Meet Our Founders

In today’s society, an increasing number of grandparents are stepping into the unexpected role of full-time caregivers, raising their grandchildren and reshaping what family looks like. For many, this shift is not a choice, but a calling: a response to urgent and often heartbreaking circumstances such as substance abuse, incarceration, illness, or abandonment. These devoted grandparents face a host of challenges, including postponing retirement, navigating school systems, managing court proceedings, bridging a wide generational gap, and seeking mental health support, all while living on fixed incomes.

These challenges are deeply familiar to Ray and Lena Smith of Prosper, Texas—a couple long known for their leadership, service, and community spirit. Ray is the Market President of Farmers Bank & Trust and a dedicated servant leader in his hometown of Prosper, Texas. He has served the Town of Prosper as Mayor for 12 years and as a Councilman for 3 years. Additionally, Ray has contributed to the community through his 20 years on the EDC Board of Directors, 15 years on the Collin College Foundation Board, and 12 years with the North Central Texas Council of Governments. Lena, a successful North Texas Real Estate Specialist, is equally service-minded. She has volunteered with numerous nonprofits and is the Founder of the Prosper Ladies Association, a thriving nonprofit that supports residents and partners with local charities.

Despite their success and full lives, everything changed when they discovered their oldest grandson was involved with Child Protective Services. Without hesitation, Ray and Lena stepped in and adopted him—beginning a new chapter as full-time caregivers. Three years later, they welcomed their second grandson into their home. 

Parenthood in this season of life was not something they had planned for, but it became clear that it was exactly what they were called to do. They came to understand that their life’s path was unfolding in a way different from what they had originally planned, leading them to embrace the role of parents once more. Ray and Lena wholeheartedly welcomed this new chapter and committed themselves to cherish and honor the blessing God had entrusted to them. After extensive research, Ray and Lena were deeply moved and concerned by the challenges many families like theirs were encountering. Soon after, a close friend of the Smiths proposed a heartfelt idea: to create a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting grandparents who were struggling to raise their grandchildren, many of whom lived on fixed incomes. United by a shared passion, they came together to establish Grand Love Texas. 

Since its founding in 2019, Grand Love has touched the lives of countless families across Texas, providing essential resources such as food, utility assistance, and holiday support. Today, Grand Love offers six distinct support programs—Grand Assistance, Grand Summers, Grand Arts, Grand Scholarships, Backpacks With Love, and Wish Tree—that carry forward the vision and mission established by Ray and Lena Smith. Together, these initiatives reflect Grand Love’s unwavering commitment to uplifting grandparents raising their grandchildren by addressing their practical, educational, and emotional needs. Rooted in compassion and dedication, Grand Love continues to strengthen families, empower caregivers, and build a supportive community where every grandfamily can thrive.