With a commitment to making a positive difference in the communities in which we live and work, First Preston has a 20-year history of sharing its success with others, particularly those hit hardest by poverty in our country, women and children. We support proven programs that provide access to health care, quality childcare, job training, homeownership, and economic self-sufficiency. Since the company’s inception in 1988, millions of dollars have been contributed to community organizations helping those most in need.

First Preston Founder and CEO, Nancy T. Richards, was recognized in 2006 by the Dallas Women’s Foundation with their “Power of the Purse” Award for her community contributions and leadership in philanthropy. In 2007, she and First Preston President, Lisa Barrentine, were selected as “Humanitarian of the Year” at the REO Five Star National Conference in recognition of their community contributions, including housing and family support for Hurricane Rita evacuees and work with Cornerstone Development Corporation to address the needs of residents in one of the most economically challenged areas of South Dallas. Nancy and Lisa were chosen by Ernst & Young as their “2005 National Entrepreneurs of the Year” in recognition of the economic opportunities they have created for small businesses, many of them women- and minority-owned, to provide subcontracted services for the extensive national portfolio of residential assets First Preston manages and markets for its clients.

Through First Preston and the Tartaglino Richards Family Foundation, the company has established long-term partnerships with non-profit and faith-based organizations that share our vision of making a difference in the lives of others, including:

Habitat for Humanity International – First Preston’s partnership with Habitat has resulted in the funding and building of 24 homes for deserving families in nine states. Our company actively supports Habitat as a National Corporate Sponsor and by organizing and sponsoring Women CEO Builds, Extreme Builds, and serving on national and local boards and committees. First Preston employees, vendors, and subcontractors are frequent volunteers at local builds. Nancy Richards is a past member of the Habitat for Humanity International Women’s Build Committee, and Lisa Barrentine currently serves as a board member for a local Habitat affiliate.

Dallas Women’s Foundation – The Dallas Women’s Foundation funds programs that support women and children in North Texas. Nancy and Lisa chaired the 2008 Annual Luncheon for this organization, raising over $1 million to provide grants to non-profit groups that are delivering job training, domestic violence intervention, parenting skills, child development, and other programs to support women in their goal of supporting themselves and their family. Nancy Richards holds a position on the Advisory Board of the Dallas Women’s Foundation and has contributed over $1.5 million to the organization’s programs and funds.

Cornerstone Development Corporation – Faith-based groups have made remarkable progress in improving the lives of people in South Dallas by offering services to the homeless, a welfare-to-work program, food bank, child care, an educational program for teens struggling in school, after school programs for young children, prison-to-work transition and medical services. With several First Preston employees involved in the community outreach of the church, the company has contributed time and money in support of their outreach to help some of the most disadvantaged residents of Dallas.

YWCA of Metropolitan Dallas – The child-care services, health-care screenings and job support of the YWCA are essential to meeting the critical needs of women and girls working to better their lives. First Preston supports the YWCA with financial and volunteer resources and holds a position on the Community Advisory Board of the organization. The funds donated by First Preston and our employees, vendors, and subcontractors have allowed the YWCA to continue to offer free breast and cervical cancer screenings, quality childcare for working mothers, and educational programs on family finances and budgeting. First Preston has been one of the largest corporate contributors to this organization.

Grameen Foundation, USA and The Chiapas Project – The Grameen Foundation reduces poverty by funding micro-loans to small business entrepreneurs. First Preston helped to launch the micro-loan program in Dallas, is a sponsor of the Chiapas program in Mexico and raised funds for the national foundation. The micro-loans support hundreds of businesses that provide a range of services and products including catering, printing, daycare, tailoring, and technology services. The organizations’ model of providing small loans for critical business needs and peer support for the entrepreneurs has allowed new entrepreneurs to build their own businesses, support their families, and contribute to their communities.

In addition to these five community organizations, First Preston supports hundreds of non-profits across the country dedicated to improving the lives of others. If you have any questions regarding First Preston’s community outreach program, contact Robbi Dietrich at rdietrich@firstpreston.com or 972-788-1100.