A Safe Place and Promising Futures: Inside Jonathan’s Place with Allicia Frye

Interview by Angelica Villa. Photos provided by Jonathan's Place.

For nearly three decades, Jonathan’s Place has been a sanctuary for children in North Texas facing abuse, neglect, and homelessness, offering them not just safety but a pathway to healing and hope. As the organization prepares for its annual “A Chance to Soar” Luncheon on March 14, we had the opportunity to speak with Allicia Frye, Chief Executive Officer of Jonathan’s Place, about the critical work they do, the challenges foster children face, and how the community can help make a difference.

We sat down with Allicia to learn more about her insights into the evolving needs of foster care, the organization’s plans for expansion, and the transformational impact Jonathan’s Place has on the lives of the children they serve.

Can you briefly describe the mission of Jonathan’s Place and the critical services you provide to children and families in the community?

Jonathan’s Place is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for children who have experienced abuse, neglect, or trauma. Our mission is to help children and families heal and thrive. We offer critical services, including emergency shelter, foster care placement, and long-term residential care. We also provide adoption support, as well as a variety of programs designed to promote mental, emotional, and physical healing for children who have faced extreme adversity.

What are some of the biggest challenges facing foster children in North Texas today, and how is Jonathan’s Place addressing these challenges?

Foster children in North Texas face many challenges, including instability, trauma recovery, and a lack of resources. One of the biggest struggles is the overwhelming number of children entering foster care due to abuse or neglect, leading to limited availability of safe, supportive placements. At Jonathan’s Place, we are addressing these challenges by expanding our network of trained foster parents, offering therapeutic services, and ensuring that children receive the individualized care and attention they need to heal and thrive. Our programs are designed to help them recover and successfully integrate back into families or society.

Can you share a specific success story of a child or family who has benefited from the support of Jonathan’s Place?

One of the children we supported came to us after experiencing severe neglect and abuse. She was initially withdrawn and struggled with trust. Through our therapy programs, education support, and stable foster care, she began to heal. After several years, she was adopted by her foster family, and today she is thriving in her new home. Her story is just one example of how Jonathan’s Place provides not just immediate care, but the long-term support needed to help children become confident and capable adults.

How can the community get involved with Jonathan’s Place? Are there opportunities for volunteering, donating, or raising awareness?

The community plays a vital role in helping us fulfill our mission. There are several ways to get involved: we welcome volunteers for various programs, including mentorship and event support. Donations—whether financial contributions or items like clothes, school supplies, and toys—are also crucial. Raising awareness in the community helps us reach more families and foster parents who need our services. Additionally, our annual fundraising luncheon is a great way to directly support our work and connect with other like-minded individuals. We encourage everyone to attend and share the message of hope we offer at Jonathan’s Place.

What are some of the most pressing needs of Jonathan’s Place right now?

Right now, our most pressing needs are financial resources to help expand our programs, increase the number of foster families, and provide continued therapeutic support for the children in our care. We also need in-kind donations, such as clothing, educational materials, and basic necessities. Our goal is to continue providing personalized care to each child, and for that, we need the community’s support to sustain and grow our programs.

Looking ahead, what are the key goals and priorities for Jonathan’s Place in the coming year?

In the coming year, we are focused on expanding our programs and add to our continuum of care. Our biggest project for the new year is constructing an apartment complex at our Garland campus. By constructing our single independent living apartment complex, we are further meeting the needs of children aging out of the foster care program. We also aim to strengthen our partnerships with local organizations to provide more comprehensive services and advocate for policies that support foster children and families in North Texas. Ensuring that every child who enters our care has the resources and support they need to heal and grow is at the core of our mission.

What are you personally and/or as an organization most looking forward to in 2025?

We’re incredibly excited about our plans for 2025. We are looking forward to seeing the expansion of our programs, which will allow us to reach more children and young adults in need of stable, loving homes. We’re also excited to continue growing our community partnerships and making a deeper impact on the lives of children and youth in North Texas. Personally, I look forward to seeing the continued success stories of children who have found a forever family or have thrived in our care—those moments are what keep us motivated and committed to our mission.

If you would like to learn more about Jonathan’s Place, you can visit the website here.