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EXCITE + PREPARE + EMPOWER = RELEASE STUDENTS TO BE LIFELONG LEARNERS

My Village Library is an enrichment program for at-risk students and their families serving the Hurst-Euless-Bedford Independent School District. We are dedicated to supporting the educational, developmental, and emotional growth of students in our community.

EXCITE + PREPARE + EMPOWER = RELEASE STUDENTS TO BE LIFELONG LEARNERS

About Us

Originally founded as part of Mission Central in 2003 as a project through Rotary International, who challenged Clubs to create sustainable projects for the 100 Anniversary of Rotary International.

In 2003 Mid-Cities Pacesetters Rotary partnered with Mission Central, Inc. to create an after school outreach program and reading program for at- risk students in a low-income area in the DFW metroplex.

Together they sought out a way to serve the students and families in Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD, the most diverse school district in the state of Texas, with many obstacles including; language barriers, broken families, homelessness, students at risk of dropping out of school, families at risk for hunger, to build up school aged students on free or reduced lunch program.

Our program was established as an independent nonprofit in 2024 after Mission Central closed its doors. Thanks to the commitment of community leaders, the Mid-Cities Pacesetters Rotary Club, and First UMC Hurst. My Village Library opened the doors to the fully restored “HUB” in September of 2025.

My VIllage Library, Inc is now recognized as one of three non-profit partners working closely with Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD to serve students and families in order to encourage life long learning.

We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors. We are funded through the generosity of individuals, corporations, foundations, churches and civic organizations.

EXCITE + PREPARE + EMPOWER = RELEAS STUDENTS TO BE LIFELONG LEARNERS

Did you know???

Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD is the most diverse school district in the state of Texas!

In 2025-2026 My Village Library served…
104 HEB ISD Students participated in our After School Program
78 HEB ISD Students were read to in our In School Program - serving Bellaire Elementary & Shady Oaks Elementary.
40 families engaged
14 schools involved
6 grades enrolled
9 languages spoken
78 Mentors giving 2,065 hours
During our 2025-2026 sessions our student fluency rate increased by an average of 20 words per minute.

OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

An engaged board of directors actively champions the My Village Library mission by providing strategic leadership, leveraging their networks, and serving as visible ambassadors who promote the agency’s impact in the community.

Monte Ramey, Wendie Lunsford, Jodi James, Ed Markey, Josh Stogsdill, Andy Garcia, Michaela Gunter, Lindsey Hopkins, Kim Martin, Russell Million, Reggie Parr, Henry Shraub, Mike Wright.

OUR TEAM

Angie Akmakjian

Executive Director

Angie brings a variety of experiences working for Chamber of Commerces, United Methodist Church, Movie Studios as well as non-profit management. Her heart is in volunteerism and bringing the community together. She has been teaching music for 30 years. Her free time is shared with her Husband, their 3 kids – Callahan, Marty & Abby and two of the world’s most spoiled dogs!

Jennifer Dingler

Program Director

Jennifer has 30+ years of experience in education, serving Title I campuses as teacher, Instructional Coach and Academic Dean. She is excited to be part of the community of My Village Library, working for the success of all kids and their families. She and her husband have three grown sons and two sweet dogs. Jennifer loves to travel and spend time in her garden and with her family.

PROGRAMS

Our main goals are to SHOW UP FOR THE STUDENTS, SUPPORT THE TEACHERS, and BUILD RELATIONSHIPS. These align with the HEB ISD strategic pillars including: Student Success, Employee Success, Family and Community Partnerships

IN-SCHOOL READING PROGRAM

My Village Library partners with Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD campuses to provide early literacy support for first and second grade students during the school day. Mentors spend time reading with students individually, in small groups, and occasionally in a larger group.

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM

MVL offers mentoring through academic activities designed with the whole child in mind in a safe, supportive environment. We help our students to build confidence in themselves and develop vital life skills to be successful throughout K-12 education and beyond to the workforce. We excite students about learning, prepare them to be successful, empower them to solve problems and release them to be lifelong learners.

STORIES – OUR IMPACT

Monte Ramey, Wendie Lunsford, Jodi James, Ed Markey, Josh Stogsdill, Andy Garcia, Michaela Gunter, Lindsey Hopkins, Kim Martin, Russell Million, Reggie Parr, Henry Shraub, Mike Wright.

My Village Library has been an absolute blessing to my students and their academic success. I am forever grateful for their partnership with our school

This experience is like one I have never had before. These students really brighten my day! Although I am the Mentor, I feel that I learn positive things from them every day.

My favorite part about being a ten year My Village Library Mentor is that when I work with a student one-on-one I am able to specifically see where the child’s learning has broken down. i I can guide the student to fully master the skill or concept. Also, I am able to celebrate what a kiddo is doing well. The joy and pride a student feels with these successes is what keeps me coming back year after year to mentor!

I got to know about MVL when I helped paint the building and I had a Braums cheeseburger for lunch, a food that I rarely have! I recently challenged the student I mentor to a game of “Guess Who?” Seven games later… she beat me 7 - 0!

I have met so many people! I met a couple of parents from Nepal. I researched later and found out that Nepalese come here for the education. It has been a joy meeting students, siblings and parents from many countries. Sometimes when students from other countries are reading I have to translate phrases like “rustle up some grub”. I love to expand their horizons!

GET INVOLVED - VOLUNTEER

“It takes a village” – we are a village full of amazing people who bring a plethora of assets adn are willing to support one another.

Volunteers must:

be a minimum of 14 years old with parent approval.
fill out an application
meet with a MVL team member to talk about the program, do a quick safety training
complete a background check with HEB ISD

We ask that volunteers give us notice if they can not attend their session so that we are able to provide the best ratio for students.

We have plenty of opportunities to build relationships with students, other mentors, the MVL Team and to have fun!

MORE ABOUT GETTING INVOLVED

“You must connect, before you direct”

Our volunteer mentors meet with students to encourage and challenge them to grow as learners.

Search institutions https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/developmental-assets-framework

Research in asset development is at the heart of our village. Everyone brings their gifts, talents and interest to My Village Library.

Students today thrive on relationships with adults that care about them. As mentors we build relationships, instill soft skills, help with self confidence, homework, reading, math, engage in cooperative hands-on projects, and play games to excite learning and participation.

There is no pressure to “teach” or “tutor” – just engage and have fun and believe!

We train and invest in our volunteers who mentor students in small group settings.

To TAKE A TOUR, have your TEAM VOLUNTEER, or attend LUNCH & LEARNS

Contact Angie to schedule. angie@myvillagelibrary.org

Ask us about one time volunteer opportunities & Special Events.

DONATE

Please consider a recurring monthly donation. See below for the impact it can make on a student’s life!

Does your office make a matching donation for your contributions?

My Village Library exists to enhance the future of our students and their families. It is with donors like you that this is possible. You can help by making a:

$5 donation – Beginner Giving
$20 – Pays for 1 week mentoring a student
$40 Pays for 2 weeks mentoring a student
$110 Pays for 1 month mentoring a student
$1030 Pays for a school year of mentoring a student

A reocurring donation helps with sustainability of our program.

Thanks for all you do!

My Village Library Team

If you would like more information on LEGACY GIVING, SETTING UP A SCHOLARSHIP FUND, and other ways of DONATING THROUGH ESTATE PLANNING.

please reach out to monte@myvillagelibrary.org

MORE ABOUT DONATING

AMAZON WISH LIST

You can make a difference while you are shopping on AMAZON.COM. My Village Library is always in need of materials and items for our programs.

THRIFT FOR GOOD
https://www.thriftforgood.org/

Thrift for Good is a charitable preloved clothing store born from the vision of a sustainable world where everyone has what they need to thrive. We work hard to save clothing from the landfill and we donate 100% of our profits to Gulf for Good’s children’s charity projects

(if you donate to the shop and mention My Village Library we receive 25%.)

We have been a recipient of grants from Thrift For Good.

120 W. Bedford Euless Road Hurst, Texas 76053

CONTACT INFORMATION

EVENTS/CALENDAR

CANAFAX GOLF SCRAMBLE

Bear Creek Golf Club 3500 Bear Creek Ct. Dallas, TX 75261

FUNDRAISERS

BACK TO SCHOOL EVENT

Fall 2026-2027 Start in September 2026

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