Helena L. Banks

Our Friends Place, a Dallas nonprofit dedicated to empowering young women to break generational cycles of abuse, neglect, poverty, and homelessness, has appointed Helena L. Banks as its new CEO following the retirement of executive director Sue Thiers Hesseltine, who led the organization for more than 30 years.

“For 36 years, Our Friends Place has connected, supported, and championed its clients, improving the quality of life for our clients and the lives they touch,” Banks said in a statement. “I walk humbly into this role, ready to expand our capacity through fundraising and innovation, ultimately serving more young women and strengthening our Dallas communities.”

Under Thiers Hesseltine’s leadership, Our Friends Place opened the first transitional living for single young women in North Texas. The organization has helped thousands of Dallas women, girls, and adult allies build self-sufficient and independent lives through its two transitional living centers and non-residential prevention and education programs.

Banks has deep ties to the South Dallas community and has 20 years of experience in development and executive leadership. Banks began her career as major gifts coordinator for KERA before leading development efforts at Planned Parenthood of North Texas, SPCA of Texas, the American Heart Association and Dallas College. Most recently, she was director of development and external affairs for Bonton Farms, a grassroots organic farm, market and cafe operating in the community where she was born and raised.

“I believe in change. It’s what drove me to OFP’s mission and what inspires hope for the women and girls in our programs,” Thiers Hesseltine said in a statement. “With our programming foundation in place, it’s time for a new leader and Helena is perfectly suited to expand our fundraising, build a robust administrative infrastructure and implement new ideas so OFP can affect change in more lives.”

Founder Susybelle Goslee said she is confident in the executive transition.

“I have full faith in Helena and her ability to collaborate with young women and guide them toward effective solutions for their lives. I know this is going to be a great success,” Goslee said.

OFP said the transition comes as it prepared for North Texas Giving Day, an opportunity for the community to support the organization’s life-changing work.

“Our Friends Place has quietly helped hundreds of young women break generational cycles of abuse, neglect, poverty and homelessness through its transitional living centers and Soar to Success program. With the backing of our incredible supporters, we can reach even more women and expand our programs in meaningful ways,” Banks said.

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