OUR STORY

Mark Dean Loving Place was founded in honor of Mark Dean, whose life was tragically cut short by gun violence on April 26, 2017. In the midst of unimaginable loss, Erica Winston turned pain into purpose by creating an organization rooted in love, compassion, service, and community support. With a vision to provide hope and a safe space for families facing difficult times, Mark Dean Loving Place opened the doors to its first home in 2018.

Today, Mark Dean Loving Place proudly provides care, support, and a loving environment for more than 15 elderly adults while continuing to expand its impact throughout the DFW community. Our organization assists individuals and families through transportation services, doctor appointment assistance, pregnancy appointment support, medication reminders, meal preparation, wellness support, and other essential community-based services.

In addition to year-round outreach efforts, Mark Dean Loving Place hosts its Annual Back-2-School Celebration — a free community event created to uplift and support local families as they prepare for a new school year. Now celebrating its 5th year, the event provides free school supplies, nonperishable foods, fresh barbecue, haircuts, games, rides, desserts, community resources, and family-friendly activities for children and families across the community.

At its core, Mark Dean Loving Place exists to serve with love, restore hope, and create lasting impact for generations to come.