Larry James' vision is to "fight the causes and effects of poverty knowing a home, food, health, and hope were necessary ingredients for success, and we must address all four to help move folks out of poverty." Over the past 26 years, his commitment to Dallas' homeless has also become the core of CitySquare's mission. 

 

When Larry came on board, CitySquare was a store-front food pantry in East Dallas known as Central Dallas Ministries. In 2010 CitySquare opened CityWalk@Akard, transforming an outdated high-rise into a mixed-income, mixed-use vertical neighborhood. Recognizing the significant needs of South Dallas, Larry orchestrated a plan for the 53,000 square-foot CitySquare Opportunity Center, which opened in 2015 at the corner of Malcolm X Boulevard and Interstate 30. The Opportunity Center is a place where our neighbors can reach many services under one roof. A year later, he created The Cottages at Hickory Crossing. There, we established tiny homes for our homeless neighbors – a place to be housed and receive needed services.

 

After 26 years, our longtime CEO Larry James takes on a new role as CEO Emeritus. Taking over CitySquare's CEO position is John Siburt, President/COO, who joined CitySquare in 2012. While Larry will remain active, he acknowledges CitySquare's mission is in good hands with John. 

 

According to John, "I have mighty big shoes to fill, but Larry is an incredible mentor. Plus, we are fortunate he will stay on board. Larry is a wonderful role model for how to pass on your mission and vision, so it lives beyond you. We're friends, partners, and collaborators."