Thank You Margie
Margie Wright has spent her entire career championing the people of Texas. Before joining the Suicide & Crisis Center of North Texas in 1998, she served with Child Protective Services for 30 years. A fountain of compassion, Margie has elevated and expanded the work of our crisis center, bringing hope and healing to hundreds of thousands of lives through our programs and crisis hotline.
In addition to her deep empathy, Margie is smart, innovative, and deeply connected through decades of service. Her dedication and skill in grant writing have been foundational to the center’s growth and success over the years. She used these strengths to build and expand several key programs at the center, including:
- Teens Can Survive – A program that raises awareness about teen suicide and provides intervention strategies to the community. It educates youth and community leaders about teen depression and suicide through school and organization-based training and awareness sessions, and offers free mental health check-ups for teens. Youth who show signs of depression or suicidal ideation are connected with a mental health professional for follow-up support and resources.
- Fashion Stars for a Cause – Our annual fundraiser, going strong for over 20 years, has significantly expanded our reach and impact. More than two decades ago, Margie met Yvonne Crum. Their conversation sparked an idea: create an event that could raise both awareness and vital funds for suicide prevention. What began with a goal of $25,000 has now grown into an initiative that has raised over two million dollars in donations for suicide prevention and awareness through the center’s life-saving programs.
- In Their Shoes – An event for Dallas County Suicide Awareness Day, donated shoes honor and represent lives lost to suicide. The line of unworn shoes is a powerful visual that reminds us of the tragedy of each life lost and motivates us to continue to support suicide awareness and prevention. After the event, the shoes are given to those in need.
Margie is beloved in the community. She played a vital role in establishing Dallas County Suicide Prevention Week and was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Texas Suicide Prevention Council.
While she will continue to stay involved with the crisis center in her semi-retirement, we want to take a moment to express our deep appreciation and gratitude for the immense and lasting impact she has had on this institution and the people who volunteer and use its services. Margie has mentored countless staff and volunteers, always leading with compassion, humility, and a deep belief in the power of human connection.
Margie, you are a powerful force for love and kindness, and it has been a privilege to have you at the helm of the Suicide & Crisis Center of North Texas. Your leadership has not only shaped our programs and crisis hotline, it has also shaped who we are as a team and as a community. Thank you for being a shining light guiding others to hope.