June 2020
In this edition of the After8 Update: Local leaders bring artistic expression opportunities to the center, meet our new After8 intern, get involved with garden enhancement efforts, and learn about the connection between race and homelessness in America.
Rising Dallas Leaders Bring Artistic Expression Opportunities to the Center
The Business Council for the Arts Leadership Arts Institute Dallas Class of 2020 (LAI) has partnered with After8 to offer youth creative expression and inspiration at the residential services center. A special thank you to project co-chairs Arielle Tobin, Kristin Cope, and Lydia Webb along with the LAI class for contributing artwork and storytelling programming to the center.
LGBTQ Youth Homelessness
Youth who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer/questioning experience homelessness at disproportionately high levels compared to their non-LGBTQ peers in the United States. While approximately 10.5% of the population ages 13-18 identify as LGBTQ, as many as 40% of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ. Learn more.
Support Garden Enhancement Efforts
Maintain social distancing while supporting our garden, which offers opportunities to learn and serves as a therapeutic outlet for youth in crisis. Contribute $10 to sponsor a tile, or with a $30 donation you can make your mark with a DIY kit. Proceeds will be used for garden enhancements and the tiles will be installed at the center this fall. Learn more.
Introducing After8's New Intern Elizabeth Ellis
This month, we are glad to share that Elizabeth Ellis has joined the After8toEducate team as an intern. In this role, she supports outreach, communications, and student support efforts.

Elizabeth Ellis is an undergrad student at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) and is currently studying Social Work. She is excited to be starting her internship and work with After8. She has a passion for working with young people who come from difficult situations and is eager to learn more about the specific struggles of homeless youth in the Dallas area.
Thompson-Mathis Metal Manufacturing Contributes to Building Updates
The Fannie C. Harris Youth Center has been outfitted with brand new custom gutters, recently installed by Renee Arroyo (pictured) and his team. Thank you to Beth Mathis, CEO of Thompson-Mathis Metal Manufacturing for supporting our efforts to provide safe shelter and stability to unsheltered high school students in Dallas ISD!
Eta Eta Donates Books for Students Experiencing Homelessness
The library shelves at the residential services wing are nearly full, in part due to the generosity of the Eta Eta Chapter of Kappa Gamma Kappa. This spring, they awarded After8 a grant to bring books to the residential services center. Thank you, chapter members of Eta Eta for supporting the enrichment of students experiencing homelessness!
Taking Care of Youth, One Month at a Time
After8 works to ensure that students experiencing homelessness have the support they need to move toward a better future. By becoming a sustaining friend of After8, your contribution of as little as $25 a month will have a direct impact on students experiencing homelessness in Dallas. To make your tax deductible monthly donation, simply fill out the form below once and support homeless students all year long.
Race and Homelessness in America
Racism is closely tied to our work. We cannot fulfill our mission to offer a holistic solution for homeless youth in our community without recognizing the ways that racism perpetuates systems that lead to homelessness. In a 2019 resource outlining the link between racism and homelessness in America, the authors note "it is clear that people of color are - and have long been - much more likely than white people to be homeless in America. The question now facing us is this: What do we do about it?"

Further reading and information:
National Alliance to End Homelessness: A Look at Race and Equity
Dallas Morning News: Breaking systemic racism starts by reforming public education
National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty: Racism, Homelessness, and COVID-19
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.