About Bea
     Growing up in Eagle Pass, Texas, Bea Salazar learned from her mother the value of caring for others. Her mother, a single parent, reared Bea and her brother alone. Bea eventually married and had five children of her own. She and her family moved to Carrollton in 1970 to find a better way of life. Bea worked hard to provide for her children and to teach them the values she holds dear. After a job-related injury left her partially disabled, Bea became a valued volunteer at the Metrocrest Service Center, a local organization that help families in need.

     In June 1990, Bea found a little boy digging through a trash bin at her apartment complex. Because of her caring nature, she approached the boy and took the bread he had found out of his hand. She took him up to her apartment and gave him a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. After he left, other children came to Bea asking for food. She then realized the need in her community. After this, Bea began devoting most of her time to helping children in need.

Bea's Kids                           
     Bea's Kids, a non-profit organization founded in June 1990, serves the children and parents of the Metrocrest Village and nearby apartment complexes in Carrollton and Farmers Branch. The services offered include educational, cultural, recreational sports, vision, dental, and medical treatment to more than 100 children.
     Bea's Kids serves children ages 4 to 17. The program also offers classes on parenting and English as a Second Language.


Bea's Achievements      
     Bea has been recognized on the community, state, and national levels for her volunteer services. She has received the "820th Point of Light" award from former President George Bush in 1992 and the "President's Volunteer Action Award" in 1993 from President Bill Clinton. She was named in 1993 Carrollton's Woman of the Year and Citizen of the Week by KRLD radio. Bea was given a Disabled Volunteer Award presented by Tom Landry, National Enquirer "Good Samaritan Award," and J.C. Penney's Golden Rule Award.

     In 1996, Carrollton-Farmers Branch School District recognized Bea Salazar by naming a school in her honor, Bea Salazar Transition School.


Bea's Goals
     Bea believes it is very important to expand what she is doing to reach all children in need. She understands that all children have special needs that can be met through her program.
     With the help of volunteers, community contributions, and guidance from Bea's Kids Executive Board, Bea opened a Bea's Kids program in Farmers Branch.

   
From past experiences, Bea knows how far a little love will go. She believes if one person cares a little, it can turn the life of a young person around.