Live Local Group Puts Energy Behind Mommies In Need

‘We live here, we give here,’ is the mantra of coalition of realtors aiming to make a difference. 

The six like-minded (“like-hearted”) Coldwell Banker realtors with a purpose who comprise the Dallas area’s Live Local Group are on a mission to ignite kindness while serving others. Bringing that fire to Mommies In Need, the women of the Live Local Group are encouraging their communities to help families access healthcare by helping Mommies In Need offer safe, loving, free childcare. 

Pictured left to right:  
Clara Sepulveda, Kim Maher, Nancy Wilson, Aimee Elkman, Karen Hartman, and Maggie Terilli. 

After learning about the mission of Mommies In Need, Live Local Group founders Karen Hartman and Nancy Wilson put their people-connecting skills to use. They created a “Drinks for Diapers” happy hour at White Rock Alehouse & Brewery in July, which equipped Mommies In Need with its largest donation to date of diapers and wipes to be used at Annie’s Place, the first-of-its-kind childcare center it opened last year on the campus of Parkland Hospital. 

“When one real estate agent with a great network shows up, good things happen,” Hartman said. “But when it’s six, great things happen!” 

Aimee Elkman, Kim Maher, Clara Sepulveda and Maggie Terilli are members of the Live Local Group who, along with Hartman and Wilson, believe that by connecting the dots and spreading kindness, they can make the world a better place. 

"Having been a realtor, mom and community volunteer for over 25 years, I viewed partnering with Mommies In Need as an awesome opportunity,” Wilson said. “I knew I wanted to be part of it, especially because of the women-helping-women mantra. The staff at Mommies In Need are making a difference in so many families’ and children's lives. After meeting with them at Annie's Place and brainstorming with Kim Maher from my team, we decided this was exactly where we wanted to focus our efforts.  Hosting events and educating others about Mommies in Need gives us all the chance to work together as women to change our community and make it a better place.”   

Hartman believes strongly in the power of connecting people with other people. It’s a skill that served her well in her former advertising career, and now in her work as a realtor. “Many times, people don’t understand how valuable that network is and many people don’t make that connection when nothing is in it for them,” she said, “but I want to be that person in the neighborhood who creates kindness.” 

Pictured left to right:  
Karen Hartman, Aimee Elkman, Maggie Terilli, Kim Maher, Nancy Wilson, and Clara Sepulveda 

Learning how Mommies In Need positively impacts families by offering safe, loving childcare, at no cost to families, allowing caregivers the time to take care of their own healthcare needs, Hartman immediately saw the opportunity to make a difference by helping those serving others.  

“What a lightbulb moment!” she recalled having after learning about the mission. “For years, women have been filling out questionnaires about why they didn’t get preventative care. When was lack of childcare even addressed? What a shame that in this day and age, childcare is still a barrier to moms being able to get their own care. Whether you’re a parent or not, this issue is about parents and our next generation.” 

“Supporters like the Live Local Group are so valuable to our mission to help families in need,” said Natalie Boyle, founder and CEO of Mommies In Need. “Not only are they willing to sponsor important initiatives, but, more importantly, they give of their spirits and their connections, allowing our organization to grow by continuing to bring like-minded people into our circle.” 

Now, the powerhouses of the Live Local Group are planning a benefit event for 2022, pulling in their business partners, colleagues and friends to rally around the mission of Mommies In Need.  

“I think there’s room in everyone’s heart and it’s demonstrated by our team, the team at Mommies In Need, and everyone we connect with,” Hartman emphasized. “If we can inspire just one person and then they inspire one and that person then inspires one, we can really make a difference!”