In our local community, a purposeful nonprofit is redefining what it means to care for one’s community. Heart of the City Lewisville stands on a simple but transformative belief that love requires action. Rooted in service, integrity, and local impact, this organization continues to strengthen neighborhoods by meeting real needs with dignity, excellence, and compassion.
The vision for Heart of the City Lewisville began in 2009, when founder Pastor Robert Veal felt convicted to live out love in a more intentional way. For him, love could not remain an idea or sentiment but rather required showing up, serving consistently, and caring deeply for neighbors. While early efforts took shape within the church he served, the mission continued to grow. In 2019, everything aligned for Heart of the City Lewisville to launch as its own independent nonprofit, fully focused on serving the community at large.
At its core, the mission is straightforward: to love others, to serve others, and to help others. This clarity drives every initiative and program, ensuring that compassion is not only spoken about but actively lived out.
In the words of CEO Nicole Felder, “When neighbors are struggling, we believe faith calls us to meet them where they are. We show with dignity, compassion and practical support. Through our service programs, we create opportunities to walk alongside our neighbors. Faith isn’t meant to stay within walls. Therefore, we spread it.”
The love has been spread to more than 23,000 families in the area, each one impacted by the various programs offered through the organization.
Heart of the City Lewisville’s vision extends beyond immediate assistance. It is built on the belief that local people, using local resources, can help local families thrive. By strengthening individuals and households, the organization creates healthier neighborhoods and a stronger community overall. This model of care is designed to be both impactful and replicable, offering a blueprint for communities across the nation to follow.
Currently, Heart of the City Lewisville serves South Denton County through several essential programs. Its Farmers Market Food Pantry provides free groceries in partnership with the North Texas Food Bank. Through GRAHAMS Totally Free Clothes, the organization collects and distributes free clothing to neighbors seeking confidence and comfort in their everyday lives. These two programs make an incredible impact. In 2024, over 80,000 items of clothing and shoes were given, and more than one million pounds of food were shared with neighbors in need.
Additional programs, such as the THRIVE Life and Skills Coaching program and THRIVE Academy help to provide wise counsel and encouragement during life’s most challenging moments. The coaching program offers free, one-on-one support in areas such as finances, parenting, marriage, spiritual matters, and personal growth. The THRIVE Academy serves as an interdisciplinary resource for education, career development, financial management, and personal growth through classes, groups, online courses, and individualized guidance.
Guided by its core values of compassion, community, integrity, excellence, and stewardship, Heart of the City Lewisville offers hope to struggling families and a meaningful opportunity for residents of Lewisville and Flower Mound to invest in the well-being of their community. As a registered Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the organization invites neighbors to donate, volunteer, and join the mission at www.heartofthecitylewisville.com.