One year after launching its expanded East Dallas partnership, the Youth Support Center (YSC) is celebrating a year of life-changing impact for North Texas youth and young adults. Through a collaboration between Juliette Fowler Communities (JFC), R3 Student Outreach and East Dallas Christian Church, the center has served 335 youth in its first year, providing education, workforce development, counseling referrals and wraparound support under one roof – all at no cost.
Located at 4210 Junius St. on the campus of East Dallas Christian Church, the 4,371-square-foot Youth Support Center was created to remove barriers for youth ages 10 to 24 who face challenges such as foster care transitions, justice involvement, housing instability and lack of educational access. Approximately 35% of its participants have aged out of foster care, and 60% have been justice involved.
In its first year, the center delivered:
- Services to 335 youth and young adults in 2025
- 2,640 hours of tutoring for 120 youth
- 49 high school diploma graduates
- 35 IBM micro-credentials earned
- 30 graduates who secured employment or enrolled in college
- Wraparound support for 220 youth, including food, clothing, bus passes and school supplies
- A 78% completion rate in training and education programs – 30 percentage points higher than local averages for similar student populations, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 2023 Link, and the Texas Education Agency (TEA), 2023 Link
“One year ago, we hoped this partnership would create a stronger safety net for vulnerable youth and young adults,” said Juliette Fowler Communities President and CEO Nicole Gann. “Today, we are seeing lives changed through education, mentorship, encouragement and practical support. This center represents the evolution of our 134-year mission because it expands how we walk alongside young people as they heal, grow and build brighter futures.”
“The biggest difference between where we started and today is that we have become an integrated, needed resource for our community where youth and organizations are depending on us to continue our work,” said Juan Ramos, founder and executive director of R3 Student Outreach. “When a young person walks through our doors today, they feel at home, safe and they find a place of belonging.”
Ramos said the biggest needs in East Dallas remain access to flexible education pathways, workforce certifications, food, clothing and trauma-informed support.
“In Dallas, current programming still reaches only a fraction of disconnected youth,” added Ramos. “Our no-red-tape model matters because it helps young people get what they need quickly, without falling through the cracks. We also recognize that no two young people are alike, so our programs are designed to adapt to each individual’s needs rather than take a one-size-fits-all approach.”
One student success story that reflects that impact is an 18-year-old single mother of two who was justice involved and referred through Dallas County probation. She overcame family hardship, housing instability, and utility shutoffs to earn her high school diploma in December.
“Without this program, I didn’t think I could do it,” she shared. “This was the best thing I’ve ever done for myself. It took me over six months, but I am very thankful for this opportunity of finally graduating.”
The Youth Support Center’s first year also confirmed the strength of its community-based partnership model. Since launch, more than 10 community partners have joined the effort, helping provide referrals, resources and specialized support. Demand has grown so significantly that the center has occasionally had to pause registration due to capacity.
“While we believe that Fowler’s deep roots and trusted presence in this community strengthen collaborative community partnerships, we know they would not be successful without our compassionate and dedicated partners working hard day in and day out,” said Lisa Mumford, director of programming, JFC. For generations, Juliette Fowler Communities has brought people together to care for neighbors in need, and that strong foundation helps programs like this grow, creating lasting change in the lives we serve.”
“Today, we are so thankful as we watch more and more youth being served and supported through our combined efforts,” said Rev. Allison Drake, senior pastor, East Dallas Christian Church. There are too many places where youth can slip through the cracks, and we know the Youth Support Center is providing a place for them to land.”
Looking ahead, the Youth Support Center plans to strengthen services for younger youth ages 12 to 18 through R3 Excel programming and expand its Nu Generations Private School into a full-semester option while continuing fast-track diploma opportunities.
To support the Youth Support Center or learn more about programming, visit r3student.org/dallas or call 469-921-0481.
Source: Press release
