CWJ just turned five, and here’s what we’ve learned: success takes the right strategy, the right plan, the right project. But the right team matters even more.
That’s why this month, we’re spotlighting three of our incredible partners who remind us every day that it’s the people, not the projects, that matter most.
When the Gainesville community needed someone to lead the charge for better school facilities, they knew just who to call: Ray Nichols, a proud GISD alum who had spent his life giving back. Despite facing extreme personal health challenges throughout the campaign, Ray approached each day and every challenge with joy and determination.
His leadership helped deliver a 54% win at the polls. A remarkable turnaround after a past attempt had failed by 66%. But Ray’s greatest impact wasn’t the victory. It was that he reminded us all what authentic commitment, humility, and joy in serving your community really looks like.
As both a Longview Police Officer and a Pastor of Parkview Baptist Church, LaDarian Brown has always been deeply committed to his community. When he saw local students struggling to read, he didn’t wait for someone else to step in. Instead, he reached out to local schools to see how he could help and rallied his church group to get involved.
Thanks to stories like LaDarian’s, LongviewREADS! has become more than an initiative, it’s a movement. Since the Chamber launched the program in 2023, the number of Longview-area 3rd graders reading at grade level has improved by 8%. LaDarian’s greatest contribution isn’t just the numbers, though. It’s his example of what happens when someone sees a need, takes action, and inspires others to join in.
When the previous Tyler-area therapeutic riding program had to close because its leader fell ill, John Jones knew the mission was too important to let go. He stepped up to establish Starbrite, from finding the land to guiding the board through its early days.
Most recently, John helped lead a capital campaign that built a much-needed indoor arena and expanded barn, ensuring Starbrite can serve riders year-round. But his impact goes far beyond fundraising or leadership titles. If you visit Starbrite (and we highly encourage it!), you may find him repairing fences, cleaning stalls, or pitching in wherever he’s needed. John’s greatest contribution isn’t just keeping the doors open; it’s showing what vision, persistence, and true community commitment look like.