FORT WORTH, TX, May 06, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Gary Wilkerson has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Marked by personal resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to service, Mr. Wilkerson has built an impactful career in the nonprofit sector. He is the founder and executive director of WhenWeLove, a faith-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization uniting churches, volunteers, and community partners to support individuals and families experiencing homelessness. In this role, he oversees staff and finances, writes grants, expands donor engagement, and manages the daily operations of two facilities.

Under his leadership, WhenWeLove has become known throughout Fort Worth and Tarrant County for its distinctive volunteer-driven model. For the organization's first 11 years, Mr. Wilkerson declined a salary, working full-time elsewhere so that every possible dollar could go directly to the mission. As a result, administrative expenses remain at just 12 percent of total revenue, allowing donors to see their contributions make a direct and measurable impact.

A signature achievement of his tenure is the Make It a Home program, which furnishes apartments for individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness. Since its launch, the initiative has furnished more than 2,613 homes, with continued growth each year and plans for further expansion. His collaborative approach has strengthened partnerships among local nonprofits and community stakeholders, reflecting his belief that "Together we do more." In 2021, he received the Community Champion Award from the Tarrant County Homeless Coalition (now Partnership Home) in recognition of his leadership and service.

From 2020 to 2022, Mr. Wilkerson served as director of emergency services at DRC Solutions, overseeing crisis response efforts and coordinating with agencies across Fort Worth. From 2015 to 2021, he worked as a lead case manager, guiding clients through housing placement and recovery programs.

He has also contributed as a mentor navigator with the Fathers and Children Together Program at NewDay Services for Children & Families, supporting fathers working to rebuild relationships with their children. Earlier, he served as a housing case manager with MHMR (My Health My Resources of Tarrant County), assisting individuals experiencing homelessness, veterans, and families in need of early intervention services.

Beyond his professional roles, Mr. Wilkerson has been an active member of the Fatherhood Coalition of Tarrant County and remains engaged with the Tarrant County Homeless Coalition (now Partnership Home).

Mr. Wilkerson's educational path reflects determination and adaptability. After leaving high school during his senior year to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities, he later earned his GED and went on to complete an associate degree in human services management from the University of Phoenix in 2015, supported by a nonprofit employer's educational assistance program. He is also certified in fatherhood engagement through the National Fatherhood Initiative.

Before entering the nonprofit sector, Mr. Wilkerson spent more than 25 years in the retail and construction industries, managing, owning, or partnering in businesses focused on new home construction, audio-video systems, lighting control, and home automation. He experienced both success and failure but refused to let setbacks define him. The economic downturn of the mid-2000s reshaped his understanding of resilience, purpose, and leadership.

His transition into nonprofit work was deeply personal. Having faced near homelessness himself — and having two daughters experience addiction and homelessness — he felt called to use his entrepreneurial skills to serve others. His early volunteer work revealed the profound impact of compassion without profit and inspired him to address gaps in the support systems available to vulnerable populations.

Civic engagement has long been central to his life. From 2008 to 2010, he volunteered with Second Glance Resale Shop Supporting Open Arms, delivering furnishings to women escaping domestic violence. He later served as a mentor and director of development at Texas ReEntry Services, expanding his experience in organizational growth and community outreach. His openness about personal challenges has fostered trust and encouraged others facing similar struggles.

Faith has been a guiding force throughout his journey. Mr. Wilkerson credits his family and divine guidance for sustaining him through adversity and shaping his calling to serve. He is happily married to his wife, Julie, for 36 years, and is the proud father of six children, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. He enjoys classic cars and golf but especially values time spent on the family farm.

Looking ahead, Mr. Wilkerson aims to establish a Dream Center in Fort Worth — a place of respite, restoration, healing, and support for individuals experiencing homelessness. Several of his adult children are actively involved in the leadership of WhenWeLove, giving him hope that the mission will continue through future generations.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. The suite of Marquis® publications, including Who's Who in America® and Who's Who in the World®, remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the globe. Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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