Equity and Inclusion Newsletter #44

city of Dallas

Equity and Inclusion Newsletter

December 23, 2021 | Issue 44

Message from the City Manager and Chief of Equity and Inclusion

We sympathize with all of our residents as the surge of COVID-19 cases continues affecting you and your loved ones. During this season of hope and joy, we must continue practicing social distancing when possible, wearing our mask consistently in public, and ensuring that we are properly quarantining.

Get boosted! Our population in Dallas County is only 54.3% fully vaccinated, with 12.5% of the population boosted; a large portion of our population is eligible for a booster right now. The COVID-19 Omicron variant is proving to be a threat this holiday season, however, medical experts assure us that significant additional protection is provided by receiving a booster shot.  To find a vaccine location near you, please visit vaccines.gov. Consider the following image below to understand booster eligibility.

we can do this

As always, share this newsletter with community members and share any events/resources you would like to publicize for City of Dallas residents by emailing officeofresilience@dallascityhall.com.

Sincerely,

Liz and TC

                                 T.C. Broadnax                             Liz Cedillo-Pereira

                                   City Manager                     Chief of Equity and Inclusion

COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination

City of Dallas COVID-19 Updates

The City of Dallas is working around-the-clock to update information related to the COVID-19 virus on their online platform. Here you can find the most up-to-date information related to testing sites, vaccines, and resources available to help residents in need. Outreach toolkits and business resources are also available

  • To keep informed on the latest information regarding COVID-19 in Dallas, click here.
covid 19

Dallas County COVID-19 Vaccinations

DCHHS has various immunization clinics across the city offering first, second, and booster doses for adults. Additionally, they are administering first and second doses for children 5+ with parental consent.

  • To learn more about vaccination registration for Dallas County residents, click here.

Mobile Vaccine Program

The state mobile program provides a way for Texas businesses and people who are homebound to schedule free mobile vaccinations.

  • Texas businesses, groups, or civic organizations with five or more individuals who voluntarily choose to be vaccinated can call 844-90-TEXAS (844-908-3927) and select Option 3 to schedule a visit.
  • Texans who are homebound can call 844-90-TEXAS (844-908-3927) and select Option 1 to request a state mobile vaccination team to come to their home.

National Vaccine Finder

There are many ways to get fully vaccinated in Texas—you don’t need health insurance and the vaccine is always free. The Moderna (age 18+), Pfizer-BioNTech (age 12+), and Johnson & Johnson (age 18+) vaccine are currently being administered nationally, and the CDC has made it easier for individuals to get vaccinated through their National Vaccine Finder that helps you find a location through your zip code.

  • To find a location near you today, click here.

Dallas County COVID-19 Testing

Dallas County COVID-19 Testing

Drive-Thru Locations

Dallas County currently has two drive-thru testing locations. Both sites may close early if daily testing limits have been met. In addition to the two drive-thru testing sites, several locations across the city of Dallas are offering testing as well as mobile and walk-up testing options.  

  • To find the most convenient testing location for you, click here.

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

In this Newsletter

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Local Information:

Federal Information

National Day of Racial Healing

Save the Date and join Dallas TRHT in celebration of The National Day of Racial Healing on January 18, 2022! Featuring a keynote and conversation with Mariame Kaba, organizer, educator and curator, author of the NYTimes bestselling book, "We Do This 'Til We Free Us".

  • To learn more about Dallas TRHT, click here.
national day of racial healing

Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)

Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) provides funds to assist low-income households with water and wastewater bills. LIHWAP grants are available to States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, U.S. Territories, and Federally and state-recognized Indian Tribes and tribal organizations that received fiscal year 2021 Low Income Household Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) grants.

  • To learn more about LIHWAP, click here.

State Information

GO TEXAN Program

GO TEXAN is the Texas Department of Agriculture’s licensed marketing program that assures consumers what they are buying is truly made in Texas. It’s widely recognized certification mark represents the diverse collection of businesses across the state of Texas. Whether you’re looking for the perfect Texas gift or even a treat for yourself, GO TEXAN gives you access to the best products Texas makers have to offer! Don’t forget to check back often to find new gift ideas.

  • To explore the amazing products GO TEXAN has to offer, click here.
go texan program

Annual Texas Mental Health Creative Arts Contest

To raise awareness of mental health issues, the annual Texas Mental Health Creative Arts Contest is announcing its call for submissions from Dec. 1, 2021 until March 15, 2022. The annual contest is hosted by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission along with the Texas System of Care and the Texas Institute for Excellence in Mental Health at the University of Texas at Austin. Participants can submit their creative work in one of three categories—original artwork, writing, or photography—that draws on the contest theme, “Why Does Mental Health Matter to You?”

  • To learn more about the contest, please click here.
mental health

Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness 2021-2022 Webinar Series

Educators are in a unique position to help the fight against human trafficking. Educators play a vital role in prevention and awareness, recognizing the warning signs of trafficked students, and guiding potential victims to resources and supports. TEA and the Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Workgroup (partner agencies below) continue the webinar series to support ESCs and LEAs during the 2021-2022 school year.

  • To learn more about the upcoming webinar series and find the links to the Zoom, click here.
human trafficking prevention and awareness

Local Information

Arts and Culture

Keep Up the Dream 2022 MLK Fest

The South Side Quarter Development Corporation, Rick Henry Imaging, Urban Specialists & The Walls Project, Zeal Development Analytics, New Era Management, Designing Our Dreams & The MLK Center are hosting their annual MLK Clean Team Initiative. They are in search of volunteers to join them for the beautification project, in the South Dallas – Fair Park neighborhood.  They will be hosting their clean up on Monday January 17th, 2022 from 10:00am - 5:00pm. T-shirts, all trash retrieval items, and lunch will be provided.

  • To register for this event, click here.

City Opportunities

City of Dallas First Citywide Racial Equity Plan Input Opportunity

Equity is a critical factor to individual, family, neighborhood, and community success. The City of Dallas has launched its first citywide Racial Equity Plan (REP) to institutionalize and advance equity in city government. The REP will provide a comprehensive strategic framework that outlines short-, mid-, and long-term goals that will address racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities. WE NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU! The Office of Equity and Inclusion has retained CoSpero Consulting, to collaborate in developing the REP with residents, business and other key stakeholders. Over the next few months CoSpero will be holding community engagement events across the City of Dallas.

Equity Indicators Symposium

Please join the City of Dallas on January 14, 2022 for the 3rd Annual Equity Indicators Symposium. The 2022 Equity Indicators Symposium will focus on the collaboration between the City and the community to move towards a stronger future through equitable outcomes. A stronger future requires actions, measurements, and accountability to address disparities and work towards a Dallas where everyone can thrive. As the City of Dallas develops the first citywide Racial Equity Plan (REP), the Equity Indicators will drive the performance measures for the next three to five years. 

  • To learn more about the event, click here.
equity indicators symposium 2022

Youth Basketball Leagues

Youth Basketball Leagues for boys and girls ages 5-14 are forming now. Contact your Dallas Parks Recreation Center to register today! Registration ends on January 31st and the fee is $40 per player.

  • Learn more about Youth Basketball Leagues here.
youth basketball league 2022

2021 Dallas City Redistricting

2021 Dallas City Redistricting is upon us! Join the City of Dallas in drawing a map for new Council districts. Find out how by attending a redistricting commission meeting or submitting your own map. The next town hall will be taking place January 6.

  • To find a town hall near you, click here.
2021 city redistricting

City 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.

           City Employment Opportunities

The City of Dallas has a variety of open position available through different departments for individuals who are interested in joining the city workforce. All opportunities are available through an online portal, in order to apply, interested individuals will need to create an account using a valid email address and unique password.

  • To search for opportunities available with the city, click here.

Manager (Business) Non-Civil Services Position

The City of Dallas is hiring for a Manager (Business) in Non-Civil Services. Successful candidate should demonstrate fast paced critical thinking skills, strong understanding of public policy, innovative ideas and the best practices in organizational budgeting and accounting. 

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

Virtual Neighborhood Public Meetings

Join us virtually to learn about the FY 2022-23 HUD Consolidated Plan Budget Development. Provide your input on the use of federal funds for low- and moderate-income individuals and programs.

  • To learn more about the program, click here.
virtual neighborhood public meetings

Education

Dallas ISD STEM Virtual Expo

Register Thursday, December 23, 2021, through Saturday, January 22, 2022, for the largest STEM EXPO in Texas! The Virtual STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) EXPO is open to ALL Dallas area families! Come experience over 90 virtual STEM exhibits and the Dallas ISD STEM championships in coding, mathematics, science, robotics, technology, and bridge building!

  • To register for the virtual expo, click here.
stem

Smithsonian Education Kwanzaa Celebration

Starting December 26, celebrate Kwanzaa with a daily video about a Kwanzaa principle & story from the NMAAHC collection! Pair videos with fun activities, coloring pages & recommended books available on the Museum's Kwanzaa webpage.

  • To access the Museum’s Kwanzaa page, click here.
smithsonian kwanzaa education

Employment

WorkInTexas.com

WorkInTexas.com is a comprehensive online job search resource and matching system developed and maintained by the Texas Workforce Commission. It provides recruiting assistance to Texas employers of all types and sizes, and job search assistance to any individual seeking work in Texas.                                          

  • To use the WorkInTexas website to search for job leads, click here.

DCCHS Community Outreach Workers

Dallas County Health and Human Services is hiring! DCHHS needs community outreach workers to help underserved communities prevent and respond to COVID-19.

  • To learn more and apply for the various open positions, click here.
DCHHS hiring

Food

North Texas Food Bank Mobile Food Pantry

The NTFB Mobile Food Pantry distribution is taking place in various locations across the city during the month of September. There is no need to register for Mobile Pantry pick up, it is first come first served. You must have a vehicle to pick up unless otherwise specified. Mobile Pantry participants are requested to give their name and share their family size to receive food. No proof is necessary.

  • To find a location near you, click here.

Dallas ISD Winter Break Meals

Dallas ISD will offer nutritious Winter Break Meals to every child, 18 years and younger, at no charge. Twenty-two schools were strategically selected so that every student would have a school nearby to pick up meals. Schools will provide a “grab ‘n go” meal service. The meal service is scheduled for Monday, December 27, 2021, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm or until supplies last. Meals will include seven lunches and seven snacks.

  • To find a school location near you click here.
dallas isd winter break meals

Community Resources

Citation Resolution Options

Did you know the City of Dallas offers several ways for you to pay a citation? The Dallas Municipal Court provides various options for you to pay for your citation. Options include paying online, by phone, at a select retail store, by mail, in-person, and payment plans.

  • To explore the various options, click here.
citation resolution options

Racial Equity Now

The Dallas Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation Racial Equity NOW Cohort for Non-Profits is a 10-month deep learning experience for organizations ready to grow in their racial equity journey. Racial Equity NOW is designed to provide organizations with racial equity training, coaching, case study presentations, policy review and development, outcomes development and a community-based history tour.

  • To apply for the Racial Equity Now Cohort, click here.
racial equity now

Housing

Dallas Rental Assistance Collaborative

These 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 for by the collaborative. The assistance provided can be used for direct financial assistance, including rent, rental arrears, utilities and home energy costs, utilities and home energy costs arrears, 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.

Health

Walk-In Wednesday Flu Shots

Do you need a flu shot? Take advantage of Wednesday without an appointment. Flu shots are available at Parkland Community Health Centers from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 1 to 4 p.m. No appointment necessary! Please wear a mask.

  • For up-to-date information click here.
walk in wednesdays

Immigrant Affairs

ESL Classes Irving Bible Church

Our ESL classes are offered for Levels 1, 2, and 3. Practice all four skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening. Classes begin on Wednesdays from 6:30-8:30pm.

  • To learn more about this ESL program, click here.

LGBTQ+

Nu Transgender Movement Name Change Consultation

Nu Transgender Movement, Inc, provides Adult Name Change and Gender Change services to meet the needs of the LGBTQ community in Texas. With 5 years of experience in this field and over 100 happy clients, they are uniquely qualified to assist you with all of your Adult Transgender Name Change matters.

  • To learn more about their services, click here.
name change image try 2

Small Business Support

Dallas Regional Chamber 2022 Annual Meeting

The DRC Annual Meeting, presented by Jacobs, is the Dallas Region’s premier business event, convening top professional and community leaders. Receive insight from our region's top business leaders, public officials, and leading community partners.

  • To register for the event, click here.
drc 2022 annual meeting