PASSIONATE ABOUT WORK . . . ABOUT SERVICE . . . . ABOUT COMMUNITY . . . . ABOUT LIFE
Jack Speer and Carol Kallendorf are passionate about the work Delta Associates does and about business in general. Their passions also extend beyond their business into the world around them.
Both believe fervently in the power of community to create safe, culturally stimulating, and healthy environments to live and raise families. They are urban pioneers who moved into the inner city of Austin, Texas when it was rife with gang activities and crime. By being on the forefront of community- building in Central Austin they have helped transform that area into what is widely considered the most vibrant and desirable place to live in this very vibrant city.
Jack founded the South Austin Culture Club to press the agenda and protect the lifestyle of South Austin at the City and State levels through fun, playful programs . . . that also command the respect of elected officials and leadership at all levels. It’s often said that if you want to find a quorum of the City Council, attend a South Austin Culture Club event.
Carol founded the Bouldin Babes to tap the power of women to create and sustain community. “The Babes” are a strongly cohesive group within South Austin. For the last six years, they have also, under Carol’s leadership, run the “Suitcase Project” which provides a hand-decorated suitcase and toy to every child cared for by the Austin Children’s Shelter . . . . more than 300 suitcases a year. Prior to the intervention of “The Babes,” these children—who were rescued from life-threatening situations and nurtured by the Shelter–packed up their meager belongings in black trash sacks when they were discharged from the Children’s Shelter, a huge blow to their self-esteem. Through the work of “the Babes” they now receive a lovingly decorated suitcase and toy.
Together Jack and Carol founded the Dream Come True Foundation, a non-profit organization that identifies individuals and families in poverty who have a dream of success, but who need financial assistance, mentoring and other support to achieve their dream. The Dream Come True partners with those individuals over the course of one or more years to escort them across the bridge from poverty to the middle class and make sure they are established there. A recent Dream Come True recipient was a homeless, illiterate run-away. With the help of the Dream Come True, she recently graduated from St. Edward’s University with a degree in Social Work.
Life passions for both Jack and Carol are nutrition, exercise, gardening and cooking. Their inner city garden brims over with flowers and vegetables year-round. And with their standard poodle, Winston, they enjoy walking much of the city they love and call home.