Change the World Allen (CTWA) is a vibrant, community-driven nonprofit that began in 2012 at the First United Methodist Church in Allen, Texas. Inspired by Mike Slaughter’s book Change the World: Recovering the Message and Mission of Jesus, this initiative has grown into a powerful force dedicated to strengthening the Allen–Lucas–Fairview region through neighborly service.
A Mission Rooted in Compassion
CTWA’s central mission is simple yet profound: foster a more resilient, connected community by encouraging acts of service among neighbors. As a 501(c)(3) organization, it mobilizes people of all ages—children, teens, and adults—to lend their talents to projects that help those in the community. Whether it’s yard maintenance, home repairs, meal packaging, or assembling care kits, CTWA seeks to meet a spectrum of community needs.
From Humble Origins to Community Leader
The organization took root during a church-based volunteer effort and quickly expanded beyond its spiritual beginnings. By 2014, CTWA had earned the Spirit of Allen Award from the Allen-Fairview Chamber of Commerce and secured a grant from RETHINK CHURCH.
CTWA’s work in the community continues to thrive due to its expanded sustained volunteers from multiple faith communities and service organizations in Allen and the surrounding area. We are filled with gratitude for these amazing individuals.
Transformative Impact in the Community
CTWA’s efforts have tangibly improved the lives of countless neighbors, particularly those facing financial hardship or aging in place. The organization’s home repair and yard work initiatives make homes cleaner, safer, and healthier—relieving burdens for low-income and elderly homeowners.
How Neighbors Join the Cause
Volunteering with CTWA is highly accessible and diverse. The organization outlines clear roles on its website:
- Logistics Team: This crucial unit handles supply runs, truck loading, and delivery to work sites.
- Landscape Crew: A mobile team responsible for mowing, edging, hedge trimming, and weed control at various locations.
- Home Repair Volunteers: Tasks include fence repair, painting, siding installation, and general maintenance—no prior experience necessary.
- Agency Support and Donation Collection: Volunteers assist nonprofit partners and coordinate collection efforts for food, clothing, or goods.
- Cookie Bakers & Lunch Support: Community members can contribute by baking cookies or preparing lunch for volunteer crews.
CTWA also seeks project leaders who help identify projects, coordinate logistics, and forge community connections for year-round service.
Major Annual Event: Change the World Weekend
The cornerstone event is the annual Change the World Weekend. This year, from May 1 – 3, CTWA will be celebrating its 15th Change the World Weekend. These three days reflect CTWA’s core objectives: service, connection, and community resilience—while offering meaningful engagement opportunities for families, teens, and groups.
How to Get Involved
Community members can get involved in multiple ways:
- Volunteer: Sign up via the website to join a crew or take on a leadership position.
- Request Help: Homeowners can submit a project request form.
- Donate: Contributions support home repair materials, food and clothing drives, and general operations.
- Partner Organizations: Local congregations, businesses, and nonprofits can join CTWA’s network to increase impact.
A Community United in Kindness
Through a blend of hands-on service, community-building events, and collaborative partnerships, Change the World Allen has grown into a dynamic presence in the Allen–Lucas–Fairview area. What began as a church volunteer weekend has become a year-round engine of goodwill.
By offering diverse volunteer roles, sustaining partnerships, and empowering residents through service, CTWA transforms small acts of kindness into a wave of collective impact. Whether one is wielding a hammer, delivering lunch, or coordinating crews, every contribution reinforces the organization’s vision: a community where neighbors lift neighbors, and service builds relationships.
For those inspired to make a difference, CTWA provides an open door—whether it's weekend volunteering, ongoing commitment, or organizing a one-time project. It’s more than a nonprofit; it’s a community movement, quietly changing the world—one neighbor at a time.
Visit changetheworldallen.org to learn more.
CTWA’s central mission is simple yet profound: foster a more resilient, connected community by encouraging acts of service among neighbors.