Equity and Inclusion Newsletter Issue #39

Arts and Culture

Autumn at the Arboretum

Autumn at the Arboretum runs September 18 through October 31, 2021. The 16th annual Autumn at the Arboretum returns with more than 90,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squash throughout the garden. This year the beloved Pumpkin Village will display larger-than-life insect topiaries, bugged-out pumpkin houses, and a maze for younger visitors.

• To plan your next visit to the arboretum, click here.

DMA Free Shows

Now on view at the Dallas Museum of Art is "Bosco Sodi: La Fuerza del Destino" and "Slip Zone: A New Look at Postwar Abstraction in the Americas and East Asia." These two contemporary art shows are free to see for all!

• To learn more about the free exhibition shows, click here.

City Opportunities

City Procurement Opportunities

The City of Dallas Office of Procurement Services has various opportunities for outside organizations to engage with the city. To view more information, visit their website. Select open procurements that may be of interest are listed below. For a comprehensive list of open procurement opportunities, visit: dallascityhall.bonfirehub.com. Please be advised that once an opportunity is advertised, it is considered an open procurement until the City Council awards the contract. The Code of Ethics prohibits communication between councilmembers and vendors/ suppliers on open procurements.

• To view more information, visit their website.

City Employment Opportunities

The City of Dallas has a variety of open position available through different departments for individuals who are interested in joining the city workforce. All opportunities are available through an online portal, in order to apply, interested individuals will need to create an account using a valid email address and unique password.

• To search for opportunities available with the city, click here.

Planning + Urban Design: Ambassador Program

Applications are now being accepted for the PUD Ambassador Program. Ambassadors will help raise awareness in neighborhoods about city land use planning and receive training to be an informed neighborhood advocate. Apply if you are interested in championing your neighborhood through land use and development .

• To apply for the ambassador program, click here.

Education

State of Public Education Virtual Event

Join the Dallas Regional Chamber for the Dallas Regional Chamber's 2021 State of Public Education Virtual Event, , featuring a keynote presentation from Texas Commissioner of Education Mike Morath on the pressing issues facing Texas public schools. Following Commissioner Morath's address, a panel of regional education leaders will discuss their respective school districts' plans to tackle learning loss in the new academic year.

• To register for the event, click here.

Exxonmobil Engineering Scholarship

The ExxonMobil Engineering Scholarship is open and the deadline is October 1st! Sponsored by the Exxon Mobil Corporation, the LULAC National Educational Service Centers (LNESC) will award one (1) national scholarship of $20,000 (paid over four years), and twelve (12) $2,000 local scholarships to qualified Latino students who plan to pursue a degree in engineering at U. S. post-secondary institutions.

• To learn more about the eligibility requirements for the scholarship, click here.

Employment

SkillUp Coalition

SkillUp helps workers find free and low-cost career and training resources to get back to work quickly. Their non-profit coalition includes over 60 training and education providers, tech firms, employers, and philanthropies all dedicated to supporting upskilling needs. They offer a variety of resources to help you transition to a better career with the skills you already have.

• To explore their resources to help you get started on your career path, click here.

Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas

Workforce Solutions (WSGD) is offering both in-person and virtual workforce services for jobseekers who are interested in having center professionals guiding their job search. WSGD can help people from the beginning to the end of the job search process, from creating a resume to educations and training.

• To learn more about the services offered, click here.

Food

The Oak Food Pantry

The Oak has been providing food and toiletries to the Oak Cliff community since 2013 and has served more than 1200 individuals and families combined. Walk-ins are welcome Saturdays from 10am-12pm. Families will receive a variety of canned foods and more goods.

• To learn about hours of operation and more, click here.

North Texas Food Bank Mobile Food Pantry

The NTFB Mobile Food Pantry distribution is taking place in various locations across the city during the month of September. There is no need to register for Mobile Pantry pick up, it is first come first served. You must have a vehicle to pick up unless otherwise specified. Mobile Pantry participants are requested to give their name and share their family size to receive food. No proof is necessary.

• To find a location near you, click here.

General Resources

Dallas Water Utilities Disconnections and Late Fees to Resume 10/1/2021

Dallas Water Utilities (DWU) suspended water disconnections and late fees in March of 2020, at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. DWU understands the need for all of our customers to have these essential services. As the country reopens and returns to normal, so is Dallas Water Utilities. To ensure continued and efficient delivery of utility services, DWU will resume water disconnections for accounts that are past due and will again apply late fees for past due balances starting October 1, 2021. Dallas Water Utilities is still here to assist you during these difficult times. We value all of our customers and will work with each and every customer to establish a payment plan that fits your budget. Customers who establish payment plans will avoid disruption of services and continue to avoid late fees.

• To receive additional resources or ask additional questions, please contact 311.

Housing

City of Dallas Home Improvement & Preservation Program

The City of Dallas HIPP program provides homeowners money to perform major repairs to their homes. If you have questions about what is covered, how to apply or anything else about the program join an upcoming Q&A session. The HIPP application closes 09/11.

• To learn more about the application, click here.

Dallas Rental Assistance Collaborative

These DRAC partner organizations are here to lend a hand. An "eligible household" is defined as a renter household in which at least one or more individuals meets the criteria set for by the collaborative. The assistance provided can be used for direct financial assistance, including rent, rental arrears, utilities and home energy costs, utilities and home energy costs arrears, and other expenses related to housing.

• To learn more, click here.

Emergency Rental Assistance Program

The City of Dallas is partnering with Abounding Prosperity, Inc. to begin accepting applications for rental assistance through their Emergency Rental Assistance Program. To be eligible to receive funding an applicant must rent a publicly or privately owned residence in the City of Dallas. The annual gross household income must meet guidelines defined by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

• To apply and learn more about the requirements, click here.

Dallas Eviction Assistance Initiative

The City of Dallas Office of Equity and Inclusion in partnership with Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas has established an eviction assistance initiative consisting of education, training and legal representation to Dallas residential rental tenants who are negatively impacted by COVID-19 and unable to pay rent to remain in their homes.

• Eligible residents can apply, by clicking here.

Health

Gynecologic Awareness Month

September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month. Whether you or someone you care about has been impacted by gynecologic cancers, you're in a position to share your experience and empower others with the knowledge you've gained. Your efforts this Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month (GCAM) can have a huge impact on individual lives and the community at large.

• To become a part of this conversation and learn more, click here.

Immigrant Affairs

Haitian Social Circle in Dallas

The Haitian Social Circle organizes social/networking events, humanitarian efforts locally and back home in Haiti. Their teams will be providing meals and transportation to migrants at the border this weekend. Consider donating to support their efforts!

• To stay updated on their humanitarian efforts, click here.

Cities for Action: Initiatives to Help Afghan Refugees

Welcome.US is helping Americans from every corner of the country to step up and welcome Afghan newcomers come into new communities. Those interested can help in different capacities, either by donating, sponsoring a family, or offering legal aid.

• To learn more about helping Afghan refugees, click here.

LGBTQ+

Nu Transgender Movement, Inc: HIV/AIDS Social & Support Group

Join Nu Transgender Movement, Inc for casual discussions about living with the challenges of HIV & AIDS, such as education about transmission, progression and medication. The group focuses on supporting individuals with their current struggles, providing information about resources in the community while promoting camaraderie among members.

• To learn more about the support group, click here.

Small Business Support

Score Dallas

Dallas SCORE provides no-cost, confidential business counseling tailored to meet the needs of your business. SCORE also offers Workshops and Seminars for a modest fee, for both start-up entrepreneurs and existing businesses looking for a fresh perspective and renewed focus for their business.

• To attend their workshops or receive guidance from a mentor, click here.

Minority Enterprise Development Week

In September, Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) will host its annual National Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week virtual conference on September 19th - 25th. The conference celebrates the outstanding accomplishments of minority-owned companies and presents informational sessions and programming; offering interactive networking sessions to generate new connections and fresh perspectives.

• To watch the upcoming virtual webinars, click here.

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