classes, and more.

Thana opens up about:

• The inspiration behind Viola’s House and how it started from a single apartment.
• Growing from passion to professional leadership, including board development and funding shifts.
• Navigating a 34% drop in individual giving while still expanding services.
• The importance of adaptability, perseverance, and community-driven strategy in uncertain times.

Key takeaway:

"Passion alone is not enough—you need perseverance, adaptability, and a strong team to create lasting impact."

Connect with Viola’s House:

Website: https://violashouse.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/violashousedallas/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/violashousedallas/

Connect with Sarah Boxx:

Website: https://sarahboxx.com/

Nonprofits Today: https://shows.acast.com/nonprofits-today

No Labels No Limits: http://www.nolabelsnolimitspodcast.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strategicvisioncoach/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahboxxllc/

X: @SarahBoxx

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahboxxsherpa/

Cross-Promo: Also, check out our flagship podcast, No Labels No Limits, where we dig even deeper into purpose-driven leadership and personal transformation.

Listen here: http://www.nolabelsnolimitspodcast.com/

Watch on YouTube: @NoLabelsNoLimitspodcast

𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐊𝐄𝐘𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐒:

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