Discover refreshing, nonpartisan<\/strong> reporting on stories happening in your backyard.<\/p>\n In 2014, she launched the Safe in the Six<\/a> nonprofit organization to foster a support system in Echo Heights and Stop Six. The nonprofit connects neighborhood youth and families to resources and services to help them succeed in their education and careers and provide safe spaces to help children maintain their mental, emotional and physical health.\u00a0<\/p>\n Welcome to 52 Faces<\/strong><\/p>\n 52 Faces of Community<\/a> is a Fort Worth Report weekly series spotlighting local unsung heroes. It is sponsored by Central Market<\/a>, H-E-B<\/a> and JPS Health Network<\/a>.<\/p>\n At the end of the year, these rarely recognized heroes will gather for a luncheon where the Report will announce one honoree to represent Tarrant County at the Jefferson Awards in Washington, D.C.<\/p>\n James\u2019 service and loyalty to the community earned her recognition in 52 Faces of Community, the Fort Worth Report\u2019s weekly series spotlighting unsung heroes in Tarrant County.<\/p>\n \u201cThe impact that she made on the schools was really big,\u201d said Jayson Dixon, Safe in the Six marketing director. \u201cShe goes into those schools \u2026 because she wants to tell kids, \u2018You can come out of whatever situation you\u2019re in.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n Dixon was inspired by James\u2019 tenacity in starting the nonprofit, prompting him to join the team. <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve seen her fight through every type of diversity to get it done. \u2026 When she could not get any help,\u201d Dixon said. \u201cWe had to create our own help.\u201d<\/p>\n James has secured housing for local youth, purchased clothes and back-to-school supplies, and even escorted children to and from school to ensure their safety.<\/p>\n She and members of the nonprofit aim to serve as \u201cfillers,\u201d guardians who attend promotions, graduations and field trips for children whose parents have work or scheduling conflicts.\u00a0<\/p>\n Even attending such events can make a difference in a child\u2019s life, James added.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re not alone. They have someone that\u2019s helping them out,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n Safe in the Six partners with SafeHaven of Tarrant County and One Safe Place to help house youth and residents who\u2019ve experienced domestic violence. James has opened up her own home at times.<\/p>\n \u201cOur purpose is to give them a safe environment,\u201d Dixon said. \u201cWe can get in touch with the families, set up remediation, figure out what\u2019s wrong and make it work.\u201d<\/p>\n When neighborhood residents struggle with mental health issues or social skills, some also turn to James for help.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cI just see her as a fighter. She loves what she does. She loves that community.\u201d<\/p>\n Jayson Dixon, Safe in the Six marketing director<\/p><\/blockquote>\n \u201cA lot of kids are detaching,\u201d she said. \u201cThey keep to themselves, and some of them end up having issues mentally.\u201d<\/p>\n While James connects families to local health resources, such as John Peter Smith Hospital, she also takes it upon herself to provide them with uplifting opportunities.\u00a0<\/p>\n That includes the nonprofit\u2019s annual red rose giveaway.\u00a0<\/p>\n Every year on the first day of school at Dunbar High, Safe in the Six hosts a red carpet event welcoming teenaged girls with red roses to encourage confidence and positive self-esteem.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cOur goal is to start building up their self-esteem, making sure that these young ladies know who they are and they love themselves,\u201d James said.\u00a0<\/p>\n She ensures high school boys also receive the care and the guidance they need.\u00a0<\/p>\n Once a month, the nonprofit hosts the Dads of Dunbar program, bringing in speakers to teach teen boys about entrepreneurship, the importance of completing high school and how they can pursue higher education or trade schools.\u00a0<\/p>\n Providing events and training is one of the nonprofit\u2019s way of breaking the cycle of crime and poverty that has marred Echo Heights and Stop Six.\u00a0<\/p>\n James makes time and space for everyone, Dixon said.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cI just see her as a fighter,\u201d he said. \u201cShe loves what she does. She loves that community.\u201d<\/p>\n Nicole Lopez is the environment reporter for the Fort Worth Report. Contact her at nicole.lopez@fortworthreport.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Tired of shouting? Help us bring facts into focus.<\/strong><\/p>\n There\u2019s no shortage of opinions out there, but facts are harder to come by. At the Fort Worth Report, we deliver local reporting grounded in truth so that you can make informed decisions for yourself and your community.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \n\tRelated\n<\/p>\n Fort Worth Report is certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative<\/a> for adhering to standards for ethical journalism.<\/p>\n Republish This Story<\/p>\n![\"52](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/1753643954_788_52-faces-transparent-2.png\"){kind=spacer}
<\/p>\n\n
![\"Creative](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1750614464_36_cc-by-nd-4.0.png\"\/)
<\/a><\/p>\n