Margo Nielsen celebrates 24 years of service with Helping Hands

With a background in social work with the State of Florida and experience in managing an indigent guardianship program in San Antonio, Margo Nielsen has brought broad experience to Helping Hands.

Margo was selected to help guide the direction of the Helping Hands organization in 1989 as it’s first Executive Director.  She has directed the agency’s development from a 1,500 square foot store front to a four building complex on more than ten acres with an annual budget of $1.8 million. The agency provides financial assistance and health care to more than 10,000 County residents every year.

Since moving to Rockwall in 1985, Margo has served the community with the utmost devotion.  Margo is an honorary member of the Rockwall Rotary Club and has received the Jean Harris Award and is a Paul Harris Fellow. She serves in advisory capacities to the Rockwall Agricultural Extension Service, Rockwall MusicFest and is a member of the Board of Directors for Rockwall PETS.

Margo received the Soroptimist Women of Distinction award and reigned as Queen of the Mardi Gras Ball for Hubbard Chamber Music Series. She was appointed by the Rockwall County Judge to the Dallas Extended Metropolitan Area Health Services Planning Council and the North Central Texas Workforce Development Board.

Margo Nielsen was appointed to the City Council in 2005 where she served for 7 years. Nielsen has served on numerous non-profit Boards and Commissions including the Rockwall County Child Protective Services Board, the Board of Commissioners for the Housing Authority of the City of Rockwall, Rockwall’s Building and Standards Commission and has represented Rockwall County on the North Central Texas Workforce Development Board and the Health Services Planning Council for the extended metropolitan area of Dallas. She was a charter member of Rockwall Area Habitat for Humanity and Lone Star CASA, was president of the Lone Star chapter of National Charity League, president of the Rockwall Housing Development Corporation, president of the Shores Ladies Golf Association, served nine years as a commissioner on the Rockwall Housing Authority and six years on the Rockwall Child Protective Services Board. Nielsen has also served on the Rockwall County Committee on Aging.

Throughout her career, Margo has been a tireless advocate for our Rockwall County residents experiencing a crisis situation.   The positive impacts that have been made within Helping Hands agency and to the well-being of our entire community as a result of Margo’s incredible dedication and selfless service are difficult to quantify and truly ascertain!

Click here to make a donation in her honor and help with the future sustainability of the agency.

Submitted by Melody Hail, Director of Development, Rockwall County Helping Hands.

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