Program Vision Statement
"It is as if we were providing expensive ambulances at the bottom of a cliff to pick up youth who fell off, rather than building a fence at the top to keep them from falling in the first place."
Hawkin, S.D., Catlow, J., Richard, F. & Associates, Communities that Care, 1992.
Dallas Community Youth Development Program (CYD)
The Dallas Community Youth Development (CYD) program, originally referred to as Project 75216, was the "brain-child" of the 74th Texas Legislature in 1995. Its purpose was to provide funding assistance toward community collaborations designed to alleviate family and community conditions that lead to juvenile crime, through prevention programming. The CYD collaborations are made up of community-based resources that provide services to promote a legacy for its young people that support positive character development, self-esteem, and pride.
In 1995, Dallas Oak Cliff zip code 75216 was identified as having one of the highest incidences of juvenile crime in the state of Texas. So in June 1996, the community was asked to come together, establish a Community Vision, create a prevention approach, and participate in the implementation of the program for the children and families who live in this community. Services, to include after school, leadership development, and recreation are a part of the multi-component service approach. In December 2000, the Dallas CYD Program was expanded to include zip code community 75217. The communities' are excited that programs are in place to support families and children. The expectation is that through these programs, destructive juvenile behaviors will be reduced and future leaders identified and developed.
The Dallas Community Youth Development Program is funded by the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) and the United Way of Greater Dallas. The Community Council of Greater Dallas, a 501( c) (3) non-profit organization, serves as the Fiscal Agent.
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