ABOUT
South Dallas Employment Project
The South Dallas Employment Project (SDEP) was established in February 2020 by Redemption Bridge, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit intermediary, in partnership with the State Fair of Texas. The overarching goal of the SDEP is the development of a holistic model that will support opportunity populations living in or returning to South Dallas in five identified contiguous ZIP Codes in obtaining the skills, competencies, knowledge and capabilities to lead sustainable lives.
The SDEP brings together businesses, government, educational institutions, workforce agencies, and nonprofit social enterprises to align and integrate resources focused on engaging employers from different industry sectors that have the largest unmet, non-duplicated job demand in Dallas, that also provide a living wage and career opportunities.
The SDEP has identified eight specific “Strategic Objectives”, and has established “Critical Achievements” (CAs) for each strategic objective, as well as the strategies and tactics for each CA:
1. LIVING WAGE EMPLOYMENT
Provide living wage employment to allow individuals to earn enough income for a satisfactory standard of living and prevent them from falling into poverty.
2. CAREER TRAINING & PREPAREDNESS
Provide training, utilizing “Nationally Recognized Industry Certifications” given to individuals with the skills and competencies needed to be employed at a living wage in industry sectors with significant unmet demand that offer career pathways and a sustainable wage.
3. SAFE HOUSING
Provide adequate affordable housing within the identified area, to include rental and home ownership for all populations.
4. TRANSPORTATION
Provide adequate transit options, to include both public transportation and affordability of vehicle ownership.
5. HEALTHCARE, WELLNESS & RECOVERY
Provide adequate access within the five designated ZIP Codes of health, wellness, and recovery services.
6. DIGITAL ACCESS & LITERACY
Develop a strategic approach to provide Broadband Access, as well as access to equipment and devices, affordable plans, and digital literacy.
7. COMMUNITY REINTEGRATION
Provide direct support to individuals returning to the community to connect them into the community with positive peer influences, including access to direct support with Living Wage Employment, Housing, Transportation, Health Wellness and Recovery, and Digital Access and Literacy.
8. LEGAL AID
Work to advance and protect the rights of low-income people, and ensure equal access to justice.