Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance Announces Next Installment of “Hard Conversations”

On April 10, 2015, the Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance (MDHA) launched a new quarterly educational series titled “Hard Conversations” focusing on challenging issues related to homelessness. The inaugural session, presented in partnership with Austin Street Center was titled “The Victimization Experiences and Health Challenges of Women Who are Homeless”, drew more than 110 professionals, funders, volunteers and homeless advocates. MDHA is pleased to announce its next installment in this series. 

Sean Allen

 “Hard Conversations: One Organization's Journey Toward LGBT Competency” – In 2012 ACH Child and Family Services in Fort Worth started a hard conversation among its leadership and staff. They wanted to be a safe and welcoming place for all homeless and runaway youth, but why was the word on the street that they were not a safe place for gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender youth? They took a long hard look at themselves as an organization, reviewed the research, and initiated a change process that shifted their culture from one of LGBT-rejection to one of LGBT-acceptance. In this presentation, Sean Allen, Ph.D., and Alan Schonborn of ACH will describe the change process, share some key successes and give a frank assessment of the work that remains to be done.

Alan Schonborn

This session, presented in partnership with Trans Pride Initiative, will be held on June 19, 2015, 12.00-1.30pm, in the Oak Room of the Center for Community Cooperation, 2900 Live Oak St., Dallas, Texas 75204. Water, tea, and lemonade will be provided, and attendees are encouraged to bring a brown-bag lunch. (CCC requests that lunch not be delivered, and dark colored juices not be brought in.) Space is limited. RSVP to David Gruber, MDHA Development Manager, at 469-222-0047 or david.gruber@mdhadallas.org