In this month’s newsletter, we announce our 2nd Annual Duck Derby, highlight KPMG‘s first volunteer opportunity on our campus, feature the security upgrades at our new Doswell Medical Building, and share Cierra’s story of recovery and renewal.
Support
Make a Splash at our 2nd Annual Duck Derby!
Get ready to dive into a fun-filled evening for a great cause as Nexus Family Recovery Center hosts its 2nd Annual Duck Derby, an energetic and engaging fundraiser led by the organization’s Young Supporters Council (YSC)! Scheduled for Tuesday, September 9, 2025, from 6-8 p.m. at a private residence in Dallas’ prestigious Preston Hollow neighborhood, the event combines community, connection, and friendly competition in support of Nexus’ Child Development Center.
This lively affair features a signature rubber duck race, where guests can sponsor racing ducks and cheer them on as they compete for top prizes in a spirited poolside showdown. Admission begins at just $25 and includes one duck entry, with opportunities to increase your chances, and your impact, by adding more ducks or joining as an event sponsor. Prizes will be awarded to the first three ducks to cross the finish line!
Event Chair Alexandra Hart, along with Honorary Chairs Liv and Sam Tracy, are excited to welcome guests to an unforgettable evening with delicious bites from Palmer’s Hot Chicken and refreshing beverages provided by Ben E. Keith. DJ Tim will set the stage with an energetic soundtrack and Pinky’s Valet will offer complimentary valet service for added convenience.
More than just fun, the Duck Derby plays a vital role in supporting Nexus’ mission to provide family-centered care for women overcoming substance use disorder. Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the on-site Child Development Center (CDC), a fully licensed Texas Rising Star facility serving infants through school-aged children. In 2024 alone, the CDC supported 217 children, including 34 newborns, creating a stable environment that allows mothers in treatment to focus on recovery while knowing their children are safe, nurtured, and thriving.
The event also shines a spotlight on the work of the Young Supporters Council (YSC), a growing network of professionals under 40 who host events and advocate year-round in support of Nexus’ programs. Those interested in joining the YSC or learning more can visit nexusrecovery.org/ysc.
To reserve your duck, secure a sponsorship, or learn more about how to get involved, visit nexusrecovery.org/duck-derby.
Whether you’re racing or rooting from the sidelines, your support makes a lasting difference in the lives of families on their journey to recovery. Let’s make a splash together!
Community
KPMG Volunteers Roll Up Their Sleeves at Nexus for Community Impact Day
On August 5, Nexus welcomed a team of enthusiastic volunteers from KPMG for their very first service day on our campus. The connection was made possible through our Board President, Nickoria Johnson, who helped introduce Nexus to KPMG’s Community Impact Day initiative.
As part of the 4th Annual Community Impact Day, a nationwide effort where KPMG employees volunteer their time and talents to support local nonprofits, volunteers spent the day deep cleaning our kitchen and cafeteria spaces. Their work helps ensure these vital areas remain safe, clean, and welcoming for the women and families we serve.
KPMG employees across the country participated in volunteer projects on this day, ranging from food bank support to school supply prep. We’re honored that Nexus was selected as one of the beneficiary organizations and are incredibly grateful for their team’s hard work. On August 5, Nexus welcomed a team of enthusiastic volunteers from KPMG for their very first service day on our campus. The connection was made possible through our Board President, Nickoria Johnson, who helped introduce Nexus to KPMG’s Community Impact Day initiative.
As part of the 4th Annual Community Impact Day, a nationwide effort where KPMG employees volunteer their time and talents to support local nonprofits, volunteers spent the day deep cleaning our kitchen and cafeteria spaces. Their work helps ensure these vital areas remain safe, clean, and welcoming for the women and families we serve.
KPMG employees across the country participated in volunteer projects on this day, ranging from food bank support to school supply prep. We’re honored that Nexus was selected as one of the beneficiary organizations and are incredibly grateful for their team’s hard work. We’re also grateful to Keela Ross and Noël Ellison of KPMG who are committed Nexus supporters and helped organize this premier volunteer opportunity.
Interested in volunteering at Nexus? Visit nexusrecovery.org/volunteer to learn more or click the button below.
Security
Prioritizing Safety, Privacy, and Peace of Mind at the Doswell Medical Building
At Nexus, every decision we make is rooted in our mission to support women and their families on the path to healing. As part of our Recovery Rising campaign, we’ve implemented a series of essential security upgrades in the new Doswell Medical Building to ensure every woman who enters our care feels safe, respected, and supported.
One major improvement includes upgraded surveillance cameras that will allow clients to focus on recovery, knowing their environment is being carefully monitored and protected. In addition, detox rooms are now equipped with direct-call help buttons, ensuring high-risk clients have immediate access to support whenever needed, an especially critical feature for women in early recovery. Open sight lines have been thoughtfully integrated into the medical building’s architectural design, including a spacious courtyard surrounded by windows, allowing Nexus staff to monitor clients and ensure their safety.
These upgrades are just the beginning. Through the Recovery Rising campaign, Nexus is committed to extending these innovations across our entire campus creating a modern, trauma-informed space where healing can truly take root. This effort reflects our promise to every woman and family we serve: that their safety, dignity, and well-being will always come first.
Dignity
A Future Worth Fighting For: Cierra’s Journey to Recovery and Renewal
Cierra celebrates over two years of sobriety since her clean date of March 30, 2023. Born and raised in Arlington, Texas, she describes a childhood filled with love. Despite a stable foundation, she began using drugs and alcohol at age 14 in an effort to fit in. Cierra recalls, “It gave me a false sense of confidence that I never felt before. I finally felt like I fit in somewhere.”
Twenty years later, after the birth of her son, Cierra found herself in the grip of substance use disorder (SUD) again and Child Protective Services (CPS) became involved. After entering Nexus and the Pregnant and Parenting Women with Children (PPWC) program, she was able to regain custody of her son but several months later, Cierra experienced a relapse. She spent the next nine months carrying a deep pain of guilt, shame, disappointment, and feeling trapped. Then she was arrested. She now calls that moment her “gift of desperation.” After spending six months in jail, the judge gave Cierra another chance and sent her back to Nexus, where her journey toward lasting recovery began.
Cierra says both experiences at Nexus changed her life. With the structure, support, and unconditional acceptance she found, she began to rebuild her self-worth and finally understood what it meant to live in recovery. Cierra says, “I never once felt judged by any of the staff and I always felt loved and appreciated. I was able to start restoring my self-worth and feeling of hope.”
Today, Cierra has full custody of her son and lives with her mom. She’s repaired her relationships with her family and is deeply connected with her NA program and support network.
Cierra now works full time as an administrative assistant and bookkeeper at a small tax firm, manages a range of responsibilities, and continues learning new skills every day. For fun, she prioritizes fitness, enjoys time outdoors, and connecting with her recovery community.
Cierra’s says her dreams are grounded and strong: to stay clean, buy a home for her and her son, and maybe one day build a healthy relationship.
Cierra shares, “Recovery isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being present.” She offers her deepest thanks to the supporters of Nexus, saying, “Your support doesn’t just fund a facility. It saves lives, restores families, and gives people like me a future worth fighting for.”