We had the good fortune of connecting with Cathy (Rene) Dozier Riles and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cathy (Rene), what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Hello,
My name is Cathy Dozier-Riles, I was reared by my late maternal grandmother. I am an entrepreneur, a keynote speaker and a Registered Nurse, a Philanthropist and the oldest grandchild of Mother Mary Harrison-Dozier, I am preserved and retained from experiencing at-risk for homelessness to providing help to unsheltered women and children through Mother Dozier’s Homeless Foundation, Inc.

After suffering with an injury which left me with ninety percent of torn ligaments and muscles in my left leg that made me 100% totally disabled for one solid year, I understand what it is like to be at-risk for homelessness. While lying on my bed of affliction and unable to pay mortgage, electric bill or buy any food, I now understand homelessness! This is the genesis of Mother Dozier’s Homeless Foundation, a charity that I founded to honor her maternal grandmother, the late Mother Mary Harrison-Dozier and other women and children who are suffering with at-risk for homelessness and those who are actually homeless.

So my thoughts for starting MDHF is that after suffering as a victim of at-risk for homelessness I was inspired to do so because I truly understood that people need shelter for fundamental reasons. A home that offers a safe and secure place to live, a place to build a family and memories with a sense of belonging. So I felt compelled with the desire to help make that happen.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Please tell us about your business:

Our ultimate vision is to make homelessness scarce, short and seldom recurring!

Our mission is to empower, equip and educate women with children and youth who are experiencing homelessness or those who are at-risk for homelessness to be self-sufficient. We help provide tools to increase skills and knowledge for career development training, thereby resulting in gainful employment and financial stability. We strategically help by connecting resources to eliminate homelessness.

Mother Dozier’s has helped 63 formerly individuals with children (close to 116 children) settle into their new homes. We have supplied over 394 families with food, water and basic living necessities.

IN 2021, OUR SIGNATURE PROGRAMS HAS EXPERIENCED AN IMPACTFUL BREAKING NUMBER!

We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others:
We are inherently attuned to the unique needs and experiences of the communities we serve. We embrace innovation and diverse approaches. Therefore, our program outcomes have inspiring impact and stories. Mother Dozier’s Homeless Foundation achievements have proven effective. Along with respect and integrity for our clients, dignity is always exemplified.

What are you most proud of or excited about?
I am so very proud and grateful of the Board of Directors and their love for others. I am proud of the fact that we care enough to make a difference in the lives of others. However, we are all excited about the future of Mother Dozier’s Homeless Foundation. Our future looks bright because of our 2025 goals!

How did you get to where you are today business-wise?
Hard work, consistency, leadership from other Philanthropist and some very wise people and communities that have trusted us to help them in their time of need. And never ever giving up!

Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges?
LOL, no at times it wasn’t easy! I had to LOL to myself as I thought about so many of the challenges we faced. I was knocked down so many times but I never forgot how to get back up! I was assigned to what seemed like the largest mountain ever. However, I was determined through God to climb that mountain and I am still climbing because I know what it like to be at-risk for homelessness, to be helpless but very hopeful! It’s called PERSISTENCY and RESILIENCY!

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?
Whew, I have learned so much along the way; but I have learned that everything happens for a reason. Our highs, our lows, our achievements, our failures, our losses and our gains. No one comes into and leave our lives without teaching us a lesson. Every lesson guides me toward a higher purpose which is my goal! I think about this every time I am struggling. I am a firm believer that what ever struggle or challenge hasn’t killed me, it has made me stronger and whatever hasn’t killed me, it has made me a fighter to bring out the best in me! It simple makes me stand a little taller and a while longer.

So my ultimate lesson that I have learned is; if it is your assignment, let no one or nothing deter you from completing the assignment or my purposed task. Just complete it with grace and integrity!!!

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I want my last days on earth, however long it is to be spent speaking, leading and motivating!

I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to address the amazing Shoutout DFW Magazine Article and share words related to the business that I serve. I’m extremely proud of the work that we do at Mother Dozier’s Homeless Foundation.

It’s a privilege to share and encourage others to succeed in life and to chase their dreams and achieve their goals.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way. Your belief and encouragement have shaped me into the person I am today. I know my grandmother and grandfather would be so proud to know of this article and how we are making a difference and giving back to future generations. We would love to have your support with articles of clothing or and funds. Feel free to visit our website at. www.motherdoziers.org

Together, let’s continue to inspire one another and make this journey unforgettable!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
1. Monday: A welcome to Dallas dinner with family and friends.

2. Tuesday: A spa day with manicure, pedicure and reflexology with an early dinner. Introduction or awareness presentation to Mother Dozier’s Foundation. Then a good night rest.

3. Wednesday: A day shopping for perfume, clothing and shoes. Lunch or dinner.

4. Thursday: A ride on the Tea Room Bus Tour with lunch.

5. Friday: To the iconic and legendary South Fork Ranch for a tour, then lunch in what was Jr Ewing office!

6. Saturday: Early Clothing and food distribution to the unsheltered. Entertainment evening.

7. Sunday: Church today.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Thank you for the opportunity to recognize the people who has played a vital role in my decision to start the entrepreneurship for Mother Dozier’s Homeless Foundation, Inc.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
Above all, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to God Almighty for the gift of life, the strength to persevere through the challenges of of MDHF and the inspiration that guided me throughout the process. His grace and blessings are evident throughout our services.

To The Board of Directors:
Opal Allen, Jackie Haggerty, Cynthia Nixon, Cataria Patterson and Claudette Matthews, what a joy it is to serve the community with you! I am deeply grateful for your dedication, invaluable guidance and tireless efforts in supporting Mother Dozier’s Homeless Foundation. I am so fortunate to work with such passionate board members. Your contributions have made a significant impact in our organization and in the communities that we serve. Thank You So Much!!!

To my Family:
My heartfelt thanks to my loving maternal grandparents:
Joshua and Mary Dozier, for their unwavering love and support, encouragement and the foundation of faith they instilled in me throughout my rearing, training and especially for their devout wisdom through my growing pains!

To my Mother, Teresia Dozier Harper and my deceased stepdad [John Harper]:
Thank you! I am grateful to both of you, thank you for your love, support, and guidance!

To my Aunts and uncle that I was raised with:
Betty Dozier Gates, Jackie Dozier Haggerty, Shelia Dozier and most certainly to the deceased Milton Dozier, THANK YOU! Your guidance and wisdom are valuable to me, even the shaping of my thoughts and perspectives presented within my work and services because you guys spoke sound guidance into my spirit daily!

To my Siblings:
Regina, Lisa, Starla, Byron thank you for stepping up to help and always reminding me of a word or two that Mother Dozier said. Thank you for every donation.

To my deceased Brothers
Milton Henry and John Jr, I thank you for showing me how humility looks in a family. You are truly missed.

To My god-Daughter:
Claudette Matthews, your love, patience, and belief in me were instrumental in bringing this business to life and I THANK YOU!!!

To My Bonus Brothers:
Timothy Dennard and Rev. Larry Feggett, Bishop Ora and Kerry Johnson,
A girl couldn’t ask for anyone any better to be her bonus brothers, you have proved your love through every once of protection. Even in business you guys guide me through and I am grateful!!!

To my Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, Readers and Supporters:
Thank you for your interest in this work. May it bring you insight and inspiration with application of wisdom. We are grateful for your support and for every donation to help others succeed!

Cathy Dozier Riles, RN
CEO, Mother Dozier’s Homeless Foundation, Inc.

Website: https://www.motherdoziers.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lady_rene_riles/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathy-dozier-riles-rn-4a531b64/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100072499629830

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