About

Mark 9:35

Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”

We continue to run our dining hall/soup kitchen every Sunday. We are now able feed the homeless as well as those in need, no one is turned away. We are developing relationships with those we serve and find out more about their needs, so that we may continue to serve them. Last year we expanded into providing a free resource store for those in need as well, which has a similar purpose of developing relationships and helping beyond the providing free items. We have also made these facilities available to other nonprofits that don’t have an area to provide service/training. In 2024 we signed an MOU with Christian Women’s Job Corp to use our facility 3 days a week for their classes. Coalition is a big part of who we are, and we believe it will take more than just us to end homelessness in East Texas. We have
organized a game day to give the homeless a place to come and relax. While they are there, we allow the use of the washer/dryer and our showers. Our building/facilities also hosts the Community Collaboration Council meetings as well. We provide lunch and encourage other nonprofits to join and work together. These funds will allow us to cover our general expenses, utilities, supplies, education material, and more. We continue to explore new ways to expand our services and fill the gaps within our community.

Our focus and mission continues towards developing a tiny home community for homeless veterans, and are currently looking for land and funding.

The board of Directors:

David Peters

President/Treasure

I was born in a small town in West Virginia, where I lived until the age of 5, when my family relocated to Northern Virginia. This is where I met and married my wife Karen. I began working construction right out of high school at the age of 17. By the age of 24, I owned and operated my own class “A” general contracting company. My wife and I moved to Texas in December of 1992 with our 3 children. I continued in my chosen vocation until semi-retiring in August 2007. This allowed me more time to spend with my family as well as be more involved with the church. In March 2010 I took a part time position with USPS, and continued there for 5 years. In April 2015 I accepted a position as Vocational Instructor/Community Service Coordinator Supervisor for Smith County Juvenile Services where I have the opportunity to share my knowledge in construction, and oversee the auto mechanics, welding, and horticulture department, making a difference in the lives of our youth.

I have been blessed by God in so many ways. He has provided a wife, children, grandchildren, as well as brothers and sisters in Christ. He affords me the privilege to serve others. I will continue to strive to find God’s grace and blessings in all He provides for me. It is with this servant’s heart that I have come to start Sheltering Arms Coalition.

Christopher Bankhead

Vice President

I was born in Uniontown, PA. My family would later relocate to Missouri and eventually settle in Texas in 1988. I attended school at a few different school districts, before we settled into Whitehouse, where I would eventually graduate in 1996. After high school, I attended Tyler Junior College where I pursued a degree in Computer Science. My wife Amanda and I were married in 2012, and I have three beautiful daughters: Taylor, Kayte, and Emmalyn.

I have spent the last 18 years in the solid waste industry in a variety of positions from driver to Operations Manager. I am currently an Operations Supervisor for Waste Connections, Inc out of Palestine, Texas. Through the years of working in the solid waste industry, I have seen numerous people in need and homeless on our streets living in alleys, eating out of trash cans, sleeping in dumpsters and dumpster enclosures, just to stay warm. It wasn’t until recently, that I have really felt the call to help. So here I am, passionate and ready, to take on the fight to lift the homeless off the streets and empower them to succeed.

David Dobbs

Board Member/Legal Council

David is admitted to practice before the Texas state courts, Fifth Circuit, and the United States District Court, Northern and Eastern Districts of Texas. He is a member of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America and Texas Trial Lawyers Association.

David was a prosecuting attorney for the Smith County District Attorney’s office for twelve years serving as Chief Felony Prosecutor and First Assistant District Attorney. He served as the lead prosecutor in numerous capital murder and murder prosecutions, including seventeen death penalty cases.

Professional experience and honors include the following:

Service Commander’s Award – Texas Department of Public Safety
Director’s Award – Texas Department of Public Safety
Numerous Certificates of Merit from the United States Department of Justice
President’s Award – Tyler Police Department Patrolman’s Association

David now represents injured clients throughout Texas. He is recognized by his peers and was selected to Texas Super Lawyers, a part of Thomson Reuters, for multiple years, including 2012 and 2019-2021. This selection is based off of an evaluation of 12 indicators including peer recognition and professional achievement in legal practice.

Dana Monkress

Board Member

I was born and raised in Plano, Texas. I then attended Stephen F Austin university and graduated with a bachelor of science in interdisciplinary studies and a specialization in early childhood. I met and married my husband of now 25 years and have two beautiful daughters, Delaney and Mackinly. I have taught pre-K in both public and private schools for the last 24 years. I recently retired as I feel God is pulling me in another direction!
My passion is the youth, and getting them to help serve the Lord and our community. I want to get them involved to help be a part of the solution to homelessness in East Texas. I felt led to sheltering arms coalition about two years ago, and God has opened a new door on how to be involved! I am so excited to serve our community and get the youth involved !

Don McCload

Board Member

Froncel Burns is an experienced professional in the medical office industry. She is a current employee of UT Health Vascular Tyler where she started over 11 years ago. Through hard work and great leadership, she has embraced the role of Clinic Supervisor. She graduated from Jacksonville High School and Columbia Southern University. She plans to continue her education at CSU pursing her Master’s Degree, while working full time and volunteering to her heart’s content. She has lived in the city of Whitehouse for over 10 years and has been a servant to the community from day one. Starting with the Whitehouse Youth Football league, she served as a Board Member and has since join as a Board Member for the Whitehouse ISD Education Foundation. While serving on other committees throughout WISD, she has found time to extend her service to others outside of the city of Whitehouse as well. Froncel serves also as a member of the Junior League of Tyler. Complimenting her love for the growth and development of not only the Whitehouse community but all surrounding communities, she serves on the Medical Office Management/ Healthcare Administration Advisory Committee at TJC. Froncel loves sports and education but has an unwavering commitment to her church, Bowens Temple Church in Jacksonville, Texas. She serves as the Church Secretary and is dedicated to many other auxiliaries. After building relationships with so many parents and children and having the opportunity to serve with so many of the residents in Whitehouse, In November of 2024, she was announced as the newest council member. She holds the office of City Council, Place 2. While her love for the City of Whitehouse and Tyler is unwavering, she has always wanted to give back to the community where she was raised. Born in Dallas, Texas but raised in Jacksonville, Texas, where most of her family resides, gives her a desire to serve this community and welcome opportunities to impact the city! We would like to welcome Froncel Burns to the Sheltering Arms Coalition Board and we are excited to serve with her. Her compassion for people, her love for the city and the citizens, and her love for the LORD, will guide her to serving, building relationships and supporting those in need.