Weekly Updates April 7 to 13

WCIA Weekly Updates Header

Hello Welcoming Dallas partners and friends. Here are WCIA’s updates for April 7 to 13  

Para ver la edición en español, haga clic AQUÍ.

Yellow Rule - ShorterYellow Rule - Shorter
Leadership & Communication

1. Leadership & Communications

Dallas City Hall on the Go: Resource Events Across Dallas-

Dallas City Hall on the Go is a mobile unit designed to provide select city services at special events and locations throughout Dallas. With this convenient service, residents can access a variety of resources without having to visit City Hall in person. Whether you have questions about sanitation services, housing rights, or public safety, the mobile unit brings the solutions directly to your neighborhood. Click HERE for more information.

City of Dallas Press Release & Community Resources-

For the City’s English Press Release click HERE, for Spanish click HERE. For the City’s bilingual community resources click HERE.

Dallas’ Community Resource Hub Connects Residents with Free or Reduced-Cost Services

The Community Resources Welcoming Hub is an online service residents can access to find information, organizations, programs and services. The dashboard is divided into food, housing, goods, transit, health, money, care, education, work and legal. Residents can filter by zip code and topic to find the help they need. All services are low cost or free. Click HERE to access the Community Resource Hub.

Welcoming Community Resource List-

The City of Dallas, Office of Equity & Inclusion is sharing important information with residents. Click BILINGUAL FLYERS for more information.

Immigrant Legal Protection Resource Guide-

This resource is intended to support organizations, legal service providers, and allied partners working to protect and defend immigrant communities. Click HERE for the resources.

How To Dallas- Your Guide to the City

How To Dallas is *THE BEST* App if you’re new in town and ready to feel at home. With it you can discover new spots and everything Dallas has to offer- *especially* if you’re on a budget. Click HERE for more information and to get the App.

Thanks-Giving Foundation- 2025 Faith Times Calendar

The Faith times Calendar represents 33 local faiths. We hope it will be a helpful tool in planning and implementing activities that will enhance understanding, cooperation, and friendship among the people with whom you share time and space. Click HERE for the calendar.


Safe, Healthy & Connected Communities

2. Safe, Healthy & Connected Communities


Refugee & Immigrant Resource Fair- 9:00am to 2:00pm Saturday Apr 5

There will be a resource fair for refugees and immigrants at the NorthWest Community Center to assist them with signing up for public benefits, Marketplace health insurance, assistance with rent, utilities, internet, food, and more. See FLYER for more information.

It’s My Park Day- 9:00am to 12:00pm Saturday April 12

Help keep Dallas parks pristine and green. Partake in the following activities: flower planting, mulching, weeding, and litter/debris pickup. See FLYER for more information.

Easter Egg Drop- 11:00am to 2:00pm Saturday Apr. 12

Join Dallas Airport Systems for their Easter Egg Drop to unite families in the joyful Easter spirit with food, live entertainment, and activities filled with fun. See FLYER for more information.

Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics- 8:30am Thursday Apr 24

The Dallas Police Department is hosting the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics on Thursday, April 24, at 8:30 am. This event raises funds and awareness for local Special Olympics athletes.

No running required! You have the option to walk, volunteer, or just show up and cheer on participants and local athletes! FREE parking will be provided for registered participants. All proceeds support local Special Olympics athletes.

You may sign up using the link here DPD Torch Run 2025 Sign-up or the QR code on the flyer. For questions, please contact Lt. Kellie Renfro at kellie.renfro@dallaspolice.gov. See FLYER for more information.

Farm Fest & 5K Trail Run- 10:00am – 2:00pm Saturday April 26

Whether it’s goat Yoga, hayrides, kidz fun zone, outdoor adventure zone, petting zoo & pony rides, or outdoor movies or more, Farm Fest 2025 has so many fun activities adults and children will love. Click HERE for more information.

Reverchon Park Baseball Field Grand Opening- 10:00am Saturday Apr 26

Dallas Park and Recreation announces the grand opening of Reverchon Park’s Baseball Field. Come join the celebration. See FLYER for more information.

Intro to Salsa- Every Friday in April

Join The Oak Cliff Cultural Center for a series of dance classes and step into the world of Latin rhythm, movement, and joy. Designed for all skill levels, this class will guide you through the vibrant movements and steps of Salsa. Come learn about the roots of this popular dance style to understand, participate and take pride in Latin/Afro Caribbean rhythms. Click HERE for more information.

Dallas Live in the Park- 6:00 to 8:00pm Thursdays

This is a FREE music series bringing communities together with Arts in Our Parks. See FLYER for more information.

Dallas Camera Club- 90th Anniversary Exhibition

The Bath House Cultural Center is proud to present Dallas Camera Club 90th Anniversary Photograph Exhibition: Inspiring Photographers for 90 Years (1934–2024). This show celebrates the important milestone for this esteemed organization, highlighting the club’s longstanding contributions to the local arts community and its enduring dedication to the art of photography. Click HERE for more information.

Jessica Vollrath: “A good end” Solo Exhibition

The South Dallas Cultural Center and Pencil on Paper Gallery proudly present, A good end, a solo exhibition by Jessica Vollrath, opening on Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the South Dallas Cultural Center in the Arthello Beck Gallery. Click HERE for more information.

Community Egg Hunts-

Make plans to bring your family and join the fun at a community Egg Hunt. See BILINGUAL FLYER for more information.

Free First Aid Training & Certification- Sign up

Vickery Meadow Youth will be hosting a FREE First Aid/CPR/AED/Choking training with certification on June 4. The training will be available in both English and Spanish, with 25 spots available for each language. See BILINGUAL FLYER for more information.

Dallas College Student Care Network- Four Offices, One Purpose

The Student Care Network is made up of four departments at Dallas College: Student Care Coordination , Basic Needs and Community Connections , Counseling and Psychological Services , and Health Services .  These offices and work closely together as a team to support the whole student. Click HERE for more information.

Summer Palooza Dallas: Summer Camp for ages 5* to 12

Dallas Park and Recreation will be offering 9 weeks of recreation center summer camp beginning on Monday, June 2, 2025, and ending on Friday, August 1, 2025. Camps will run Monday - Friday from 7:30am to 5:30pm each day. Click HERE for more information and see FLYER.


Equitable Access

3. Equitable Access

AAA Texas Teen Driver Safety Class- 11:00am to 1:00pm Saturday Apr. 12

The City of Dallas Judiciary is partnering with AAA Texas to offer this Teen Driver Safety Class at Dallas Central Library. See FLYER for more information.

Mobile Food Pantry- 1:00 to 3:00pm, 3rd Wednesday of Every Month

The Mobile Community Pantry truck is headed your way with fresh fruit, vegetables, and other food items at no cost to you. For more information see BILINGUAL FLYERS.

Mobile Food Pantry: Volunteer Opportunity- 3rd Wednesday of Every Month

The Mobile Food Pantry needs volunteers to help with assembling food items into packages, distributing food packages, directing traffic, and more. Click HERE for more information.

Dallas College Drive-Thru & Community Pantry

Thanks to Dallas College and North Texas Food Bank, community members can access free food on campus during “Drive-Thru Pantry” and “Community Pantry” days. There is no need to register for either event. Click HERE for more information.

211 Texas-

211 Texas/United Way HELPLINE provides free and confidential information and referral services to those in need 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. For more information click HERE and see BILINGUAL FLYERS or dial 211 on your phone.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)-

It’s tax season and bilingual Volunteer Income Tax Assistance is available: Here are different providers:

Dallas Public Library- click HERE.

Dallas Community Tax-A-Thon- click HERE.

Dallas Community Tax Centers- click HERE &/or HERE.

United Way Tax Preparation- click HERE.

DallasNOW- Coming May 5, 2025

DallasNow will change the way the City of Dallas does Permitting, Planning, Platting, Inspections & Engineering! This new online system is user-friendly, transparent and efficient. Click HERE for more information.

Medicaid CHIP Application Assistance- Thursdays

Community Council in partnership with Vickery Meadow Development Foundation is providing this FREE service to residents. To signup up for Medicaid CHIP please bring the following documents: photo ID, Social Security Card(s), paystubs (3 most recent), proof of other income, proof of address. See BILINGUAL FLYER for more information.


Civic Engagement

4. Civic Engagement

Know Your Rights Information-

Vickery Meadow Youth Development Foundation (VMYDF) is committed to empowering the Vickery Meadow community with knowledge and resources. We’ve compiled materials from our Know Your Rights workshops into an easily accessible folder, available to the public. These resources cover important legal rights, advocacy tools, and practical guidance to help individuals and families navigate key issues. Access the folder HERE.

Public Meetings for Senior Services Strategic Plan-

The City of Dallas is seeking feedback as part of the Senior Strategic Plan, aimed at better understanding the needs of our community's older adults. Help us to make our community more age-friendly for all. The Senior Services Strategic Plan Survey is available in six languages: English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, and Amharic.

Transportation & Public Works Public Meetings & Input Opportunities-

The Dallas Department of Transportation and Public Works hosts public meetings to provide information and gather public input on current and future initiatives that impact transportation planning, traffic safety and mobility in Dallas.  Public meetings hosted by external agencies are posted with links to their respective transportation initiatives. Click HERE for more information.

Know Your Rights Forum & Resource Symposium- 9:00am to 12:00pm Saturday Apr 5

Conrad High School's Student Voter Empowerment Club, in collaboration with March to the Polls and VMYDF, will be hosting this forum, complete with a resource exchange, a panel with lawyers and community leaders, and quick 1-on-1 consultations with lawyers to answer any immigration questions they may have. See BILINGUAL FLYER for more information.


Education & Economic Opportunity

5. Education & Economic Opportunity

Dallas Works 2025- Internships Applications Mar. 31 to Apr. 28

Dallas Works is a comprehensive youth development program that provides young people from 16-21 with life-changing workforce readiness experiences. Over the years, the Mayor's Summer Employment Program has provided hundreds of young people with valuable summer employment opportunities. In 2025, in partnership with Mayor Eric L. Johnson, Dallas Works is powered by the ALL STARS PROJECT and will reach over 1,000 young people with career-focused learning opportunities and place over 100 youth from underserved communities in paid internships in local businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies. Click HERE for more information.

Connected Dallas April Calendar-

Get support with enrolling in Texas benefits, Lifeline, creating an email, printing, scanning and weekly classes to fit your online navigation needs! Click HERE for more information or see BILINGUAL FLYERS.

City of Dallas Cultural Organizations Program- Now Open for Applications

The CULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS PROGRAM (COP) is the support program through which the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture contracts for cultural services with established Dallas-based non-profit arts and culture organizations for a variety of cultural programs that include concerts, plays, exhibitions, performances, workshops and other cultural programming for the benefit of Dallas residents and visitors. These cultural service contracts are awarded annually using a review panel approach to evaluate applications. Program eligibility and review criteria are published annually. Click HERE for more information.

DISD New Student Registration-

All new immigrants, grades K- 12, who have never attended school in the United States, will be registered, oriented, and assessed at the Margaret and Gilbert Herrera International Welcome Center. Click HERE for more information.

Connected Futures: Laptop & Hotspot Lending Program-

The Connected Futures Program offers eligible Dallas residents the opportunity to borrow a laptop and hotspot for six months, providing the tools needed to enhance digital skills, apply for jobs, access online resources, and stay connected- all with personalized support throughout the program. See BILINGUAL FLYERS for more information.

Arts & Culture Employment-

The Office of Arts and Culture is a division of the City Manager’s Office of the City of Dallas.  Employment opportunities are published on the City’s job portal which can be found at www.DallasCityHall.com or by clicking HERE.

Wilkinson Center Career Programs-

Wilkinson Center’s mission is to transform the lives of Dallas families by providing pathways to self-sufficiency with dignity and respect. They fulfill that mission by helping families face critical life challenges, including food insecurity, lack of education, economic instability, unemployment, and underemployment. Wilkinson Center is offering several programs to empower residents and transform lives. They are as follows: 1) Achieve Your Dreams, 2) High School Equivalency (GED), 3) Employment or Career Technical Training, 4)  Teacher Assistant, 5) Phlebotomy Technician, and 6) Forklift & Inventory Logistics. Click HERE for their Food Pantry. All information is in English & Spanish.   

Dallas Police Department Careers-

On behalf of the men and women of the Dallas Police Department, thank you for your interest in becoming a member of this exceptional organization! The Dallas Police Department provides police services to more than 1.3 million residents in a ci​ty occupying 3​85 square miles, and we are dedicated to recruiting, hiring, and training a highly skilled and qualified organization that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. Our department offers a wide range of assignments and more opportunities for advancement and professional development than other agencies. Click HERE for more information and recruiting schedule.

Dallas College Work Ready-

For the program preview see FLYER.

Dallas Fire-Rescue Careers-

Become the greatness you’ve always dreamt to be. We strive to provide the citizens of Dallas the most effective and rapid emergency, fire, rescue and prevention services. Click HERE for more information.

DART Careers-

We continually seek talented individuals to fill roles in all levels and areas, from Operations to Administration. Explore great careers that let you make a difference to our riders and the North Texas community. Click HERE for more information.

Dallas Love Field Careers-

Employment is available through the City of Dallas, airport concessions or a number of other tenants. Click HERE for more information.

DFW Airport Careers-

DFW Airport is an employment hub for the North Texas community. The Airport supports the employment of over 228,000 people and more than 2,000 are directly employed by the Airport’s Board. From recruiting talented individuals to fueling their personal and professional growth, DFW is committed to investing in its employees and their families. Click HERE for more information.

Dallas Water Utility Careers-

Interested in working for the City of Dallas Water Utilities? Click HERE for the listing of open positions.

City of Dallas Careers-

The City of Dallas is one of the largest employers in the DFW Metroplex. We offer growth opportunities and a chance to make a difference in our community. A competitive salary, five-year vested pension plan, great benefits package that includes health, vision and dental insurance, pet insurance, tuition reimbursement, qualifying childcare assistance, paid time off and more. Join our diverse workforce and help us in providing excellent service to the residents of Dallas while building a rewarding career. Click HERE for more information.

Dallas County Careers-

Dallas County employment division provides recruitment, screening, selection, and placement services to County Offices/Departments. Whether you’re a seasoned professional, ready to apply your expertise to the next challenge, or a new member of the workforce researching career options, we invite you to explore our job opportunities. Click HERE for more information.

Vickery Meadow Youth Development Foundation is Hiring-

VMYDF is growing, and we’re looking for passionate change makers to join us! If you’re dedicated to supporting youth, building community, and making a lasting impact, we have THREE exciting opportunities for you:

 College Success Coordinator (Full-time) – Help students navigate their path to higher education and career success.

 Summer Assistant Director (Temporary) – Lead and support impactful programming that equips young people with essential skills.

 Summer AmeriCorps Intern (Temporary) – Gain hands-on experience in youth development, mentorship, and community engagement.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring leader looking to make a difference, we want to hear from you!

 Competitive benefits & meaningful work

 Hands-on experience in youth development

 A chance to change lives while growing your career

 Apply today and be part of something bigger! Learn more & submit your application on our website at: www.vmydf.com/careers or www.vmydf.com/summerinternship

Tent’s Mentorship Program for Refugees

The Tent Partnership for Refugees, a network of over 400 major companies committed to connecting refugees to work worldwide, runs a professional mentorship program for refugees in the U.S. where refugee mentees are individually paired with a mentor from a major company (e.g. Hilton, Pfizer, PayPal) with a similar professional background. The goal of Tent’s mentorship program is to help mentees better navigate the U.S. job market and advance in their careers. There is no fee to join this mentorship program, and all forcibly displaced migrants in the U.S. are eligible to participate, including asylum seekers, asylees, humanitarian parolees, refugees, TPS holders, and victims of human trafficking. Refugees who speak English or Spanish are eligible to participate.

For organizations interested in referring their refugee clients to Tent’s refugee mentorship programs, please email us at mentorship@tent.orgNGOs who email us will receive email templates, draft social media posts, and flyers (available in English and Spanish) that would make it easy for them to share information about the mentorship programs with their refugee clients. These resources contain a link to a brief registration form that refugees need to complete to sign up, and Tent uses this information to match them with a mentor based on similar professional interests.

For organizations looking to connect their refugee clients to work opportunities, Tent would also be happy to co-host any hiring events with local organizations. We’ve successfully co-hosted dozens of refugee hiring events across the country in partnership with city governments and local NGOs. While local organizations take the lead on planning the event and inviting refugee candidates, we can invite our 200+ Tent U.S. members to participate and lead an information session on best practices for recruiting refugee talent for participating recruiters. Please connect with jacqueline@tent.org and yaron@tent.org if your organization would like to explore co-hosting a hiring event with Tent.

Upwardly Global-

Upwardly Global is reaching out with some good news during this challenging time. We're pleased to share that we've recently updated and expanded our eligibility criteria making it possible to serve even more work-authorized newcomers to rebuild and restart their professional careers in the U.S. This new update means that a broader range of immigrants and refugees can now access our free, personalized career coaching and comprehensive job readiness training. 

Here are the key eligibility changes: 

  • We will now serve people who have lived in the U.S. up to 10 years (adjusted from 7 years)
  • Applicants may be based anywhere in the U.S. – no limitations on states served
  • Newcomers who have held prior U.S. work experience will also be eligible
  • We have expanded the range of eligible visa categories, please see here the full list of eligible visas

Upwardly Global is committed to continue serving newcomers with: 

  • One-on-one career coaching tailored to each job seeker’s unique needs
  • Job-readiness training, including resume building and interview preparation
  • Access to networking events with top U.S. employers and industry-specific career services
  • Access to top-rated certifications & upskilling programs

We believe these new expanded criteria, open more doors to serve newcomers during this challenging time for newcomer communities. If you have any questions or need further details on the updated criteria please email: abelm@upwardlyglobal.org. You can also visit our website for the latest on these and any other future updates. Also, see FLYER.  

The Office of Equity & Inclusion 

Our mission is to advance equity, inclusion, and social justice so all Dallasites can thrive. The office relies on the use of disaggregated data, community outreach, and resident voices to support the City of Dallas in understanding and addressing disparities to improve outcomes for all residents. Below are the four divisions of the Office of Equity & Inclusion. Click on them to learn more.

1) Welcoming Communities & Immigrant Affairs-

Promotes the economic, civic, and social engagement of immigrants and refugees residing in Dallas.

2) Fair Housing-

Further fair housing through community outreach and addressing systemic barriers to fair resource distribution, access to services, and opportunities. It also properly investigates housing discrimination complaints. 

3) Equity-

Reduces disparities and increases opportunities for all residents by providing the necessary resources and services to thrive in each person’s own unique identities, circumstances, and histories.

4) Human Rights-

Promotes social justice and ensures equitable access to services among Dallas' diverse communities.


City of Dallas Calendar & Events

Did you know that the City of Dallas has a public calendar with updated events? For a complete listing of the City’s calendar and events click HERE. Save it in your favorites for easy access!

City of Dallas Communications and Customer Service/311 (CCX)

The City of Dallas Communications & Customer Experience/311 Department's mission is to effectively engage with the diverse communities of Dallas through strategic communication, innovative outreach, and impactful marketing initiatives. Check out the CCX website for more information. 

Dallas 311: Service Request

Dallas 311 allows City of Dallas residents and visitors to request City services. Submit and track your service request on the website or by downloading the Dallas 311 mobile app. Create a free login account and view detailed service request updates online or via the mobile app.

Dallas Police Department

The Police Department is dedicated to serving the people of Dallas and strives to reduce crime and provide a safe city. The hotline: 877-373-8477.

Water Utilities

Customers with questions regarding their account may contact DWU Customer Service at 214-651-1441 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For questions regarding DallasGo, customers may read FAQs at Dallas.gov/DallasGo or email their inquiries to Dallasgo@dallas.gov. Check the website for more information.

Sanitation Services

The Department of Sanitation Services is all about Keeping Our Dallas Neighborhoods Clean and Clutter Free. Check the website for more information.

Animal Services

Our vision is to lead the nation in compassionate care of animals while finding positive outcomes for all placeable pets through innovative shelter operations and community engagement. Check the website for more information. 


Employment Opportunities

The City of Dallas is one of the largest employers in the DFW Metroplex. We offer growth opportunities and a chance to make a difference in our community. Join our diverse workforce and help us in providing excellent service to the residents of Dallas while building a rewarding career. Check the website for more information.

Planning & Development

This site is for all your zoning, permits, inspections and more. 

Code Compliance

The City of Dallas Code Compliance Department consists of three divisions: Neighborhood Code, Nuisance Abatement, and Consumer Health.  Code Compliance ensures city codes, and ordinances are maintained, so Dallas continues to be a clean and safe city. Code Compliance does this by working with neighborhoods by providing education and building partnerships with non-profits, neighborhood associations, and other City of Dallas departments.


Dallas Public Library

Limitless possibilities start with Dallas Public Library. Our mission is to strengthen communities and build equity by connecting people, inspiring curiosity and advancing lives.


Office of Arts & Culture

The City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture (OAC) fosters support, partnerships, and opportunities for Dallas residents, visitors, artists, and arts and cultural organizations.

 

Office of Community Care

The Office of Community Care (OCC) provides direction and oversight of the City’s social, human, and supportive services to help create equity for seniors, children, and other city of Dallas residents to improve their quality and standard of living.

 

Office of Homeless Solutions

The Office of Homeless Solutions was designed to be the change agents in the homeless community. With the help of partnering organizations and community members like you, we offer strategic initiatives and street outreach to overcome homelessness throughout the city by implementing initiatives with consistency, transparency, and accountability. Our innovative solutions ensure our homeless neighbors receive food, shelter, housing, help to overcome barriers, and opportunities for a better life. We seek to provide public and private partners with the tools, resources, and opportunities to join the cause and help unsheltered individuals in our community.

 

Boards & Commissions

The Mayor and City Council are​ very interested in you serving as a member of a City of Dallas Board or Commission. As an interested resident and community leader, you can provide invaluable service to the City of Dallas through your membership​​ and participation. Board and Commission members volunteer many hours annually sharing their time and expertise and enjoy learning more about the City through their membership.