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OUR HISTORY
In
the spring of 1988, a group of Christian businessmen began a storefront food
pantry for the poor. The effort quickly revealed that hunger was a
symptom of deeper issues associated with poverty. That observation
prompted the organization's members to think about how they could attack the
problems of poverty in a more comprehensive and systemic way.
Thanks to the early commitment and generosity of these leaders,
particularly the
initiative of Dallas business leader Jim Sowell, CDM
has grown into an expansive community development organization with
a network of interlocking programs originating from many different
sites. Offering a variety of programs throughout
Dallas as well as
San
Antonio, CDM is responding to poverty’s many expressions.
OUR CONTINUING GROWTH
CDM was not always so large. The Central Dallas Food
Pantry became a bona fide 501(c)3 organization in 1990 and in 1994 began
doing business as Central Dallas Ministries. Soon CDM realized if it was
to grow, it needed more structure, organization and vision. To that end,
a skilled Board of Directors and a dedicated group of employees came on
board to grow the organization during a crucial period.
More recently, CDM has grown from an operating budget
in 1996 of just under $200,000 to over $7 million in 2007.
Our most recent growth has included an overall
increase in clients served – over 60,000 human touches in 2006 – as well as additional
programs as the needs have arisen. This has included expanding our work
to reach communities in San Antonio through
Urban Connection - San Antonio.
While the number of programs has expanded rapidly in
recent years, CDM’s core values of faith, justice and
opportunity have remained the same.
The Resource Center/Food Pantry & Thrift Store is
led, organized and operated by volunteers who live in the neighborhood
and who first came seeking assistance.
Because of this, the Resource Center has become a
model in community building. It gives neighbors the opportunity not only
to receive help, but to reinvest in the community with their skills and
care. Volunteers have been recognized by the J.C. Penney Foundation and
the Volunteer Center of Dallas County for exemplary service. CDM does
not have clients – only "neighbors and friends” working together in
community.
The rapid and at times unanticipated growth of CDM
reflects its vibrant, dynamic nature. It is constantly adapting to
better identify and meet needs, with the scope of services expanding
from one year to the next but staying focused on building genuine
community and indigenous leadership.
Collaboration is one of the major strengths of
CDM. Community Health Ministries is a partnership with Baylor Health
Care Systems, Inc., which brings churches and healthcare providers
together. At Roseland Homes, the Dallas Housing Association has given
space for our food pantry and other needs. New initiatives for children
and youth have linked CDM with Dallas Independent School District and
private business concerns to furnish in-house reading and computer
technology tutors. CDM is also partnering with the Foundation for
Community Empowerment in its Urban Engagement Book Club. Additionally,
CDM cooperates with East Dallas Weed and Seed, El Centro College,
Greater Dallas Community of Churches, The Christian Community
Development Association, The Wilkinson Center, and many other
neighborhood churches and organizations.
Central Dallas Ministries has received several
community based grants, including the Meadows Foundation, Dallas
Women's Foundation, The Brentwood Foundation, Communities Foundation of
Texas, J.C. Penney Foundation, The Esping Family Foundation, The Sowell
Family Foundation, The Roger Staubach Foundation, The Rainwater
Foundation, The Dallas Foundation, The Exxon Foundation, The Hillcrest
Foundation, The Real Estate Council Foundation, and The Robert Wood
Johnson Foundation. Formerly a Dallas Morning News Charity, Central
Dallas Ministries is now a United Way Partner Agency.
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