TAA Community Service Star Recognition Program

Recognizing John Brandes's 2024 Community Service Contributions

At AAGD, we’re not only here to support and advocate for the multifamily industry, but also our surrounding communities. That is why our Community Service Committee works to coordinate between local organizations and our members to perform acts of service and contribute to meaningful causes throughout the year.  

Thanks to our 2024 Community Service Committee Co-Chair John Brandes, we were able to touch countless lives of those in need throughout the metroplex.

Paula Kelley with John Brandes, who received the Texas Apartment Association Community Service Star Award at the Winter 2025 Board of Directors Meeting. 

Supporting Children and Families in Crisis

Last year, AAGD partnered with the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center (DCAC), which serves children and families experiencing crises in the face of abuse. By tapping into his connections with our members and encouraging them to get involved with this local cause, John Brandes was able to raise enough money for AAGD to purchase hundreds of items from the DCAC’s Amazon wish list. These items remained stored at one of his Maintenance Supply Solution’s facilities until both himself, AAGD leader Paula Kelley and members Traci Nau, Erin Chartrain, Dawn Waye, Jodi Spurell, Debra Claytor, and Shannon Cleveland were able to personally deliver them to the DCAC, further showcasing their dedication to building lasting relationships with those facing adversity in our communities.

He also successfully coordinated volunteer efforts between AAGD member Matrix Supply Solutions and the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County. As a result, Matrix Supply Solutions leaders dedicated their time to performing renovation and building improvement services at the center, including removing sound-absorbing panels and repairing and repainting walls throughout the building. 

In addition to this project, John and Maintenance Supply Solutions worked together to gather fellow AAGD Members Clozzits, Matrix Construction Services and T-Rock Contracting to perform more construction services at Refuge City where they improved and updated common areas such as the bathroom, kitchen and storage spaces.

Other Community Service Projects

Another important initiative led by John was the White Rock Lake Cleanup Day. It was here that AAGD members came together to beautify the lush reservoir by completing a variety of tasks. Their contributions ranged from weeding garden beds and picking up trash to pressure washing the cemented trails and repainting worn-out railings and posts. This not only revitalized the area for nearby residents to enjoy but also supported efforts to create a cleaner environment for all. 

Lake Highlands PID was yet one more organization to benefit from John’s initiatives. In conjunction with the nonprofit, AAGD members contributed to the service center’s Trunk-or-Treat event through donations and taking the time to volunteer. Because of their generosity, Lake Highlands families and children were able to partake in a safe and fun-filled night of collecting candy and enjoying the festive atmosphere.

Giving Our Thanks

John Brandes spent 2024 working tirelessly to embody what it means to serve your community. As a result of his hard work, he went on to earn the AAGD President’s Award for his outstanding community service efforts and dedication to helping others. He was also a recipient of a TAA Community Service Star Award, which recognizes members of local apartment associations who have gone above and beyond for their communities.  

Plans for 2025 and How to Get Involved

One of the initiatives our Community Service Committee will be undertaking this year is providing support to Vogel Alcove by completing necessary building renovations and updates. Vogel Alcove is a Dallas child care agency that provides a variety of therapeutic services to children experiencing homelessness. Next, along with our continual support of the Dallas and Collin County children’s advocacy centers, we will now be including both the Children’s Advocacy Center of Kaufman and Rockwall Counties in our community advocacy efforts. We are proud to grow our partnerships with impactful organizations like those above, so stay tuned as there is more to come!

Feeling inspired by John’s showcase of dedication to those in need? We encourage you to reach out to Paula Kelley for more information on how you can get involved in this year’s projects.