"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.
