May 31, 2018
After8toEducate Convenes Inaugural Steering Committee
After8toEducate is pleased to announce the formation of a 40-member Steering Committee. This committee brings together a cross-sector group of community leaders who will be advising on building renovation, program services, and other key components of the project. The committee is led by Co-Chairs Ted Herrod, a retired PepsiCo executive, and Monica Ordonez, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and External Affairs for Communities in Schools. After8 hosted its first steering committee meeting in April and will meet monthly over the next 4-6 months.

Please click here to view the full list of members and read about their diverse backgrounds.
Jorge Baldor Receives George Ellis Award
On April 28 th After8toEducate founder, Jorge Baldor, received the "George Ellis Award for Excellence in Innovation" at the Social Venture Partners Dallas Philanthroparty. This award recognized Jorge for his philanthropic efforts in Dallas that have spurred social impact and brought powerful change to some of Dallas' most pressing issues. After8 salutes Jorge for his innovative solution to effect positive social change.
Building Renovation Ramps Up
After8toEducate building renovation is well underway at the former Fannie C. Harris Elementary School. It is the future site of the 24/7 drop-in center for homeless youth ages 14-21 and shelter services for DISD-enrolled high school students. The drop-in center, located on the first level, includes a teaching kitchen, showers, access to washers, dryers and other amenities and support for homeless youth. The shelter component houses 35 beds, a full-service commercial kitchen, and other programming space for education and support services. The renovation is occurring in phases, beginning with the 24/7 drop-in center slated to open in Fall 2018. The shelter component is projected to open in Spring 2019. Pictured is some of the renovation work in progress.
After8 Hires New Project Coordinator
Victoria Jackson joined After8toEducate on May 7 th as its new Project Coordinator. In this role, she will coordinate volunteer recruitment and community outreach and support After8's communications and fundraising efforts. Previously, Victoria served as an AmeriCorps VISTA at Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance (MDHA). During her service year, she developed the Youth Services Directory and helped found the Youth Action Board, a council of young people who have experienced homelessness.
Funding News
After8toEducate is one of sixteen recipients of the City of Dallas Grow South Neighborhood Challenge Grant. This grant offers financial assistance for neighborhood groups to improve the aesthetic value of each neighborhood, especially in South Dallas. As the only grant recipient to create an urban garden in District 7, After8toEducate will use this grant to develop a garden on the premises of the former Fannie C. Harris Elementary School in the Jubilee Park neighborhood next to Fair Park. The garden will be maintained by youth accessing program services along with community volunteers. In addition to eating healthy produce and learning about horticulture, the garden will provide a therapeutic outlet for youth and affords them opportunities for marketing produce to local restaurants.

Please click on the logo above to see the full list of grantees and learn more about the grant.
Community Happenings
CitySquare Turns 30
On May 31 st, CitySquare celebrates 30 years of serving its neighbors experiencing homelessness. From its beginnings as a food pantry, CitySquare has expanded to be a well-respected partner in the homeless service community. Learn more here.
After8toEducate ("After8") is a first-of-its-kind, collaborative effort to support unsheltered youth enrolled in Dallas Independent School District high schools and provide immediate support services for homeless young adults ages 14-21. Powered through Social Venture Partners Dallas, After8 harnesses the strengths of Dallas ISD and nonprofit agencies Promise House and CitySquare.