Showing posts with label philanthropy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label philanthropy. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Saturday, March 09, 2013
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
You can help TODAY!
CitySquare needs your help before January 1!
You can help TODAY!
Take a look here to find out how you can make a huge difference!
Friday, December 09, 2011
Holiday Project to Consider!
Here's an idea for you: consider a CitySquare Clothing Drive...for your neighborhood, church, organization, office or club!
We will supply all materials you'll need to get started and organized!
Our trucks will even pick up the clothing your collect! The picture above shows our crew and truck at the ready just for you, as well as employees from Flexpress, after the printing company held a company-wide and neighborhood-wide drive for us last month.
Why this suggestion now? The CitySquare Thrift Store now offers a big "50% Off All Clothing Sale" after wich we will start hustling to restock.
Any and all help greatly needed and appreciated!
For details contact Will Goldman at 214.887.8800 or 214.202.6578!
Friday, November 18, 2011
Chamber Membership Meeting
Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings to Address Membership of Chamber of Human Services Nonprofits |
Human service nonprofits are invited to attend the next Chamber of Human Services Nonprofits membership meeting on to learn more about the Chamber, celebrate in pre-holiday festivities and hear from special guest, Mayor Mike Rawlings. Join us for the next meeting: Chamber of Human Services Nonprofits Membership Meeting Friday, December 9, 5 - 6:30 p.m. Communities Foundation of Texas 5500 Caruth Haven Lane, Dallas What is the Chamber of Human Services Nonprofits? Launched in September 2011, the Chamber of Human Service Nonprofits (CHSN) provides a forum to focus on issues related to the delivery of human service programs. Open only to chief executive officers of human services nonprofits, the Chamber will create a network to collaborate,advocate and serve as a nexus for a voice with funders about critical issues that impact those in need in North Texas communities. Interested in membership with the Chamber? Annual membership is $30. |
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Great deals at CitySquare Thrift!
Just in. . .
A major retailer has donated new toys, bikes, house wares, Prestone anti-freeze(!), linens, boys PJ's, and many, many more items to our CitySquare Thrift Store.
Of course, it is all marked far below retail prices.
For Christmas, or anytime, there could not be a better time to save money on gifts and items you will need.
Visit us today!
Spread the word among your friends and family in or near Dallas, Texas!
CitySquare Thrift Store
1213 N Washington at Live Oak, 75204
Mon - Fri 9-6. Sat 10-3
214.887.8800
Dale Adams, Manager
A major retailer has donated new toys, bikes, house wares, Prestone anti-freeze(!), linens, boys PJ's, and many, many more items to our CitySquare Thrift Store.
Of course, it is all marked far below retail prices.
For Christmas, or anytime, there could not be a better time to save money on gifts and items you will need.
Visit us today!
Spread the word among your friends and family in or near Dallas, Texas!
CitySquare Thrift Store
1213 N Washington at Live Oak, 75204
Mon - Fri 9-6. Sat 10-3
214.887.8800
Dale Adams, Manager
Friday, September 30, 2011
Junior League and poverty
The Junior League of Dallas has been a partner of ours for many years. Recently, the organization has stepped up to the pressing challenges created by poverty. The League's new focus on strategic impact encourages us. The video here is the result of the group's latest research efforts.
Junior League of Dallas - Poverty from Elixir Entertainment on Vimeo.
Junior League of Dallas - Poverty from Elixir Entertainment on Vimeo.
Friday, September 09, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
CitySquare Thrift
CitySquare Thrift Store
formerly Central Dallas Ministries Thrift Store
Want instant news of new arrivals to our store?
Follow the CitySquare Thrift Store on Twitter
http://www.twitter.com/ /CitySqThrift!
Spring Cleaning?
Please remember us when you are ready to discard clothing, house wares and other items that you no longer need. We will turn them into food, health care, housing and hope for our neighbors living in poverty. Simply drop them by the CitySquare Thrift Store anytime we are open. We will help you unload, and always have a receipt for your tax records.
Have furniture, appliances and other items too large to drop-off?
It is easy to arrange for our truck to pick them up. Simply call Will at 214.887.8800 and he will send the truck as soon as possible.
To donate a vehicle, running or not, please call Dale at 972.233.2700
Your budget getting tight, but you and your family need cool clothes for warm weather?
Use the attached coupon to save $5 off any purchase of $20 or more. With our low, low prices, you can get 5 adult tops and/or pants and shorts for only $15 with this coupon !!!! You can print it, or simply mention your special code TS101 to the cashier when you check-out. Hint, the coupon can be used for any items in the Store.
CitySquare Thrift Store - 1213 N Washington, Dallas 75204
At the corner of Live Oak and N Washington, a few blocks from Baylor Hospital
Store Hours- Monday-Friday 9-6, Saturdays 10-3 214.887.8800
Furniture – Clothing – House Wares – Vintage – Thousands of “Treasures”
The only thing Thrift about our Store are the prices!
Friday, February 18, 2011
You can help today. . .
Fact: CitySquare exists to engage "the poor" in crafting better lives for themselves and, in most cases, their children.
Fact: Hunger and worry about what to put on the table remains a real, pressing issue for far too many Dallas area families and individuals.
Fact: For more than two years now CitySquare has seen long lines around our Food Pantry, as more and more families depend on our presence to meet their food/grocery needs.
Fact: The quality of our food products has improved dramatically so that now we distribute fresh produce on a daily basis.
Fact: All that we do demands a steady stream of funding.
Fact: You can help today!
Here's how:
1) Visit www.CitySq.org or click here right now: DONATE.
2) Commit to become a monthly donor.
3) Join the "1,000 Voices Campaign"--for information contact me at ljames@CitySq.org or call me at 214.303.2116.
4) Walk with us over the next 10 days by making a contribution that will enable CitySquare to raise $10,000 by Tuesday, March 1, 2011!
5) Very important: Forward this post to all of your contacts on Facebook, Twitter, other social media, email contact lists and on blogs.
Don't wait! You can make a huge difference right now!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Charity Navigator
Here's what the letter said:
On behalf of Charity Navigator, I wish to congratulate CitySquare on achieving our coveted 4-star rating for sound fiscal management.
As the nonprofit sector continues to grow at an unprecedented pace, savvy donors are demanding more accountability, transparency and quantifiable results form the charities they choose to support with their hard-earned dollars. In this competitive philanthropic marketplace, Charity Navigator, America's premier charity evaluator, highlights the fine work of efficient charities such as your own, and provides donors with essential information needed to give them greater confidence in the charitable choices they make.
Based on the most recent financial information available, we have calculated a new rating for your organization. We are proud to announce CitySquare has earned our fifth consecutive 4-star rating for its ability to efficiently manage and grow its finances. Only 6% of the charities we rate have received at least 5 consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that CitySquare consistently executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way, and outperforms most other charities in America. This "exceptional" designation from Charity Navigator differentiates CitySquare from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust.
Forbes, Business Week and Kiplingner's Financial Magazine, among others, have profiled and celebrated our unique method of applying data-driven analysis to the charitable sector. We evaluate ten times more charities that our nearest competitor and currently attract more visitors to our website than all other charity rating groups combined, thus making us the leading charity evaluator in America. Our irrefutable data show that users of our site gave more than they planned to before viewing our findings, and in fact, it is estimated that last year Charity Navigator influenced over $10 billion in charitable gifts.
We believe our service will enhance your organization's fundraising and public relations efforts. Our favorable review of CitySquare's fiscal health will be visible on our website as of December 1st.
We wish you the best in all of your charitable endeavors.
Sincerely,
Ken Berger
President & Chief Executive Officer
Monday, December 06, 2010
A great year. . .
Rev. Gerald Britt, VP of Public Policy and Community Program Development at CitySquare, posted the following message on his blog last Friday. It is such a good summary of the past year. I wanted readers here to see it. Note: I've edited it a bit to provide a couple of additional details.
Friday, December 3, 2010
It's Been a Great Year!
I ran into an acquaintance earlier today who asked, 'So, where have you been hiding?!' I wanted to scream out, "You have got to be kidding?!"
But I also know that there are scores of people who don't know about the work we do here at CitySquare, so for them it may seem that we fly under the radar.
Let's just say 2010 has been eventful...
We started off the year with the move of our administrative offices, public interest law firm, HR, finance, IT and Community Development Department into 511 N. Akard or CityWalk. As soon as we moved in, we realized not only did we bring work with us, new work was waiting for us!
Along with everyone getting set up, there was a flurry of tours taking place while renovation was continuing, apartments to be leased - solidifying our relationship and roles with the management company, security issues and parking issues.
We worried that neighbors who needed CitySquare LAW Center counsel would have a difficult time finding us at our new location.
Boy, were we ever WRONG. The total cases closed by end of October (198) nearly equaled the total number of cases closed for all of 2009!
Our food pantry has served more than 47,000 people nearly 2 million pounds of food, as of the third quarter.
The summer food program served 701,000 meals to over 16,000 children in collaboration with PepsiCo, our AmeriiCorps team and the Texas Department of Agriculture. Our new, innovative program called Food on the Move enabled us to serve almost twice as many meals and children as in past summer seasons.These numbers don't include the thousands of children served in our after school meal delivery program.
Our Permanent Supportive Housing Program, "Destination Home" has now moved more than 100 homeless citizens off of the street and into their own apartments. The program will expand in 2011.
WorkPaths, our job training program, has graduated more than 75 people from soft skills and hard skills living wage employment training. More than 70% of the program participants moved on to living wage employment.
Our Education Outreach at Roseland Homes expanded its reach to provide technology based enrichment to not only traditional age after school students, but now includes programming for mid-teens and youth preparing for college.
And this year, in formalizing our public policy work, we've made our monthly Urban Engagement Book Club a tool for advocacy and public awareness. We've sponsored two documentary screenings, focused on public education and immigration (Waiting for Superman and 9500 Liberty, respectively). We've also had public awareness education initiatives, both within the organization and the community around for profit schools. We've led voter education, voter registration and GOTV efforts in our community of focus, Roseland Homes...including getting gubernatorial candidate Bill White to come visit with the residents there. We invited Governor Perry as well, but his schedule would not allow him to visit us.
All of this, while at the same time, we continued preparations for our Opportunity Center, which will house our employment, health care, food programs and economic development initiatives.
Add in the fact that we moved successfully through a professional rebranding process for our organization.
We've done more and program directors around here might be upset because I'm not including some other great things that have happened across this organization. But believe me, I've only scratched the surface!
What does all this mean (aside from the fact that there are some tired soldiers at CitySquare)?
It means that CitySquare is a great investment for those who believe that as community, we can actually do something about poverty and injustice. It means that money invested in CitySquare changes the trajectory of the lives of people and gives hope to those who simply need the resources and the relationships that will make their lives better.
It means it’s been a great year!
Friday, December 3, 2010
It's Been a Great Year!
I ran into an acquaintance earlier today who asked, 'So, where have you been hiding?!' I wanted to scream out, "You have got to be kidding?!"
But I also know that there are scores of people who don't know about the work we do here at CitySquare, so for them it may seem that we fly under the radar.
Let's just say 2010 has been eventful...
We started off the year with the move of our administrative offices, public interest law firm, HR, finance, IT and Community Development Department into 511 N. Akard or CityWalk. As soon as we moved in, we realized not only did we bring work with us, new work was waiting for us!
Along with everyone getting set up, there was a flurry of tours taking place while renovation was continuing, apartments to be leased - solidifying our relationship and roles with the management company, security issues and parking issues.
We worried that neighbors who needed CitySquare LAW Center counsel would have a difficult time finding us at our new location.
Boy, were we ever WRONG. The total cases closed by end of October (198) nearly equaled the total number of cases closed for all of 2009!
Our food pantry has served more than 47,000 people nearly 2 million pounds of food, as of the third quarter.
The summer food program served 701,000 meals to over 16,000 children in collaboration with PepsiCo, our AmeriiCorps team and the Texas Department of Agriculture. Our new, innovative program called Food on the Move enabled us to serve almost twice as many meals and children as in past summer seasons.These numbers don't include the thousands of children served in our after school meal delivery program.
Our Permanent Supportive Housing Program, "Destination Home" has now moved more than 100 homeless citizens off of the street and into their own apartments. The program will expand in 2011.
WorkPaths, our job training program, has graduated more than 75 people from soft skills and hard skills living wage employment training. More than 70% of the program participants moved on to living wage employment.
Our Education Outreach at Roseland Homes expanded its reach to provide technology based enrichment to not only traditional age after school students, but now includes programming for mid-teens and youth preparing for college.
And this year, in formalizing our public policy work, we've made our monthly Urban Engagement Book Club a tool for advocacy and public awareness. We've sponsored two documentary screenings, focused on public education and immigration (Waiting for Superman and 9500 Liberty, respectively). We've also had public awareness education initiatives, both within the organization and the community around for profit schools. We've led voter education, voter registration and GOTV efforts in our community of focus, Roseland Homes...including getting gubernatorial candidate Bill White to come visit with the residents there. We invited Governor Perry as well, but his schedule would not allow him to visit us.
All of this, while at the same time, we continued preparations for our Opportunity Center, which will house our employment, health care, food programs and economic development initiatives.
Add in the fact that we moved successfully through a professional rebranding process for our organization.
We've done more and program directors around here might be upset because I'm not including some other great things that have happened across this organization. But believe me, I've only scratched the surface!
What does all this mean (aside from the fact that there are some tired soldiers at CitySquare)?
It means that CitySquare is a great investment for those who believe that as community, we can actually do something about poverty and injustice. It means that money invested in CitySquare changes the trajectory of the lives of people and gives hope to those who simply need the resources and the relationships that will make their lives better.
It means it’s been a great year!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Donations down. . .challenging times. . .
Almost everyone who works in the non-profit sector knows the times are very, very tough. While our donations are actually up from a year ago at this time, we are well under budget in terms of what we expected and planned as we looked to 2010. As a result, we are in a scramble to cut expenses and trim programming costs as we move into the end of the year.
But the extent of the downturn was driven home Monday by a report made public by the Chronicle of Philanthropy. A concise report on the story appeared on The Huffington Post over the weekend:
WASHINGTON — A new ranking of the nation's 400 biggest charities shows donations dropped by 11 percent overall last year as the Great Recession ended - the worst decline in 20 years since the Chronicle of Philanthropy began keeping a tally.
The Philanthropy 400 report to be released Monday shows such familiar names as the United Way and the Salvation Army, both based near Washington, continue to dominate the ranking, despite the 2009 declines. The survey accounts for $68.6 billion in charitable contributions.
An earlier report by the Giving USA Foundation found overall charitable giving declined 3.6 percent last year. That report included giving to private foundations and to smaller charities, while the Chronicle's survey only includes top charities raising money from the public.
"It shows that charities are really having a tough time, and this is some of the most successful charities in the United States," Chronicle Editor Stacy Palmer said. "Usually bigger charities are more resilient, so that's the part that is still surprising."
Read the entire story here.
But the extent of the downturn was driven home Monday by a report made public by the Chronicle of Philanthropy. A concise report on the story appeared on The Huffington Post over the weekend:
WASHINGTON — A new ranking of the nation's 400 biggest charities shows donations dropped by 11 percent overall last year as the Great Recession ended - the worst decline in 20 years since the Chronicle of Philanthropy began keeping a tally.
The Philanthropy 400 report to be released Monday shows such familiar names as the United Way and the Salvation Army, both based near Washington, continue to dominate the ranking, despite the 2009 declines. The survey accounts for $68.6 billion in charitable contributions.
An earlier report by the Giving USA Foundation found overall charitable giving declined 3.6 percent last year. That report included giving to private foundations and to smaller charities, while the Chronicle's survey only includes top charities raising money from the public.
"It shows that charities are really having a tough time, and this is some of the most successful charities in the United States," Chronicle Editor Stacy Palmer said. "Usually bigger charities are more resilient, so that's the part that is still surprising."
Read the entire story here.
Friday, October 08, 2010
Talking with Kirk. . .
Kirk's quotes provides real insights into the heart and soul of the man.
Enjoy what he says. Then, go to www.ANTRDallas.com and purchase your tickets for the big night!
"Glad to be a part of “a name that is respected in the community like this ministry."
In thinking about the concert:: “Honor to be here and to stand on stage and hopefully put some money on some great causes.”
“I’m not coming as an outsider to the community. The vision of what you’re doing has always been close to my family and my heart. It was programs like this…that gave survival to me.”
“If there had been programs more like this in the 70s and 80s, some of my friends wouldn’t have gotten so lost.”
“People who get their hands dirty are my heroes”
“This is organically me – this is natural me” (on taking the time to hang out at Roseland).
“I’m a product of ministries like these”
“This is hood-born and hood-survived” (about himself).
“What these people are doing is human. And to not do it is inhuman…I’m just here today to be human” (speaking about our organization).
“I’m excited to stand on stage and do something that has long-term value. It’s not just a concert that brings in some money.”
Hearing from CDM, asking to participate in our ANTR event was “just one of those divine phone calls.”
“It’s like a praise party with a purpose” (the concert).
“If any person has any name recognition, they need to realize that recognition was given for a cause” (on using his celebrity to partner with organizations).
"Now, go buy your tickets!"--a quote from Larry James!
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
Get Up and Give!
Today only, every donation above $25 will be matched if you donate to us through http://www.donorbridgetx.org/, an online resource connecting donors with nonprofit organizations like Central Dallas Ministries.
Our goal is to inspire at least 200 individuals to donate at least $25 to this effort.
Please visit http://www.donorbridgetx.org/, today -- any time between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Search for Central Dallas Ministries and click “Donate Now.” Your donation will go far in helping us build genuine community in the inner city— plus every dollar given at any time during the day will receive a portion of $700,000+ in matching funds – making your dollars go even further.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Mattress Maker and Urban Ministry: Great Bedfellows!
The following report appeared last Friday, August 27, 2010 in StreetInsder.com, a stock market information and news website.
I thought you'd find the story interesting.
August 27, 2010 1:05 PM EDT
Dallas-Fort Worth mattress retailer Sleep Experts continues to share the gift of sleep with North Texas families in need with a donation of more than 50 mattress sets to Central Dallas Ministries, a faith-based organization focused on fighting poverty.
Dallas, TX (PRWEB) August 27, 2010 -- Local mattress retailer Sleep Experts continues to share the gift of sleep with North Texas families in need with a donation of more than 50 mattress sets to Central Dallas Ministries, a faith-based organization focused on fighting poverty.
Among the Central Dallas Ministries programs that will benefit from this donation are Transition Resource Action Center (TRAC), a program aiming to improve the self-sufficiency of youth aging out of foster care; CityWalk@Akard, a model of affordable permanent housing which recently opened in a 15-story office tower in downtown Dallas; and Destination Home, a program providing rental assistance and other support to chronically homeless, disabled individuals transitioning into self sufficiency.
To read the full report click here.
Thanks to Sleep Experts!
I thought you'd find the story interesting.
Sleep Experts, Central Dallas Ministries Share Gift of Sleep with Those in Need
August 27, 2010 1:05 PM EDT
Dallas-Fort Worth mattress retailer Sleep Experts continues to share the gift of sleep with North Texas families in need with a donation of more than 50 mattress sets to Central Dallas Ministries, a faith-based organization focused on fighting poverty.
Dallas, TX (PRWEB) August 27, 2010 -- Local mattress retailer Sleep Experts continues to share the gift of sleep with North Texas families in need with a donation of more than 50 mattress sets to Central Dallas Ministries, a faith-based organization focused on fighting poverty.
Among the Central Dallas Ministries programs that will benefit from this donation are Transition Resource Action Center (TRAC), a program aiming to improve the self-sufficiency of youth aging out of foster care; CityWalk@Akard, a model of affordable permanent housing which recently opened in a 15-story office tower in downtown Dallas; and Destination Home, a program providing rental assistance and other support to chronically homeless, disabled individuals transitioning into self sufficiency.
To read the full report click here.
Thanks to Sleep Experts!
Monday, July 26, 2010
Charity usually misses the most in need of it
The essay below appeared in the July 20, 2010 edition of The Chronicle of Philanthropy. After you've read it, let me know what you think.
The Gates-Buffett Giving Pledge Won’t Do Much Good Unless It Changes Philanthropy
By Pablo Eisenberg
Most of the nonprofit world seems to be agog over the news that Bill and Melinda Gates, along with their friend Warren Buffett, are joining together to ask fellow billionaires to sign a pledge to give at least one-half of their fortunes to charity.
That could lead to an enormous increase in the amount of money available to nonprofit organizations. Fortune magazine estimates that if the people on the Forbes 400 list of the wealthiest Americans all made the pledge, an additional $600-billion could flow to nonprofit groups—twice the amount Americans gave last year.
When will this money be distributed to charities? Mr. Buffett has said that he plans to give away 99 percent of his fortune while he is alive or at his death, and he has made clear in his gifts to the Gates Foundation that he wants the money to be distributed quickly rather than left to sit in the foundation’s coffers. But will other donors do the same, or will they put their money into foundations that give only a small percentage of their assets every year?
Who will provide the leadership to increase the quality of philanthropy, not just the amount of money given? So much of the giving wealthy donors and foundations now do is lackluster and does not involve risk taking or innovation. Nor does it seek to solve urgent public needs. Will the new pledges mean more of the same?
What steps will be taken to ensure public accountability? Will the funds that are steered into new or existing foundations follow the Gateses’ approach, namely grant-making institutions governed by a very few family members that, in a real sense, are not really publicly accountable? Do we want an explosion of these tax-exempt oligarchic entities with huge assets that can help set public priorities without public discussion or a political process? Would this be a healthy development for democracy? If not, what can be done to mitigate the potential undemocratic nature of these new mega-foundations?
Perhaps the most troubling issues posed by the Gates-Buffett crusade is its potential to intensify the inequities that exist both in the nonprofit world and in the rest of society.
Foundations, corporations, and other forms of institutional philanthropy tend to favor the nation’s most-privileged citizens and neglect the neediest people and organizations. An outsize share of the money from those institutions goes to established colleges, hospitals, and arts and cultural organizations. Only a small amount finds its way to organizations that serve vulnerable children, low-income people, minorities, women, the disabled, and other disadvantaged constituencies. A tiny portion of philanthropic money is channeled to groups that seek to influence public policies.
To read the entire article click here.
The Gates-Buffett Giving Pledge Won’t Do Much Good Unless It Changes Philanthropy
By Pablo Eisenberg
Most of the nonprofit world seems to be agog over the news that Bill and Melinda Gates, along with their friend Warren Buffett, are joining together to ask fellow billionaires to sign a pledge to give at least one-half of their fortunes to charity.
That could lead to an enormous increase in the amount of money available to nonprofit organizations. Fortune magazine estimates that if the people on the Forbes 400 list of the wealthiest Americans all made the pledge, an additional $600-billion could flow to nonprofit groups—twice the amount Americans gave last year.
When will this money be distributed to charities? Mr. Buffett has said that he plans to give away 99 percent of his fortune while he is alive or at his death, and he has made clear in his gifts to the Gates Foundation that he wants the money to be distributed quickly rather than left to sit in the foundation’s coffers. But will other donors do the same, or will they put their money into foundations that give only a small percentage of their assets every year?
Who will provide the leadership to increase the quality of philanthropy, not just the amount of money given? So much of the giving wealthy donors and foundations now do is lackluster and does not involve risk taking or innovation. Nor does it seek to solve urgent public needs. Will the new pledges mean more of the same?
What steps will be taken to ensure public accountability? Will the funds that are steered into new or existing foundations follow the Gateses’ approach, namely grant-making institutions governed by a very few family members that, in a real sense, are not really publicly accountable? Do we want an explosion of these tax-exempt oligarchic entities with huge assets that can help set public priorities without public discussion or a political process? Would this be a healthy development for democracy? If not, what can be done to mitigate the potential undemocratic nature of these new mega-foundations?
Perhaps the most troubling issues posed by the Gates-Buffett crusade is its potential to intensify the inequities that exist both in the nonprofit world and in the rest of society.
Foundations, corporations, and other forms of institutional philanthropy tend to favor the nation’s most-privileged citizens and neglect the neediest people and organizations. An outsize share of the money from those institutions goes to established colleges, hospitals, and arts and cultural organizations. Only a small amount finds its way to organizations that serve vulnerable children, low-income people, minorities, women, the disabled, and other disadvantaged constituencies. A tiny portion of philanthropic money is channeled to groups that seek to influence public policies.
To read the entire article click here.
Sunday, July 04, 2010
Working with youth who "age out" of foster care
Central Dallas Ministries operates the Transition Resource Action Center that serves as a virtual one-stop shop for youth who at 18-years-old "age out" of the state's foster care programs. The youth with whom we work present a host of needs, including completion of high school, planning for college and/or employment, housing, health care, and new connections to supportive communities.
Recently, Evy Kay Ritzen, our program director for TRAC, sent the following announcement to her team about an important project that is now underway. Thought readers here would be interested. Helping our team gather needed household items would be a great project for a company, an office group, a Sunday School Class/church or a civic/service organization.
Help us celebrate another kind of INDEPENDENCE!
Join TRAC in celebrating the transition from care to independent living for North Texas foster youth. TRAC would like to honor all of the youth who have left or are leaving care since January. TRAC needs to connect with these young adults and knows that these young men and women have many needs to equip their new living space as they move into their new living arrangements. We need your help to get them connected and their WISH LISTS to TRAC in the next few weeks.
TRAC is working with volunteers and community organizations to collect items on the WISH LISTS and will host several Independence Days in late July and early August to distribute the household items and school supplies. We even have matress sets from Sleep Experts!!
In order to get this process moving, TRAC needs to identify all youth who are leaving care or have left care between January-September 2010. Attached to this e-mail, you will see our “Independence Day Wish List.” Please use this form to refer emancipating youth to TRAC. Discuss the list with any youth who meet this critera and get the WISH LIST back to TRAC as soon as you can. To plan adequately, we ask they we get them back by Monday, July 13th. You can email them to Amanda Vining
(amandav@traconline.org) , TRAC’s summer Exxon Mobile intern who will be coordinating Independence Day, or fax the completed form to TRAC (214-370-9305).
TRAC Staff will then be in touch with the youth and coordinate the Independence Day date and location that is the best fit for each youth.
Thank you for contributing to the success of our youth!
Here is the list of suggested items for donation:
Cleaning/Laundry Supplies:
Roller Mop
Broom with Dustpan
Bathroom cleaner
Pledge
Glass Cleaner
Dishwashing Liquid
Trash Can
Garbage Bags
Laundry Basket
Laundry Detergent
Dryer Sheets
Paper towels
Dining
Silverware
Plates
Bowls
Drinking Glasses
Kitchen Items
Skillet
Sauce Pan
Baking Sheet
Cutting Board
Mixing Bowl
Can opener
Measuring Cups
Kitchen Utensils
Sharp Knife
Dish Towel
Hot Pad
Aluminum Foil
Cling Wrap
Ziploc Bags
Bedding
Sheet Set
Mattress Pad
Blanket
Comforter
Pillow
Twin Mattress Set
Bathroom Supplies
Towel
Hand Towel
Washcloths
Shower Curtain Liner
Shower Curtain Rings
Bath Rug
Toilet Paper
Shower Caddy
Miscellaneous
Clock Radio
Bible
Tool Kit
First Aid Kit
Sewing Kit
Iron
Ironing Board
Hangers
Occasionally TRAC receives additional donations that could be of value to our young people moving into their first apartment. Please make note of additional items that could be a blessing to our youth at this time in their transition:
Dresser
Couch
Dining Table and Chairs
Microwave
Coffee Machine
To participate in this move toward independence call us at 214 370-9300. Or, call us toll free at 866-466-8722.
Recently, Evy Kay Ritzen, our program director for TRAC, sent the following announcement to her team about an important project that is now underway. Thought readers here would be interested. Helping our team gather needed household items would be a great project for a company, an office group, a Sunday School Class/church or a civic/service organization.
Help us celebrate another kind of INDEPENDENCE!
Join TRAC in celebrating the transition from care to independent living for North Texas foster youth. TRAC would like to honor all of the youth who have left or are leaving care since January. TRAC needs to connect with these young adults and knows that these young men and women have many needs to equip their new living space as they move into their new living arrangements. We need your help to get them connected and their WISH LISTS to TRAC in the next few weeks.
TRAC is working with volunteers and community organizations to collect items on the WISH LISTS and will host several Independence Days in late July and early August to distribute the household items and school supplies. We even have matress sets from Sleep Experts!!
In order to get this process moving, TRAC needs to identify all youth who are leaving care or have left care between January-September 2010. Attached to this e-mail, you will see our “Independence Day Wish List.” Please use this form to refer emancipating youth to TRAC. Discuss the list with any youth who meet this critera and get the WISH LIST back to TRAC as soon as you can. To plan adequately, we ask they we get them back by Monday, July 13th. You can email them to Amanda Vining
(amandav@traconline.org) , TRAC’s summer Exxon Mobile intern who will be coordinating Independence Day, or fax the completed form to TRAC (214-370-9305).
TRAC Staff will then be in touch with the youth and coordinate the Independence Day date and location that is the best fit for each youth.
Thank you for contributing to the success of our youth!
Here is the list of suggested items for donation:
Cleaning/Laundry Supplies:
Roller Mop
Broom with Dustpan
Bathroom cleaner
Pledge
Glass Cleaner
Dishwashing Liquid
Trash Can
Garbage Bags
Laundry Basket
Laundry Detergent
Dryer Sheets
Paper towels
Dining
Silverware
Plates
Bowls
Drinking Glasses
Kitchen Items
Skillet
Sauce Pan
Baking Sheet
Cutting Board
Mixing Bowl
Can opener
Measuring Cups
Kitchen Utensils
Sharp Knife
Dish Towel
Hot Pad
Aluminum Foil
Cling Wrap
Ziploc Bags
Bedding
Sheet Set
Mattress Pad
Blanket
Comforter
Pillow
Twin Mattress Set
Bathroom Supplies
Towel
Hand Towel
Washcloths
Shower Curtain Liner
Shower Curtain Rings
Bath Rug
Toilet Paper
Shower Caddy
Miscellaneous
Clock Radio
Bible
Tool Kit
First Aid Kit
Sewing Kit
Iron
Ironing Board
Hangers
Occasionally TRAC receives additional donations that could be of value to our young people moving into their first apartment. Please make note of additional items that could be a blessing to our youth at this time in their transition:
Dresser
Couch
Dining Table and Chairs
Microwave
Coffee Machine
To participate in this move toward independence call us at 214 370-9300. Or, call us toll free at 866-466-8722.
Friday, June 04, 2010
Dallas long on generosity study finds
Dallas is among the nation's most charitable communities. Most of us who have worked in the non-profit sector for any time at all know this is true.
Read The Dallas Observer report on these findings here.
Read The Dallas Observer report on these findings here.
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