- Home What We Do Dallas LIFE reaches out to homeless men, women and children with food, clothing, shelter, education and long-term rehabilitation programs founded on spiritual principals and the teachings of Jesus Christ. Learn more about us » [reus id="245"]
- Who We Are Lorem ipsum
- Mission Dallas Life reaches out to homeless men, women and children with food, clothing, shelter, education and long-term rehabilitation programs founded on spiritual principals and the teachings of Jesus Christ.
- History Dallas LIFE began its service to the city over 50 years ago. However, the story of Dallas LIFE starts before that with a man named Reverend Robert J. Key. Reverend Key’s vision to help the homeless in Dallas was first put into action when he and several others started the Union Gospel Mission. After a few years working with that mission and recognizing the abundant need of the homeless, Reverend Key left to begin the plans for establishing the Dallas Rescue Mission. His one passion in life was to minister to the homeless. He threw that passion into building what was to become Dallas LIFE, the largest homeless shelter in north Texas. Dallas Rescue Mission opened its doors in 1954 in a small storefront location on Commerce Street. The first location was just a few blocks from the city jail and housed 25 men each night. There, Rev. Key would minister to the men who came to him nightly for shelter and a hot meal. For 25 years, Rev. Key and a group of volunteers kept the shelter open every night, feeding thousands of meals. In early 1979, Rev. Key, ailing and in poor health, asked Reverend James Starkes of the Jupiter Road Baptist Church to take over the operations of the Dallas Rescue Mission. Rev. Starkes, or Preacher as he liked to be called, moved the Mission just a few doors down on the same street into a larger building, now capable of sheltering 80 men every night. Less than a year later, the facilities were expanded to be able to house 25 women and children. For three more years, the Dallas Rescue Mission opened its doors to those that needed help. The small building on Commerce Street became known as a lighthouse of Christian love, teaching the Bible, treating those with addictions and helping all who came with job skills training, educational classes and more. The Mission had become much more than just a homeless shelter, it had become a church, a hospital and school.Dallas Rescue Mission was no longer just an overnight shelter. To better reflect the programs of the shelter, the Board of Trustees of the Dallas Rescue Mission voted in 1981 to officially change the name to Dallas LIFE. In 1983, having outgrown its facility and recognizing the increasing need for more space to help the homeless, the Board of Trustees of Dallas LIFE moved operations to the old Koone-McNatt Warehouse and its current location on Cadiz Street. The First Baptist Church of Dallas took the ministry in 1990 and the official name of the organization became Dallas Mission for Life d/b/a Dallas Life Foundation. Reverend Ray Bailey, who had been the Director of Operations of the Foundation since 1979, was asked to serve as Executive Director in 1999. Under his leadership, Dallas LIFE continued to grow adding a computer school and GED education. Long term programs were developed for addiction recovery, senior citizens and those with slight mental illness issues. Rev. Bailey served for over 25 years and retired in August of 2005 at the age of 70. June of 2005 brought the new face of Bob Sweeney along with his 20 years of ministerial experience in both pastoral as well as para-church ministry. Having served as a head chaplain in a maximum security prison he entered homeless ministry seven years before and was the Executive Director of Carriage Town Ministries, another Association of Gospel Rescue Mission. Coupled with years of senior pastor work Bob brings a fresh balance of accountability and compassion that challenges each of our guests to expect more and demonstrate a spirit of gratitude. The history of Dallas LIFE lives in the countless hearts of those who have come through our doors. These fifty plus years has seen it steadfast in its mission, faithful to its guests and committed to its Savior.
- Meet The Staff Rev. Bob Sweeney Executive Director rsweeney@dallaslife.org John Koesema Director of Operations jkoesema@dallaslife.org Jan Wilbanks Development Director jwilbanks@dallaslife.org Hurel Booker Men’s Program Director hbooker@dallaslife.org Estella Johnson Women’s Program Director ejohnson@dallaslife.org Mary Ann Sweeney Volunteer Coordinator msweeney@dallaslife.org Jan Blake Special Events Coordinator jblake@dallaslife.org Sandy Vitatoe Security Supervisor svitatoe@dallaslife.org Stephen Holleman Kitchen Supervisor sholleman@dallaslife.org
- From the Desk of Bob Sweeney Thanks for taking a minute to learn about the ministries of the Dallas LIFE. Here at DL we seek to enhance the lives of those who come to us for help by providing them food, clothing shelter and education in the name of Jesus Christ. For over 50 years, homeless and needy people in the metroplex have come to know that this is the place where a kind word and an encouraging smile go a long way toward changing a life. We want to offer a hand up, blessing those who come to us for help. We avoid just giving hand outs, because as we see it, to offer that will just result in the same person returning again and again for the same thing. Our long term program offers people a chance to break that cycle of homelessness by helping them realize how attitude, family history or lack of accountability could have helped put them in the situation they find themselves. This level of accountability is resulting in graduates who see themselves as responsible for their actions and needing to contribute to a society that demands involvement and personal awareness. It is thrilling to see a person really “get it” for the first time while staying with us. I am personally challenged every day to see that this success continues. It is our prayer that when you think of visiting, volunteering at or contributing to our efforts that you know how seriously we take this responsibility. It is our daily goal to minister to these who have fallen through the cracks while providing them with viable options to set a course of success and empowerment. Thanks again for visiting our web site and I pray you have a wonderful day! God Bless, Bob Sweeney Executive Director
- 2011 Dallas LIFE Board of Directors Chairman David Wicker Retired/Community Volunteer Vice-Chair Greg Niemeyer Ex. V.P., North Dallas Bank Treasurer Robin Long Retired CPA Secretary Harold Smith Mortgage Planner Kim Wyly Artist Wes Johnson Retired, Xerox Dan Warrington Dallas County Juv. Dept Shari Carroll Development Dir,. Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship Ron McCormick Ret. V.P., Texas Instruments M.J. Parish Business Owner Dr. Fred Pietsch Dentist Chris Lantrip The Lantrip Group Harold Holmyard Writer/Bible Student Hudson Akin Fundraising Professional Vicki Fuentes Retired, Delta Airlines Kevin Perkins Lawyer Don Whorton Retired, Investments Sharon Hargett Independent Realtor Steve Pryor V.P., Paragon Furniture, LP Michael Westbrooks WDW Financial
- Programs Programs
- New Life Program The New Life Program at Dallas LIFE offers a person a chance to completely change his or her life. Classes in Anger Management, Resume Preparation, Money Management and Men’s and Women’s Issues enables a person to clearly evaluate the past struggles, current options and future potential of an individual life. Program Directors see to it that individual counseling is offered and accountability is maintained. Only through this level of accountability, mandating that a person attend classes, adhere to meal times and wake and go to bed when told, can a life be rebuilt and the former street way of life be eradicated. Dallas LIFE is thrilled to see it’s New Life Program graduating men and women who are ready to face the challenges of life as vibrant members of society.
- Overcomers The Overcomers program was developed to assist residents who have slight mental or physical disabilities. The program is designed to provide each participant with basic needs and at the same time, afford them the opportunity to apply for disability. The ultimate goal of the Overcomers program is to connect each person with the resources he or she needs to return to society as a more productive member. Each resident meets with a case worker for assistance in obtaining necessary resources. The program meets daily for a variety of social activities and classes. Residents must show proof of disability and must stay on their medications while in this program.
- Senior Citizens The Senior Citizen program was developed to meet the needs of our increasing population of senior residents. Many senior citizens find themselves in need of shelter due to the increasing cost of living. Dallas LIFE is able to provide a program to meet the basic needs of senior living as well as provide them with the opportunity to obtain permanent housing. Each resident meets with a case worker to help file for social security and for assistance in searching for housing. Caseworkers partner with other agencies to assist finding senior’s permanent housing. The program meets daily for a variety of social activities and classes. Dallas LIFE is the only long term program developed specifically for homeless seniors living in a shelter in the Dallas area.
- Computer School Residents and guests alike can avail themselves to the services of our computer school furnished by Microsoft. These 33 stations enable the student to learn the basic usage of computers as well as e-mail to let their family know where they are. Those without a High School Diploma are offered GED training classes. Each resident must attend school enhancing their word usage and with the help of our Resume Prep class the student prepares to re-enter the workplace. Job search is done and help is offered to those coming to broaden their education and enhance their possibilities. Residents send out resumes, schedule interviews and are able to return to the job market. Come see our wonderful computer school today!
- Services services
- Food All Dallas LIFE guests are provided 3 balanced meals per day, 365 days each year. On average, we serve between 1,000 and 1,200 meals each day. A full commercial kitchen, staffed mostly by residents, operates daily to feed our residents. Most food served in the Dallas LIFE kitchen comes in through our in-kind product donation program. Volunteers assist in serving meals and provide the staff with much needed assistance on a regular basis. We are very grateful to our 350 Dallas LIFE volunteers.
- Shelter Shelter is a basic need for human life that many individuals in Dallas live without. We operate a 100,000 square foot facility capable of housing up to 700 men, women and children per day. Men and women are on separate floors in dormitory style housing. Our men’s dorm is capable of housing 500 residents and our women’s dorm houses 90. In addition to our dormitories, Dallas LIFE has 50 individual family unit rooms. These units are reserved for families in need. Children reside in individual family rooms with their parents. Our shelter usually operates at full capacity during the winter. During inclement weather, we are able to house more than our usual 500 individuals. When the weather is freezing, we implement our mat night program. This allows us to house anyone in need of a safe, warm place to stay. Dallas LIFE understands the need and meets it.
- Clothing Clothing is a basic necessity often taken for granted by many in today’s society. Donations of clothing arrive at Dallas LIFE placed in our clothing room through our in-kind donations program. The clothing is sorted and placed in our clothing room, located in the basement. Each resident is invited to take 2 outfits of clothing at no charge. In addition to providing clothing to our residents, we open our clothing room to anyone on the streets each week on Friday afternoons from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Over 6,000 garments are given out each month to those in need.
- Spiritual An individual’s spiritual well-being is a huge concern of Dallas LIFE. We provide a variety of spiritually enhancing activities to our residents. Daily devotions are held in the chapel each morning. Evening chapel services take place several times per week. Dallas LIFE offers complete Sunday worship services for all residents and visitors. Spiritual and pastoral counseling is readily available each day. Program participants are involved in group bible study as part of the curriculum. “Changing the life of homeless people through the finished work of Christ.” To accomplish this we clearly present and explain the following Biblical truths: Every person has sinned and falls short of the righteousness God demands. Roman 3:23 The penalty for falling short is forever separation from God. Romans 6:23 God sent Jesus Christ to pay the penalty for our falling short. Romans 5:8 If we confess and accept this work of Christ we shall be saved from judgment. Romans 10:9 Any person can bow their head and confess their sin and accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and therefore be assured of a place in heaven. We would encourage a follow-up water immersion baptism and regular involvement in a Bible-believing, Christ preaching church to help you grow in this new decision, the greatest decision you will ever make. Feel free to contact us for more information on baptism or Bible study materials.
- Clinic Medical, Vision and Dental Clinic Medical and Dental services are offered to everyone staying at Dallas LIFE. Medical wellness clinics are given on subjects such as Proper Hygiene, Staphylococcus Infection and How to Prevent It, Foot Care for the Diabetic, Being Prepared for the Flu, Childhood Ear Infections, Hypertension and How to Avoid it. Medical Clinics take place monthly where doctors and pharmacists are available along with licensed medical personnel to help meet the needs of our guests. Each Friday Dental services are offered from cleanings, fillings and even dentures. Corrected smiles add a boost of confidence to those seeking employment. For the first time in years we see a proud smile emerge that says “I can actually do this!” That’s what we LOVE!
- Children & Youth Services In the Women & Family Center, the children have a variety of outlets that they are able to enjoy: The Children’s Library is open after school and evenings for their enjoyment. Volunteers lead the scheduled arts and craft activities nightly in the Art Room. Movies and games are played in the Play Room. The Children’s Outdoor Playground is open during the afternoon and evening for the families to enjoy.
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- Donate Now
- Needs List No matter the size of your donation, it makes a big difference in the lives of many men, women children and families of Dallas LIFE. The following is a list of common gift-in-kind needs at Dallas LIFE: EVERY DAY NEEDS Personal Care Items Food Deodorant/Antiperspirant Toothpaste and Toothbrushes Body Lotion Razors Shaving Cream Bar Soap Shampoo Conditioner Diapers, Formula Laundry Soap, Cleaning Supplies Wash Cloths, Towels, Linens (twin size) DART Bus Passes Feminine Products Toilet Paper Kleenex #10 Cans of Vegetables Oatmeal Cold Cereal Dairy Products Meats Poultry Grocery Store Gift Certificates Plastic Spoons, Knives Napkins Clothing Items Please make sure that the clothing items, shoes, etc. you are donating are clean, not stained, ripped or torn and something you would purchase at a Resale Clothing Store. Thank you! New Socks New Underwear New Women’s Undergarments Men’s Pants (especially sizes 32 – 38) XL and XXL Men’s Shirts Men’s Shoes – Size 8 and Higher Shower Shoes Pajamas – Tops and Bottoms SEASONAL NEEDS Back to School Supplies Christmas Back Packs School Supplies Pens Pencils Notebook Paper Calculators Dictionaries Crayons Candy Ziploc Bags Paper Bags Toys/Board Games (for all ages) Mom’s Gifts (Earrings, Body Spray) Individually Wrapped Candy Underwear (for all ages – up to XXXL) White Socks (for all ages – up to XL) Lotion Feminine Hygiene Products Deodorant Women’s Shave Gel Adult Coats, Hats, Gloves & Scarves Wrapping Paper and Tape
- In Kind Donations Non-Monetary Donations If you are interested in donating clothing, blankets, food or any other non-monetary gift-in-kind item, there are a few ways to go about it. If you have a question regarding your non-monetary gift-in-kind donation, please e-mail the Assistant Director of Operations and he will be happy to assist you at: dshackelford@dallaslife.org Click here for our Needs List. Delivery/Pick-Up Information Please deliver the items directly to Dallas LIFE through the back loading dock of our facility. Our dock employees assist you in dropping off your items and provide you with a receipt of your donation. Our street address is: 1100 Cadiz St. Dallas, TX 75215. We accept donations from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM 7 days a week. To arrange for certain items to be picked up, please call 214-421-1380 x 10.
- Holiday Table Sponsor SPONSOR A TABLE FOR THE HOLIDAYS For Thanksgiving, please send $187 to cover 4 days of meals for our residents. One table consists of 8 people. This will pay for 8 people at that table per day (3 meals) at $1.95 per meal for 4 days. For Christmas, please send $327.60 to cover 7 days of meals for our residents. One table consists of 8 people. This will pay for 8 people at that table per day (3 meals) at $1.95 per meal for 7 days. Email or mail your company logo or write a message no longer than 2 paragraphs to put on the table you sponsor. By email: Jan Blake at: development@dallaslife.org By mail: Jan Blake Dallas LIFE 1100 Cadiz Street Dallas, TX 75215 GENERAL DONATIONS You may donate online by clicking on the DONATE NOW icon on our site or mail your check to: Dallas LIFE 1100 Cadiz Street Dallas, TX 75215
- Car Donation Program Donate Your Car Charity Motors® is one of the only car donation programs in Detroit and Dallas-Ft. Worth that guarantees the full Fair Market Value Tax Deduction for your vehicle at the time of donation. Most other car donation programs in Michigan or Texas can’t live up to that guarantee. Charity Motors® will sell your vehicle, at a discount, to someone in need. Your car donation helps those who have struggled to find access to transportation with the freedom of owning a car or tuck. The proceeds benefit thousands of charities or any charity you designate at the time of donation. Charity Motors® has given away more than $24 million to charities. www.charitymotors.org
- Volunteer volunteer
- Opportunities Participate with us … spread awareness … help change lives! We are always in need of volunteers in the following areas: Meal Services Help serve day and evening meals to our guests 7 days per week. Special Events There’s so much to do during holiday events; festive occasions, our Annual Auction and Dallas Legends of Service Luncheon just to name a few. Dallas LIFE’s Medical, Dental and Vision Clinic Join the many physicians, physician assistants, nurses, dentists and hygienists who donate their time in our clinic. In addition, we are always in need of medical supplies and equipment. Clothing/Food Drive Organize a canned food or clothing drive. The Mission is always in need of new socks, underwear, suits and shoes in all sizes. Career Development Research job leads through the Internet and newspapers. Assist with writing resumes. Contact employers. Who Do You Know? A unique way to be involved is sharing with us the people you know who may be in a position to help the Mission through donations of goods and services, or by the sharing of their time.
- Volunteer Application [contact-form 1 "Volunteer Application"]
- Holiday Volunteering Thank you for inquiring about volunteering on Christmas. ALL OF OUR TIME SLOTS FOR CHRISTMAS HAVE BEEN FILLED! DRESS CODE - Nice jeans or shorts may be worn. However, shorts need to come to the knees. Shirts must cover the body and have sleeves. It would be best if tennis shoes were worn to protect your feet. ~~~~~~~~~~ We do need volunteers throughout the rest of the holiday season (between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day) and all throughout the year. If you are interested in volunteering at another time, please click on the “Volunteer” icon from our website homepage. You will see the many opportunities to volunteer and can complete the application that will be emailed to our Volunteer Assistant who will assign a date and time to volunteer. Thank you so much for wanting to serve, The Staff and Residents of Dallas LIFE
- Community Service Application Procedures & Attendance: YOU MUST BE 18 YEARS OLD TO PERFORM YOUR COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS AT DALLAS LIFE. ANYONE UNDER THE AGE OF 18 WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED EVEN IF THEY ARE ACCOMPANIED BY A PARENT/GUARDIAN. All volunteers must first complete a Volunteer Application on-line by going to our web site www.dallaslife.org. Make sure to check the box at the bottom of the application indicating that your application is for court-ordered community service. The Volunteer Application must be approved by the Director of Operations or his assistant in order to volunteer. We do not accept walk-in volunteers at Dallas LIFE. Please make sure you have received an e-mail confirmation from the Director of Operations or his assistant before coming to serve. If you are not on the schedule, you will not be permitted in the building, due to safety precautions. Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled time to allow time to sign in and get to your post in time. If you are unable to attend on a date that you are scheduled or circumstances in your life change in which you are no longer able to volunteer, please let us know as soon as possible. You may e-mail the Director of Operations at jkoesema@dallaslife.org or his assistant David Shackelford at dshackelford@dallaslife.org. You can also call 214-421-1380 x10 or x19. Dress Code: All court-ordered community service volunteers need to follow the DLF dress code. Shorts may be worn; but need to come to the knees; shirts must cover the body and have sleeves. NOTE: For your safety, you will be required to wear long pants if you are assigned to work in the Kitchen. Ladies: please no tight fitting clothes or low cut tops. Please wear tennis shoes or some kind of closed toe, rubber soled shoes to protect the feet. No Flip Flop or sandals in the kitchen. For those volunteers who are working in the kitchen, please wear a ball cap and a shirt preferably with no writing on it. If there is writing, please be sure it does not say anything offensive or include any beer/wine logos. As per health code, all food service workers must wear either a hair net or a cap. We can no longer provide hair nets to volunteers. For your safety no jewelry can be worn if you are assigned to work in the Kitchen. Statement of Faith: We are a non-denominational Christian shelter where Christ is preached and we strongly believe that salvation comes only through the finished work of Christ on the cross. Knowing that our volunteers may have varying views on the area of spiritual gifts, we do not embrace the use of tongues, healings, apostleship, prophecy or miracles, in that we see the completed scriptures as all that is necessary for us to operate as the church on the earth today, therefore, we simply ask that all refrain from utilizing or teaching in our chapel that these gifts are for use today. Parking: Our address is 1100 Cadiz St, Dallas, TX 75215. We are located right off of I-30 between Lamar and Griffin. We do have free parking. Our parking spaces are very limited, so if you are coming with a group, please car-pool if possible. If all the parking spaces are filled, you may park in the back of the building. Please be sure to let Security know what your license plate number is and where you are parked. If at all possible, leave all valuables, purses and wallets at home or store them in the trunk of your car until you leave. Authority at Dallas LIFE While any volunteer is on site, he/she is under the direct authority of any Gold Badge employee that is in charge at the time and is required to submit to their instructions. If a volunteer fails to comply with the directions of any Gold Badge employee, Dallas LIFE reserves the right to ask that volunteer to leave and their Volunteer status will be reconsidered at that time. Dallas LIFE is mandated by the Dallas County Health Dept. to have all volunteers working in the Kitchen sign a form indicating whether or not they have any blood borne illnesses that may disqualify them from working in our Kitchen. All court-ordered community service volunteers MUST pass a criminal background check before being allowed to serve at Dallas LIFE. All court-order community service volunteers are responsible to keep a record of the time they served at Dallas LIFE. Dallas LIFE is not responsible to keep track of your time served. Your time sheets must be signed off by the Director of Operations or his designee before final approval will be granted. Failure to do so will result in lost time served.
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Children & Youth Services
In the Women & Family Center, the children have a variety of outlets that they are able to enjoy:
- The Children’s Library is open after school and evenings for their enjoyment.
- Volunteers lead the scheduled arts and craft activities nightly in the Art Room.
- Movies and games are played in the Play Room.
- The Children’s Outdoor Playground is open during the afternoon and evening for the families to enjoy.
