In North Texas, a nonprofit is quietly transforming the way survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking rebuild their lives. Empty Hand Open Heart (EHOH), founded by martial artist Tracy Dickey, is giving women more than shelter and counseling. It’s giving them the tools to walk into the world with confidence, strength, and dignity.
Tracy, a 5th Degree Black Belt with more than 20 years of martial arts experience, has been teaching self-defense for nearly two decades. For over 10 years, she has traveled to shelters across the region to share her knowledge and partnered with organizations such as Treasured Vessels Foundation, HOPE’s Door, Emily’s Place, Local Good Center, and New Friends New Life. Tracy also runs East Plano Martial Arts dojo, where she has students that also help to grow EHOH’s outreach.
What makes EHOH unique is the way it fills a gap in traditional recovery programs. Shelters already provide medical, food, clothing, and career support. But Tracy recognized that true independence also requires the ability to feel safe in everyday life. Through simple, practical self-defense moves, women learn not only how to protect themselves but also how to carry themselves with confidence.
Survivors often describe Tracy’s classes as life-changing. Tracy brings a comforting and calming presence as soon as she walks in, and she’s someone the survivors know they “can trust,” which is already oftentimes a scary new step for them. Tracy has been praised for her patience and love. She’s known to give encouragement every class to teach these brave women to stand up for themselves, not fear the unknown, and have what it takes to defend themselves and trust their own instincts, leading to a sense of strength and empowerment that carries through to their day-to-day life.
These stories highlight the deeper impact of EHOH’s mission. It’s not just about learning to block a punch or escape a hold—it’s about rediscovering self-worth. For women who have been told they are powerless, the ability to stand tall and defend themselves becomes a powerful symbol of strength found in their healing journey.
Recently, EHOH was recognized by the community as a vital new part of the recovery process for women, with $10,775 in donations through North Texas Giving Day. This amazing young organization also received the attention of Grapevine’s North Texas Women for Good and was selected by them to receive a grant of $8,690. These funds are helping multiply their efforts of bringing self-defense classes directly into shelters, safe houses, and the local community, ensuring that women who have endured trauma can reclaim their sense of safety.
As EHOH grows, so does Tracy’s vision. She’s building a team of passionate instructors to reach more shelters and communities, ensuring that empowerment through self-defense becomes a standard part of recovery programs. Donations go directly toward classes, equipment, and survivor resources, while volunteers and partners are welcomed to join the mission.
Empty Hand Open Heart isn’t just teaching women how to defend themselves. It’s teaching them how to live without fear, embrace their strength, and step boldly into the future.
For more information or to get involved, visit emptyhandopenheart.org or connect with EHOH on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.