Asset Funders Network introduces the Equity Amplifier for Economic Security (EA), a new monthly spotlight series highlighting organizations or nonprofits focused on building economic security/asset building in communities of color.
DOWNLOAD AN INFO SHEET ON Southern Dallas Link 
Southern Dallas Link is an organization, located in Dallas, Texas, founded in 2015, by Curtis Corbins who realized that there was a lack of opportunity for citizens in Southern Dallas to earn a living wage. Corbins assembled a team of individuals and organizations to identify ways to address this problem. It seemed that a lack of reliable transportation was a major factor in employee turnover. Through hard work, research, and collaboration, they were able to identify employment, where employees could earn at least $15.00 per hour, and provide reliable transportation to the impoverished so they could access all the resources, specifically living wages, “to become independent, self-sufficient, healthy and economically stable and living at least 200 percent above the poverty level” The organization identifies as BIPOC lead and provides human and basic needs services.
Q&A with Southern Dallas Link
Can you provide an example of a program or initiative that your organization is spearheading that works to advance economic opportunity and prosperity for communities of color?
We have initiated a ride to work JOB BOARD that makes reliable transportation available to every job listed on the
job board throughout the DFW Metroplex. Also every job listed on the board is a living wage job.
s
What are some specific barriers or biases from within philanthropic organizations that you believe are hindering diverse organizations from accessing adequate funding or support?
The lack of opportunities for many of these organizations to display their true and passionate impact that their work is having on the communities they serve to the philanthropic organizations.
“Our reliable transportation services allows the underserved to have access to any and all resources necessary for them to be served in an equitable way.”
How does your work impact communities and populations that are historically marginalized, underserved, and/or under-resourced?
Our reliable transportation services allows the underserved to have access to any and all resources necessary for them to be served in an equitable way.
Name one thing funders need to be cognizant of when connecting or partnering with diverse organizations and communities?
Each organization has a passion for what it does and the communities it serves.
Funders who wish to learn more about the Southern Dallas Link can visit www.southerndallaslink.org or reach them on Facebook at SouthernDallasLink.
About the Equity Amplifier
The EA serves as a space where philanthropy can engage with communities of color and examine how funders are addressing concerns in a manner that is intersectional and inclusive. Each month, AFN members will have the opportunity to access organizations and nonprofits in communities of color that are focused on economic security and asset building, including an informational brochure and a brief interactive virtual video presentation.
As a benefit of AFN membership, funders may nominate local nonprofits focused on building economic security/asset building in communities of color to highlight as part of the EA series. AFN members will also receive the opportunity to participate in a brief interactive virtual video presentation that will be shared with national AFN membership, allowing your organization to showcase innovative models and best practices to help build a more secure future for diverse communities.
How can funders get involved?
For more information or to nominate an organization or nonprofit led by people of color for the AFN EA, visit our website or contact AFN at info@assetfunders.org.
