Urban League Of Greater Dallas And North Central Texas Inc

Programs: Community service block grant (csbg): this grant is charged with helping individuals and families at or below 125% of the poverty guideline move out of poverty. The csbg is overseen by a managing board consisting of representatives from the business, political and low-income sectors of dallas county. The agency received additional funding (csbg/arra stimulus) to expand its services. The objective of the program is to enable people to acquire the tools necessary to move from public dependence to self-sufficiency; improve their lives through community revitalization; and achieve family stability. The community and corporations receive benefits from our efforts to move area citizens from poverty to self-reliance by improving the tax base through a viable workforce, whose short-term social or financial needs are met and through leveraging public and private volunteer and financial resources. The program has four (4) centers which can be easily accessed via car or public transportation and are located in garland, irving, pleasant grove, and the oak cliff neighborhoods. Approximately 15,000 families have been assisted by csbg funded services. These services include, but not limited to, rental/mortgage assistance, food and gasoline vouchers, utility payments, housing counseling/budget management, free tax preparation, computer/software training, tuition support, and education stipends.

employment & career development: this program provides a variety of workforce solutions and training opportunities and service through skills development and partnerships. The innovative methodologies, job placement assistance, and customized training is designed to empower individuals 18 years and older to secure economic self-reliance. The training encompasses instruction on transitional skills, resume writing, completing job applications correctly, interviewing skills, effective communication, goal setting , self-esteem, stress/anger management and financial planning. The training format includes videos, role playing, mock interviews, and hands-on approach to learning practical job search skills. Additionally, this program also focuses on continuity of workforce services to individuals at risk of re-entering prison/jail through cooperative/coordinated support services to address their social needs and self-reliance. During this year, 112 individuals received various certifications for cdl license, optical laboratory technician license, etc. In 2012 well over 15,000 individuals received some form of training/re-training, employment and/or supportive services.

health & quality of life: funded through local, state and federal programs, the goal of the health department is to keep our communities healthy through education and by addressing unhealthy lifestyles. The focus is prevention through street outreach, community health fairs, case management services and facilitation of free health screenings and medical programs, further, the program assists re-entry clients to overcome substance abuse and hiv/aids issues on the path to becoming productive citizens. In collaboration with the dallas county health and parkland health care system, methodist and veterans hospitals, the city of dallas, and other community partners, these programs served over 15,000 individuals in 2012.

residential/seniors: this department is comprised of several programs to more efficiently provide service to older citizens and disaster affected citizens. We recognize that older citizens are faced with a myriad of challenges including, but not limited to, a need to supplement their income and for many the responsibility of raising their grandchildren. It provides educational, technical, life skills and social services to residents in the surrounding areas. In partnership with metrocare services and veterans affairs medical center, this department also focuses on providing critical support services to the veterans who have served in the military. Education & youth services: the education and youth services department provides academic, technical, leadership and life skills enhancement programs for high school students from low to moderate income families. This department provides resources to promote educational achievements, parental involvement, and professional development. Housing & community development: the housing assistance program, certified by the u. S. Department of housing and urban development, offers resources used to provide clients guidance in securing and retaining home ownership, through counseling, money management, and first-time homebuyers programs. This program provided emergency assistance for rent, mortgage and utility payments to participants who experienced financial difficulties due to loss of employment. Also foreclosure counseling prevented the loss of properties for enrollees. Special projects: the special projects program is funded by various entities for special and unique programs offered by core departments. The special projects offered include such programs as: certification for commercial driver's license, aids assistance, adopt-a-family, holiday food program, school supplies, employee incentive projects, etc. Institute of minority success: the institute of minority success (ims) program assists minorities and others who have faced societal barriers and challenges. The program works with out-of-school and adjudicated youth, older adults and ex-offenders to provide and opportunity to become productive citizens. The program offers career development training, life skills training, work ready skills, substance abuse support, ged preparation, computer training, group and individual counseling, summer youth employment, diabetes education and prevention for african american men and career pathways for young adults. Ims also provides job referrals through its employment bank and in collaboration with the league's employment department. Emergency management assistance: the emergency management assistance program is offered through the federal emergency management association and the csbg programs. These programs offer emergency financial assistance for rent, mortgage payments and utilities to clients experiencing financial difficulties.