Urban League Greater Dallas & North Central Texas, Inc

Transcription

1 Urban League Greater Dallas & North Central Texas, Inc Listen, listen to the voices around you with your heart and head and when they are in sync you will truly be open to finding real solutions to the challenges facing our communities 1

2 EMPOWERED BY A SECOND CHANCE INSTITUTE FOR MINORITY SUCCESS: We believe all youth and adults deserve a second chance to reach their full potential, even after experiencing social obstacles. Our program works with out of school and/or adjudicated youth, older adults and ex offenders. Outcomes: 1011 unduplicated participants were served; 503 registered for GED training. 358 advanced 1.5 grade levels while 27 passed two or more sections of the GED exam and are continuing the class; 19 completed and received their GED; 177 were placed on viable jobs and internships. 97 were former offenders. 19 entered their first year of college and 40 entered skill certification training. Community Impact: In addition to providing a positive change for the participants, the Dallas community also benefited. Over $2,719, back in the community from the 177 new taxpaying citizens. Tax payers saved over $3,589, on the cost of recidivism for the 97 former offenders. 2

3 EMPOWERED BY A SECOND CHANCE PROJECT 4 VICTORY (RE ENTRY PROGRAM): Funded by US Department of Labor, the program prepares previously incarcerated persons to re enter society as productive citizens. Key measurements included, employment/employment retention, reduced recidivism and increased earnings. Housing, mentoring, work ready, life skills, anger management, financial literacy and other supportive services were provided. The Urban League of Greater Dallas continues to rank among the top ten (10) performing agencies across the country. Outcomes: The agency served 864 previously incarcerated persons. 684 obtained viable employment with a 77% retention rate. 499 participated in community service projects and mentor support. The 2010 program recidivism rate was 8%. 621 participated in education and/or on the job training activities, with 112 receiving various certifications (CDL license, optical lab technician license etc.) 13 enrolled in college Community Impact: With an average wage of $10.00/hr. our 684 participants became taxpaying citizens with over $12,038, going back into the community and area retailers/businesses. Tax payers saved over $25,308,000.00, the average cost of incarcerating the 684 persons the League empowered. JOHN DURANT Because of the Urban League Project 4 Victory, I AM EMPOWERED. I have turned my life around, built up my business and recently bought my dream car, a two door Mercedes Benz, said John Durant, owner of Durant Body Shop. As my business grows, I plan to hire clients that have been through the program because it has helped make my dream come true. 3

4 EMPOWERED BY LEARNING TECHNOLOGY TRAINING: We continue to bridge the digital divide that still exists in our community. Participants were able to receive continuing education college credits with completion of the course work free of charge. Outcomes: In partnership with El Centro Community College, 1,856 citizens completed the computer training courses. Participants represented diverse geographical areas (Dallas, Duncanville, Lancaster, Mesquite, Grand Prairie, Cedar Hill) and ethnicities. Ages ranged from 18 to over 65. Among the three instructors there was a combined total of 55,680 contact hours for all 30 hour courses. 4

5 EDUCATION/YOUTH SERVICES: Education is not only the first step to a better career, it is the key to understanding the world and the important role each person plays within it. Our programs provide academic, technical, leadership and life skills enhancement programs for junior and senior high school students from low to moderate income families. Grade point averages are often below the academic B grade. Outcomes: Over 2,300 parents and in school students participated in the department s programs which included college fairs, SAT preparation, career fairs, Achievement Matters celebration, GET $MART Financial Literacy, etc. 202 seniors/juniors completed the EDGE/100 Fellows year long program. 35 students developed tangible plans for post secondary education following high school graduation through Project Ready. A partner agency of United Way of Metropolitan Dallas 5

6 EMPOWERED TO OWN HOUSING SERVICES: An increased number of area citizens experienced financial difficulties due to loss of employment. Our housing services provided emergency assistance for rent, mortgage and utility payments to help participants maintain their homes. First time homebuyer education provided the foundation for participants to realize the American dream of home ownership. Foreclosure counseling prevented the loss of properties. Outcomes: 197 families received financial assistance with mortgage, rent, utilities and food. 247 families, in danger of losing their homes, received mortgage default and foreclosure counseling services. 243 homes were saved pending final modifications. 246 individuals attended Homebuyer Education classes; 72 families bought their first home through our Homebuyer Education classes and down payment assistance. 112 participants completed the credit counseling and financial literacy classes. Community Impact: Our community and corporate partners were also beneficiaries of the League s efforts as utility companies recovered over $138,000 in payments which allowed the companies to retain customers; Area financial institutions booked over $10,080, in mortgage loans from the 72 new homeowners through the Urban League. The City/County/Dallas Public Schools will receive an average of $180,000/year in additional property taxes. 6

7 EMPOWERED TO KEEP OUR COMMUNITIES HEALTHY HEALTH SERVICES: Our goal is to keep our communities healthy through education and by addressing unhealthy lifestyles. Our focus is prevention through street outreach, community health fairs, case management services and facilitation of free medical programs. Outcomes: In collaboration with the Texas Department of Health, the US Department of Health, Dallas County Health, Parkland Health Care System, UT Southwestern Medical Center Dallas/Galveston), Methodist Hospital, VA Hospital, City of Dallas and over 18 other community partners, we accomplished the following: Link to Care: Provided case management, primary care and medication linkages to 102 re entry individuals in addition to housing, employment and GED referrals. 754 community residents received outreach/education services. Community Promise: Provided outreach services, HIV/STD risk reduction intervention/education and condom distribution to over 1,100 individuals. Recruited 33 peer advocates and developed 4 Role Model stories of peer advocates that reflected the stage of change in the community. SAMHSA/CSAP Program: The program is designed to assist re entry clients to overcome health issues as substance abuse, HIV/Hepatitis C as they reconnect to area communities. The program reached 6,523 individuals through classroom instructions, HIV testing, health fairs, educational presentations, street outreach etc. Comprehensive Risk Counseling And Services (CRCS): the program serves persons with multiple complex challenges and risk reduction needs, who are having difficulty initiating/sustaining practices that reduce HIV/STD acquisition. 182 clients were served, 92 completed a minimum of seven sessions and 102 successfully completed their Risk Reduction Plan. An additional 122 referrals were made. 7

8 EMPOWERED TO EARN EMPLOYMENT: Preparing a competent workforce is a priority goal for the League. By providing job readiness and technical training, counseling, placement/referrals and ongoing support, our participants are able to take another step toward self reliance. An increased number of our participants are the results of company closings and layoffs. 8

9 EMPLOYMENT Outcomes: Over 8,082 individuals received some form of workforce training/re training including supportive services, i.e. bus passes, clothes, resume assistance, job search etc. 19 community fairs were held with approximately 9,800 individuals in attendance and 231 employers participating. 1,205 citizens obtained employment utilizing our employment services and job fair initiatives. In partnership with Dress for Success, Career Gear (Men s Warehouse) and Attitudes & Attire, 24 men and women received new outfits for their first job interview. Community Impact: With an average wage of $10.83/hr. for the 1,205 new workers, approximately $25,056, went back into the communities. Our new employees now have the purchasing power for food, clothes, cars (which impact the bank car loans), homes/apartments, in addition to paying their share of the state and local sales taxes. 9

10 EMPOWERED THROUGH OUTREACH Outcomes (Seniors Services): Working with our area partners, Dallas Area Agency on Aging, City of Dallas, AARP, DISD and others the League provided: 1,106 older adults with the following services: Benefits Check Up that provided assistance in locating and securing additional resources. Vision assistancefor eye glasses. Prescription Screening for drug safety. Income Tax assistance (223). Free Health Screening. Outcomes (Residential): The program provided various services to 887 residents at the two complexes. 60 residents received computer training 115 utilized the employment services. 685 youth took advantage of the summer enrichment program and after school program activities. Outcomes (Homeless Veterans Program): The Urban League partnered with Dallas Metrocare and Dallas Veterans Affairs Medical Center to provide case management services to homeless veterans. The program is designed to assist veterans reintegration into community living to the fullest extent possible. Provided classroom training (computer/employment) to over 63 veterans. Placed 31 veterans in stable housing and case management. 5 are employed and 2 are attending El Centro and one enrolled at Devry. 10

11 URBAN LEAGUE COMMUNITY SERVICE CENTERS Funded by the State under the Community Action Agency designation, the Centers (located in Garland, Irving, Pleasant Grove and the main office) assist families and individuals, who are at or below 125% of the poverty level, to move out of poverty toward self reliance. In 2010, the Urban League CSBG division received additional funding (ARRA/HPRP stimulus) to expand its services. Outcomes: 5,763 families received assistance including rental/mortgage assistance, food vouchers, utility payments and gasoline vouchers. 2,951 families completed housing counseling/budget management. 313 individuals were assisted with free tax preparation through the VITA program, resulting in the participants receiving $378, in tax refunds. Over 340 youth received back to school supplies and 400 youth received Christmas toys and/or gift vouchers. 344 participants completed the computer/software on site training and 319 adults earned their GED. 894 students received tuition support to the Community Colleges. 66 STEM participants received education stipends for the summer. Two (2) Community Gardens were established in partnership with PMH/s Community Oriented Primary Care Clinic and the Buffalo Soldiers organization in Joppa. Community Impact: Community and corporations also received benefits from our efforts: Area utility companies, including water and electrical, recovered over $649, in payments, allowing these companies to retain customers. Area financial institutions received over $128, in mortgages payments for 187 citizens, thus allowing over $20,570, in customer mortgages to remain on the books. In addition $2,054, was paid to area apartment complexes, thus preventing 2,951 citizens from becoming homeless. Through distribution of food and gasoline vouchers, area grocery stores received over $24, in purchases. 11

12 The Future Urban LeagueTrade&Vocational Training Center

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