Photography by Rae Overman
Photography by Rae Overman
Photography by Rae Overman
Photography by Rae Overman
From 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., 365 days a year, After8toEducate is open. Its kitchen, showers, beds, computers and facilities are available to unhoused youth, 14 to 21 years of age, in Dallas. The small but mighty staff of six has created a safe space for youth facing some of the most difficult times of their lives.
“We know that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to our work, so people might be surprised to find out that we truly individualize the support we offer our youth in order to ensure each youth can meet their goals,” Executive Director Angela Enciso says.
Case managers help the youth with an array of challenges or logistical tasks they may be unsure of how to approach.
Applying for a job or for housing? Looking to get access to important personal documents or maybe just finding additional resources? The case managers are available to help them finish the goals they set out for themselves.
The organization has partnered with Dallas Independent School District to cater to the needs of students facing homelessness in schools across the district, including Woodrow Wilson High School and Bryan Adams High School Leadership Academy.
“We work with Dallas ISD to ensure all of the high school campus faculty and staff know that we are a resource for students and will always answer the call when a student is identified as housing insecure,” Enciso says.
After rounding out new construction, After8 is bringing in some new programming and services this year. Art therapy lessons, life skills programs such as financial literacy and resume workshops, grief support groups, cooking classes and more are now on the table as resources for their youth. Alongside the therapy rooms, the kitchen has been newly renovated and is now ready for classes to begin.
Based in the Fannie C. Harris Youth Center owned by Dallas ISD, the After8 space is connected to Jonathan’s Place — an organization that also provides resources to youth but focuses on younger community members. Between the two, there are 35 beds available for youth in need.
Between the programming and resources it provides, After8 has been able to offer services to youth across the metroplex, including youth from Fort Worth, Arlington and even some who stop by from out of state as they are searching for their next steps.
“Our focus is on providing our youth with as many opportunities to learn and develop new skills as they continue to work toward housing and financial stability,” Enciso says.
Enciso has spent under a year at After8, but it didn’t take long for the impact of the organization’s work to stay with her forever.
“Some of my favorite memories working with our youth have definitely been witnessing their excitement when they get one step closer to their goals.”
