Macy’s Tops $75,000 in Donations to DHA’s Opportunity Rising Scholars

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Macy’s, a loyal partner to the Opportunity Rising Foundation, contributed $8,000 in 2020, bringing its total investment in North Texas scholars to more than $75,000.

Macy’s and the Opportunity Rising Foundation, an initiative of DHA, Housing Solutions for North Texas, have helped more than 300 North Texas scholars living in low-income housing follow their dreams and attend the colleges of their choices. Macy’s began donating to the foundation in 2011, with contributions including grants for scholarships, laptops and Macy’s gift cards for those receiving scholarships.

Announcing the continuing partnership, DHA’s President and Chief Executive Officer Troy Broussard emphasizes how critical the annual donations are to the foundation and the scholars it supports.

“We are honored that Macy’s continues to invest in our scholars — and a better future for North Texans — through its yearly donations to Opportunity Rising,” Broussard said. “It’s through corporate partnerships like these that we’re able to help as many as 50 to 60 students per year attend college. Every donation correlates directly to how many students we can help.”

More than 71% of the previous Opportunity Rising Foundation scholars were first-generation college students and 76% were able to move on to employment and no longer receive or need government assistance. Opportunity Rising has provided 1,119 students with more than $1.5 million in scholarship funds over the last 23 years.

Marone Abraham, who received an Opportunity Rising scholarship in 2016, recently graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington and is now pursuing his Master of Architecture degree. His goal is to become a licensed architect and work in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

He is grateful to donors like Macy’s. “It is through your help that kids like me have the ability to live out their dreams,” Abraham said. “By receiving the scholarship, I was able to spend more time studying and less time working, allowing me to complete my undergraduate degree in four years. I hope to see many more students follow in my footsteps, and with your assistance, that can become a reality. Thank you so much for your help. We scholars are truly grateful for your investment in our future.”

Chyrel Roseborough, DHA Education Coordinator, each year supports seniors and their parents in the process to apply for the chance at a scholarship. She urges any company or individual with a balance left in their 2020 giving budget to consider the Opportunity Rising Foundation.

“Macy’s gets a huge thank you from me,” said Roseborough, who has hosted the Macy’s team in Dallas in years past. “They have made a meaningful difference. In 2020 we helped 10 scholars, but every donation allows us to assist more students.”

Donate to the Opportunity Rising Foundation today.

About DHA, Housing Solutions for North Texas (formerly the Dallas Housing Authority)

DHA, Housing Solutions for North Texas provides quality, affordable housing to low-income families and individuals through the effective and efficient administration of housing assistance programs. The agency aims to create opportunities for program participants to achieve self-sufficiency and economic independence. DHA provides housing opportunities to ~55,000 people through public housing developments and Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) programs. Our mission is to provide affordable quality housing and access to supportive resources across North Texas. DHA is governed by its Board of Commissioners and administers housing programs funded and regulated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. DHA is an independent, local government entity, that is separate from the Dallas City Housing/Community Services department, which is governed by the City of Dallas. For more information about DHA, please visit www.dhantx.com.