In this month’s newsletter, we recap our recent Pathways Perk Up event, recognize Texas Instruments for their recent day of volunteering, announce a vital new initiative led by United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, and share an inspiring story from Tristen, a Nexus Recovery Advocate and alumna.
Support
Pathways Perk Up Reception
On Tuesday, May 6, Nexus hosted its inaugural Pathways Perk Up reception, a gathering to celebrate and thank our incredible Pathways to Possibilities supporters. Held in the lush garden of longtime Nexus supporter and Auxiliary member Beverly Barry, the event brought together supporters for a relaxing hour of coffee, tea, and delicious treats.
Despite the threat of rain, the skies cleared just in time for meaningful conversations and connection. This special event highlighted the critical role our donors play in helping families impacted by substance use disorders (SUD).
Thanks to the generosity of Pathways to Possibilities supporters, Nexus was able to serve 3,365 women and 217 children last year. As demand for our services continues to grow, we are deeply grateful for the ongoing support in helping provide hope and healing to mothers and their families.
To learn more about Pathways to Possibilities, visit: nexusrecovery.org/pathways-to-possibilities
Save the date for the 4th annual Pathways to Possibilities Luncheon to be held on Tuesday, August 19 at Eastfield College where you can learn about Nexus’ mission and how you can get involved as an advocate, supporter, or volunteer to help women and their children on their path to healing.
Community
Texas Instruments Volunteers Bring Joy and Generosity to Nexus Campus
Nexus recently welcomed more than 40 enthusiastic volunteers from Texas Instruments for a day of hands-on service, and we’re still smiling from the experience. These incredible team members rolled up their sleeves to help beautify our campus including planting flowers throughout the campus, refreshing picnic areas and swing areas, and cleaning up walkways.
Their impact didn’t stop with landscaping. The TI volunteers also treated Nexus staff and residents to a tasty cookout and served up grilled burgers, chips, sodas, and ice pops, all under a beautiful, breezy day.
We are so grateful for the energy, kindness, and support that the Texas Instruments team brought to our community. Their generosity made a lasting difference and brightened the day for everyone at Nexus.
If you or your organization are interested in volunteering at Nexus, visit nexusrecovery.org/volunteer to learn more or click the button below..
Security
Nexus Joins Data Initiative to Better Support Women and Families in Recovery
Nexus has been selected to join the second cohort of a special program called the Data Capacity Building Initiative (DCBI), led by United Way of Metropolitan Dallas in partnership with Parkland Center for Clinical Innovation (PCCI). This program, which runs through October 2025, helps nonprofits better understand and use data to support their work.
As part of the program, Nexus now has access to a powerful new tool called the Community Vulnerability Compass (CVC). This interactive map shows important information about neighborhoods across Dallas, Collin, Rockwall, and Denton counties, down to the block level. It includes data on affordable housing, internet access, unemployment, substance use, health issues, and more.
Unlike many tools that show general data by ZIP code, the CVC can highlight specific blocks within neighborhoods. This helps organizations like Nexus see exactly where the greatest needs are and plan programs and services that make the most impact.
During the six-month training session, led by Destiny Davis of United Way and Lance’ Rather of PCCI, Nexus will also have the chance to learn from data experts and connect with other nonprofits to share ideas and resources.
This data tool will be a vital reosurce as Nexus continues to grow and serve women and mothers in Texas who are recovering from substance use disorder (SUD). Many of Nexus’ clients face multiple challenges including poverty, being unhoused, domestic violence, unemployment, and more, which can make recovery much more difficult. In fact, up to 1 in 4 Nexus clients arrive without stable housing.
Alongside clinical treatment, Nexus Case Managers and Peer Coaches work closely with each client to connect them with community services and support systems. With tools like the CVC, Nexus will be even better equipped to meet women and their families where they are and help guide them toward healing and stability.rder treatment for women and children.
Dignity
From Hopeless to Hopeful: Tristen’s Journey to Recovery and Purpose
Tristen, a 37-year-old from Dallas, Texas, has been living in recovery since January 16, 2020. Her story is one of transformation, resilience, and dedication, not only to her own recovery, but to helping other women begin their journeys as well.
Tristen’s early life was marked by hardship. She lost her mother at the age of four, and her father, who also struggled with substance use disorder (SUD), spent time in and out of prison. As a child, she bounced between homes and struggled to feel safe or accepted. By the time she was 13, Tristen began using substances, searching for a way to escape the pain she carried.
Her turning point came years later, while living in a garage with someone she was dating. It was in that moment she realized she didn’t want to die; she wanted to live.
Although she had been to Nexus before, it wasn’t until she fully committed to doing the work that things began to change. Tristen completed detox, residential treatment, and intensive outpatient programming. She took every suggestion given, got a sponsor, moved into sober living, attended meetings, and found a job. She worked hard to rebuild her life, regain the trust of her family, and show up as the mother her son needed.
Eventually, Tristen heard about a position at Nexus through someone in the recovery community. With encouragement from her husband, whom she met at a support meeting, she applied and was hired. Today, she works at Nexus as a Recovery Advocate for the Adult Women (AW) program, helping other women struggling with SUD find hope and healing.
“I can only keep what I have by giving it away,” Tristen shares. “Getting to see the light come on in someone’s eyes, that transformation…that’s everything to me.”
When she’s not at Nexus, Tristen is a proud mom to two boys who are active in sports. She cherishes time with her family and lives each day with purpose.
Her journey is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible and that through service, community, and commitment, lives can be rebuilt.