East Texas Communities Foundation

10/16/2026

Congratulations to Mackenna Deimund, recipient of the Texas Rose Festival Scholarship for 2026-27.

A Tyler Legacy High School graduate, Mackenna plans to study nursing at Baylor University with the goal of becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner.

The Texas Rose Festival Scholarship supports a Smith County graduating senior or current college student, with preference given to students who have participated in programs offered by the Mentoring Alliance.

ETCF is proud to assist the Texas Rose Festival Association in supporting students like Mackenna as they pursue their educational goals.

10/14/2026

East Texas Communities Foundation (ETCF) named Romero, a recent graduate of Gilmer High School, as the recipient of the Yamboree Empowerment Scholarship (YES) for Women for the 2026–27 academic year. The scholarship was created to help young women from Upshur County pursue a college education and achieve their dreams.

Romero’s journey has also been shaped by personal challenges that strengthened her resilience and sense of identity. “My life experiences have taught me strength, independence, and pride in who I am,” Vannia said. “They motivate me to work harder and create a better future for myself.”

Now in its third year, the YES for Women Scholarship was established by Gilmer natives Sally Greene and Laura Parsons-Sergent, whose families have deep roots in the East Texas Yamboree tradition. Inspired by their upbringing and the opportunities they were given, the pair created the scholarship to support young women who may otherwise struggle to afford college.

Read more here: https://etcf.org/2026/10/05/gilmer-graduate-vannia-romero-awarded-yamboree-empowerment-scholarship-for-women/

10/01/2026

Ever wonder what brought Kyle to East Texas Communities Foundation? Check out the interview with KLTV and learn what brought our President to ETCF and why he has stayed for over 20 years.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HRw5vii1d/

East Texas Tonight: Philanthropist Kyle Penney reflects on two decades of giving through the East Texas Communities Foundation Inc

Here's his story: https://tinyurl.com/46fbmzzf

09/17/2026

Congratulations to the East Texas Crisis Center on another meaningful Voices of Hope Luncheon!

Voices of Hope brings our community together to raise awareness about domestic violence and sexual assault while standing in support of survivors and those working every day to create a safer East Texas.

We are grateful for the East Texas Crisis Center’s continued leadership, compassion, and commitment to giving survivors hope, support, and a stronger voice.

Job well done to the entire team for creating such an impactful event and for the important work you do throughout the year. 💜

Special thanks to our guests Chelsea Amanda Owens and Dana Breaux Durman for attending the event with us.

09/05/2026

The Edwin A. “Blue” and Janice Owen Miller Charitable Fund at East Texas Communities Foundation recently awarded grants to local nonprofit organizations serving Henderson County.

• Henderson County Food Pantry – Additional food purchases and inventory support

• Labor of Love – Home repairs for elderly or disabled homeowners

• Champions for Children – Early childhood conference in Henderson County

• Children’s Clothing Ministry of First Baptist Church – Shoes for public school students for the upcoming school year

• East Texas Food Bank – Fresh produce distribution in Henderson County

Janice Owen Miller was a generous supporter of the Athens community throughout her lifetime. Before her death in 2007, she established an endowment at ETCF that would continue to support the community she cared about for generations to come.

09/02/2026

The Edwin A. “Blue” and Janice Owen Miller Charitable Fund at East Texas Communities Foundation recently awarded grants to local nonprofit organizations serving Henderson County.

• Friends of the Library – Libby app access to electronic resources

• East Texas Crisis Center – Rental and utility assistance

• CASA of Trinity Valley – Volunteer recruitment and appreciation efforts

• The Discovery Science Place – Mobile Planetarium experiences for Henderson County schools

Janice Owen Miller was a generous supporter of the Athens community throughout her lifetime. Before her death in 2007, she established an endowment at ETCF that would continue to support the community she cared about for generations to come.

08/31/2026

The Edwin A. “Blue” and Janice Owen Miller Charitable Fund at East Texas Communities Foundation recently awarded grants to local nonprofit organizations serving Henderson County.

• PAVE East Texas – Expansion of GED preparation and English language services for adult learners

• Community Care Food Pantry – Food supplies for families in need

• The Fostering Collective – Five permanent Heart Gallery foster portrait displays in Henderson County

• The ARK Campus Ministry – Support for student needs and mental health conversations

• Library at Cedar Creek Lake – Mobile big book display, books, STEM kits and expansion of the graphic novel collection

Janice Owen Miller was a generous supporter of the Athens community throughout her lifetime. Before her death in 2007, she established an endowment at ETCF that would continue to support the community she cared about for generations to come.

08/31/2026

The Edwin A. “Blue” and Janice Owen Miller Charitable Fund at East Texas Communities Foundation recently awarded $125,000 in grants to 16 nonprofit organizations serving Henderson County.

Janice Owen Miller was a generous supporter of the Athens community throughout her lifetime. Before her death in 2007, she made plans to establish an endowment that would continue supporting the community and causes she cared about for generations to come.

One of this year’s recipients, the Greater Athens Area Lions Club, will use its grant to provide free vision screenings for Henderson County children. When a screening identifies a child who needs additional care, the Lions Club will help ensure cost isn’t a barrier to receiving glasses. The organization hopes to help approximately 100 local students see more clearly and thrive at school and in everyday life.

Mrs. Miller’s thoughtful planning created a legacy that continues to make a difference in the community she loved and we are proud to be a part of that legacy.

08/28/2026

A recent grant from the Betty and Roy Erickson Charitable Fund for Nursing will help provide a new Smartboard for the Panola Junior College nursing program’s simulation and skills laboratory.

The interactive technology will give nursing students more opportunities to strengthen clinical judgment, participate in hands-on learning, and build the knowledge and confidence needed to provide safe, quality patient care.

As nursing enrollment grows, investments like this help ensure students have access to the tools and training they need to succeed — while helping prepare the next generation of nurses to serve our East Texas communities. ❤️

The Betty and Roy Erickson Charitable Fund for Nursing was established at ETCF to support and strengthen the field of nursing in East Texas.

08/26/2026

We couldn't let August end without celebrating Kyle Penney's 20-year work anniversary!!

During his time as President:
📣 Kyle is only the 6th President at ETCF.
📣 The Foundation’s charitable assets increased from $33 million to $160+ million.
📣 ETCF distributed over $180 million in grants during his time in leadership
📣 ETCF service area reaches 32-counties
📣 ETCF manages over 530 charitable funds
Thank you Kyle for 20 years of service to ETCF and our community!