First Choice Social Services

A Statement from First Choice Social Services

Our hearts are heavy as we learn the devastating news of the horrific act of violence against children in Shreveport, LA.

The loss of eight children to domestic violence is a tragedy that reverberates far beyond the immediate families affected. Each child represented a future filled with potential, dreams, and contributions that will now never be realized. Their absence leaves an immeasurable void in their homes, schools, and communities.

This devastating loss underscores the urgent need to confront domestic violence not as a private matter, but as a critical public crisis. It highlights systemic gaps in protection, awareness, and intervention that must be addressed to prevent further harm. The emotional toll on surviving family members, peers, educators, and first responders is profound and long-lasting, often resulting in trauma that spans generations.

As a society, we are called to reflect, to grieve, and most importantly, to act. Strengthening support systems, increasing access to resources, and fostering environments where victims feel safe to seek help are essential steps forward. Honoring the memory of these children means committing to meaningful change—so that no more lives are lost to violence that is preventable.
Their lives mattered. Their stories matter. And their loss must not be in vain.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or call 214-377-9223.
Bridget Vinson-O’Neal
Founder/Executive Director
First Choice Social Services

First Choice Social Services – Where families come first

Thank you all for your support and generosity during North Texas Giving Day. We raised more money this year then all years combined. If you did not get a chance to give this year it's not to late. You can still donate at www.firstchoicesocialservices.org/donate.

Thank you

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It is with great sadness that I report that we lost one of First Choice Social Services' biggest supporters, Comedian Edwin Douglas. Edwin was not only a supporter but a friend.

I met Edwin at the height of the pandemic in 2020. I was navigating how to host a fundraiser during a pandemic. I thought about a comedy show. I began speaking with comedians that I know when their schedule didn't work, then I went to Facebook. He was a friend of a friend on Facebook. I reached out to him and he replied within two days. He was excited about the work we did and knew how essential it was to the community. The ask was, Sir, I do not have a budget for this, and this will be a fundraising event. Will you donate your performance? Without hesitation, Comedian Edwin Douglas became the main act and one of the standing fundraising events for First Choice Social Services for the past four years.

I will miss my friend and First Choice Social Services' biggest supporter. Heaven will be a funnier place because you are in it.

Rest in Peace- my friend!

North Texas Giving Day opens August 28th! Our goal this year is to raise $10,000 to support our Teen Homeless Outreach Programs. Thanks to the Communities Foundation of Texas, we were chosen to receive a match of $1,000. Be the first to give on that day!!

1 in 4 girls and 1 in 13 boys in the US are estimated to experience child sexual abuse. CDC 2024

Child abuse is deadly.
In 2022, an estimated 1,990 children died from abuse and neglect in the United States, a number consistently on the rise over the previous five years.i Boys have a higher child fatality rate at 3.26 per 100,000 compared to girls at 2.25. African-American child fatalities (6.37 per 100,000) is over three times greater than that of white children (1.99), and nearly four times greater than Hispanic children (1.68).

Child abuse affects children from every background
The youngest children were most vulnerable

Stand with us as we end child abuse one child at a time.

Donate: www.firstchoicesocialservices.org

Our new telephone number is:

214-377-9223

Senior Tea 10-12-2024 Keynote Speaker-Adell Brown "Tea Lady".

Our fundraising tea was a success. Thank you to all of our corporate donors - Honey Baked Ham in Wylie, Jimmy Johns in Wylie, and Sprouts in Mesquite and Dallas. Thank you to our Keynote Speaker- Adell Brown. Our Survivor of Domestic Violence Marlena Hicks and our wonderful volunteers.

Thank you to all who donated to our organization during North Texas Giving Day. We raised more money than ever before.

If you were not able to make a donation on that day no problem we accept donations year-round at

First Choice Social Services – Where families come first