I had been at Central Dallas Ministries for a few months when I was asked to assist with the recruitment process for the WorkPaths department, which Reverend Gerald Britt had established to address workforce gaps in the community. We all loved getting to know Dana during the process and knew she was the perfect person to join the team. Dana and I bonded immediately over our birthdays being in July and being only children who were close to our moms. I had the privilege of working directly with her for five years, and I am the better for it. CitySquare’s Workpaths program would not have grown to be a nationally recognized workforce program without Dana. Her ingenuity, persistence, and heart for community were vital ingredients in the secret sauce. Dana is a natural advocate, a loyal and loving colleague and friend, and a trusted truth teller. Please see below a summary of our conversation.
Where are you from, and how does that influence the work you do?
I am from Dallas, TX. Born and raised in Oak Cliff. I was raised by a single mother. My mother was on housing and disability, but even in the midst of that, she taught me how to be a servant, and that community was important. My mother believed in serving others with whatever she had.
When did you work at CitySquare, and what was your role?
I worked there from 2009 to 2020. I was always in the workforce development department, Workpaths. I started as an Administrative Coordinator, as the department was pretty new and looking to expand. I then became the Path2Success (essential soft skills training) Program Manager. Finally, I served as a recruiter for all WorkPaths programs, and I handled a little bit of everything throughout the department for all of our soft skills, hospitality, and construction training programs. I loved building community partnerships, community outreach, and preparing community members with essential soft skills and technology skills.
Why did you work at CitySquare?
I feel like I was destined to work at CitySquare. I didn’t even remember applying to the CitySquare job. I was working at Habitat for Humanity, and I received a call to interview for the WorkPaths position. It wasn’t until I went to the interview that I realized that I had been helped by CitySquare programs. I will also never forget when my mom went to a non-profit for help around Christmas when I was young, and they used video footage of her on the news without her permission. The toy I received was used and dirty. She was embarrassed, and that experience stayed with me. I always wanted to treat people with respect and let them know that we all go through hard times in life, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of.
What made CitySquare special to you?
CitySquare is special to me because I never thought I’d be working for CitySquare. I initially was a neighbor twice. I went through a divorce and lost jobs. And so I was having a rough time managing rent and groceries. And so someone told me about the food pantry. I rode the bus from Park Lane to East Dallas to get groceries. It was a pleasant experience- they let you shop for your groceries and treated you with dignity. That was my introduction to Central Dallas Ministries. And then, years later, I got a job, only to go through another layoff. And then I became homeless. So I lived in a transitional shelter. At that time, I did not have any identification. I heard about a gentleman named James Reid, who used to come on-site and tell us about Central Dallas Ministries’ programs at the time, and I was able to get my identification through them. When I was hired, I loved being able to work there and to ensure people could receive the services they needed while maintaining their dignity.
What is the legacy of your contributions to CitySquare?
It brings me great joy when I think of being one of the pioneers of the WorkPaths program and leading the development and expansion of the Path2Success essential soft skills training program. The program began as a Microsoft Office training program that incorporated essential soft skills through a partnership with Dallas College. It brought literacy and technology skills when we launched the program at the Charlie Mae Ransom Technology Learning Center in 2010. Once the partnership with Dallas College ended, we embedded essential soft skills training into our construction and hospitality training paths. We were trailblazers in that work. I am proud to know I helped to train countless neighbors in skills to help them get and keep a job.
What are you doing now?
I became a certified community health worker (CHW) while at CitySquare and am now working as a community health worker with Jewish Family Service. JFS’ Northpoint Health Center has applied to be recognized as a Federal Qualified Health Center (FQHC). I have the opportunity to help people with health disparities bridge the gap because many can’t focus on their health if they are unsure about their next meal, or if they can’t afford utilities or rent. I am still working to connect people to the services they need and bridge the gaps.
