Message from the City Manager and Chief of Equity and Inclusion

The last 48 hours have been difficult moments for the nation as a whole as we grapple with the reality of what justice and accountability look like. As we move forward, we encourage everyone to check in and take care of one another. Moments like these can negatively impact our mental health, if you are in need of support please visit the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Psychologists to read more about their community mental health programming available throughout the year. 

Additionally, the Office of Equity and Inclusion wishes to remember and honor a true American hero and statesman, Walter Mondale. The former Vice President passed in his beloved state of Minnesota on April 19, 2021 at the age of 93.  Known for his groundbreaking decision to break with political norms and tradition, as the democratic nominee for president he selected Geraldine Ferraro, a woman as his vice presidential running mate. This transcendent action undoubtedly paved the way for Kamala Harris to eventually become the nation’s first female Vice President.    

While in office in the U.S. Senate, Walter Mondale championed many civil rights issues including the desegregation of public schools and the passage of the Fair Housing Act. At its inception, this legislation prohibited any form of discriminatory treatment and/or acts to prevent someone from being able to choose where they wished to live where such acts were caused because of that person’s race, color, religion, or national origin. This turned the tide for millions of Americans, particularly people of color, who would now have the benefit to take advantage of enjoying the American dream of owning the home of their dreams.  

The country owes a debt of gratitude to this champion of civil and human rights.  His legacy will live on in the lives of those individuals who are able to enjoy the freedom and benefits of fair housing choice, consumer protection and unrestricted education opportunities.       

We hope this newsletter continues providing support and connects individuals in need to the many organizations offering help across the metroplex!  Please share this source with members of your community and encourage them to sign up to our newsletter through this link.

Sincerely,

                                   T.C. Broadnax                             Liz Cedillo-Pereira

                                    City Manager                        Chief of Equity and Inclusion

COVID-19 Vaccine Resources

Los Barrios Unidos Community Clinic COVID-19 Vaccine

COVID vaccines made easy! Walk-ins welcome while supplies last. No waiting for anyone age 65 and older. Los Barrios Unidos Community Clinic is offering vaccines Wednesday and Thursdays from 3pm to 5pm.

Drive Thru Vaccination Event

The City of Dallas Office of Equity & Inclusion – Welcoming Communities and Immigrant Affairs Division and eight community partners will host a drive through vaccination registration event on April 24 in celebration of Grovefest. The goal of this community event is to register Dallas residents for the COVID-19 vaccine and provide information about other resources in southeast Dallas.  Free food packages and other giveaways will be offered for the first 400 families. Proof of ID is required for vaccine appointments (State, Matricula, etc).

• The event will take place Saturday, April 24, 2021 from 2:00-5:00pm at Parking lot of A+ Academy Secondary Campus at 445 S. Masters Drive, 75217.

City of Dallas Vaccination Customer Service Number

The City of Dallas Emergency Operations Center, working with our vendor AMR, established a call center to respond to resident questions regarding vaccinations at Potter’s House and moving forward. Beginning April 1, 2021 at 11 a.m. CST, you can use the phone number (469-809-8500) and send an email (DallasVaccineQuestions@gmr.net) for resident questions.

• The FAQs have been updated in English and Spanish and are attached. These are also available at com/COVID19.

Dallas County COVID-19 Vaccinations

The supply of the COVID-19 vaccine remains limited at this time. Currently, only people 50+, people 16-49 with an underlying condition or certain essential workers (such as healthcare workers or teachers) are eligible to receive the vaccine under the Texas Department of State Health Services guidelines. In preparation for the receipt of future vaccines, DCHHS is opening registration to all individuals regardless of what eligibility criteria they fall within.

• To register for the COVID-19 vaccine, call the COVID-19 Vaccine Registration Hotline to enroll at 1-855-466-8639. They are open 7 days a week from 7am-7pm.

Baylor Scott & White COVID-19 Vaccine Registration

Baylor Scott & White is now vaccinating Texans who meet Phase 1A and Phase 1B criteria, as well as school and child care personnel, as informed by state and federal guidance. Texans in Phase 1C are now able to schedule appointments.

• To learn more about their vaccination process, please click here.

UT Southwestern COVID-19 Vaccine Registration

UT Southwestern is following state and federal guidelines and currently vaccinating Texans who meet Phase 1A, 1B, or 1C criteria, or who have other conditions identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as potentially high risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

• If you meet the criteria and are not yet registered as a UT Southwestern patient in MyChart.  

Dallas County COVID-19 Testing

Drive-Thru Locations

For City of Dallas and Dallas County residents only (must provide documentation of address ex. utility bill). Available for children over age 5.

• Ellis Davis Field House
  • 9191 South Polk Street
  • 7:30am-4pm, Monday to Saturday
• Dallas College Eastfield Campus
  • 3737 Motley Dr., Mesquite, TX 75150
  • 7:30am-4pm, Monday to Saturday

For mobile testing locations and State of Texas/TDEM Supported Sites, click here.

FEMA Funeral Assistance

Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA is providing financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020. No online applications will be accepted, FEMA has set up a dedicated toll-free phone number to get COVID-19 Funeral Assistance applications.

• The COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Line number is 844-684-6333, the line is open from Monday-Friday from 9am to 9pm EST. To learn more about the qualifications, click here.

Black Maternal Health Week

Hear Her Campaign

Over 700 women die each year in this country from problems related to pregnancy or delivery complications. Every death is a tragedy, especially when we know that two thirds of pregnancy-related deaths could be prevented. As many as 50,000 women experience severe, unexpected health problems related to pregnancy that may have long-term health consequences. The Hear Her campaign supports CDC’s efforts to prevent pregnancy-related deaths by sharing potentially life-saving messages about urgent warning signs.

• To learn more about the campaign, click here.

Black Mamas Matter Alliance

Black Maternal Health Week takes place every year from April 11 –17. The month of April is recognized in the United States as National Minority Health Month – a month-long initiative to advance health equity across the country on behalf of all racial and ethnic minorities.

• To explore their available resources and literature, click here.

National Minority Health Month

Office of Minority Health

The Office of Minority Health Resource Center is a nationwide service of the Office of Minority Health that provides minority health literature, research and referrals for consumers, community organizations and health professionals. The Resource Center offers a variety of information resources, including access to online document collections, database, and funding searches.

• To explore their resources, click here.

Emergency Broadband Benefit

FCC Emergency Broadband Benefit

REAL ID Renewal Extension

Texas began issuing REAL ID compliant cards on October 10, 2016, and these cards are marked with a gold circle with an inset star located in the upper right-hand corner, as seen in the examples to the right. If your card does not have the star, you can continue to use the card after October 1, 2021, but it will only be accepted for state-related purposes such as driving (driver license only), banking, and voting. It will not be accepted as identification for federal purposes. If your card expires before October 1, 2022, and you don't have a star in the upper right-hand corner, renew your driver license or identification card before the October 1, 2021 deadline. To learn more about how to renew your driver’s license, click here.

Faith in Texas Virtual Rapid Action Network Training

While participating in the Rapid Action Network, volunteers can expect to make strategic calls and emails to decision-makers, sign and share petitions and letters on their social media platforms and take other urgent actions to make sure nobody is left out or left behind. Faith in Texas has created virtual training network to become familiar with the platform and join the network!

• To take the virtual training and join the network, click here.

Child Abuse Prevention Month

Tips for Thriving Families

Whether it be finding your way with a new infant, setting boundaries with your teen, or managing a toddler's temper tantrum, GetParentingTips is here to help. Find tips and support for children of all ages!

• To explore their virtual and local resources, click here.

Child Welfare

National Child Abuse Prevention Month recognizes the importance of families and communities working together to strengthen families to prevent child abuse and neglect. Through this collaboration, prevention services and supports help protect children and produce thriving families.

• To explore the guides provided by Child Welfare, click here.

Arts and Culture

Cara Mia Theater & Teatro Dallas Interactive Carnival Procession

¡Soltar! is an interactive pageant and procession, marking the spring equinox and a period of hope after 12 months of the pandemic. Observing safety precautions, this outdoor, arts experience features an eclectic array of Mexican masks, mojigangas (large puppets), dance and theatre with costumes provided for audience members to actively participate in the festivities.

• The procession will be taking place April 24, 2021 at 2pm CST, to learn more about the procession and tickets, click here.

Community Building

ISPU Countering Islamophobia Toolkit

The Institute for Social Policy and Understanding has created a toolkit with a collection of resources and proven best practices to empower communities and individuals to effectively counter and dismantle Islamophobia in its various forms. As a living document, the toolkit may be updated from time to time with new resources.

• To access the toolkit, click here. 

How to Protect the Asian-American Community

CityLab interviewed seven activists regarding steps they have taken in their communities in order to combat violence and hate against their Asian-American neighbors.

• To access the guide, click here. 

Fourth Annual North Texas Climate Symposium Recap

As a part of the City Earth Day celebrations this year, the Office of Environmental Quality & Sustainability hosted the 4^th Annual North Texas Climate Symposium, “The Business Case”, virtually on Friday, April 16, 2021. This year’s program focused on how businesses of all sizes have pivoted their operations to mitigate climate impacts, reduce emissions, attain bottom line savings through greater energy efficiency, and adapt to climate change. 

• A recording of this event can be found on the City of Dallas YouTube channel here. For more information, please contact Michael Gange, Director of the Office of Environmental Quality & Sustainability. 

2021 Financial Literacy Fair

Southern Dallas Progress along with community partners will be hosting a one-day community event where they will educate residents about how to achieve and maintain financial stability. The event will be taking place April 24, 2021 at 10:00am CDT.

• To register for the event, click here.

Big Brother Big Sister Mentor Application

The Big Brother Big Sister mentor program has four different programs that individuals can become apart of: community-based, mentor 2.0, and school/site-based. Pick the option that is most sustainable for you and

fill out the application.

• To access the application, click here.

The Family Place Donation Drop Off

Clean out your closet and be ready to donate on April 24^th to The Family Place Resale Shop. They will be collecting donations at Highland Park Village from 8am to 10am. The first 25 donors will receive gift cards to Highland Park Village and all donors will receive free wellness shots from The Juice Bar! All donations benefit The Family Place.

• To learn more about the event, click here.

Education

2021 Sue Rose Summer Institute for Teachers

After an epically challenging year, they invite teachers and other lifelong learners to reflect upon EPIC literature across time, across cultures. They will study ancient and modern texts in the tranquil atmosphere of the Routh Street campus.

• To learn more about the event and apply, click here.

Grow with Us- Roots and Fruits: Selecting, Planting and Caring for Fruit Trees

Expand your home grown produce possibilities with fruit trees.  Learn about what fruit trees do well in the area from City of Dallas arborist Preston Willms who will also demonstrate how to plant and prune your trees. Grow with Us is a series of online sessions from the Dallas Public Library - Seed Library and Dallas Environmental Quality and Sustainability hosting expert speakers to share practical, informative, and inspirational information about growing and urban agriculture in Dallas. 

• To learn more about the event and register, click here.

Dallas County Promise

If you are graduating from a participating high school in 2021, the Dallas County Promise scholarship covers the last-dollar cost of tuition at a partner college/university for a limited amount of time or until you complete your degree. The last-dollar scholarship covers any monies due for tuition that financial aid does not, but does not include the costs of textbooks, transportation, etc. 

• To learn more about the scholarship, click here.

Dallas Afterschool

Dallas Afterschool works to level the playing field for children of all races and economic backgrounds by informing community stakeholders, supporting afterschool and summer programs and their staff members, and coordinating community resources.

• To find an afterschool program near you, click here.

Virtual Stanton Sharp Lecture: Cold War in Chinatown

The Clements Department of History and the Center for Presidential History of SMU presents the lecture Cold War in Chinatown. This talk will explore the surprising and significant ways in which national and international politics intersected with local politics in San Francisco and New York, the two largest Chinese American communities in the US during the early Cold War years.

• If you are interested in receiving the link to attend, email mfevans@smu.edu.

Employment

311 Customer Service Job Opportunities

Did you know that 311 Customer Service is hiring for Customer Service Agents, Supervisors, and more?  The City of Dallas offers flexible schedules, health benefits, and other fringe benefits to its employees.  311’s available positions start at $14.00 p/h, with additional earning opportunities for bilingual applicants. 

• For more information and to apply for available jobs within the City of Dallas, please click here. 

AIDS Services Dallas Hiring

Come and do rewarding work with the great team at AIDS Services of Dallas. AIDS Services of Dallas provide its housing services without regard for race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation or age to all applicants who are living with or impacted by HIV/AIDS and their family members. They have full-time and part-time job openings.

• To explore the job openings, click here.

Community Partners of Dallas Hiring

Community Partners of Dallas is looking for a Development Coordinator to join their team. This position will work on a wide array of tasks including database entry, helping with grants and events, and supporting their auxiliary groups.

• To learn more about the position and how to apply, click here.

Virtual Job Fair

Polish your resume, grab that interview suit, and jump online for the Dallas Public Library's virtual job fair, taking place on Zoom. In the main room, hear from local employers about what it's like to work with them, and about their current openings. In the breakout rooms, speak directly to recruiters.

• To register for the event and learn about the employers taking a part of the job fair, click here.

Housing

Neighborhood Empowerment Zones

The Department of Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization will be launching the Residential Neighborhood Empowerment Zones (NEZ) program on Monday, April 26, 2021. The Residential NEZ program was created to encourage rehabilitation and repair of residential properties in the City and to promote economic development and affordable housing.

• To learn more about who is eligible and to apply, click here. 

Dallas Eviction Assistance Initiative

The City of Dallas Office of Equity and Inclusion in partnership with Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas has established an eviction assistance initiative consisting of education, training and legal representation to Dallas residential rental tenants who are negatively impacted by COVID-19 and unable to pay rent to remain in their homes. 

• Eligible residents can apply, by clicking here.

Emergency Home Repair Program

The City of Dallas is helping qualified homeowners within the city limits of Dallas receive home repair assistance that have been damaged as a result of the 2021 Texas Severe Winter Storm.

• To learn more about the eligibility requirements, please click here.

Emergency Rental Assistance Program

The City of Dallas is partnering with Abounding Prosperity, Inc. to begin accepting applications for rental assistance through their Emergency Rental Assistance Program. To be eligible to receive funding an applicant must rent a publicly or privately owned residence in the City of Dallas. The annual gross household income must meet guidelines defined by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

• To apply and learn more about the requirements, click here. 

Food

North Texas Food Bank

The North Texas Food Bank offers various forms of assistance to individuals and families in need: mobile pantries, food pantries, and partner agencies. If you or someone you know is seeking food assistance, use their agency finder to find a food pantry near you.

• To access the agency finder, click here.

Wilkinson Center

The Wilkinson Center’s food pantry is serving families in vehicles and curb-side for walk-ups. Food Pantry Service hours are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday between 9:00 a.m. – noon; and Tuesday from – 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

• If you need additional information or have questions, please call 972-284-0377 or click here to visit their website.

Brother Bill’s Helping Hand Pantry

Brother Bill’s Helping Hand offers groceries to individuals and families in need. Their grocery store program is a contactless drive thru model to ensure safety. Individuals must make a grocery appointment before coming to receive food.

• To learn more about the requirements and make an appointment, click here.

Hunger Busters

Hunger Busters is a Dallas-based charity focused on feeding kids and fueling futures by providing a much-needed third meal of the day to food-insecure children. They host food distribution events weekly throughout the community.

• To learn more about their requirements and upcoming events, visit them here.

Health

Joon & Dr. Sam Boutique Mental Wellness

There is a vast amount of information on mental health that is now available at your fingertips. It is important to be able to discern good information from bad, and that’s what Joon & Dr. Sam hope to do through their website. Additionally, they have a mix of both Korean and English in order to increase accessibility to those who may stop by.

To access their helpful videos, click here.

Healthcare.gov

You can enroll in Marketplace health coverage through August 15 due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emergency. More people than ever before qualify for help paying for health coverage, even those who were not eligible in the past.

• To learn more about how to apply, click here.

Dallas Area Agency on Aging Benefits Counseling Program

The Dallas Area Agency on Aging Benefits Counseling Program is a part of the Health Information, Counseling and Advocacy Program, (HICAP). The mission of HICAP is to educate and assist seniors 60+ years of age and Medicare-eligible individuals, their families and caregivers through objective outreach, counseling and training to make informed health insurance decisions that optimize access to care and benefits.

• To learn more about the program, click here. 

Immigrant Affairs

Welcoming Economies Program

Welcoming America and Global Detroit concluded a competitive selection process to identify the next five communities to participate in the Welcoming Economies Program (WE) from March to February 2022. We are pleased announce that the City of Dallas’ Office of Welcoming Communities and Immigrants Affairs in partnership with the Office of Economic Development has been chosen to participate.

• To learn more about this amazing opportunity, click here.

LGBTQ Resources

Equality Texas

Equality Texas works to secure full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Texans through political action, education, community organizing, and collaboration. They sponsor a variety of programs that promote civic involvement and help individuals develop leadership skills to advocate for themselves.

• To learn more about the programs that Equality Fellows sponsors, click here.

Small Business Support

Mayor’s Taskforce Startup Survey

The Mayor’s Taskforce Startup Survey has been created to collect the needs, ideas, and recommendations that are vital to startup companies in the City of Dallas. These recommendations will be submitted to the Mayor's Task Force on Innovation and Entrepreneurship and guide the efforts to collect these resources especially resources that you are able to provide. They are looking for entrepreneurs, and the people that support them, to tell us what YOU think the City of Dallas should be doing to attract, retain, and support startups in Dallas.

• To take the survey, click here.

Colors of COVID

The pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for all small business owners, yet people of color have been disproportionately affected by COVID, in both health and wealth. In this panel, a diverse group of Dallas-area leaders will discuss the challenges and economic impact felt by people of color, offering both guidance and inspiration. The event will be taking place on April 27 at 11:30am.

• To attend this event being sponsored through LiftFund click here.

DRC Talent Attraction Talk

Last week the Dallas Regional Chamber held a Talent Attraction Talk on Diversity in Recruiting, presented by BGSF. Their panel of experts from AT&T, Goldman Sachs, and Hilti North America shared valuable insights on building more diverse teams, including tactics and best practices for sourcing, recruiting, and hiring underrepresented talent.

• If you missed the webinar and would like to watch it, click here. 

SBA Emerging Leaders

The Emerging Leaders Initiative is an intensive executive-level series intended to accelerate the growth of high-potential small businesses in America’s underserved cities.  Developed by SBA and drawing on the experiences of advisors and business leaders in urban communities across the country, this comprehensive curriculum provides the tools to catapult your company to the next level and help it emerge as a force in your community.

• To learn more about the initiative and sign up, click here.

Free Webinar Series for Small Owners

The three-part Cash Reigns Supreme webinar series created by the National Development Council is designed to teach small business owners the importance of financial statements and how they can be used to make better business decisions. Participants learn how third parties, including lenders, evaluate financial statements to make lending decisions.

• To watch the webinar, click here.

24 Hour Dallas Economic Recovery Webinars

How will new Dallas parking ordinances affect Dallas' nighttime businesses ... and neighborhoods? Given the coronavirus, what will become of instrumental and vocal music—from cafes and concert halls to festivals and cathedrals? These are some of the topics we will explore in upcoming, virtual happy hours. Participation is free but registrations are capped. We encourage you to register in advance.

• To explore the upcoming zoominars, click here.

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