DALLAS — When it comes to parenting, responsibilities are endless; however, Dominique Thompson said kids don’t see that.
“They think I can make it all happen. I said I can’t always make it all happen. They say, ‘Yes, you can. You’ve got it.’ I say no and I just find out ways to get it,” said Thompson, a South Dallas resident and Dallas ISD parent.
She found that one way to get the things she needs is by simply speaking up about them. Thompson and other residents told DISD they wanted access to healthy foods, job training, mental health services, and safe streets and public spaces. In turn, DISD opened the Resource Center South.
“This is one of the big needs. I know because a lot of people can’t survive feeding their families every day,” said Thompson.
“This center is family-focused. Whenever we have classes and workshops for the students, we will always have something for the parents to do as well,” said Tiphanie Sanders-Wright, Resource Center South Manager.
For example, parents can shop at the free grocery store while kids learn how to cook healthy meals. The center offers healthy cooking lessons.
“It helps me because the supplement that I get is not enough,” said Thompson. “It helps too because one of my kids is a vegan. What she talks about, I’m like ‘uh un.’ Then when I got to that class, I did ask. Yes, you can do it this way.”
The center supports parents by also offering ESL, digital training and job workshops.
“We’re here to fill in those gaps. We know that we cannot do everything as a school district and the classrooms. Our students are just faced with a lot of other challenges that are sometimes very complex,” said Sanders-Wright.
Ruby Ortega attends the center each week. She is in the 4th grade and said the center allows her to take a break from everyday challenges. “I just get to relax and stop stressing about everything,” said Ortega.
Instead, she can focus on learning which is what she loves most. “I get to do stuff that I don’t think other kids will be able to, so I feel privileged to be here,” said Ortega.
“We want the families to come together and enjoy any services and resources that they need,” said Sanders-Wright.
They are getting their needs met and providing one less stress. “I like it all. I’m just waiting on more and more and more to keep coming. I’m just waiting,” said Thompson.
DISD partners with local organizations such as Brother Bill's Helping Hand and the North Texas Food Bank to help provide food and other resources to families. Resource Center South is one of four centers open for free to DISD families. The second one will open in West Dallas in 2025.