Message from the City Manager and Chief of Equity and Inclusion

Dear residents of Dallas,

As summer comes to the city and the temperatures continue to climb, take advantage of the numerous summer enrichment opportunities available for your little ones and teenagers, from the comfort of your home or at the various recreations centers across the city! The city is proud to sponsor various recreational opportunities alongside community organization offering educational programs to help students implement strategies during the school year.

Enrichment programming during the summer helps promote better overall mental health for students, and we encourage all our newsletter readers to also take advantage of the mental health resources being highlighted in honor of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) Mental Health Month. July has been nationally designated as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month! Bebe Moore Campbell was a best-selling author, journalist, and mental health advocate who sought to bring national awareness to the mental health struggles of Black people. She worked to remove the stigma surrounding mental health conversations and joined forced with established organizations to redirect resources to underserved communities.

Mental Health America 2021 BIPOC Mental Health Month Theme

Today we honor the work of Bebe Moore Campbell by connecting our city residents, you, to the resources and education to hold difficult conversations regarding mental health.

Additionally, we'd like to ask for your support in voting for the City and DISD who have been named a finalist in the IDC North American Smart Cities Awards for digital equity and accessibility. To learn more about our specific efforts and cast your vote, click here.

Sincerely,

T.C. Broadnax, City Manager
Liz Cedillo-Pereira, Chief of Equity and Inclusion

                                  T.C. Broadnax                             Liz Cedillo-Pereira

                                   City Manager                        Chief of Equity and Inclusion

COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination

Mobile Vaccine Program

The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), and the Texas Military Department (TMD) today announced the expansion of the State Mobile Vaccine Program to include groups of five or more Texans who voluntarily choose to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Texans can call 844-90-TEXAS and select Option 3 to schedule a mobile vaccine clinic to vaccinate groups of friends, families, employees, volunteers, and more.

• To learn more, click here.

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

Everyone ages 12 and older is now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Texas. We strongly encourage all eligible residents to make an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine. All vaccines are authorized for people age 18 and older. The Pfizer vaccine is authorized for people 12 and older. Children under 18 will need a parent or legal guardian to accompany them to the vaccination site to receive their vaccine.

• 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 over the age of 12 following the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) approval to expand the emergency use authorization (EUA) for Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine to adolescents ages 12-15.

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

UT Southwestern COVID-19 Vaccine Registration

UT Southwestern offers immediate first-dose scheduling to make booking your vaccination as easy as possible. Everyone 12 and older is now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Texas.

• 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.

BIPOC Mental Health Resources

Mental Health America

July is BIPOC Mental Health Month, the goal is to bring awareness to the struggles that underrepresented groups face regarding mental illness in the United States. To continue advocating for BIPOC mental health needs, Mental Health America has developed a public education campaign dedicated to addressing the needs of BIPOC communities.

• To explore these resources, click here.

National Alliance on Mental Illness

The National Alliance on Mental Illness has curated a list of resources in support of community members who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color/Asian American and Pacific Islander – and to forward the cause of anti-racism. There are various treatment directories and resource projects available for individuals.

• To learn more, click here.

Pandemic Relief Benefits

The Child Tax Credit

For those with children, the American Rescue Plan increased the Child Tax Credit from $2,000 per child to $3,000 per child for children over the age of six and from $2,000 to $3,600 for children under the age of six and raised the age limit from 16 to 17. All working families will get the full credit if they make up to $150,000 for a couple or $112,500 for a family with a single parent (also called Head of Household).

• To learn more about the guidelines, click here.

Medical Benefits

Texas STAR/CHIP Applications

Texas STAR (Medicaid) and Texas CHIP provide healthcare for low-income families, children, and pregnant women at low or no-cost. You might qualify for CHIP or Medicaid. You must have a monthly household income - before taxes - that is less than or equal to income requirements laid out by the program.

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

Economic Development Programs

Spanish Webinars on Starting a Business

Join the Governor's Small Business Team and a panel of subject matter experts as they share the initial steps in establishing and operating a business in the state. The webinar will highlight key sources of information for entrepreneurs and resources available to help small businesses succeed. The event will provide information, timely and practical advice on choosing a business structure and registering a company or trade name.

• To register and find more webinars, click here.

Governor’s Small Business Resource Portal

Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur or an established business owner, the Governor’s Small Business Resource Portal will provide you with the most relevant resources and contacts to help you find success. This important tool offers a customized list of useful business resources to assist you in starting or growing your business in Texas.

• To access the portal, click here.

Arts and Culture

Moth to Cloth: Silk in Africa Silk cloth is associated with wealth and status throughout the world but few may realize this rare, natural fiber is indigenous to sub-Saharan Africa. Silk was traded between African peoples across the continent and was also imported from Europe, India, China, and the Middle East. This virtual tour of cloths drawn from the DMA collection explores the production of silk and silk textiles in Ghana, Nigeria, and Madagascar. To explore more of this installation, click here. Bandan Koro Drum Performance Experience West African traditional rhythms with live drummers from Bandan Koro! Learn the importance and influence of these drums on African history. This event is sponsored by the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture. This program will be virtual only! Registration is required for interaction, and it closes July 2, 2021 at 12:00pm. To register for this event, click here.

City Procurement Opportunities

New Procurement Opportunities

The City of Dallas Office of Procurement Services has various opportunities for outside organizations to engage with the city. To view more information, visit their website. Select open procurements that may be of interest are listed below. For a comprehensive list of open procurement opportunities, visit: dallascityhall.bonfirehub.com. Please be advised that once an opportunity is advertised, it is considered an open procurement until the City Council awards the contract. The Code of Ethics prohibits communication between councilmembers and vendors/ suppliers on open procurements.

• To view more information, visit their website.

Educational Enrichment

South Dallas Cultural Center Summer Camps

SDCC is offering summer camps focused on helping students develop their musical abilities. Camps are in-person at the South Dallas Cultural Center (3400 S Fitzhugh Ave, Dallas, TX 75210). Capacity is limited, applicants are selected on a first-come, first-serve basis.  All applicants are asked to submit and complete the form.

• To learn more, click here. 

N.I.A. Kids

N.I.A. Kids is a youth service organization that empowers youth and teens to realize their full potential through the performing arts.  We provide performing arts programs for youth and teens throughout the Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex and beyond.  In addition to performing arts training and opportunities for young people, our programs enhance their life skills through encouraging perseverance, accountability, and creativity. 

• To learn more about their programs and sign up, click here. 

Teen Late Friday Night Recreation Program

TOPS (Teens Organized and Prepared for Success) is a free Dallas Parks program for teens 13 – 17 who have free time in the summer. The program offers structured activities like sports, games, tech, fitness, and the arts.

• For those interested in learning more, contact 214-670-8847.

Dallas ISD Summer Breeze 2021

Summer is an exciting time filled with fun and exploration.  This summer, Dallas ISD will provide a comprehensive set of offerings to students, allowing them time to reconnect with their peers, engage in rigorous tasks, accelerate learning, and improve their social and emotional wellbeing.

• To explore Dallas ISDs summer learning guide, click here.

Youth2Power

This summer, Big Thought kicks off our newest program, Youth2Power, designed to engage youth in intentionally sharing their voice, learning about their communities, and taking action to make a change. It is an interactive social justice and creative arts experience.

• To learn more and register, click here.

Bachman Lake Pre-K Enrollment

Bachman Lake Together has begun their PreK Enrollment Initiative to help enroll 650 children in their 6 school in Bachman Lake by September 2021. Help the organization reach their goal by sharing their program materials and links to ensure all students have access to an enriching education.

• To enroll students in PreK, click here.

Algebra Bridge Programs

The Algebra Bridge Program is a FREE student support service offered via Dallas College and hosted by the downtown El Centro College campus. This is a completely free 2-week virtual program that includes a mini math boot camp covering college algebra, statistics, and geometry in order to best prepare students for college-level mathematics and the concepts covered on the TSI Math. Our program is also designed to help students navigate important college topics such as registration, financial aid, choosing majors, resume building, utilizing college resources, study tips, and more!

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

Employment

AIDS Services of Dallas

Do rewarding work with the great team at AIDS Services of Dallas! They currently have various part-time and full-time positions available across different sectors of the organization.

• To explore the available positions, click here.

Dallas ISD Food Services Positions

Dallas ISD Food is hiring Food Service staff for multiple positions. Join their community of food service professionals and administrators who bring diverse skills and experience as we strive to become the premiere urban school district in the country.

• To explore the various positions available, click here.

WorkReadyU Career Academy

Dallas College hosts career pathway programs that provide training for in-demand job fields that can help you advance in your current role or learn something new — all in manageable steps and at no cost.

• To learn more about the requirements and how to register, click here.

Food

North Texas Food Bank Summer Meals

Children need nutritious meals to learn, grow and thrive — even when school is out. With the Summer Meal Programs, children and teens ages 18 and younger, and enrolled students with disabilities up to 21 years old can continue to eat healthy throughout the summer at no cost at any participating meal site.

• To find a meal site near you, click here

Healthy Summer Meals for Kids

Dallas ISD Food's On-Site Summer Meals brings free meals to children and youth 18 years and younger at participating sites throughout Dallas on Wednesdays! Meals are available to all children in the area, ages 1 to 18, or to age 19 if enrolled in school, and to students with disabilities without regard to age.

• To learn more and find a participating site near you, click here.

General Resources

Opportunities for Dallas Innovators

Dallas Innovates has curated a selection of contests, nominations, pitches, and grants for Dallasites to explore and apply for. Explore the various opportunities offered in multiple fields and ensure to confirm all submission details with the organizations hosting the contests/grants. Learn more about Deloitte's 2021 Technology Fast 500 Awards and The Charles Bronfman Prize.

• To explore these resources, click here.

Dallas Parks and Recreation Swim Lessons

Swim lessons registration for sessions 2-4 is now open! Classes for all ages are available at over 10 different locations across the city.

• To learn more information and register, click here.

Rainbow Days Training

Rainbow Days Training is dedicated to transforming schools, organizations, communities and individuals through innovation, education, and training. They are excited to announce their 4th Annual Summer Symposium. Join them virtually during the months of June, July and August to learn more about important topics facing our communities today! Courses will be taking place Tuesday and Thursday morning from 10am-12pm CDT, additionally individuals will receive 2 Continuing Education Hours for each completed workshop.

• To view the workshops being offered, click here.

5th Annual Expunction Exposition

Do you think you're eligible to have your record cleared? The Dallas County District Attorney's Office is partnering with the Dallas County District Clerk's Office is hosting the 5th Annual Expunction Expo. The Expo website will be active from Tuesday, July 6^th through Monday, July 26^th for those interested in seeking an expunction.  Paper forms will be available at locations listed on the website.

• To learn more about the expo, click here. 

Housing

Dallas Rental Assistance Collaborative (DRAC)

DRAC partner organizations are here to lend a hand. An “eligible household” is defined as a renter household in which at least one or more individuals meets the criteria set by the collaborative. The assistance provided can be used for direct financial assistance, including rent, rental arrears, utilities and home energy costs, and other expenses related to housing.

• To learn more, 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. 

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.

Housing Crisis Center Free Virtual Legal Clinic

Housing Crisis Center helps to prevent homelessness by offering free legal advice and direction. The clinic operates on a first come/first served basis. The clinic fills up quickly so spaces are limited. Volunteer attorneys offer advice only, they are not agreeing to legal representation.

• To learn more about the virtual legal clinic, click here. 

Health

Mi Chat: COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline for Spanish-Speakers

The CDC is launching Mi Chat about COVID-19 vaccines on WhatsApp for the Spanish-speaking community. Find important information on vaccination centers against COVID-19 frequently asked questions.

• To visit the site click here and type “hello” to get started.

Prism Health North Texas Free HIV/STI Testing

PHNTX offers FREE HIV/STI testing along with treatments for HIV and STIs at little or no cost. Regularly getting tested and knowing your status is a key component to HIV/STI prevention and keeping you and your partners safe. Appointments and walk-ins are welcome!

• If you are in need of a test, click here to find a location near you.

Immigrant Affairs

 Equal Justice Center

As part of their mission to empower low-income and working families, the Equal Justice Center offers assistance in preparing and submitting Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) applications. The Equal Justice Center also focuses on providing legal services to guest workers and victims of labor trafficking.

• To learn more about the services they offer, click here.

Internet

Connect Week

For nearly a year, the Internet for All Coalition has gathered school districts, cities and community leaders to collectively drive solutions that help close the digital divide in Dallas County. Connect Week is a series of community outreach events that aims to uncover what barriers families living in the 24 least connected zipcodes face in getting connected. During Connect Week community-based organizations will also talk directly with families to solicit feedback on potential broadband solutions to ensure maximum adoption.

• Share your experience here.

Laptop and Hotspot Bundles Card holders who live in the city of Dallas, students who attend public schools in Dallas, public school teachers within the city of Dallas, and city of Dallas employees are able to request Chromebook and hotspot bundles for their internet needs. Each laptop comes installed with Microsoft Office products for your use, including Word, Excel, and Powerpoint. It can also browse the internet, check email, and accomplish any tasks you might need a computer to do. To learn more about requesting a bundle, click here. IDC North American Smart Cities Awards The City of Dallas and DISD have been named a finalist in the IDC North American Smart Cities Awards for digital equity and accessibility.  Public voting is open until 7/2, To learn more about our specific efforts and cast your vote, click here!

LGBTQ+

Youth First Texas

Youth First Texas considers education a number one priority for everyone. Everyone needs the opportunity to become educated, and YFT finds it necessary to provide that as much as possible. They offer a variety of programs for youth that range from book clubs to spiritual programming!

• To learn more about their programs and sign up, click here.

Small Business Support

SBA Free Business Counseling

Get free business counseling, mentoring, and training no matter where you live! SBA resource partners include hundreds of Small Business Development Centers across the country.

• To locate resources near you, click here.

WBC LiftFund Startup Info Session

The Startup Info Session hosted by WBC LiftFund will share a step by step checklist with the important steps that you need to take before launching your business. This virtual session is for individuals in the pre-startup stage located in Texas who are seeking support with the launch of their business.

• To register for the info sessions, click here.

Transportation

Access North Texas Virtual Public Meeting

Access North Texas is the regional public transportation coordination plan for the 16-county North Central Texas region. They are currently conducting public engagement to identify regional public transportation needs. What transportation challenges would you like to see addressed? Join their upcoming public meeting on July 1 at 6 p.m. to share your thoughts.

• To register for this meeting, click here.

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