Watermark CDC

DIGNITY — We believe every person has inherent value because we are each made in God's image (Genesis 1:26-27).​​​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​​​The Job Connection Program empowers historically under-resourced individuals and communities through employment, training, and discipleship. Participants meet every other week through the first 6 months of employment for career-training workshops. Participants, known as Career Seekers, can be paired 1:1 with an advocate or success coach for discipleship and encouragement in navigating the workplace and understanding God’s design for work.

Do you know a business that is hiring and would serve as an employer partner? Let us know and be a part of the solution with us!

We have enjoyed sharing this small group’s experiences with you over the past six weeks. If you missed it, you can catch up on our highlights! ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Even though our Financial Catalyst series has come to an end, we have great news: this could be you! We are about to launch the next semester, and there are many ways for YOU to get involved.

Most of our volunteers start as table hosts in the Faith & Finances class that stewards must complete to be eligible for the Accelerated Savings Program. Being a table host for a semester opens up opportunities to serve as an ally, class lead, facilitator, and more! We also always need A/V techs and kids’ ministry leaders.

Financial Catalyst runs in both North Dallas on ’s Dallas campus and at the South Dallas campus, so we have a great need in both locations.

Email [email protected] if you’d like more information. Financial expertise is NOT required to serve in any capacity. We just need faithful men and women willing to show up and build relationships like David and Michael.

🌟 Our team is grateful for our volunteers who serve countless hours through discipleship. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​While David led as an ally, he enjoyed serving men from all walks of life, gaining a variety of perspectives, and faithfully encouraging stewards to pursue healthy spiritual and financial habits.

From leading this group, David learned how to be a positive light, even when things are hard, and he came to realize that he is blessed in life solely by the grace of God.

David's advice to volunteers in Financial Catalyst is to "Jump in and treat this like an extension of community... be vulnerable, open, and honest... so that there can be growth all around."

🎄Merry Christmas from Watermark CDC! ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​We are motivated by Jesus - the One who came to set our souls free from sin. And as His followers, we will continue to seek the welfare of our city (Jeremiah 29:7) as He modeled for us.

We have never been more excited to be on this mission and can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for 2024!

Tag your friends and family and share our mission. Help us reach our $100,000 End of the Year goal! Check out our EOY giving campaign in our bio!

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🌟 Meet Niesha​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​“I started my nonprofit organization based on the needs of my community. Because I grew up in South Dallas, I'm very familiar. There were times when I knew ends should not have been met, but we were protected and shielded from the things happening around us. We struggled, but as a family, we would pray about it.

There are significant childcare issues in South Dallas. In my community, a lot of parents are unemployed because there's no one to take care of the kids after school. This lack of income can lead to poverty, which leads to having a lack of food. These challenges gave me my drive, my hustle, and my determination.

My nonprofit is called For Them. It's an after school program that’s a safe haven for the kids in the community and provides childcare for the parents. In the 75215 zip code, over 25% of students do not get a meal outside of the school hours, so we provide a full course meal at dinnertime.

My personal reason for joining The Business Cohort was because I was eager to learn, and I knew that it was biblically based. I had a lot going on. I’m a mom and a hard worker, and I was all over the place. After my initial interview, I knew I needed to create time in my schedule and participate in The Business Cohort. It was a sacrifice, but well worth it."

Read Niesha’s full story on our website: watermarkcdc.org/blog

As we approach the end of the year, will you consider helping us meet our 2023 end-of-the-year goal of $100,000? A group of anonymous donors have committed to a $33,000 match, so every dollar you give today will be matched 1:1! Check out our EOY giving campaign 🔗 in our bio!

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🍁🍂 Happy Thanksgiving from Watermark CDC!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Thank you for partnering with us to Transform the Economic Welfare of our city. We have much to celebrate and praise God for today. 🍁🍂

🌟 Meet Erica, our 2023-2024 Resident!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​She was raised in Fort Worth, TX, and graduated from the University of Oklahoma in December 2022! She loves game nights, pickleballin’, dad jokes, and just living life with friends and loved ones.

Erica is currently a resident in the and gets to serve on Watermark CDC's Business Cohort team! She is beyond excited to fall deeper in love with Jesus at the Institute and share that love with the South Dallas community.

“The Lord has been kind to pursue me every day of my life— remaining faithful even when I was faithless and leading me here. It is my prayer that, through Watermark CDC, the glory of God will be further revealed, and praise to His name will be the utmost response.”

We are thankful to have Erica on our team. She has been a sweet addition to our Business Cohort team. 💙

Meet Michael and read his story below! 🤩🌟​​​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​​​We loved celebrating with Michael, a steward participating in Financial Catalyst, as he received the keys to a shiny, reliable truck, free of charge, from OnRamp DFW last week!

Financial Catalyst collaborates with OnRamp DFW to help bridge the transportation gap for faithful stewards, so that the steward can save towards a different asset. Michael was nominated and guided through OnRamp’s extensive application process by his Financial Catalyst ally.

Michael’s goal through Financial Catalyst is to own a home, but without OnRamp DFW’s gift, a vehicle would have been a more immediate need. OnRamp empowers individuals to reach their goals through Gospel-centered mentorship, diligence, and faithfulness. We are grateful for their collaboration!

It was a joy and privilege to affirm Michael’s consistency and hard work, and to see the gospel lived out in such a tangible way. He will additionally receive a year of maintenance on his new truck, covered by OnRamp DFW. He is excited for the opportunities in housing and work that are open to him now that he won’t be limited to his bike and public transportation!

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Are you an entrepreneur or business owner, or do you help make hiring decisions for your employer? Join us for this unique ministry and equipping opportunity!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​💼 At our Business Partner Meeting, you will learn how your professional experience and connections can empower under-resourced individuals in South Dallas. This is an informational meeting where you will hear about opportunities to partner your organization with two Watermark CDC ministries: Job Connection Program and The Business Cohort.

Our partners connect individuals to employment and networking opportunities, offer in-kind services to small business owners, and engage in 1:1 mentorship to provide expertise and support.

Join us on Tuesday, October 24 6:30-7:30PM
Watermark Dallas- East Tower 1st Floor
Register today: watermark.org/cdcpartner

✨Meet our newest team member, Josue, our Community Financial Advocate!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Josue was born and raised in the South Dallas area. From an early age, he has been involved with nonprofits and organizations with the mission of reaching the lost for Christ. He is engaged to his beautiful fiance, Amalia, and is excited to be able to make an impact on their community together. Josue also advocates for youth and mentors high school students via Young Life in the south Dallas and Pleasant Grove areas.

"I grew up in church but thought following Jesus was just following a bunch of rules. I had a pharisee mindset and never truly had a relationship with Christ. Jesus came in clutch when I was in high school and showed me what it truly meant to have a relationship with Him through mentors and adults walking with the Lord. I want to be that person for those young people now. I want to be a doer of the word, not just someone who listens to it. This is what drives my motivation for economic welfare in Dallas. I want to love people by educating and sharing the Gospel and being a part of the community transformation."

Join us in welcoming our newest team member! ✨

North Texas Giving Day Update!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Wow! Because of you and your generosity, we raised $128,275 to Transform Economic Welfare in our city! We could not have done it without you.

Thank you for stewarding your funds to allow us to further love our city. Your gift matters. Your gift matters as it provides world class curriculum for our neighbors as they seek to learn financial education for a flourishing lifestyle, develop their skills to grow their careers, and scale their businesses for Kingdom influence and impact. Your gift matters to the single mother of 4 who is empowered through job placement and career training workshops. Your gift matters as it provides meals for individuals to share life together, break down societal barriers, and pursue unity in our city. Your gift matters to neighbors who are growing in their faith and discipleship as they respond to the Gospel and understand their worth in God’s eyes. Your gift matters to Donat, Leroy, Ernie, and many others.

Your contributions will allow us to provide financial education, accelerated savings, job training and placement, and small business owner support in South Dallas. We are truly thankful for your continued support as we work toward Transforming Economic Welfare in our city.

THANK YOU!

Less Than 5 Hours Left! ⏱​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​It has been an eventful day! We are blown away by your generosity to financially partner with us to love our city.

It is not too late to give! Because of our $75,000 match, we only have $67K more left to raise to reach our $150,000 stretch goal!

Click the link in our bio to Transform Economic Welfare today!

Make an impact in YOUR community.

Meet Watermark CDC’s newest team member, Kea, our Job Connection Program Associate!​​​​​​​​
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I am from Dallas, Texas, The South Dallas Fair Park community. I, too, have experienced most of the hardships that the people in my community face daily and, by the grace of God, have defied the odds, so I am relatable. I am an entrepreneur by trade, heart, life experiences, and the hand of God Himself. ​​​​​​​​
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I love people and helping with change for the better, especially if it consists of breaking generational curses. That is the sole/SOUL reason why I decided to humble myself and take this position with Watermark CDC. I have worked for myself for well over 25 years, but there is nothing as amazing as working with purpose, and this position will allow me to live out my mission. The mission of helping break generational curses through community and education and to bridge the financial gap that currently exists in the South Dallas Fair Park Community. ​​​​​​​​
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Today we celebrate the legacy Martin Luther King Jr. left on the world. MLK Jr. was an activist, leader, and reverend. His dream and vision was more than inspirational quotes but a posture of the heart and hope for all men and women. In his last book, 'Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?’ we are asked to answer that very question … We are choosing deeper community as “love is ultimately the only answer to mankind’s problems”.

🤩 Watermark CDC is excited to see what God will do this year as we seek to Transform Economic Welfare. This past year, we witnessed friends flourish through Dignity, Development and Discipleship.

📢 View our 2022 Year In Review in our bio to read about stories of life change and highlights of things happening through our initiatives.

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🎉 Last night, we celebrated our 2nd Celebration Pitch Night of The Business Cohort. The celebration consisted of confetti canons, music, community, and small businesses sharing about their products/services through a pitch competition and vendor fair! Check out our grand prize winners 🎉

1st Place: Kea/Melvin - The Greener Things LLC
2nd Place: Sean - Perfect Purpose Clothing LLC
3rd Place: Reeshia - Hands2Heart CPR and Training

Thank You to our Judge Panel, In-Kind Services & Presenting Sponsor: PNC Bank. We are grateful for each of you!

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“Since my release from prison, I have learned so much! The one thing I knew upon release was that I wanted to serve the Lord. When I needed Him most (in prison) He never left me nor did He forsake me. He held on to me with His righteous right hand. Jesus Christ said in Matthew 6:33, "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you." There is nothing in scripture that I have read that has not been true to its word.

I am beyond thankful that through Watermark CDC the Lord has managed to restore my fortunes! May all the glory be to God! Thank You!"

Check out Alfredo’s full story in the link on our bio!

📣📣 The Business Cohort is seeking In-Kind Business Services to partner with small business owners in South Dallas currently looking for resources to grow their businesses.

Are you interested in donating your services? Or do you know someone who would? Please share this post or tag them in the comments below! 😀

Email [email protected] for more info.

Please join us in welcoming Mac Jolly to the Watermark CDC team as our Business Development Director! 

Mac is a native Texan who grew up in Dallas and met his sweet wife, Causha, at Abilene Christian University. They have been married for 21 years and have two boys, Maxwell, 12, and Tolleson, 9.  “I told Watermark CDC that if I was the person for the role, you get the full Team Jolly – we are a package deal.”.  The Jolly family loves to travel, play sports, read, and are active with The Covenant School, where both boys attend.
 
Have you ever had the Holy Spirit grab your heart and lead you to a new opportunity?  If not, ask Mac about his Holy Spirit moment with his new Watermark CDC adventure. The Lord has connected he and his family with South Dallas and fueled a passion to help transform economic welfare in this city. “I believe the Lord has prompted me to take a step of faith and obey what He has called me to do. I am humbled to join such a great team and believe that the Lord is doing something special in the city of Dallas.”
 
One of Mac’s favorite versus is Exodus 34:6 where it talks about God’s character.  “I love this verse because it speaks to God’s character – compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithful.  What a great description to emulate as we share the gospel and love on people in our city.”

Meet Watermark CDC’s newest team member, Seanay, our Financial Catalyst Coordinator!
 
She hails from the illustrious suburb of Rancho Cucamonga, Ca and looks forward to kicking off her new life journey in Dallas! She has the heart and knowledge in assisting people in all walks of life and awaits in anticipation to see how God is going to use her past experiences to propel His Kingdom.
 
Seanay enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, and exploring local hot spots to find new culinary cravings. Seanay is intentional about connecting with people because she understands that God created us to value community. She operates in the resolve that you are sharpened, nurtured, and truly walking in the image of God when you choose to authentically engage in community.
 
“My role with the CDC will allow me to operate as the conduit between two worlds that would normally remain mutually exclusive. However, God saw fit to allow and entrust me with His people to instill tangible tools that will restore hope, worth, and dignity in the community. He also showed His love for details by blessing me with a team who has their hearts postured towards heaven. I am excited to go and grow into all that God has for me, because I am Worthy of it All.”

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✨Volunteer Spotlight! ✨

Check out one of our JCP advocates Pon (left), hanging out with his career seeker Terry (right). These men have been paired for about three months in the Job Connection Program.

Pon had the opportunity to visit Terry and spend some relational time together.

We love seeing the Lord at work through our faithful volunteers' lives! 😎

Meet Sierra!

She was born and raised in Plano, Texas and graduated from Texas A&M in May 2020! If you need to find her, you’ll probably find her outside or across the world traveling someplace new.

Sierra is currently participating in the and will be joining us as support to the Job Connection Program. She is excited to learn with the Watermark Institute and believes that change happens from the inside out – both in individual hearts and in communities! She is thankful the CDC follows Jesus’ example in valuing “the one” and is excited to do so with the JCP team!

“God has shaped my life through His nearness in my hardest days, His faithfulness, and His sovereignty - I’m especially thankful that His plans are immeasurably higher than my own”

🚨ATTENTION🚨

PHOTOGRAPHERS & SOCIAL MEDIA GURUS!📱📸

Are you a member at WM looking for a place to serve?

Come serve with us! Lives are being changed and we want to share them!

Send us a DM today! 🙂

On Monday night we celebrated yet again!!!
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Our Spring 2022 Financial Catalyst class at Watermark South Dallas commenced after 12 weeks of faithfully learning and applying what God’s word has to say about finances.
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Join us in celebrating the 5 graduates who will move into our Accelerated Savings Program & the community that was fostered here.
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We believe Jesus is making all things new! Last night was a testament to this. One of our graduates shared… “I have never been in control of my finances. This has taught me how to take care of myself. I appreciate being here.”
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Meet Watermark CDC’s newest team member, Hannah, our Financial Catalyst Associate!

Hannah, a Richardson native, adores many things, including (but not limited to) spontaneous concerts, her pet birds, BTS, acrylic pours, and macaroni & cheese. She loves to spend quality time with anyone and everyone, from her parents and siblings to the newest of friends. The most important thing about her, however, is the redeeming power of Jesus Christ in her life, which has given her freedom from the darkness of abuse, isolation, and addiction.

Join us in welcoming our new friend! 💛

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