SALUTING THE URBAN LEAGUE

There are numerous organizations and institutions located in the 30th Congressional District that make a fundamental difference for good in the lives of people. Each day, the individuals who work for, and lead these concerns work tirelessly and unselfishly to improve the quality of life for all people in North Texas.

One such organization that I would like to salute is the Urban League of Greater Dallas and North Central Texas. Led by Dr. Beverly Mitchell-Brooks, the Urban League has a wealth of programs that include employment services, financial assistance, health education, technological and computer training, community residential development and many more.

One of its most vital programs is one in which previously incarcerated individuals learn job skills, and receive training that assists them in their transitions back into society. Some of the individuals who have experienced the Urban League program have gone into business for themselves. One participant created a business that allowed him to hire others who had been incarcerated.

The work of the Urban League is not limited to Southern Dallas, as many think. The organization has outreach centers and staff in Pleasant Grove, Garland, and Irving. The centers provide various services to those who live on the economic margins of our society, attempting daily to remove families from poverty to a place where they are able to stand on their own.

A number of people have achieved success after experiencing one or more of the Urban League’s programs. One man, homeless and unemployed when he sought out the Urban League, participated in their Efficiency Housing Program. That led to full-time employment, the ability to purchase a car, and his own suitable housing. He said that the Urban League experience “empowered” him.

A 28 year-old woman who had not completed high school enrolled in the Urban League’s GED course. Her exam scores were extremely high. In fact, her reading scores were high enough to be among the very best in the entire nation. After the course she enrolled in college to study business management.

During the course of the last year, 53 families purchased their first home after participating in the Urban League’s Homebuyer Education Program. Nearly 600 area residents completed the credit counseling and financial literacy classes offered by the League. Two hundred and thirty-three veterans, some faced with homelessness, received support services that enabled them to rent housing or make purchases.

In fact, nearly 8,000 individuals and their loved ones were positively affected by the health education, health promotion and housing services offered by the Urban League. Its client base ranged from teenagers to senior citizens.

The Urban League receives its financing from government, business organizations and individuals who believe in the mission of the organization that has served the people of North Texas for more than four decades.

Even during times of financial stress, the Urban League has continued its effective program base, reaching out to people, making a difference in their lives. It has been successful because it has taken an innovative and visionary approach to the science of improving the human condition.

I urge you to support the Urban League of Greater Dallas and North Central Texas as it continues on the path that its organizers so prudently and unselfishly chose. Its success is our success. Its mission is our mission.

I am grateful to all of the organizations that serve our community for their dedication and for their service to the people of our Congressional District. Their contributions are vital, necessary and greatly appreciated.