Dallas ISD resource centers are helping families stay supported throughout the school year.
“The most rewarding part about helping families is seeing the relief and joy on parents’ and students’ faces when they know they’re supported and prepared for the new school year,” said Tiphanie Sanders-Wright, manager of Resource Center South. “Whether it’s providing a backpack filled with supplies, helping a parent find a safe after-school program, or connecting a family with essential resources, each interaction makes a difference.”
Dallas ISD operates two resource centers: Resource Center South, located at Joseph J. Rhoads Learning Center, and Resource Center West, found in Dr. Elba and Domingo Garcia West Dallas STEM School. Both centers are part of the projects approved by voters in the 2020 bond.
Dominique Thompson, who has two children in Dallas ISD schools, said she learned about the resource center from fellow parents. She’s been involved ever since, participating in programs like Back to School, Family Night, Brother Bill’s Groceries, summer camps, and more.
“They have helped with food for my family, clothes, and shoes, along with classes to help my family eat healthy,” she said. “They are truly a big help to the children with all sorts of activities for the children.”
Resource Center West opened its doors in early 2025 and serves families from the Dr. L.G. Pinkston Sr. High School community and surrounding areas.
It offers:
- Family counseling and other resources
- Recreation and wellness programming
- Primary health care
- Basic family needs
Resource Center South opened in 2024 and serves the Lincoln and Madison communities.
It offers:
- Healthy food and nutrition
- Mental health and counseling
- Job training
“The center offers engaging after-school programs that include art, music, dance, cheer, and sports, as well as family-style cooking classes that bring parents and students together in the kitchen,” Sanders-Wright said. “The mission is to strengthen student achievement by fostering greater engagement between parents and their children, building strong family connections that lead to academic success in the classroom.”
The work the centers do represents so much more than providing families with the materials they need throughout the school year, she added.
“It’s about building confidence, reducing stress, and creating a sense of community,” she said. “Knowing that your support helps set the foundation for a child’s academic success and a parent’s peace of mind is truly fulfilling.”
For Thompson, the best part of being involved in the center are the employees who make it happen.
“They are very professional and helpful,” she said. “They keep you well informed of what was going on at the center via email or calls. The center has great resources available to the community. I love them for helping those in need and having events available to all in different times.”
To learn more about the Resource Centers, or to register, click here.
