Jorge Baldor

Making a Difference in the Lives of Teens Experiencing Homelessness

Jorge Baldor, '93, has a long history of working to improve the lives of others through his support of programs like the Innocence Project, After8toEducate, and through the co-founding of Latino Center for Leadership Development. His latest effort, the Fannie C. Harris Youth Center, is the result of a partnership with several leading nonprofits in Dallas. The Center is for homeless teens and young adults and will offer services including meals, access to showers, a computer lab, and medical and mental health referrals.

According to Baldor, the new center offers crucial support to teens and young adults aged 14-21 who are experiencing homelessness. In Dallas Independent School District (DISD) alone, an estimated 4,000 students are considered homeless, and the newly-opened Fannie C. Harris Youth Center is intended to fill the gap in basic services so these teens have a regular resource to meet their basic needs.

As founder of After8toEducate, an umbrella support program for these students, Baldor is keenly aware of how access to basic resources can help break down obstacles to clear the way for success. By bringing multiple partners together, including Promise House, CitySquare, and Social Venture Partners (SVP) Dallas, with DISD, the team hopes to provide an all-encompassing solution through After8toEducate and the Fannie C. Harris Youth Center to help these teens break out of homelessness.

To see an interview and tour of the Fannie C. Harris Youth Center, please see the WFAA piece on the opening. KERA also conducted an interview with Baldor explaining the story behind the Center and plans for expansion in the near future.