History
Bill Harrod, a man with a third grade education, began preaching in West Dallas in the early 1940s. Ministering daily to the spiritual needs of the people, Bro. Bill recognized a tremendous need for basic physical necessities. In the late 1940s, Bro. Bill established the “Brother Bill’s Helping Hand” fund. This fund was, and remains, separate from any church.
As a faith-based ministry, the purpose of Brother Bill's Helping Hand was to provide food, clothing, and spiritual encouragement to thousands of men, women, and children living in West Dallas. In doing so, deep personal relationships were developed. In March of 1961, BBHH was registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Bro. Bill Harrod died in 1976, but the ministry he began continues to this day.
Juanita Bailey became Director of BBHH in the early 1970s following 30 years of service as church secretary to Bro. Bill. She led the ministry until her retirement in October 2001 at the age of 88. During those many years she fed the hungry, provided medicine for the sick, and clothed the needy. The doors of Brother Bill's Helping Hand were always open - as was Mrs. Bailey’s heart - to anyone in need. Juanita Bailey passed away in 2008, leaving a remarkable legacy of service.
Today under the leadership of Executive Director Suzanne Griffin BBHH employs eight staff members and benefits from an expansive volunteer base composed both of individuals living in the community of West Dallas and from throughout the Metroplex. Volunteer doctors have been the core of our Community Clinic since it opened in 2007. Now working with them is a full-time Nurse Practitioner funded by Methodist Hospital.
Faith is the foundation, and relationship building the theme, of each program. The team of leaders and volunteers at BBHH are privileged to see lives changed, trust restored, and hope renewed on a daily basis. If not for the support of individuals, corporations, and foundations none of this would be possible. Not only does this support provide assistance with life’s daily needs and opportunities to improve one’s standard of living, it also makes hope a reality as Brother Bill’s Helping Hand continues to enrich lives in West Dallas. |
