Get to Know…Melissa Sherrill of The Family Place

Explain The Family Place mission and how you got involved. 

The Family Place is the largest family violence service provider in Texas, with three emergency shelters providing 177 shelter beds each night, including the state’s only shelter for men and children. The agency served 11,711 clients with 185,291 hours of service last year alone. I’ve spent 12 years with the agency passionately helping women, children and men affected by family violence and working tirelessly to raise vital funds to provide free services to clients. I’m now the Vice President of Development at The Family Place.

Tell us a little about yourself and your background.

Outside of my work with The Family Place, I am a member of Junior League Dallas and Cattle Baron’s, and volunteer with my daughter’s school.

What makes The Family Place events so special to the Dallas community? 

The Family Place events are something we look forward to every year. It’s a time to gather with all of our supporters and raise critical funds to help break the cycle of family violence in our community. Like many nonprofits in Dallas, we unfortunately have had to postpone or cancel some of our events due to current circumstances. We are very thankful that our annual Partners Card fundraiser is one of the only that can still take place!

What do you enjoy the most about being a part of Partners Card?

Partners Card is extra special for me because I get to see my own neighbors use their Partners Card at nearby shops and restaurants to help support The Family Place. It’s something everyone can participate in and make a difference.

How does support from community partners like Highland Park Village help Partners Card have a greater impact?

Community partners like Highland Park Village make direct donations to The Family Place and are important supporters of our mission to end family violence. We are so thankful to have Highland Park Village’s support year after year with the Partners Card fundraiser. This year there are over 30 participating stores in Highland Park Village. Akris and Loro Piana are both donating a percentage of sales to The Family Place as well in lieu of a discount.

What are some ways people in North Texas can get involved with Partners Card?

Shoppers can purchase a Partners Card this year for $75. Cardholders are entitled to a 20% discount at retailers and a 10% discount at restaurants during the 10-day period from Friday, October 30 – Sunday, November 8, 2020.  Furthermore, 100% of a Partners Card purchase goes directly to support The Family Place programs and services for victims of family violence.

Where would we most likely find you in Highland Park Village?

I love using my Partners Card to shop at MARKET for beautiful clothing and jewelry. They have such unique pieces. Highland Park Village is so special due to the mix of international and local brands. Theory and Hadleigh’s are two of my favorites. I also pop in Anthropologie to pick up holiday gifts for family and friends. Lastly, I always make a stop in Royal Blue Grocery.

Highland Park Village is proud to spotlight our very own dynamic personalities and community partners in the Village Voices series. Get to know our past features.