It’s not surprising that Veritex Community Bank and the Grace Center Texas would work together to help others. Both are deeply rooted in community service.
After spending time in private practice, then traveling the world on mission trips, Grace Smart, DDS returned home to work with underserved people in the Dallas area. Her ministry is to provide dental care, vision services and counseling to individuals who live at or below the
poverty level.
Smart is already offering these services in a temporary location but is working to raise money to build a permanent facility. The land has been purchased for the facility at 212 North First Street, near downtown Garland. The organization hopes to complete the building sometime this year.
A project like this comes with a large price tag. So, to help Smart’s vision move closer to fruition, Veritex Community Bank recently presented the Grace Center Texas, a registered 501(c)(3), a check for $50,000.
Jamie Miller, EVP/Chief Lending Officer at Veritex, praised Smart and her work in the community.
“We’ve known Grace for a long time. She is every bit the tremendous person that everyone says she is,” he said.
The $50,000 donation came about through a chance meeting at a dinner party. Kim Freeman, a Grace Center Texas board member and Malcolm Holland, board chair at Veritex Bank were discussing the center and Holland said that the bank help.
“He didn’t really know about the relationship we already had with Grace, but coming from several different ways, a great thing happened,” Miller said.
He added that they are blessed to know Smart.
“She’s a wonderful person and we love her. She and her board are guided by their faith and their desire to help others,” Miller said. “Grace has a soft spot in her heart for that. Rather than just sit there, she literally sold everything and went and made it happen. We have watched Grace building something great. We were really happy to make a good donation.”
All 33 branches of Veritex Community Bank and their employees are active in the community. The bank recently worked with Federal Home Loan Bank Dallas to repair two Garland homes. 
One couple had plumbing issues that were fixed. And, another resident’s air conditioning was repaired. Links to those articles are below.
In addition, before the construction of the Garland branch, the bank worked with the city of Garland to have three historic homes moved from their property. The houses were donated to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Garland, renovated and are now occupied. The result was that the bank helped saved three historic structures and helped provide homes to Garland families.
“There are so many opportunities to help the community. It starts with our chairperson and goes down through the board and all through the organization,” Miller said. “What a difference the volunteers can make, along with assistance that the bank can give financially. It’s great to watch. Some really good things are going on.”
Make plans now to attend the Wheels of Hope Car Show, an annual event hosted by Veritex Community Bank. All proceeds go to Garland’s Hope Clinic.
Article links:
Veritex Community Bank construction boosts 11th Street, downtown