Life + Culture

Empowering Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

Grand Love: Supporting Texas Grandparents And Kinship Families With Help, Heartfelt Connection, Community Article by Alexis Jacobs When Lena Smith and her husband found themselves unexpectedly raising their grandchildren, they quickly discovered just how challenging the journey can be, even with financial stability. That experience sparked something bigger: the creation of Grand Love, a nonprofit built to support grandparents and kinship caregivers raising a second generation. “Even though we...

Life + Culture

Changing Children's Futures, Stepping Forward

How Shoes, Service, Hope Are Transforming Lives In McKinney 4EveryKid Article by Alexis Jacobs | Photography by Provided by Soles4Souls Jamie Ellis, Soles4Souls vice president, strategic communications, shares via  McKinney + Prosper Lifestyle  the organization’s mission, how it serves communities like McKinney and the ways residents can get involved. Local contact Christine Ortega is the Texas senior manager, community partnerships for the nonprofit. What is Soles4Souls, and who does the...

Life + Culture

It's Adopting Cats And Dogs

Advice Editorial: Tips For Integrating New, Especially Rescued, Lifelong Furry Friends Article and Photography by Julie Brown Patton When embracing a furry family member within one's home, it's vital to understand what's become known as the 3-3-3 Rule . This phased adjustment approach reflects time-tested guidelines that it can take a dog or cat 3 days to decompress from its prior circumstances, particularly if coming out of noisy, unfamiliar shelter surroundings; 3 weeks to adapt to a...

Education

Empowering Students Through Academic Support

Stephanie Talley Shares How Academics Plus Builds Confidence, Improves Performance And Personalizes Learning For Every Student’s Success Article by Alexis Jacobs What inspired Academics Plus, and how has it evolved since 1991? "When Mark and Melinda Crenwelge founded Academics Plus in 1991, their goal was to teach students how to think. Though we’ve adapted to new technologies and challenges, like the pandemic and AI, we stay committed to that mission: helping students learn how to learn...

Life + Culture

Interacting Through Interact Club

Youths Practice 'Service Above Self' With McKinney Rotarians Article by Julie Brown Patton | Photography by Provided Rotary Club of McKinney members sponsor the McKinney High School Interact Club. Other schools in McKinney have Interact clubs sponsored by the McKinney Sunrise Rotary Club. Stephanie Talley, M.S., owner/director of Academics Plus, Rotarian youth leader for the past five years and president-elect of Rotary Club of McKinney, fills in McKinney + Prosper Lifestyle  readers...

Travel

Getting Kids Home Safely With Peace Of Mind

Taxi Mom McKinney Deepens Community Partnerships With Families Through Tailored, Child-Centered Transportation Solutions Article by Julie Brown Patton Lisa Jackson Jones' transportation business started with peace of mind for her own son. "Now, it's a mission for our community," she asserts.  "Three years ago, our family found more than just a transportation service — we found a lifeline. Taxi Mom LLC gave us the peace of mind every parent dreams of, knowing our son would get home safely from...

Professional Services

Grassroot Revival Of Lawns

Native-Born Texan Paul Rowan Provides Localized Solutions Through Texas Nativescapes Article by Sharla Davenport | Photography by Courtesy of Texas Nativescapes Texas is known for its historic battles, but perhaps one of the biggest conflicts for Texans is that between themselves and their lawn or garden. Trying to maintain a lush, green lawn in the dog days of summer is next to impossible with the extreme heat. Likewise, frequent droughts and unpredictable winters make lawn care a challenge. ...

Travel

Embrace 'Tourism Friendly Texas' McKinney

Explore History, Culture, Food, Fun In Texas’ Newest Certified Destination For Visitor Engagement And Economic Growth Article by Alexis Jacobs | Photography by Visit McKinney McKinney’s recent recognition as a bonafide 'Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community' highlights the city’s ongoing efforts to invite discovery and enhance the visitor experience. This designation, awarded by Travel Texas, celebrates McKinney’s commitment to fostering tourism as a strategic tool for economic growth and...

Life + Culture

Explore Prosper Library's Summer

Join The Program Fun That's Planned Article by Julie Brown Patton Nearly a quarter of Prosper's population are deemed as active library card holders, partaking of the varied year-round services the staff offers. This summer continues with those fun activities, especially for younger library enthusiasts. Take a look and plug into the enjoyment.  INDIA: July 7-11 Monday/Tuesday/Friday Craft Days: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join a come-and-go craft in the program room. Wednesday Story Time (for all...

Life + Culture

4-Year Program For Moms And Sons

Young Men's Service League High School Article by Julie Brown Patton Mothers and sons serving communities together can result in profound bonds. One charitable group is filled with ideas for those diverse service options. Texas-founded during 2001, Young Men’s Service League is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit national organization. However, the local region now is blessed with multiple YMSL chapters.  Pam Rosener, founder and CEO/president of YMSL’s national board of directors, says the group...