|
OUR HISTORY
In
the spring of 1988, a group of Christian businessmen began a storefront
food pantry for the poor. The effort quickly revealed that hunger was a
symptom of deeper issues associated with poverty. That observation
prompted the organization's members to think about how they could
attack the problems of poverty in a more comprehensive and systemic way.
Thanks to the early commitment and generosity of these leaders,
particularly the initiative of Dallas business leader Jim Sowell, CDM
has grown into an expansive community development organization with a
network of interlocking programs originating from many different sites.
Offering a variety of programs throughout Dallas as well as San
Antonio,and Austin.
CDM is responding to poverty’s
many expressions
.
OUR
CONTINUING GROWTH
CDM was not
always so large. The Central Dallas Food Pantry became a bona fide
501(c)3 organization in 1990 and in 1994 began doing business as
Central Dallas Ministries.
More recently,
CDM has grown from an operating budget in 1996 of just under $200,000
to over $12 million in 2009.
Our most recent
growth has included an overall increase in clients served –
over 60,000 human touches in 2006 – as well as additional
programs as the needs have arisen. This has included expanding our work
to reach communities in San Antonio and Austin through Urban Connection - San Antonio and Urban Connection - Austin.
While the
number of programs has expanded rapidly in recent years, CDM’s
core values of faith, justice and opportunity
have remained the same.
The Resource
Center/Food Pantry & Thrift Store is led, organized and
operated by volunteers who live in the neighborhood and who first came
seeking assistance.
Because of
this, the Resource Center has become a model in community building. It
gives neighbors the opportunity not only to receive help, but to
reinvest in the community with their skills and care. Volunteers have
been recognized by the J.C. Penney Foundation and the Volunteer Center
of Dallas County for exemplary service. CDM does not have clients –
only "neighbors and friends” working together in community.
The rapid and
at times unanticipated growth of CDM reflects its vibrant, dynamic
nature. It is constantly adapting to better identify and meet needs,
with the scope of services expanding from one year to the next but
staying focused on building genuine community and indigenous
leadership.
|
