The Transition Resource Action Center Opens in Dallas

After months of planning, renovation and anticipation, TRAC (the Transition Resource Action Center ) opened its doors March 18, just 7 months after the initial planning meeting. 

“It is an incredible testament to the commitment of TRAC’s many community partners that we could get this center up and running so quickly,” said, Evy Kay Ritzen, Planning Director for Target: Kids in Court,  that facilitated this collaborative effort.  TRAC is a one-stop center that offers access to affordable housing, livable-wage jobs and a safety net for young adults transitioning out of substitute care in North Texas .  Already, over 100 youth have been referred for services!  TRAC connects young people, age 14-24, who are planning to or already have exited foster care or juvenile detention, with individualized support, planning and access to community services.  Here young people have opportunities to become independent, contributing citizens by realizing their full potential as they transition toward young adulthood. Serving North Texas , youth may visit TRAC in person, call the local or toll free numbers (214/370-9300 or 866-4ON-trac, or access TRAC Services online at www.traconline.org.

Youth In Action group forming at TRAC
By Kendra, TRAC Intern

We are the youth…
We are the future of Texas.
We are the ones who watch from a distance and wait to be educated.
We are the ones who will learn and soak in our surroundings.
We are the ones who’ve seen far too much.
We are the ones who have heard so much more than you think.
We are the ones who become strong after the struggles.
We are the youth…
We are the children of TRAC…
We are the TRAC Youth In Action.

We are a North Texas youth-generated group of youth ages 14 and older. Through leadership, encouragement, understanding, and strength we plan to stretch out a hand to anyone who has ever lived in out of home care. Out of home care is when you live for any amount of time in a placement home, CPS, foster care, or even a grandma or uncle’s home. We plan to target certain issues and advocate changes for youth and their rights.

Come Join Us:

Our first meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 5, 2003 from 6pm to 8pm at the Transition Resource Action Center (TRAC) located at 3108 Live Oak, Dallas, TX 75204.

We plan to discuss the future of the program as well as get to know each other over pizza.

See you there,
TRAC Youth In Action

66 young adults graduate from PAL classes

On April 26, TRAC hosted the annual spring graduation reunion for PAL that’s held for all those teens who completed the Preparation for Adult Living  training program the  school year.   The 66 graduates came from all 19 counties in our region.  Each received a certificate of completion as well as a gift of luggage.  Participants also received a gift basket from Office Depot, t-shirts from the TRAC and Catholic Charities; board games; cookbooks; and Cat's tickets.  Ft. Worth Mayor Pro Temp  Ralph McCloud was the keynote speaker, challenging the teens to remain committed and focused to their dreams in life.

North Texas foster teens make big screen debut for statewide public service campaign 
For many teenagers in substitute care, they have become accustomed to feeling overlooked and left behind.  But, for about a dozen teens in North Texas that is all about to change.  Design Texas , in cooperation with AMS Production Group is producing a statewide public service campaign called When I Get Home which will bring much needed public awareness for older children and teenagers in substitute care.  Casting for the campaign, which is being developed for television, radio, print and the Internet are all teenagers who have been or are in some form of substitute care like foster homes, juvenile detention, residential treatment centers and group homes for children.   More>

Transition Resource Action Center
Wilson Historic District
3108 Live Oak Street
Dallas, TX  75204
Ph: (214) 370-9300
Fx: (214) 370-9305
Toll Free: (866) 466-8722
www.traconline.org

Teen Summer
Classes

July

2 - Résumé Writing
9 - Job Applications
11 - Colors
23 - The Hidden Job Market
25 - Communicating
30 - Interviewing

August

1 - $$$ Management
6 - Keeping the Job
8 - Problem Solving
13 - Resume Writing
15 - Health Issues
20 - Job Applications
22 - Colors
27 - The Hidden Job Market
29 - Communicating


Event
Calendar

August

1 - Ansell Casey Life Skills Assessment Training

2 - CPR (Dallas Co.)

5 - Youth Advisory Meeting and Pizza Dinner

6 - Youth in Care Cultural Awareness Training

7 - Overview of Positive Parenting

9 - CPR (Tarrant Co.)

11 - Positive Parenting (Boys Town Model)

14 - ADHD

20  - TRAC Community Advisory Council Meeting

20 - Ansell Casey Life Skills Assessment Training

21 - Positive Parenting II (Boys Town Model)

25 - Positive Parenting (Boys Town Model)

26 - PMAB - Part I

TRAC has listed all regional training events that appear to be relevant to meet the needs of transitioning youth.

Please call TRAC at (214) 370-9300 x106 or toll free at (866) 466-8722 x106 to reserve space in any of these sessions.

On-Site
Contacts

Karri Alexander
WorkSource
(214) 370-9300 x111
karri@traconline.org

Imtiaz Haiyoom
Target: Kids in Court
(214) 370-9300
imtiaz@traconline.org

Evy Kay Ritzen
Target: Kids in Court
(214) 370-9300 x104
evykay@traconline.org

Rick Stephens
Gulf Coast Trades Center
(214) 370-9300 x110
rick@traconline.org

Dan Umphress
TRAC Coordinator
(214) 370-9300 x103
dan@traconline.org