Tom Bratcher is the foundation upon which Bryan’s House is built. Many years ago, this East Dallas resident helped a young mother stricken with AIDS renovate an old home so it could be opened to provide 24-hour medically managed care for her two sons with HIV and for other HIV/AIDS children in the Dallas area.
More than 10 years and 750 children later, Tom is still responsible for keeping Bryan’s House running smoothly. As the official maintenance volunteer, Tom takes on the unglamorous volunteer projects, repairing toilets, air conditioners and everything in between.
The staff of Bryan’s House readily admit that Bryan’s House would not exist – and could not function – without their own “Tom the Tool Man.”
“Like a loving father, he watches over the children and their comfort and safety – many times completing his work with no recognition from others,” says Marianne Hunter, volunteer coordinator for Bryan’s House. “We always know that Tom is always looking out for our good and taking care of us.”
Tom was recently honored by the Volunteer Center of Dallas County as the Outstanding Volunteer of the Year in the lifetime service category. And for Tom, volunteering is a family affair. His wife, Katie, received the Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award in 1994 for her work with Baylor University Medical Center.
For information on volunteer opportunities with Bryan’s House and other nonprofit organizations, call the Volunteer Center at 214-826-6767.
Neighborhood resident Julie Clapp works for the non-profit Volunteer Center of Dallas County. Send comments to her at 6301 Gaston, Suite 820, Dallas 75214; FAX to 214-823-8866.
