Leadership Makes A Difference

^"I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” - John 17:22-23 (NIV)

Dallas, the glamorous hub of North Texas has a problem. The city with one of the most vibrant economies in the world has 24% of its population living below the poverty line. Real problems of unsafe neighborhoods, mass incarceration, poor schools, and racial divisions are eating away at the fabric of our City. Community programs  and financial investment alone can not solve “the problem.” 

“The problem” we want to address is a leadership problem. Without effective leadership, long-term solutions to these challenges in our communities are beyond reach. The unity that Jesus prays for in John 17 will not happen without leadership that reflects Him. We need “Christian community leaders.” Leaders from within the community who are solution finders that are equipped, networked, and resourced so they can effect sustainable change.

Your support helps Dallas Leadership Foundation develop leaders that unify their communities as they bring positive impact and create sustainable change.  For example:

           

·       Over 700 students were reached through our in-school programs this year with a 97% on-time graduation rate. Leadership made the difference.

·       Violent crime dropped 41% in our target neighborhoods. We doubled our leadership training and coaching during 2013 & 2014. Leadership made the difference.

                                                                                      

·       Dallas County has a recidivism rate of 63%. Dallas Leadership Foundation served over 700 men at Hutchins State Jail. Those who completed DLF’s program had  a recidivism of 6.7%; 93.3% success rate! Leadership made the difference.

A Young Champion

Fernando Hernandez is a very determined 13-year-old boy who trains at Dallas Leadership
Foundation’s Ring of Hope Boxing Club everyday. After learning about the club from his
mother, Fernando took up boxing and fell in love with the sport. Since then the gym has
become a second home for him as he learns boxing techniques, discipline, and perseverance.
Fernando’s perseverance paid off when he won his first Ringside World Tournament
Championship title in Kansas City, MO. After first losing the match the prior year, he was
determined to win the next time.

Fernando is also an eighth grade student at J. L. Long Middle School in East Dallas and
shows the same discipline with his studies that he does with boxing. Everyday he goes
home to first complete his homework before he goes to the gym. Fernando understands
the value of DLF’s Ring of Hope Club and stated, “A lot of kids out there are doing nothing
…the Ring of Hope gym provides an opportunity for kids to accomplish something… it
means a lot to us.”

Lead Change Anniversary Dinner

Celebrate changed lives and changed communities!

We are  pleased to announce our upcoming 19th Anniversary "Lead Change" Dinner to be held on Thursday, October 2, 2014 at the Aldredge House located in one of Dallas' premier historical neighborhoods.

 

We invite you to join us! Last year’s event was a great success, and we anticipate this year’s benefit will be just as successful in drawing partners to learn about how Dallas Leadership Foundation is improving lives and leading change in Dallas.

The annual benefit begins at six-thirty with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres followed by dinner at at seven o’clock. The evening’s program will include festive music with highlights of our accomplishments recognizing leaders who have significantly contributed to our work among those in need. We will conclude the evening with special acknowledgements.

The Lead Change Anniversary Dinner offers a variety of sponsorship packages detailed on our website. Please visit www.dlftx.org or call 214.777.5520 to purchase tickets and for more information.

Don’t miss out on this fabulous opportunity to celebrate hope with those who have been “leading change” in our community!

"Changed Youth" Change Youth

Lauren Mora, student mentor at Woodrow Wilson High School.

Lauren Mora and Isobel Cabato were trained through our Power Lunch peer-to-peer mentorship program last year. As 11^th graders at Woodrow Wilson High School this year, they are ready to lead change within their generation.

According to Lauren, “Kids need to know that being mentored can benefit them and their futures. Mentors provide a safe place for them to express themselves and gain more knowledge about life, school, and relationships. Students need mentors to motivate and guide them.”

Isobel Cabato, student mentor at Woodrow Wilson
 High School.

Dallas Leadership Foundation’s Power Lunch program has two tracks. Weekly, adult mentors enter one of the 10 schools DLF is serving and use a life skills curriculum to facilitate discussions during lunch times. Mentors arrive at the schools with pizza and engage students on such topics as “How to improve grades” and “How to resolve conflict.” Concurrently, adult mentors hold training sessions for students on how to mentor their peers.

        YLM Director, Robert Triggs,  with PL students at Evolution Academy.

Isobel said, “I have always believed in Paul Shane Spear's ‘As one person I cannot change the world, but I can change the world of one person.’ The peer-to-peer training enhanced my understanding about student behavior in class and how mentors can change others. A student is more comfortable talking to another student rather than an adult, especially a teacher, because students understand each other.”

Teachers and faculty members at the 10 schools DLF is serving have welcomed DLF’s Power Lunch program because they see tremendous value in having students mentored. Denise Tucker, Director for the Academy of Finance at Woodrow Wilson High School, gave feedback from last year’s Power Lunch program  this way, “The student mentors were excited and they received amazing training from Dallas Leadership Foundation. Sometimes as adult mentors and teachers, we become parents; sometimes a student’s parents are not in the picture. Mentoring is a huge way to help them envision what could possibly be the future for them.”

Students in Power Lunch at Long Middle School.

When asked about their feelings regarding this year’s Power Lunch, Lauren said, “I am so excited! I'm looking forward to seeing each and everyone of the mentees grow and gain confidence in themselves. I am big on being comfortable in your own skin and where you come from, and just to be part of a program that allows me to help with these types of things is just such a blessing to me.”  Isobel added, “I am looking forward to this year's program. I am looking forward to what the program will bring to the students and how the program will benefit the mentees and the mentors. I am also looking forward to the free food.”

The Hernandez Family is Blessed with the Change They Needed

The Hernandez family wanted to paint their house but could not afford it. So when Ms. Marilyn Cox, president of their Wynnewood Heights neighborhood association told them that she had recommended them to receive home renovation services during Dallas Leadership Foundation's annual Celebration of Hope community workday, they were elated!  Since 1998, DLF has provided pro bono home repairs for hundreds of Dallas residents living in North, South, East, and West Dallas through Celebration of Hope.

Volunteers renovate a home in North Dallas during Celebration of Hope 2014.

During the annual event, residents and volunteers came together  to labor on behalf of others. Hundreds from all over Dallas demonstrated goodwill through compassionate community service.

As we met with Mr. and Mrs. Hernandez to discuss how they felt about the work we did on their house, they were very appreciative. Mrs. Hernandez was choked up with emotion while she explained what the help meant to her family:

"The Celebration of Hope program provided a lot of help for us. Since we are a low-income household, we didn’t have enough money to buy all that we wanted. We couldn’t afford the paint, brushes, etc. necessary to paint our house." 

The Hernandez family needed changes made to their home but did not have the means at the time. Help DLF continue to lead change by helping neighbors at their point of need.  

Alendra is Leading Change in Mill City

Alendra Lyons at Paul L. Dunbar preparing for the first week of School.

When people talk about Mill City, a small neighborhood located in south Dallas with a population of 665, it’s often in negative terms. Drug traffic, crime, unemployment, and housing deterioration are said problems in an area within walking distance of Fair Park.  With 79.1% of the population having an income below $25,000, a sense of despair has gripped many residents. But not Alendra Lyons, a former resident who has moved back and is fighting for change to occur in Mill City.

Alendra’s attachment to Mill City is personal.  She grew up in this small Dallas neighborhood and views it through loving lens. After years of living in other parts of Dallas and pursuing a career in education, Alendra decided to move back into the very house she grew-up in. Her decision was based in part on a trend common in many American neighborhoods.

An abandoned building in the Mill City neighborhood.

 

A generation of homeowners have died while their adult children, who live elsewhere, have no interest in returning to the community they grew up in. The result is a void in leadership. Homeowners who maintained their properties, business owners who stimulated the local economy, and community leaders who served residents are absent. 

Paul L. Dunbar Elementary School.

Alendra has not just moved back into her family’s house, she has also taken a job at the school she attended as a child, Paul L. Dunbar Elementary School. She sees education as the key to changing Mill City. Promoting literacy within her community, she encourages students to seize opportunities to learn and even lives next to a "Take a Book, Leave a Book" mini library. Alendra is actively engaged in the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and is the main faculty contact for parents.

Alendra Lyons posing next to Mill City's book exchange box.

With a crack house next door, she soon realized that change wouldn’t occur overnight and that she needed help from the outside. As president of the neighborhood association, she extended an invitation to Dallas Leadership Foundation to partner with the Mill City Neighborhood Association. 
 

Since 2013, Dallas Leadership Foundation has partnered with Alendra on home renovation projects performed during our annual work day Celebration of Hope, strategic plans for long-term restoration, collaborative initiatives with other south Dallas neighborhood associations, and other services beneficial to low-income residents.

With fond memories of growing up in Mill City when times were better, Alendra is leading the change she wants to see in her community.

Alendra Lyons posing during DLF's Celebration of Hope' 14.

Teachers and Students Swap Roles For A Day

Perhaps the most influential factor in effective leading is effective following. All leaders were once followers. Sometimes the best way to develop leaders is to ignite their passion and restore

their confidence.

Just in time for a new school year, Dallas Leadership Foundation hosted a Teacher Professional Development Day in collaboration with the Irving Independent School District’s F.M. Gilbert Elementary School at our Ring of Hope Boxing Club for youth. The purpose was to motivate teachers and students.  Empowering educators to be more effective in teaching begins with helping them remember what it means to be a student while empowering students requires helping them to see their potential.  During the event, “kids got to be teachers and teachers got to be learners.  We wanted to get teachers out of their comfort zones to remember what it is like to be a student,” said Jamie MacDougall,  a teacher at Gilbert Elementary School and the visionary behind the event.

The entire day was a huge success! Faculty members were inspired to think differently about how they approach students, students were empowered to be more confident as they taught skills to adults, and teachers were encouraged to develop a new appreciation for students who struggle to acquire knowledge.  Approximately 80 teachers learned the basics of boxing, developed skills at using speed bags and punching bags, had their endurance tested, and engaged in shadow boxing taught by students.

As the 2014  school year begins,  teachers at Gilbert Elementary School are returning to classrooms more empathetic while students participating in our Ring of Hope gym are returning to their schools more confident.  All are leaders positioned for success.

Marvin Found A Reason To Live

After experiencing divorce and losing contact with his children, Marvin Yeager became depressed and started using drugs. "It was a really dark time for me" Marvin recalled. "I hung out with the wrong crowd. I quit caring about everything."  

Marvin’s life was out of control and his activities led to his arrest and imprisonment. By the time Marvin came to Hutchins State Jail, he was depressed and at an all-time low, “I didn’t want to live anymore,” he said. Without a reason to live, he asked the guards to put him in an area where he could not harm himself.  But instead of the requested area, the guards told Marvin that he was being moved to one of Dallas Leadership Foundation’s Faith-Based Dormitories (FBD).

A fellow inmate named Robert Castillo had previously told Marvin about the FBD program and introduced him to James Reed.  Marvin told James, “I’ve never been involved with God or anything. I’ve never opened the Bible.”  James told Marvin “God is going to change your life.” James’s words turned out to be prophetic.

Marvin’s experience in the dorm was so pleasant that it did not seem like he was still in prison. Everybody was nice to him and the environment was spiritually uplifting. Eventually Marvin prayed, “God if you’re real, save my life.”  Marvin’s outlook on life began to change with a newfound faith and a sense of purpose, “God gave me a reason to live. I learned whom God was while in the dorm. I thank God for putting me in prison and the FBD.” Marvin left prison energized with a new lease on life.

Upon his release, Marvin entered Dallas Leadership Foundation’s “Onesimus House,” a transitional facility for previously incarcerated men. Oftentimes, many former inmates struggle to find employment, overcome addictions and avoid former associations. With few job opportunities, family pressures and often a lack of skills, former prisoners can backslide. Onesimus House is a safe haven to ensure successful re-entry back into society.

While at Onesimus House, Marvin received resources to help with the re-entry process and assistance in finding employment. He also served in one of DLF’s target communities, the Jubilee Park neighborhood, during one of DLF’s Celebration of Hope community workdays. Marvin, who has plumbing experience, started doing odd jobs within that community. The Jubilee Park & Community Center staff were so impressed with Marvin that one day the Facility Manager called Marvin and offered him a job as their Facilities Assistant. Marvin has worked at Jubilee Park since 2012 and loves his job.

Marvin also joined Skillman Church of Christ in East Dallas and became an active member. The congregation at Skillman embraced Marvin like a brother. “I love going to church. I have best friends there. We just love on each other,” Marvin said while describing the warmth he feels at the church.

He loves life and takes care of himself by eating right, exercising, and running races for charitable causes. He cherishes the air he breathes and celebrates every moment. The same man who once wanted to end his life saw his life changed while in prison and summarizes the change as, “life means so much to me now.”

A Couple's Decision to Change Brought Healing

Manuel Bradley was a hurting man.  With a $1,000-a-day cocaine habit, he stayed on drugs 24 hours a day to dull the pain he felt. While living on the street, someone invited him to Dallas Leadership Foundation's weekly "Thursday Night Thrive" fellowship for the previously incarcerated at Smokey John’s Restaurant. Once he learned that the meal was free, he jumped at the chance to attend. During that visit, he met our Church Prison Collaborative Director James Reed for the first time and enjoyed the entire evening.  Although he still used drugs and was in and out of jail, Manuel continued to visit TNT at Smokey John’s BBQ restaurant and stated, “James always made me feel welcome.”

While at a crack house, Manuel met Grace, a woman who was trying to dull her own pain. Prior to meeting Manuel, she was living with an abusive man.  Life with him was so awful that she  turned to drugs to escape.  Grace later explained her mindset this way, “I tried to cope with my depression by getting high…I just wanted the pain to go away.” Manuel felt an instant connection to Grace, and they began to see a lot of each other. Over the years, he would refer to her as being his “angel,” and credit her for keeping him alive. One day while Manuel and Grace were driving, they were stopped by the police, charged with drug possession and arrested.  

Upon their release from jail, they both decided to make some changes to their lives. They relocated to a neighborhood not known for drug traffic and started attending a local church.  It was at this church that Manuel heard God tell him, “if you stop, you’ll be delivered." Manuel stopped using drugs that very day. According to Manuel, “when I really believed that God had delivered me, I started to live better.” Manuel and Grace stopped using drugs and spending time with people who used drugs. They also started volunteering at their church and made new friends. They became radical about not falling back into their former lifestyles. Instead of spending their paychecks on drugs, they would go shopping for other things.  And the couple took pride in paying all of their bills early and developing a good credit score.

Manuel deepened his association with James by not only attending the fellowship at Smokey John’s, but also serving at our faith-based dorms at Hutchins State Jail. It was during that time that James advised Manual to marry Grace. Within a month, the couple got married and James officiated at a small ceremony at Dallas Leadership Foundation.

The Bradleys have been off drugs for four years and LEAD CHANGE in the lives of other hurting people. They serve with Dallas Leadership Foundation at our faith-based dorms at Hutchins State Jail and our weekly TNT fellowship at Smokey John’s. Individuals who once said “I got tired of hurting” are no longer in pain.

A MENTOR TOOK THE LEAD TO CHANGE SADE'S LIFE. NOW SADE IS LEADING CHANGE IN OTHER LIVES.

18 year-old Sade Bluitt has been interning at Dallas Leadership Foundation’s Spark Summer Leadership Camp for free this summer. As a middle child within a family of six children and raised by a single parent, Sade understands what it means to share and to serve. Coincidentally, although she is unfamiliar with her namesake, famous singer “Sade,” she has similar class and charm. And, as a recent graduate from Cornerstone Crossroads Academy, she is poised for success as an up and coming leader.

With humility, Sade credits the adult leaders serving within Dallas Leadership Foundation’s Youth Leadership Movement (YLM) and its’ annual Spark Summer Leadership Camp with helping her develop as a leader. She attended the camp for two summers consecutively as a high school freshman and sophomore. During that time, she learned about videography, participated in the talent shows, wrote song lyrics, and grew spiritually.  With a strong spiritual thirst, she stated, “I like to learn about God, I like to learn about God in music, and everything related to God…”

The impact made on Sade at the camp resulted in a mentor-mentee relationship with Mr. Adrian McConnell, one of the main youth leaders at the camp.

Taking her under his wing during the school year, Mr. McConnell involved Sade in the YLM’s Power Lunch program as a leader this past school year. Power Lunch is our high school program for teens using a life-skills curriculum facilitated during lunchtime. Students attend voluntarily and receive hot pizza as they listen to facilitators and discuss topics. As a student herself, Sade willingly volunteered to help her classmates during their lunchtimes.

As a senior, Sade was well rounded with her favorite high school subjects being math, art, and music. She also played the clarinet in the school’s marching band. Somehow, in addition to keeping her grades up and volunteering, she also managed to prepare for a nursing career. So when she graduated with her high school diploma this past May, she also received her certified nursing assistant (CNA) credential.  Sade will attend college this fall, and then nursing school, to ultimately become a registered nurse (RN). Without a doubt, she will continue to lead by serving others. A young leader positioned for great success!

Expect the Unexpected

Wow, it doesn’t seem like it’s possible but 1 year ago I was in New York anxiously awaiting to figure out what it was that I was getting into. I was about to meet other young adults who had the same passion and desire as I did, a passion and desire to serve God and enter into ministry. 3 weeks of training went by and we were commissioned as the class of 2013 and now it’s mid July 2014, which means, I have been serving with the Dallas Leadership Foundation in Dallas, TX for almost a year now (later blog to come as to what’s happened in the year since I have been in Texas). Yeah, coming to Texas was never on my radar until God placed the opportunity in front of me and decided to send me to Texas, so you can definitely say that it was the unexpected.

It seems to me like that’s how God is, He is always full of surprises and when you think you have life figured out, He will toss you a curve ball that you never expected. Expect the unexpected and expect great things from God.

Now that I am almost 1 year into my ministry assignment, I am finding myself wondering, “what’s next?” even though I still have a year left where I am. While I may not know all the answers and I may not currently know what’s next, I do realize that God is putting things on my mind as to what may possibly be next and all I can say right now is that it truly is the “unexpected” since one possible path is one that I have been saying “no” to since I started this ministry journey but lately, God has been stirring things inside me which may change that “no” to a “yes”.

So, expect the unexpected when God's involved in the picture and expect great things from God since His plan is always great and while we may not see the bigger picture, He will reveal to us just the right amount that we need to see and place us where we need to be.

- Hayley Terrell, DLF Intern

The Power of Unity

There is something amazing that occurs when people unite. It is a chemical reaction between people and life experiences that creates the product of hope. Celebration of Hope, hosted annually by Dallas Leadership Foundation, was nothing less. They unite with partners from around the city and together they bring hope to the less fortunate in the city. But, this event not only blesses the less fortunate but it also blesses the volunteers as well, making the event even more powerful. 

Before the sun was up and the city was awake, Dallas residents joined Dallas Leadership Foundation in setting up tables, signs, and tools. Then at 7 am, the volunteers began to arrive. Although it was early in the morning, the atmosphere was joyful. You could feel the positive energy from everyone. After the volunteers registered, they were given a substantial breakfast consisting of bagels, yogurt, and fruit. Then, everyone circled up for a word of prayer. To those in the circle it was a simple prayer. But, to those who witnessed it from the outside, it was a circle of unity between all races, all ages, and both sexes. It is  truly refreshing to be reminded of our true purpose, and what we as people have in common. To be reminded that there is more to life than what we know, ‘or what we think we know.'

After the circle up, everyone met up with their leaders to begin their day of work. The day went by peacefully and swiftly. Everyone worked cooperatively with each other. But, most importantly our event brought hope and love to others.

It is amazing what we can do in this day and age. When so many things go wrong and so many people are filled with despair from warfare, poverty, sickness, and personal esteem. We may not have healed the entire world with our works that Saturday, but we believe that Jesus has a plan for the future of this world and that we can help one person at a time. Jesus is what we have to hope for, and Jesus is who we work for.

Be blessed.

- Guest blogger Allison Hall

History of our FBDI at Hutchins State Jail

In 2006, Alpha Ministries Inc. (a national prison advocacy organization) began requesting proposals from Dallas organizations to establish a Texas Faith-Based Dormitory Initiative (FBDI) within Hutchins State Jail. After meeting for four months, Dallas Leadership Foundation was chosen by Alpha Ministries to establish the dorm in collaboration with numerous other churches and community and faith-based organizations. 

DLF and all of the participating organizations were united in their desire to see incarcerated men and women come to know Christ and equipped to return to society. After years of assisting inmates to walk with Christ and continue their rehabilitation within the larger population despite the challenges, the advocates for prison ministry now had just the right venue to focus their outreach efforts.  

DLF CPC director James   Reed and Ministries 101 director Chuck Adair began to promote the FBDI to prisoners by going door-to-door and talking to them within their cells, distributing flyers about the program, and encouraging them to submit applications. Approximately 200 prisoners applied and 70 were selected after meeting the necessary criteria (Including no more than 9 months left on their sentence, no gang involvement, average mental health, etc.).

Partners such as Skillman Church of Christ provided resources to address cognitive thinking, Anthems offered a strong parenting curriculum, Lovers Lane United Methodist Church and Preston wood Baptist Church provided spiritual development material, The Called One included a strong substance abuse component, and DLF added teaching on social integration.

Having a biblically based curriculum structured on a 6-week rotation for a 9-month period, the program was implemented at both Hutchins State Jail (all male) and Dawson State Jail (all female) in June 2007.

On June 7, 2014, CPC will celebrate the seventh anniversary of the opening of the Faith-Based Dorm Initiative.

If you would like to receive more information, please contact James Reed at 214.777.5520.

It's All About Forgiveness

Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. - Luke 23:34 (NIV)

Listen to Jesus.  Notice “Father” is the very first word that comes out of His mouth at the onset of intense physical and emotional pain.  Jesus doesn’t call down fire and brimstone He calls on the Father.  Instructive.  Secondly, Jesus sets the tone of the crucifixion in His first words…its about forgiveness.  It was about forgiveness from the beginning, when His mission was bringing joy during His first recorded miracle and Jesus turned water into wine, it was about forgiveness.  When Jesus healed the man with the withered hand, it was about forgiveness. When He taught the multitude at the Lake of Gennesaret, it was about forgiveness. When Jesus told Mary that He is the resurrection, it was about forgiveness, When Jesus prayed all night so hard that he began to sweat drops of blood and His disciples couldn’t stay awake to comfort Him, it was about forgiveness. Even when Judas showed up at Jesus’ camp with hundreds of soldiers and gave Jesus the kiss of death, it was still about forgiveness. 

With Jesus, it was about forgiveness from the beginning. Despite the great pain of the nails in His hands, or the searing pain of the spike through His feet, or piercing pain of the spear in His side; Jesus does not take a detour of anger, hate or revenge. He just forgives. 

Why, maybe because He can see our pain through His pain. Why, maybe because His love is so great He can help but think of others first.  Why, maybe because He knows to do what His Father told Him.  Why, maybe because He so desires to right our broken relationship with the Father that He will do anything to repair it.  Probably all those are true.

Since He did all that for us.  Since He voluntarily left eternity for the confines of time.  Since He gave up ever expanding ubiquity to be wrapped in the diminished space of flesh.  Couldn’t we accept this wonderful gift called “forgiveness?” Can’t we just say thank you Jesus?  Shouldn’t we accept that He made our relationship right and move on to fulfill our call in Him?  Couldn’t we just know that He is the perfect sacrifice and He needs no assistance from us to finish His work? Do we need to increase Jesus’ work from the cross by questioning His unfathomable example of love?

I say “NO!” It has been about forgiveness from the beginning and it's about His forgiveness now. Maybe that is why the first of Jesus’ last words started with forgiveness. Our job is to accept His forgiveness enjoy our right relationship with the Father through Jesus and fulfill the call God has on our lives.  Accept His forgiveness.

-Wil McCall