In the heart of East Dallas, Owenwood Farm and Neighbor Space partners with nonprofits and neighbors to uplift the 75228 community. This area, rich in culture and diversity, faces serious economic challenges. Over a third of residents live below the poverty line. More than 31% of adults lack a high school diploma, and 91% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch programs.
The pandemic only heightened these barriers. Families experienced job losses, business closures, and reduced access to living-wage opportunities. However, through collaboration and shared commitment, Owenwood is creating new pathways for growth.
Laying the Groundwork for Youth Success
In spring 2022, Owenwood Farm and Neighbor Space launched its first youth initiative: an afterschool coding pilot at Dallas ISD’s S.S. Conner Elementary. Made possible through a $25,000 grant from the Annie L. Stevens Fund of The Dallas Foundation, this program aimed to inspire and equip young learners with vital skills.
The pilot’s success confirmed what many believed — that targeted investment can spark real change. As a result, Owenwood expanded its efforts to reach even more students across East Dallas.
Expanding Impact Through Literacy and Music
Today, over 60 students at Truett Elementary and Uplift White Rock Hills Preparatory School participate in two innovative afterschool programs. Through a partnership with Project Transformation, students strengthen essential reading skills. This work focuses on third-grade literacy, a powerful predictor of future academic success.
Meanwhile, through a collaboration with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s Young Musicians Program, students engage in music literacy and instrument training. Early exposure to music education helps build discipline, creativity, and long-term opportunity.
Research supports this approach. Studies show students who regularly attend high-quality afterschool programs for two years can improve standardized math scores by up to 20 percentiles compared to unsupervised peers. Through this work, students not only boost academic performance but also develop confidence and resilience.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining Growth for Owenwood Farm and Neighbor Space
The impact is already clear. The Young Musicians Program, which began with 30 students, plans to expand to 75 students by January 2024. However, sustaining and scaling these opportunities requires continued investment and partnership.
Through vision, collaboration, and strategic support, Owenwood Farm and Neighbor Space is helping young learners in East Dallas imagine — and achieve — a brighter future.
