Ennis CARES

The Ennis CARES Program was born as a response to community needs identified during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Ennis CARES serves our Community by providing Assistance and Resources through Engagement and Services while focusing on long term solutions for people and families in need. Serving as the resource hub for the City of Ennis and providing charitable, benevolent, civic, educational, social, and societal services to the community of Ennis to improve the lives of our fellow citizens. To date, Ennis CARES has assisted with the Hurricane Laura evacuation center, nonemergency assistance call center, extreme cold weather emergency shelter, extreme hot weather cooling station, emergency water  distribution, COVID-19 working group, Ellis County vaccination hub, Ennis vaccination hub, Ellis County mobile vaccination team (in-home), mobile food pantry events, Thanksgiving meal delivery, and Toys for Tots.

UPCOMING 2023 EVENTS & INITIATIVES

The Cost of Poverty Experience (COPE): This incredibly eye-opening FREE event expands our understanding of "poverty" to include the lack of physical, emotional, or relational flourishing in addition to lack of financial resources. COPE is an immersive role-play simulation that offers participants a glimpse into the lives of individuals and families facing these various challenges every day and the schools, employers, and other community organizations who interact with them. No matter what your personal experience has been, you will see life through new eyes. Click here to register.

Community Wellness in Motion Health Fair: Presented by Unity in the Community of Ennis and Ennis CARES Saturday, October 7th, 10am - 1pm at the Ennis Welcome Center, 201 NW Main St. Vendors will be onsite with information and hands-on activities for people of all ages  to encourage healthy living. There will be an abundance of freebies including health screenings, vaccinations, yoga and CPR demonstrations, groceries, and MORE!
 
Community Thanksgiving Meal: Thanksgiving Day, November 23rd. In person dining available from 11am-1pm at the First Methodist Church, 300 N. Sherman St. Delivery is available for our homebound, disabled, and elderly neighbors. Call the Ennis CARES Call Center from November 1st thru 21st at 972-695-3524 to schedule a meal delivery or to volunteer to deliver meals.
 
Salvation Army Angel Tree: The Salvation Army of North Texas will begin accepting applications for the Angel Tree program in September.  Families who want to apply for Christmas assistance must complete the application process online at www.salvationarmyntx.org. For the list of application requirements, application assistance, or to speak with an Angel Tree representative, please call the Salvation Army at 972-937-7727.
 
Toys for Tots: Family toy applications will be available October 1st thru December 8th. Toy collection boxes for local businesses / organizations will go out beginning October 1st and will be picked up by December 15th. Ellis County residents can contact the Ennis CARES Call Center after October 1st at 972-695-3524 for a family toy application, toy collection box, or to find out how you can volunteer.
 
Christmas Blessings: Be a blessing to our community by adopting a local child, teen, or senior citizen this Christmas. Help Ennis CARES make Christmas a little BRIGHTER for our neighbors by stopping by the Welcome Center, 201 NW Main St., the weekend after Thanksgiving and choose a community member to adopt this Christmas season.  For more information call 972-695-3524.