EMPOWERING THE COMMUNITY

Cedar Hill Church of Christ launches “Family Cares”

By Sylvia Powers 
Corresponnet
Texas Metro News

Although the federal government shutdown ended a few weeks ago, the ripple effects continue to weigh heavily on families across North Texas. The pressures of the holiday season are growing stronger by the day; many parents, teens, and children in the DFW region are facing a perfect storm of stress and uncertainty.

Cedar Hill Church of Christ, which is one of the oldest congregations in Dallas County, is working to meet those needs head-on with a new initiative designed to offer real, practical support to the community. On December 6, the church will host Family Cares, a free, day-long event dedicated to helping families navigate financial strain, safety challenges, and emotional pressures.

Running from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the event includes interactive workshops, free meals, access to local vendors and resource providers, and a significant food distribution for families attending.

Elder Karl Berry, one of the event organizers, describes Family Cares as both a response to crisis and an opportunity for empowerment.

“We’re doing a program designed to make the best out of what people would call a bad situation,” Berry explained. “The lack of social support can be problematic, but it’s also an opportunity for us to step up and provide for ourselves.  We have to realize that the cavalry’s not on the way, we are the Cavalry.”

Rather than waiting for government or outside institutions to bridge the gaps, Berry believes families can tap into the skills, training, and resources already present within their own neighborhoods.

“Our goal is to connect the community and leverage their talents so we can better provide for ourselves,” he said. “We’re focusing on interactive support with each other through faith, education, health care, and community resources, working hand in hand.”

Workshops for Every Member of the Family

The event features a dozen speakers leading sessions across three essential areas:

1. Internet Safety & Cyber Awareness

Parents and teens will learn about digital risks, online behavior, and the growing challenges young people face in virtual spaces.

2. Financial Literacy

Sessions will cover everything from how to buy a car or house to smart investments. A bilingual workshop, led by a financial expert who manages more than $140 million in revenue in Spanish-speaking communities, will equip attendees with practical steps to build stability.

3. Healthy Relationships

These workshops focus on enhancing communication among families, schools, churches, and youth-serving organizations. The goal is to strengthen bonds and foster healthier interactions at home and in the community.

“Family is our first classroom, our first community, and the foundation from which every future is built. The Family Cares Event is important because it gives parents and caregivers access to the knowledge, support, and resources they need—without barriers. Free food, free childcare, expert speakers, and community-centered conversations ensure that every family can show up, learn, and grow together, said Dr. Ericka Johnson, Founder and CEO of Imagine That Consulting, LLC. Dr. Johnson will be one of the speakers at the daylong conference.

Food Distribution and Community Services

According to the North Texas Food Bank, the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area ranks third in the U. S. for the highest number of people experiencing hunger.

To help ease the food insecurity, the church will distribute 400 pounds of food packaged into 10 boxes that contain 40 pounds of food through an automatic registration raffle.

After lunch, attendees will participate in a two-hour Q&A session with the event’s 12 speakers and resource partners.

Powered by Collaboration and Community Care

While the event is led by Cedar Hill Church of Christ, it is strengthened by Berry’s broader work in community leadership. As a board member at Crossroads Community Services and the Parkland RedBird campus, Berry brings strong partnerships with agencies serving southern Dallas.

Additionally, Berry’s nonprofit, the Community Care Resource Council (CCRC), connects families with critical services including food support, mental health care, transportation, childcare, and assistance for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Although the timing falls within the holiday season, Family Cares is not designed as a holiday giveaway. Instead, it is a multicultural, multi-generational, community-building effort.

“We’re a congregation made up of people from all walks of life,” Berry said. “The event isn’t about Christmas. However, it’s about unity. It’s about turning problems into advantages. Scripture says, ‘My people perish for lack of knowledge.’ Family Cares is our way of sharing that knowledge so families can thrive.”

Sylvia Powers is an award-winning author, accomplished writer, gifted hotographer, and nationally recognized breast cancer advocate with a deep passion for empowering others.