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Happy Summer, District 11,
I hope everyone is excited for what this summer has in store. Whether your plans include a well-deserved family vacation or simply relaxing at home, this season is all about recharging our batteries and making lasting memories.
As we head into longer days and warm evenings, it’s important to take extra care outdoors. A great summer is a safe summer, so I want to remind everyone to practice a couple of quick, essential warm-weather habits before heading out the door.
• Protect your skin by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, and reapply every couple of hours, especially if you’re swimming or exposed to direct sunlight for a prolonged period of time.
• Grab an such as DEET to protect your skin from bites and avoid mosquito-borne diseases. You can also lower the risk of mosquito bites by preventing mosquitoes from laying eggs in or around still water by regularly draining any standing water that may collect in vases or pots.
I’d also like to help you take advantage of all the fun events happening over the summer! If you’re looking for ways to keep the kids engaged and active, don’t miss our snapshot of summer camp programs featured in this newsletter.
On June 19th, Fort Worth residents will celebrate Juneteenth. This historic day marks the moment in 1865 when enslaved people in Texas were officially informed of their freedom following the Union's victory in the Civil War. While the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation formally established the independence of enslaved people in Confederate states, Juneteenth recognizes the symbolic day Union Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston to declare Texas's enslaved people free. Today, Juneteenth serves as a reminder of the resilience of the Black community and the determination of activists like Fort Worth's Dr. Opal Lee, who advocated for federal recognition of the holiday.
While there are many ways to honor freedom throughout the month, you won't want to miss the special Juneteenth celebration festival happening at City Hall on Tuesday, June 9th, 3:30 – 5:30 PM. It's going to be a lively event filled with music, delicious food, and community spirit. Best of all, the city will honor the legendary "Grandmother of Juneteenth," Dr. Opal Lee, with a well-deserved special recognition.
Bring your family to City Hall to celebrate history, unity, and the ongoing journey toward freedom for everyone!
Have a wonderful, safe, and fun summer!
With humility and gratitude,
Jeanette Martinez
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JUNETEETH
Most City offices, including City Hall, will be closed Friday, June 19, for the Juneteenth holiday. Emergency services will be available as usual.
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School is out, and summer has arrived! Parents everywhere face the same dilemma: how to keep their kids engaged, active, and learning over the next couple of months. Fortunately, Fort Worth has several organizations offering summer programs designed to turn those empty calendar pages into an unforgettable adventure. Whether your child is an aspiring scientist, a crafty artist, or an outdoor enthusiast, local camps offer a variety of fun activities to shape confident children and future leaders.
Below is a list of summer camps and programs available in and near District 11. Please note that this is not a comprehensive list of all available programs.
Recreational Camps
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF GREATER TARRANT COUNTY | JUNE 1 – JULY 31
The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Tarrant County offers a wide range of programming designed to keep youth engaged throughout the summer. Participants can enjoy arts and crafts, STEM activities, sports leagues, academic enrichment, field trips, and workforce readiness opportunities while building friendships and staying active.
CAMP FORT WORTH | JUNE 8 – JULY 31
Camp Fort Worth provides children with a summer filled with new experiences, creative activities, and opportunities to build lasting friendships. Designed for youth ages 5–12, the program encourages campers to develop new skills, tackle challenges, and stay active throughout the summer.
YMCA CAMP CARTER | VARIOUS DATES
Located on 360 acres along the Trinity River, YMCA Camp Carter offers both day and overnight camp experiences designed to help youth build confidence, independence, and lasting friendships. Campers can enjoy outdoor adventures such as hiking, swimming, archery, canoeing, ropes courses, horseback riding, and nature exploration while developing new skills in a supportive environment.
Teen Leadership & Development
REC LEADER IN TRAINING | ORIENTATION JUNE 1 – 3; CAMP JUNE 8 – JULY 3
The Rec Leader in Training Program gives teens the opportunity to gain leadership skills and real-world work experience by assisting with daily Camp Fort Worth activities. Participants also take part in field trips, volunteer opportunities, and speaker sessions designed to prepare them for future employment and leadership roles.
CAMP FIRE TEENS IN ACTION SUMMER | JUNE 8 – JULY 23
Camp Fire’s Teens in Action Summer program helps middle and high school students explore future possibilities through leadership development, career exploration, and hands-on learning experiences. Participants engage with peers, discover STEAM-related opportunities, visit colleges and local destinations, and gain exposure to a variety of industries and career pathways.
CHAMP: GIRLS LEAD | JUNE 6 (4-weeks)
Designed for moms and daughters ages 8–12. Participants can join field trips and engage in confidence-building activities. Food, drinks, and snacks will be provided through sponsor support.
Creativity & Enrichment
THE WELMAN PROJECT | JUNE 1 – JULY 2
The Welman Project’s Wellie Wonder Camps invite youth ages 8–14 to explore creativity through hands-on maker projects inspired by weekly themes. Campers experiment with wood, metal, plastics, paper, fibers, and fabrics while learning new skills, solving problems, and bringing their ideas to life through creative reuse.
FORT WORTH AFTER-SCHOOL MUSIC ACADEMY | JUNE 22 – 26
The Fort Worth After School Music Academy offers students a full week of music instruction, creativity, and performance in a supportive and inspiring environment. Campers develop their musical skills through hands-on learning and conclude the week with a public concert performance on June 28.
GIRLS INC. OF TARRANT COUNTY | VARIOUS DATES IN JUNE
Girls Inc. of Tarrant County offers three week-long summer camp experiences tailored to elementary, middle, and high school students. Campers strengthen their writing skills, build confidence, explore their creativity, and work together to write, publish, and showcase their own original books.
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WELMAN PROJECT FINDS NEW HOME IN DISTRICT 11!
On May 19th, community members and local leaders gathered for a special ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially welcome the Welman Project to its historic new home: the iconic Kimbell Milling Company building located at 2109 S. Main St., Fort Worth, TX 76110.
The Welman Project’s new headquarters is now open to the public, spanning a staggering 25,000 square feet, five times larger than their previous location at 3950 W. Vickery Blvd. The larger Kimbell Milling Company building enables the organization to operate on an even greater scale, alleviating the space constraints experienced at the former property.
The non-profit described the move to the vacant historic property as an “opportunity to repurpose” that “aligns perfectly” with their mission to uplift creative minds by offering teachers free art supplies and affordable materials for the Fort Worth community. In their new home, the Welman Project expects to continue delivering impactful programming, including makerspace workshops and art classes, while also looking to offer new services.
The Welman Project is already accepting material donations by appointment only. Visit them online at thewelmanproject.org to explore their upcoming makerspace calendar, sign up for volunteer shifts, or learn more about teacher resources.
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UPCOMING DISTRICT 11 CAPITAL PROJECT MEETINGS
For District 11 residents, ensuring that our streets remain safe, modern, and accessible is one of our highest collective priorities. The City of Fort Worth is systematically addressing key mobility challenges across our neighborhoods through voter-approved bonds and federal grant money. We invite you to virtually attend three project update meetings designed to improve our neighborhoods and protect residents on their daily commutes.
Haltom Road Railroad Crossing Improvements
Virtual Meeting:
Monday, June 15, 2026 | 6 PM
Meeting Link: www.Webex.com select “Join”
Meeting number: 2554 081 4273
Meeting passcode: Railroad
View the project page.
Riverside, Oakhurst and East Fort Worth Water and Sewer Improvements
In-person Meeting:
Monday, June 18, 2026 | 6 PM - 7PM
Riverside Community Center
3700 E. Belknap, Fort Worth, TX 76111
View the project page.
Safe Routes to School - A.M. Pate Elementary
Virtual Meeting:
Monday, June 22, 2026 | 6 PM
Meeting Link: www.Webex.com select “Join”
Meeting number: 2555 566 4479
Meeting passcode: School
View the project page.
A complete list of capital projects is available here.
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CONGRATULATIONS FORT WORTH POLICE OFFICERS
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On May 14, the Fort Worth Police Department honored 37 officers during its promotional ceremony, recognizing the contributions of men and women who have shown exemplary dedication to service in our community. The ceremony included the promotion of two officers to assistant chief, three to deputy chief, three to commander, three to captain, seven to lieutenant, eight to sergeant, and eleven to detective.
Among the recognized officers was newly promoted South Division Commander John “Chancey” Pogue, who will serve in the role previously held by now-Deputy Chief Andre L. Smith. Commander Pogue has dedicated 24 years of service to the Fort Worth Police Department, holding positions in patrol, directed response, weapons range, reality-based training, air support, the Criminal Tracking Unit (CTU), and Special Weapons & Tactics (SWAT).
“I would like to say I am humbled and grateful for the opportunities that come with the new position,” Commander Pogue shared. “This position brings opportunity to act on behalf of our officers and the citizens of Fort Worth. We have to continue to build strong relationships that keep our city safe and moving in the right direction.”
Pogue continued, “I look forward to meeting the citizens and community leaders of the Southside and continuing to foster positive and progressive relationships.”
As South Division Commander, Pogue will leverage his extensive experience with FWPD to serve the diverse needs of residents. District 11 looks forward to working with Commander Pogue and appreciates his commitment to public safety, community partnership, and service to the Fort Worth community.
Congratulations officers!
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The City of Fort Worth is cracking down on reckless shooting. On May 12, 2026, a press conference was held to announce the launch of a new citywide safety campaign to reduce stray bullet incidents ahead of the summer. The educational campaign focuses on responsible gun ownership and underscores a strict zero-tolerance policy for illegal gunfire, aiming to protect residents from preventable violence.
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Learn how to stay safe during mosquito season. Read More.
Let us know your priorities for the FY2027 budget. Take the survey.
DFW to host FIFA World Cup 26™ matches from June 14 to July 14. Learn more.
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Summer Food Program for children. Learn more. Learn more.
Entrepreneurs and small business owners apply today! Learn more.
Celebrate the dedication of Henry’s Animal Campus with a summer adoption event. Learn more.
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Here are proposed zoning changes that will be coming before City Council in District 11 neighborhoods. To seize the opportunity for your voice to be heard, I encourage you to sign up for zoning notifications and attend upcoming Zoning Commission or the designated City Council Meetings. Learn more about the Zoning process here.
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See what programs are available at your local library!
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 See what is happening at your neighborhood Community Center!
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District 11 is home to a variety of organizations and businesses dedicated to providing the community with essential services and quality events throughout the year. Whether you’re looking for low-cost pet vaccinations, resource fairs, public safety updates, or tax assistance, there is something for every resident.
Click here to view a full list of upcoming events in and around District 11.
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My Fort Worth (MyFW) is the official app for residents and visitors to quickly and easily report issues to the City.
Users can provide a description, photos, and use a map-based location feature to submit issues like graffiti, missed garbage collection, potholes or high grass.
Requests will go directly to the appropriate city work team and users can follow the status of their report and receive notifications via the app.
Download the MyFW mobile app today: MyFW
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CITY CALL CENTER
Residents may call "3-1-1" and text "817311" to reach the City Call Center. 311 is a free nonemergency line, and can only be dialed from a wireless device within Fort Worth city limits.
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2-1-1 TEXAS
2-1-1 Texas, a program of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, is a free, 24-hour hotline that helps individuals connect with state and local health and human services programs.
No matter where you live in Texas, you can dial 2-1-1, or (877) 541-7905, and find information about various resources in your community such as food and housing assistance, child care, crisis counseling or substance abuse treatment.
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988 SUICIDE & CRISIS LIFELINE
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential support for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress – whether that is thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress.
People can call or text 988 or chat on the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for themselves or if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. You can reach a trained crisis counselor who can help, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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TEXAS EDUCATION FOR HOMELESS CHILDREN AND YOUTH (TEHCY) PROGRAM
The TEHCY Program leads the way in ensuring that all students experiencing homelessness in Texas have equal access to a free and quality education under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. TEHCY provides critical leadership, resources, and support to help schools meet the unique needs of McKinney-Vento eligible students.
TEHCY Support Hotline
Families and educators can call 1-855-85TEHCY (1-855-858-3429)
Hours: Monday–Friday, 7 AM –3:30 PM
Intake Form: TEHCY Support Intake
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