Dallas Social Venture Partners Selects Three East Dallas Social Services Agencies for 2005 Funding and Services; Dallas Business Executives Lead North Texas' 'Venture Philanthropy' Efforts.

DALLAS -- Dallas Social Venture Partners (DSVP) announced today that it has selected three east Dallas social services agencies to receive funding grants of $60,000 for 2005. It's the first time that DSVP has funded three new agencies in one year.

The three non-profit organizations - LIFT Education, Transition Resource Action Center (TRAC) and The Wilkinson Center - were chosen among 69 agencies vying for the grants. Other DSVP grant finalists include: Bryan's House, Dallas Children's Theater, Friends of the Public Library, the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship and Our Friends Place.

"Dallas is a city that is so blessed to have such a wonderful community of service agencies and non-profit organizations that remain so focused to accomplish their missions of helping and serving those in need," said Krista Weinstein, DSVP executive director. "For the first time in our history, we're awarding funds to a total of three non-profit organizations in one grant cycle. DSVP is proud to be a small part of the ongoing success and services of these critical community-focused organizations."

DSVP's 2005 funding is given directly by Dallas-area business leaders who also give of their time and talent. The three agencies are:

--LIFT Education - DSVP funds of $20,000 will be used to for a new LIFT program which will offer highly focused mentoring preparing middle school students to make strong educational choices. LIFT runs two charter campuses, Peak Academy and North Hills, which serve underserved urban children in east Dallas and Irving. LIFT creates an environment that motivates students to increase their personal expectations while teaching them how individual choices and actions impact their lives. LIFT is led by Rosemary Perlmeter, executive director of LIFT Education. She may be reached at [phone], or via e-mail at [e-mail].

--Transition Resource Action Center (TRAC) - DSVP funds of $20,000 will be used for TRAC, which serves North Texas' needs for young people growing up in state care and then "aging out." TRAC's goal is to increase the numbers of young people who have the necessary skills and resources to successfully transition from foster and juvenile care to adulthood and successful independent living. TRAC aims to improve the quality of life for emancipating youth. TRAC, led by planning director Evy Kay Ritzen, is located at 3108 Live Oak, Dallas, TX 75204 and may be contacted toll-free at 866-466-8722 or at [e-mail], www.traconline.org.

--The Wilkinson Center - DSVP funds of $20,000 will be used for The Wilkinson Center, an east Dallas ministry 501(c)3 non-profit that has served the most ethnically diverse sections of Dallas County since 1982. Housed at the Munger Place United Methodist Church, The Wilkinson Center depends on annual donations primarily from individuals, church congregations and corporations to continue providing service to the homeless, unemployed and underemployed citizens of east Dallas. It offers a food pantry, employment training, a career clothing center and more. The Wilkinson Center has served more than 250,000 citizens since its inception. The center, led by executive director Brian Burton, is located at 5200 Munger Street, Dallas, and may be contacted at [phone], or visit www.wilkinsoncenter.org.

"The Wilkinson Center has grown rapidly in recent years, but we've really needed the expertise and resources that DSVP brings," said Burton. "Having them assist at this time is a dream come true. DSVP will catapult our children's programs several levels above where they are now, improving our quality, effectiveness and expanding our capacity. Their investment will pay dividends back to the community for 50 years."

DSVP, which began in Dallas in 2000, is one of 23 social venture partnerships in North America demonstrating the value and innovation of "venture philanthropy," an emerging philanthropic approach for business leaders, entrepreneurs and community volunteers who are committed to provide "dollars and sense - business sense" for community service agencies.

"This is really the next-generation model of business philanthropy," said Weinstein. "Often called 'engaged philanthropy,' it's an experience that lasts well beyond a corporate charitable giving requirement or some sense of duty. Our Partners are engaged and involved on a personal level, and get to use their experience, education and success to support these agencies."

Since its inception, DSVP has granted $950,000 to 11 community agencies, and presently has 89 business leaders and community volunteers as Partners. It is these Partners who fund the grants.

"I've been a DSVP partner since 2000," said Ike Brown, vice chairman of National Freight in Waxahachie, Texas. Brown served as DSVP's chairperson of its 2004 investment committee. "DSVP has meant giving back in a meaningful way, bringing my business skills and my relationships to bear. And it's fun building an organization with friends and associates."

For press contacts and interviews, contact Roy Miller at [phone] x235, or via e-mail at [e-mail].

Editor's Note: Available story sources, among others, include:

--Krista Weinstein, DSVP executive director, Dallas

--Brian Burton, The Wilkinson Center, Dallas