CitySquare, a Dallas organization once known as Central Dallas Ministries that is focused on fighting the root causes of poverty, includes a program aimed helping young people — including LGBT youth — transitioning out of the foster care and juvenile care systems.
The Transition Resource Action Center — or TRAC — provides a “one-stop” assessment/intake and referral facility for these youth, bringing together community resources and intensive case management service.
TRAC provides a regional safety net for former foster youth when they age out of the system and are facing life on their own. Each year, the program helps more than 800 at-risk teens make a life plan and get the skills they need to survive on their own.
TRAC services include: crisis intervention for former foster youth; assessment and planning assistance; assistance in building life skills, job skills and financial literacy; job placement and retention assistance; educational advocacy services; case management, and emergency, transitional and supportive housing.
TRAC can also help these young people find the resources they need in emergency situations, such as medical services, rent or utility assistance and food banks, as well as shelters or other help for situations including domestic violence and drug abuse.
The offices are open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and night and weekend appointments are available.
For information in Dallas, call 214-370-9300. Dallas offices are located at 3108 Live Oak St. For information in Fort Worth call 817-882-9162. Fort Worth offices are at 1598 Sunset Terrace. The toll-free number for TRAC is 866-466-8722.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition July 25, 2014.