It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Plano High School and Gymnasium Texas State Historical Marker gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Plano, TX is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Great place to work.”
“We are so grateful to Always Best Care for the exceptional care they provided to”
“My experience working with Always Best Care has been amazing! The team goes above and”
“I have worked for this company for almost 2 and half years and it has”
“Every staff member we have worked with is kind and passionate about their job and”
“A great place to work and team members all around to help out anytime Dixie is”
“Melissa Watson did an amazing job with our mother. She worked so hard, changed her”
“Employees caring, compassionate folks with empathy and love for those they care for! Office staff”
“Dixie is a great resource! She shared valuable information around getting my Father In Law”
“I have worked here for awhile and it's the best. I have great clients and”
“ABC is an amazing company to work for, always were respectful, courteous, and caring of”
“The Always Best Care team (Dixie, Matthew, Shane, Shelley, and Jermey) really care about their”
“Their staff was wonderful and very trustworthy for my mom’s care- they were there for”
“A great place to work and team members all around to help out anytime Dixie is”
“I have worked for ALWAYS BEST CARE for many years and have always had the”
“I have worked for a few home health care agencies in the past 15 years”
“This company is awesome! They treat their employees great and they treat their clients even”
“We contacted Always Best Senior Care for additional hospice support for our family member. Jeremy”
“Amazing place to work. This company takes pride in helping their clients!”
“Awesome place to work and the owner and office Staff take care of there employees”
“I called , and spoke with Kelly Strong about helping me with a caretaker, and”
“I don’t even know where to begin to tell you how incredibly awesome Always Best”
“Always Best Care has been providing care for my father for over two years now;”
“Great place to work.”
“We are so grateful to Always Best Care for the exceptional care they provided to my father-in-law. From the very first conversation, we felt supported and reassured that we were in good hands. Their team went above and beyond, treating him with kindness, patience, and genuine compassion every step of the way. The care service providers that we worked with were professional yet warm, and they quickly became like family to us. They didn’t just meet his medical needs—they truly cared about his comfort, dignity, and well-being. It gave us so much peace of mind to know that he was in such capable and loving hands, whether it was with personal care, companionship, or simply making him smile throughout the day. The communication was seamless, and the staff was incredibly responsive to any changes or needs. We always felt heard, understood, and valued as a family. Having Always Best Care involved made such a difference in our lives, and we cannot thank them enough. If you're looking for home care service providers who treat your loved ones with respect and compassion, I wholeheartedly recommend Always Best Care. They made a challenging time easier for us all, and we will forever be grateful for their kindness and professionalism.”
“My experience working with Always Best Care has been amazing! The team goes above and beyond to make sure my moms is taken care of and I couldn't be happier with my moms care giver, Taelyn! She is the best! I would highly recommend entrusting the ABC team with your family member.”
“I have worked for this company for almost 2 and half years and it has been the best one I have ever worked for (dixie, Matthew ,Shane,Shelly,Jeremy) care for their clients and employees couldn't ask for a better company to hire to care for your family members”
“Every staff member we have worked with is kind and passionate about their job and ABC. They are responsive to families and helpful in making documentation easy for the families. We are new to the service, but so far very pleased, especially with our mom’s caretaker Ailie. She is attentive and caring and respectful to our mom, treating her with dignity and kindness. We are so thankful to have found this service provider who came highly recommended by close friends who have been using them since the company’s inception. Thank you, Shane, and team!”
“A great place to work and team members all around to help out anytime Dixie is a great person to talk with about joining our wonderful team.”
“Melissa Watson did an amazing job with our mother. She worked so hard, changed her schedule when we needed her and was very loving to our mother.”
“Employees caring, compassionate folks with empathy and love for those they care for! Office staff goes (Dixie , Shane, Shelly, Matthew and Jeremy ) above and beyond to make sure all aspects of care are covered.”
“Dixie is a great resource! She shared valuable information around getting my Father In Law benefits through the VA. I had no idea these were available. Highly recommend!”
“I have worked here for awhile and it's the best. I have great clients and great coworkers especially Dixie. Everyone is so understanding when I went through a family emergency. I'm really blessed.”
“ABC is an amazing company to work for, always were respectful, courteous, and caring of both their clients AND their staff.”
“The Always Best Care team (Dixie, Matthew, Shane, Shelley, and Jermey) really care about their caregivers! I have loved working for them and they have done so much for me as well. I would definitely recommend this job for college students who have a passion for helping others!”
“Their staff was wonderful and very trustworthy for my mom’s care- they were there for her through ice storms and hail!! Melissa and Laina took great care of my mom and I didn’t have to worry!! Very trustworthy company!!!”
“A great place to work and team members all around to help out anytime Dixie is a great person to talk with about joining our wonderful team.”
“I have worked for ALWAYS BEST CARE for many years and have always had the Support of a Wonderful Owner and Management Team. This Team not only takes care of its Clients and their Family, but we also make sure that We take care of each other as well! I am truly Grateful and Blessed to be a part of this Team.”
“I have worked for a few home health care agencies in the past 15 years and none compare to ALWAYS BEST CARE! I have never worked with a group who TRULY care about each and everyone of their clients. I have never seen a group so committed to what they do. I feel it is an honor and a privilege to work here. I enjoy the dynamics in the office and never mind getting up to go to work. If you want an agency who truly cares about theirs clients, then ALWAYS BEST CARE is for you and your loved ones.”
“This company is awesome! They treat their employees great and they treat their clients even better.”
“We contacted Always Best Senior Care for additional hospice support for our family member. Jeremy was so prompt in returning our call and putting together a care plan that would work for us. I highly recommend their services as well as Jeremy as the coordinator. Top Notch!”
“Amazing place to work. This company takes pride in helping their clients!”
“Awesome place to work and the owner and office Staff take care of there employees 10/10 would recommend this place for anyone looking for a job in the health care industry.”
“I called , and spoke with Kelly Strong about helping me with a caretaker, and explained my needs. She told me she had the perfect person for me, and I can testify, that she was the best caretaker ever. She was patient, kind, had a great personality , and had great work ethics. I have to say that Kelly Strong has the same qualities as a coordinator. Kelly has always helped me with whatever I needed. It’s great to know that if I need help, I can always depend on her. Thank You Sincerely , Cathy Sewell”
“I don’t even know where to begin to tell you how incredibly awesome Always Best Care is! I had someone recommend them to me and I called them as soon as I could! As soon as Shane answered the phone they immediately started taking care of us! They scheduled the most amazing team of people to be by our side and by my mother-in-laws side. They even jumped through hoops to gather extra people when we needed them round the clock! They always found ways to work their schedule around us! The people they hire are incredible people who truly know how to do their job and truly love who they are taking care of. All of them became family to us and are still family to us to this day. I just cannot tell you how awesome they are, but I can give you the best advice and that is to not call anybody else but Always Best Care!!!!!”
“Always Best Care has been providing care for my father for over two years now; and I’m not quite sure where we’d be without their meticulous care, attention to detail, and compassion for my elderly dad. Their support has enabled our family to have our dad home with us and involved in our daily lives as much as possible. We are forever grateful to Kelly and her team!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Bob Woodruff Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local The Capital Grille or visit Downtown Plano, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Plano, TX, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Plano, TX understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Plano, TX 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Just three months after a private Christian school in Plano abruptly closed its doors, the nonprofit’s day care has similarly shuttered, once again leaving former staff saying they are short thousands of dollars.Enrollment dwindled at The Nest Daycare and Preschool in ...
Just three months after a private Christian school in Plano abruptly closed its doors, the nonprofit’s day care has similarly shuttered, once again leaving former staff saying they are short thousands of dollars.
Enrollment dwindled at The Nest Daycare and Preschool in downtown Plano after its parent nonprofit organization, New Hope Education, closed its K-12 school in the middle of the fall semester.
Parents at the grade school, New Hope Christian Academy, say they were overcharged tuition and teachers reported missing pay.
A Jan. 28 letter announced the day care’s last day would be Feb. 14. The day care cared for nearly 200 children at its peak, said Jamael Graves, who was hired as a contractor for school development at New Hope Christian Academy, which closed Nov. 8.
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Related:Plano private school closes abruptly, leaving parents scrambling and teachers unpaid
Jim and DeeDee Mims led the organization, which opened the academy in 2017. Neither responded to emails or phone calls requesting comment.
When nursery teacher Mary Catherine Landry, 28, stopped getting regular paychecks from the day care last summer, she cut spending and started going to food pantries. A single mom, she began working at The Nest in February and her son, 2, attended the day care.
She quit in November after going without pay for about a month — a sum totaling about $2,000.
“It was very sad to see people praying for their paychecks,” Landry said.
Related:School board races begin in Collin County amid tight budgets, shifting demographics
Instead of paying workers through direct deposit, the school handed out checks. Some of those checks bounced.
Landry was told she’ll get her missing pay once the organization sells off some of its items. DeeDee Mims posted tables, chairs and school equipment for sale on Facebook.
Ashley Cole, 26, was a nursery teacher at The Nest from September to January. Her toddler attended the day care, too.
Cole filed a report with the Texas Workforce Commission after missing about $2,600 in payments for her work.
In an email on Nov. 5, DeeDee Mims wrote, “Ladies, I truly apologize for the problems I have caused you and I plan to pay you for all you are owed. I am working through closing the academy to eliminate those expenses.”
Graves, 33, is a pastor in The Colony and was hired to help develop New Hope’s middle and high school operations from August 2022 to July 2024. He left early, in February.
“They took on more than they could chew,” said Graves, whose three children attended the organization’s academy and day care.
Related:Scaling back STAAR, boosting public school funding and teacher quality focus of Texas bills
New Hope Education Inc.’s tax forms show declining assets in recent years. The nonprofit organization started summer 2022 with nearly $340,000 in total assets and ended May 2023 with about $67,000, according to its last published tax form. Its liabilities increased over the year, and by May 2023, the nonprofit had more than negative $830,000 in net assets.
While the organization’s total revenue increased from $1.26 million in 2022 to $1.68 million in 2023, total expenses increased much faster, from $1.2 million in 2022 to nearly $2.1 million in 2023.
In an email from DeeDee Mims, she referenced the pandemic and the school’s move to more expensive quarters in West Plano as financial strains.
Related:What are Texas’ plans for a school voucher-style program? Here’s a look at the proposals
In other emails, she said the day care was negotiating with a potential investor but a deal fell through.
Graves himself loaned Mims money to try to help the school, and said he even drove the school bus for free. He hasn’t gotten his loan back, he said.
Mims tried to pay staff more than a typical Christian school, Graves said, and would give families discounts on tuition.
Graves advised Mims to close the school before the academic year began. They opened anyway, and he believes the motivation was pride.
The city of Plano says it wants better service from DART, including adding a version of on-demand shuttle service to meet the needs of the largest city in Collin County.However, Mayor John Muns told NBC 5 this week needed change isn't happening quick enough within the transit agency, which is why he's also supporting legislation filed this month in Austin reducing the 1-cent dedicated sales tax contribution by 25%."We've got to rightsize this formula," Muns said. "We're only asking for a 25% discount of our subsi...
The city of Plano says it wants better service from DART, including adding a version of on-demand shuttle service to meet the needs of the largest city in Collin County.
However, Mayor John Muns told NBC 5 this week needed change isn't happening quick enough within the transit agency, which is why he's also supporting legislation filed this month in Austin reducing the 1-cent dedicated sales tax contribution by 25%.
"We've got to rightsize this formula," Muns said. "We're only asking for a 25% discount of our subsidy."
For Plano, that equals $27.5 million of a budgeted $110 million it sends to DART annually based on how much sales tax revenue that 1-cent produces.
The dedicated 1-cent of sales tax revenue that each of 13-member cities contribute has funded DART since its creation by the Texas Legislature in 1983.
House Bill 3187 filed by Plano Rep. Matt Shaheen and Senate Bill 1557 filed by state Sen. Angela Paxton of McKinney would allow DART's 13-member cities to lower their contribution levels.
Muns said a report commissioned by the legislature for an accounting of member cities contributions found Plano put $109 million in but received only $44 million in services from DART.
"We can’t afford to continue to be a part of DART at the full penny and getting the service that we’re getting. It’s just, it’s not going to work," Muns said.
DART says the proposed legislation would amount to "devastating cuts" to the regional transportation agency.
Jeamy Molina, chief communications officer with DART, said Tuesday the agency has worked in recent years to improve reliability, security and cleanliness for customers.
"Every dollar is spoken for," Molina said. “We can’t continue the work we have now with 75% of our revenue.”
Molina said DART has met with leaders from six member cities which passed resolutions last year reflecting a desire to lower their contributions to the agency, citing dissatisfaction with service.
From those conversations, Molina says cities said they wanted more flexible transit options, including possible expansion of microtransit options, including an expansion of Go-Link.
"None of that is possible when you see this type of reduction in a bill like this," Molina said.
Paxton told NBC 5 in a statement Tuesday she filed the legislation to provide a remedy for cities that contribute more to DART than they receive in services.
"It is critical that we ensure transparency with taxpayer dollars," Paxton said.
Muns added Plano will still be the second largest sales-tax contributor to DART if the legislation is approved and believes a lower contribution level could make other municipalities not currently in DART consider opting in.
He said DART can continue growing even with a reduced contribution from current member cities.
"Yes, it’s incumbent upon DART to grow, I don’t know that its Plano’s responsibility to be a part of that,” Muns said. “But Plano does need the ability to afford to be in DART.”
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has insisted "Sharia law is not allowed in Texas" in response to proposals for a new Islamic themed town near Josephine, around 40 minutes from Dallas.The project, called "EPIC City," is being orchestrated by the East Plano Islamic Center on a 402-acre piece of land that includes parts of Collin and Hunt counties.Newsweek reached out to the East Plano Islamic Center via on...
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has insisted "Sharia law is not allowed in Texas" in response to proposals for a new Islamic themed town near Josephine, around 40 minutes from Dallas.
The project, called "EPIC City," is being orchestrated by the East Plano Islamic Center on a 402-acre piece of land that includes parts of Collin and Hunt counties.
Newsweek reached out to the East Plano Islamic Center via online inquiry form for comment on Tuesday.
During his first term in office, President Donald Trump banned travel to the United States from a number of Muslim majority countries, having called for a "total and complete shutdown of Muslims" entering the country during the campaign.
After returning to office on January 20 Trump signed an executive order instructing officials to make a list of nations "for which vetting and screening information is so deficient as to warrant a partial or full suspension on the admission of nationals from those countries."
The EPIC City project is being managed by Community Capital Partners, which was created by East Plano Islamic Center for this purpose.
Preliminary plans show over 1,000 houses, a mosque, a faith based school, retail shops and a community college split between two sections, named EPIC Ranches One and Two.
Earlier this month East Plano Islamic Center resident scholar Yasir Qadhi gave an update on the project, which he said would be a "Muslim neighborhood" while being "well integrated" into the wider community.
However, the plan has attracted skepticism from Abbott, who shared a post on X from conservative commentator Amy Mek warning that "a 402-Acre Sharia City is Being Built in Texas."
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Responding to Mek, Abbott posted: "To be clear, Sharia law is not allowed in Texas. Nor are Sharia cities. Nor are 'no go zones' which this project seems to imply."
When reached for comment, Abbott's office referred Newsweek back to his X post.
Sharia is the law of Islam based on the teachings of the Quran. Newsweek can't find any references from the EPIC City organizers to their new settlement being governed by Sharia law or anything other than U.S. law.
In a statement provided to The Dallas Morning News, Community Capital Partners insisted they would obey the Fair Housing Act, which bans discrimination in housing based on certain characteristics, including religion.
They added they "will not enforce blanket bans on any group of people, but we will conduct thorough individualized assessments of prospective buyers to ensure they align with our goals of safety and security."
East Plano Islamic Center resident scholar Yasir Qadhi: "EPIC City is going to be a role model community of thousands of Muslims living well-integrated.
"We are not forming a cult. We're not forming big barriers between the rest of society. We're going to be giving back to this state and this country, and we're going to be showing what it means to be a Muslim neighborhood."
Community Capital Partners said in a statement: "Our vision is to build a diverse and inclusive community — one in which people of every background, faith, and culture can live together in harmony. We will uphold the safety and well-being of our neighbors at every step of development, starting with thorough individualized assessments of prospective buyers to ensure they align with our goals of safety and security."
The proposals for EPIC City have yet to be finalized, and work toward this is still in progress. It remains to be seen whether Abbott's intervention will lead to any change.
Attorney General Ken Paxton said he's opened an investigation into a proposed development meant to accommodate the North Texas Muslim community, claiming potential violations of the state’s consumer protection laws.The East Plano Islamic Center, one of the largest mosques in the area, is planning the development in Josephine, Texas, roughly 40 miles northeast of Dallas. Paxton issued a Civil Investigative Demand into the corporate entity involved with the project, Community Capital Partners."Under my watch, there wil...
Attorney General Ken Paxton said he's opened an investigation into a proposed development meant to accommodate the North Texas Muslim community, claiming potential violations of the state’s consumer protection laws.
The East Plano Islamic Center, one of the largest mosques in the area, is planning the development in Josephine, Texas, roughly 40 miles northeast of Dallas. Paxton issued a Civil Investigative Demand into the corporate entity involved with the project, Community Capital Partners.
"Under my watch, there will be zero tolerance for any person or entity that breaks Texas law,” said Paxton. “My office has an open and ongoing investigation into EPIC City, which has raised a number of concerns, and this CID will help ensure that any potential violation of state law is uncovered.”
It’s not clear what provisions the proposed development is accused of violating.
It comes after Gov. Greg Abbott announced on X “a dozen state agencies are looking into” the East Plano Islamic Center’s proposed 402-acre development, which he alleged had “serious legal issues.” The governor did not provide evidence of his claim.
Abbott also referred to "foreign adversaries” in his tweet, but did not elaborate.
KERA News reached out to his office for clarity on both claims.
The proposed EPIC compound in Collin Co. has serious legal issues.A dozen state agencies are investigating it, the Attorney General will look into it, and legislators are considering laws to restrict it, as well as laws to prevent foreign adversaries from buying land in Texas.
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) March 25, 2025
The project, referred to as "EPIC City," includes a new mosque, more than 1,000 single and multi-family homes, a K-12 faith-based school, senior housing, an outreach center, commercial developments, sports facilities, and a community college.
Imran Chaudhary, President of Community Capital Partners said in a statement to KERA News the company will work with Paxton as the investigation is ongoing.
“We understand that there has been a lot of rumor-milling and misinformation circulated by many who are uniformed," Chaudhary said. "We look forward to working with the Attorney General to ensure that we are in legal compliance every step of the way and educating the broader community about our project.“
State Rep. Jeff Leach, R-Plano, also sent a letter to Paxton asking to look into the project, worried it may include “elements of Sharia Law” and would be a violation of state law.
Leach speculated the project could violate House Bill 45, a law passed in 2017 that prohibits the use of any foreign law in the state’s courts.
The Islamic center posted a video last month highlighting the proposed development which spread across social media, immediately getting bombarded with negative comments online from users including Abbott.
Abbott accused the project in February of promoting “Sharia cities” – referring to a body of religious laws forming part of the Islamic traditions, which itself has been the target of conservative legislators across the country.
The governor and other commenters called it the start of a "no-go zone," implying without evidence non-Muslim people wouldn’t be allowed to enter.
To be clear, Sharia law is not allowed in Texas.Nor are Sharia cities. Nor are “no go zones“ which this project seems to imply.Bottom line. The project as proposed in the video is not allowed in Texas. https://t.co/5Sw5VdXD31
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) February 24, 2025
East Plano Islamic Center responded Abbott on X, saying its vision is to build a diverse community open to all ethnic and religious backgrounds.
“It should go without saying that our community, like any other in this great state, will follow all local, state and federal laws,” the post read. “We would love for you to see the site and learn about our project over some Hutchins BBQ.”
In an interview last year, Yasir Qadhi, a resident scholar at the Plano mosque and one of the people involved in the project planning, said the idea for EPIC City came as the Muslim population continues to grow in the region.
“We need more space, and there are people coming from across the country,” Qadhi said. “Dallas is now known to be a hub of people of our faith, coming not just to the city, but specifically to our mosque.”
Qadhi emphasized this project is not exclusive to the Muslim community – anyone is welcome.
“It’s an open community,” Qadhi said. “Anybody can come in. We're welcoming people of all backgrounds and diversity and we're offering them facilities that we think would be very, very useful.”
The EPIC City developments are in unincorporated areas of Josephine, a nearly two-square-mile city between Collin and Hunt counties growing rapidly in recent years. In 2023, the population grew by nearly 5,000 people – a 234% increase in the course of three years.
Those numbers could increase even more with the help of EPIC City – the first 450 plots sold out within days of its announcements on the mosque’s website, Qadhi said.
“The demand to move to our community is so high from across the country that we envision that demand would remain even if we created another parallel community,” he said.
Qadhi also said there’s no external funding for any of the planned construction. Instead, people are purchasing shares to own a plot of land for future homes. In those purchases, there’s a charge to help fund the construction of other buildings, like the mosque and school, he said
Qadhi said they want to showcase the best of being Muslim Americans.
“We are a very family-centered and community-centered faith,” Qadhi said. “We strongly feel that by coming together and by living our faith in this great land, we are exemplifying the American dream. And we are going to contribute back not only to ourselves and our families, but to the greater public around us. And that's what it means to be to be a part of this society.”
Penelope Rivera is KERA's breaking news reporter. Got a tip? Email Penelope Rivera at privera@kera.org.
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From the piney woods of East Texas to the rugged canyons of the Panhandle, from the shores of the Gulf to the heart of the Hill Country, our great state is as vast as it is vibrant. Now it’s time to celebrate it in true Texas fashion — with a party as bold and welcoming as the Lone Star State itself.Get ready for a free, all-ages event packed with live music, entertainment, activities, delicious food, refreshing drinks and a marketplace of local vendors — all inspired by the rich culture and diverse ...
From the piney woods of East Texas to the rugged canyons of the Panhandle, from the shores of the Gulf to the heart of the Hill Country, our great state is as vast as it is vibrant. Now it’s time to celebrate it in true Texas fashion — with a party as bold and welcoming as the Lone Star State itself.
Get ready for a free, all-ages event packed with live music, entertainment, activities, delicious food, refreshing drinks and a marketplace of local vendors — all inspired by the rich culture and diverse traditions that make our state one of a kind. It’s almost time for the Texas Forever Fest.
Here’s what to know before you go:
When: March 22, 2025 | 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Where: Haggard Park | 901 E 15th St, Plano Parking: Map | Haggard Park offers ample free parking in its large lot, located near the Interurban Railway Museum and Downtown Plano DART Station.
Last year, performers like Kaitlin Butts and Wade Bowen took the stage for out-of-this-world performances. This year, the entertainment is set to be just as incredible. Here's the music lineup:
11 a.m. — Austin Akins 12 p.m. — Mariachi Fuzion 1:30 p.m. — The Peterson Brothers 3 p.m. — Shaylen 4:30 p.m. — Aaron Watson
Prepare for a feast, y’all! Texas Forever Fest is bringing an irresistible lineup of food vendors alongside your favorite downtown Plano spots. From sizzling savory bites to decadent sweet treats, there’s something to satisfy every craving. Here’s a taste of the deliciousness waiting for you at the festival:
In addition, more than ten Texas distilleries will gather to pour their finest whiskeys for you to taste, discover and celebrate. Purchase tickets for the Spirits of Texas Tasting at Plano Texas Forever Fest.
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