Dallas Leadership Foundation

Today is National Give Something Away Day! Do you give of your time or talent to impact others? How have you been blessed in return?

Are you or someone you know ready to gain and skills to jumpstart a career? Learn about DLF's no-cost, 8-week training program for men and women this Thursday, July 11, or next Thursday, July 18, from 1–3 pm at 3101 Greenwood St, Dallas, 75204. Classes start later this month and are in partnership with Dallas College. Contact Joe Mills, Senior Workforce Development Coordinator, at 469-638-5526 or [email protected].

Thanks Rogers-O'Brien Construction!

Happy Independence Day!

has a special project just for teens in Southeast Dallas this Saturday. Get your kids involved by signing them up to serve the communities and people most in need. See more, sign up, and share: https://conta.cc/3KOKrIa

Ground breaking for the new Dallas Leadership Center located at North Peak St. and San Jacinto St. in East Dallas.

Help us get the word out to boost volunteer enrollment for two project areas this Saturday at Westmorland Heights and Primera Iglesia Bautista in Northwest Dallas and at Mill City Neighborhood in Southeast Dallas. Get details: conta.cc/3KNV6D1

There are more than 800,000 parents in federal and state prisons, and 92% are fathers, according to the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse (Fatherhoodgov). Fathers released from incarceration must navigate the unique obstacles of parenthood while dealing with financial, residential, and employment challenges. DLF helps to prepare these fathers not only to reunite with their families, but also to secure employment, housing, and vital resources to integrate back into society successfully. DLF’s Reentry Program served over 1,100 men in 2023 and has a proven recidivism rate of 4.9%.

This Father’s Day, we applaud our reentering men who work hard to be the father their children need. Ricardo’s inspiration for wanting success upon reentry was his 4-year-old son. Ricardo went through our Workforce Training Program one month after his release. Since graduating from our program, he has worked as an Electrician Apprentice and now makes $24 an hour. Being a good father to his son is his main goal in life.

Gain lucrative construction and electrical skills through DLF's workforce development initiative. Sign up to attend DLF Works' orientation and enrollment session on Thursday, June 20 from 1-3 pm at dlftx.org/get-help-form to learn about the free 8-week training program beginning July 29. Contact Joe Mills, Senior Workforce Development Coordinator, for more details at 469-638-5526 or [email protected]@dlftx.org.

Last week, Wil McCall was featured on FOX 4 News' Here & Now segment with Shaun Rabb to discuss DLF initiatives, ground breaking on the Dallas Leadership Center on 6/19, expansion goals, and the city-wide Transform Dallas volunteer effort on 6/22.

Here & Now: Dallas Leadership Foundation FOX 4's Shuan Rabb speaks with Wil McCall with this Dallas Leadership Foundation for this week's Here & Now.

DeAnn Lax serves as the Grants and Donor Relations Manager, bringing over 15 years of experience from the nonprofit sector. A Dallas native and Tyler Street Christian Academy graduate, she holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Houston and earned her Master’s from Texas Southern University, specializing in Communication-Media Production and Mass Communication. As a wife and mother of three, DeAnn is committed to church activities, sports, music, school functions, volunteering, and more. She’s dedicated nearly eight years as a volunteer cheer coach, loves praise dancing, and is a children’s book author and publisher who enjoys writing, photography, graphic design, content creation, public speaking, and other creative pursuits. DeAnn loves Friday morning staff devotionals, considering them a valuable experience at the Dallas Leadership Foundation. She believes DLF emphasizes the importance of integrating Christ into daily routines and aligns with the principles of Matthew 6:33 (bible.com/bible/59/MAT.6.33.ESV). In her new role, she advocates for the organization, understanding that to be effective, it is imperative to recognize ourselves as servants, operating under God’s authority, entrusted with the opportunity to create a significant impact. She is thankful to be a part of the DLF Team!

Make a difference with neighbors all across Dallas during our citywide workday on Saturday, June 22!

Let's Transform Dallas together on Saturday, June 22. Visit TransformDallas.org for details and to sign up as a volunteer.

On Monday, Dallas Leadership Foundation and Behind Every Door welcomed 213 students to kick off POWER Summer Camp for a month of fun, Bible lessons, field trips, gym time, and good summer fellowship. The camp continues Mon-Thu through June 28. DLF Youth

Summer Power Camp registration is open for kids ages 6 to 18 years old at no cost. Power Camp is happening Monday - Thursday, June 3-27 and includes field trips, meals, snacks, and more. Register today: https://ow.ly/MfSP50RZ3VB

Let your family, friends, and co-workers know that Transform Dallas is happening next month. Join volunteers from across the Dallas area to support local leaders and non-profit organizations with projects that impact the communities and people who need it most. Details & registration at dlftx.org/transform-dallas.

The future looks bright for the next generation of leaders. Congrats to all graduating youth seniors!

Let's together this summer on Saturday, June 22. Projects include landscaping, painting, clearing alleyways, and assembling and delivering care packages to improve the quality of life for elderly and low-income neighbors across the city. Details and registration at dlftx.org/transform-dallas.

DLF wants to provide for 175 at-risk students in 3rd to 10th grades to develop leadership skills while growing spiritually over five weeks this summer. Can you help us reach that goal? Learn more: https://conta.cc/3UqcoKM

Happy Mother's Day!

As Mother's Day approaches, DLF recognizes the work of that our community partner Ilooklikelove, Inc. does to support single mothers across Dallas by providing resources, relief, and empowerment education to build sustainable lives. Visit their website at ilooklikelove.org to see how you can honor moms everywhere by supporting local moms in need.

DLF's Reentry Workforce Program received an award from City of Dallas - City Hall in recognition of advocacy for second chance individuals by providing resources.

DLF would like to recognize all of the teachers who work so hard to educate the children in Dallas, especially those at DLF partner schools of Lloyd V. Berkner High School, Paul L Dunbar Learning Center, Billy Earl Dade Middle School, and James Madison High School. Tell us about a teacher that made difference in your life.

Dylan Bowden received support from DLF's Reentry program prior to and after his release from incarceration. Mr. Bowden participated in programs to develop life skills, job readiness, and a plan for release. After release, he received help with living accommodations, gaining employment, obtaining IDs, and even transportation to Dallas. After completing an 8-week HVAC training program through DLF last October, Dylan has a new job in the industry and is trusted with responsibilities as he puts money into his savings.

Congratulations to Dwayne Allison for receiving the 29th Governor's Criminal Justice Volunteer Award 🏅👏

Dwayne Allison has volunteered with DLF’s pre-release program for ten years and was honored by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice with their 2024 Volunteer of the Year award for his dedication to the men DLF serves in Hutchins State Jail. Mr. Allison teaches the Discipleship Program in Hutchins and plays a vital role as a mentor to the men. He also recruits members of his church to volunteer for the program.

Mr. Allison’s dedication to this program through long-term commitment is admirable, more so just keeping up with the physical demands. He is disabled and must walk the half-mile trek through the prison using his walker twice a day each week, 52 weeks a year. We appreciate your dedication and support of the men we serve through our Reentry Program.