Meet Izell Bennett | Director of Operations

We had the good fortune of connecting with Izell Bennett and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Izell, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
First Refuge Ministries significantly impacts the community by addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of underserved individuals and families in Denton County. Through its low-cost medical and dental clinics, the ministry provides essential healthcare services to uninsured and underinsured residents, improving health outcomes and reducing medical emergencies. The client-choice food pantry, along with Community Strong Farm and school-based grocery stores, tackles food insecurity by distributing thousands of pounds of food to those in need. In addition, First Refuge offers mental health support through counseling services and Biblical counseling certification programs, fostering emotional resilience and spiritual growth. Their holistic approach empowers individuals, strengthens families, and helps build a healthier, more self-sufficient community, while also fostering volunteerism and local engagement. Through these initiatives, First Refuge Ministries serves as a beacon of hope and transformation for the most vulnerable in the community.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career has been driven by a passion for service, rooted in the belief that we are called to help one another and uplift those in need. I’ve had the privilege of working with First Refuge Ministries, where I’ve been able to contribute to building a strong community-centered organization that addresses the needs of the most vulnerable. What sets me apart is my commitment to combining faith, leadership, and strategic planning to create sustainable programs that truly make a difference in people’s lives.

Getting to where I am today hasn’t been easy. There have been plenty of challenges, from managing limited resources to navigating the complexities of building partnerships and growing community initiatives. But what has carried me through is a firm belief in the mission, a willingness to adapt, and an incredible team of people who share the same vision. Overcoming challenges often meant learning how to rely on others, building strong networks, and trusting the process—even when the road ahead wasn’t always clear.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of perseverance and humility. Whether it’s through mistakes or successes, each step offers a chance to grow and refine your approach. I’m most proud of the partnerships and impact we’ve been able to achieve through collaboration—especially the volunteers and church partners who are integral to our work at First Refuge Ministries.

If there’s one thing I’d want the world to know about my story and brand, it’s that service is at the heart of everything I do. First Refuge Ministries is more than just an organization—it’s a community of people working together to make life better for others. And that’s what drives me every day.

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.
If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d definitely want to give them a full tour of the best places in and around Denton, along with a few hidden gems. Here’s what our itinerary would look like:

Day 1: Exploring Denton’s Heart
Breakfast at Loco Café – A must-visit spot for some delicious, locally sourced breakfast. Their biscuits are legendary!
Downtown Denton Square – We’d spend the morning wandering around the historic square, popping into local shops like Recycled Books and getting coffee at West Oak Coffee Bar.
Lunch at Barley & Board – A locally sourced gastropub with amazing craft beers and tasty lunch options.
Afternoon at the Courthouse Museum – Get a little local history while hanging out at the Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum. The architecture alone is worth it.
Dinner at Cartwright’s Ranch House – A great spot for classic Southern comfort food. Chicken-fried steak, anyone?
Live Music at Dan’s Silverleaf – Denton has a rich music scene, so we’d cap off the night with some live tunes at this laid-back venue.
Day 2: Nature and Art
Morning Hike at Ray Roberts Lake State Park – A beautiful, serene spot to hike or relax by the lake. We’d take a picnic lunch and enjoy the view.
Afternoon at the Greater Denton Arts Council – Denton has a vibrant arts community, so checking out local artists and exhibits is a must.
Dinner at LSA Burger Co. – Amazing burgers with a rooftop view of the square. The atmosphere is perfect for a chill evening.
Drinks at Eastside Social Club – For a relaxed vibe, we’d grab drinks at Eastside and enjoy their massive craft beer selection.
Day 3: Food, Farmers, and Fun
Breakfast at Seven Mile Café – Vegan and non-vegan options that are equally fantastic. Their coffee is top-notch.
Morning at the Denton Community Market – If it’s Saturday, we’d hit up the Denton Community Market to support local artisans, farmers, and small businesses.
Lunch at Rooster’s Roadhouse – Perfect spot for BBQ, burgers, and Southern comfort food.
Afternoon at Community Strong Farm – I’d show them around First Refuge’s Community Strong Farm where we’re growing fresh produce for local food pantries. It’s always inspiring to see what the farm has yielded!
Dinner at The Chestnut Tree Bistro – A quaint spot on the square known for its farm-to-table dishes.
Day 4: Day Trip to Dallas
Morning in the Dallas Arts District – We’d visit the Dallas Museum of Art and the Nasher Sculpture Center to soak in some incredible art.
Lunch at Pecan Lodge – We can’t miss this BBQ joint in Deep Ellum—it’s worth the wait.
Afternoon at Klyde Warren Park – A beautiful green space in the middle of the city, perfect for relaxing or grabbing snacks from food trucks.
Dinner and Drinks at Deep Ellum – We’d stay in Deep Ellum for some live music, great food, and vibrant nightlife.
Day 5: Relaxation and Local Spots
Breakfast at The Vessel Kitchen – A healthy, delicious start to the day with fresh and local ingredients.
Afternoon at Denton Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center – A peaceful hike through nature, perfect for unwinding and spotting wildlife.
Lunch at Boca 31 – A small local spot serving fantastic Latin American street food.
Evening at The Bearded Monk – Craft beer and a laid-back vibe for our last night, where we can relax and reflect on the week.
Day 6: Denton’s Hidden Gems
Morning at TWU Gardens – A serene walk through the Texas Woman’s University gardens, which are perfect for a quiet, reflective morning.
Lunch at GreenHouse Restaurant – Farm-to-table dishes with a focus on sustainability.
Afternoon at Armadillo Ale Works – We’d hit up this local brewery for a tour and some tastings of their craft brews.
Final Dinner at Hannah’s Off the Square – A cozy, upscale dining experience to finish off the week with a bang.
With all the amazing spots to eat, explore, and experience, I’m confident my best friend would have an unforgettable time discovering the heart and soul of Denton!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d love to dedicate this shoutout to the incredible volunteers and church partners who are the backbone of First Refuge Ministries. Our volunteers give so much of their time, energy, and heart to serve those in need, whether it’s through our medical and dental clinics, food pantries, or counseling services. Their selflessness and dedication make it possible for us to reach so many more people than we could on our own.

I also want to highlight our church partners, who not only provide financial support but also send teams to serve, pray for our mission, and help us share the love of Christ with the community. These partnerships with local churches are vital to our work, and we’re incredibly grateful for their ongoing encouragement and resources. They truly embody the spirit of service, and their support allows us to continue offering hope and care to those who need it most.

Website: https://dentonrefuge.org

Instagram: @firstrefugedenton

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/izell-bennett-36881318b

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FirstRefuge/

Image Credits
images taken by Izell Bennett