After8toEducate is the recipient of The Dallas Foundation’s 2018 Pegasus Prize, the organization announced via its Facebook page. The Dallas Foundation awards the Pegasus Prize and a $50,000 grant to a non-profit organization working to address a pressing community need in an innovative way.
“The Pegasus Prize shines a light on the innovative work of nonprofits that are addressing some of Dallas’ most pressing needs,” said Helen Holman, interim co-president of The Dallas Foundation, in a press release. “After8toEducate is helping address a crucial problem in our community to ensure our teenagers do not become chronically homeless adults.”
The organization said the grant will support its efforts to repurpose a vacant Dallas ISD school into a facility to provide housing, social services and immediate support services to homeless high school youth.
When it opens in fall 2018, the facility will include 35 beds; a 24/7 center providing meals, showers, clothing, and laundry services to students in immediate need; as well as academic, emotional and social support services such as tutoring, job training, counseling and family reunification resources. The shelter is expected to provide housing stability for 400 to 500 youths annually, while the immediate support services center will serve 1,200 or more per year.
“The children in our community deserve every opportunity to succeed, but unfortunately unsheltered youth face a number of barriers in and outside of school,” said Hillary Evans, executive director of After8toEducate, in the press release. “We are honored to be named the 2018 Pegasus Prize winner. Thanks to the generosity of The Dallas Foundation and its donors, we can offer students a better chance of success and a place to call home.”
After8toEducate stated that it shares this achievement with its collaborative partners: Social Venture Partners Dallas, Promise House, CitySquare, and Dallas ISD.
ABOUT AFTER8TOEDUCATE
Founded by Dallas entrepreneur Jorge Baldor, After8toEducate (“After8”) is the first all-encompassing program to support unsheltered high school youth in Dallas. After8 brings together community resources to reduce the number of unsheltered young adults and foster self-sufficiency.
After8toEducate offers an umbrella solution to allow unsheltered high school students to develop academically, emotionally, and socially to ultimately live healthy and productive lives. In collaboration with the Dallas Independent School District (DISD) and local organizations, After8 provides a three-pillar program that addresses the unsheltered youth that are currently enrolled in DISD high schools and support immediate needs of other homeless young adults age 14-21.
Find out more on the organization’s website.
ABOUT THE DALLAS FOUNDATION
Established in 1929, The Dallas Foundation is Texas’ oldest community foundation. The Dallas Foundation serves as a resource, leader and catalyst for philanthropy by providing donors with a flexible means of making gifts to charitable causes that enhance our community and beyond.
Find out more on the foundation’s website.
