South Dallas Employment Project

01/15/2026

2nd Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon: Collaboration That Delivers Results

The South Dallas Employment Project (SDEP) convened stakeholders, partners and community leaders for its 2nd Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon on January 12, highlighting the measurable impact of collaborative, systems-level work across south, southern and west Dallas.

Since its launch in 2020, SDEP has grown from 14 founding organizations to 254 organizational stakeholders, collectively supporting 8,000+ individuals and families through workforce development, education, housing access, and employer partnerships that lead to living-wage employment.

Emceed by Wes Jurey, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of SDEP, and Dr. Michael Hinojosa, Chairman of the SDEP's Leadership Council, the event featured keynote remarks from The Honorable Carl Sherman, former Texas State Representative. The luncheon also recognized outstanding partners in 2025 whose leadership continues to drive transformational change: Founders Award recipient Dr. Michael Hinojosa; Ashley Hutto, Champion of the Year; Metrocare Services, Organizational Stakeholder of the Year (accepted by John Burruss, M.D., CEO); and Union Pacific Railroad, Employer Stakeholder of the Year (accepted by Ken Kuwamura, Senior Manager of Talent Acquisition).

Guests also heard a powerful testimony from Deric Durden, whose journey from incarceration to employment, entrepreneurship, and self-sufficiency exemplifies the impact of coordinated community support.

As SDEP looks ahead to 2026, the focus remains on expanding employer engagement, strengthening education and training pipelines, advancing neighborhood-based economic development, and continuing to align resources in ways that produce lasting outcomes.

Progress at this scale requires shared commitment. If your organization is looking to hire talent, strengthen workforce pipelines, invest in community impact, or align services for greater outcomes, we invite you to join the South Dallas Employment Project. Your time, talent, influence, and investment help turn collaboration into opportunity — and opportunity into lasting change.

12/25/2025

✨ Season’s Greetings from South Dallas Employment Project ✨

Hope. Faith. Community. As we celebrate the holiday season, we reflect on the impact we’ve made together. We are grateful for our partners, stakeholders, supporters, and community members who help us create pathways to opportunity and economic empowerment. Your belief in our mission makes meaningful change possible—today and throughout the year. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a bright New Year!
community SeasonOfGratitude

12/25/2025

✨Season’s Greetings from South Dallas Employment Project✨
Hope. Faith. Community. As we celebrate the holiday season, we reflect on the impact we’ve made together. We are grateful for our partners, stakeholders, supporters, and community members who help us create pathways to opportunity and economic empowerment. Your belief in our mission makes meaningful change possible—today and throughout the year. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a bright New Year!

12/11/2025

For many, this time of year can be very lonely and challenging. Join a powerful virtual discussion TONIGHT at 6:00 PM on su***de prevention - how to recognize the signs, start the conversation, and make a difference. For more information, call 972-925-2744.

09/22/2025

Show your support for our previously incarcerated and returning citizens by ordering popcorn through this unique pop-up link: https://popup.doublegood.com/s/k7k541nl

09/11/2025

THIS SATURDAY - FREE FAMILY EVENT from 10AM - 2PM at the Larry Johnson Recreation Center. Please share.

07/23/2025

SDEP had the honor of supporting the 25th Annual Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Officers' Recognition Luncheon on July 16 at the Frontiers of Flight Museum. DCCCJA provides training, recognition and community awareness for probation, parole and pretrial services officers who work to promote public safety and offender rehabilitation. We appreciate the opportunity to network with other organizations, as we work together to serve those in need.

07/22/2025

This month’s Advisory Council Meeting was a special Reentry Simulation Exercise, providing each of our individual stakeholders the opportunity to personally experience the challenges individuals go through, as they are released from incarceration. Co-Hosted in Partnership with the US Attorneys Office and City of Dallas, the reentry simulation emphasized the specific barriers that people face as they are reintegrating.

What a great experience for us all, as service providers, to have a different perspective as we strive to continue to better meet the needs of our clients.

07/21/2025

Does anyone have kids that need glasses? Contact Inspired Vision Compassion Center for vision health...

Does anyone have kids that need glasses? Contact the center for vision health

06/13/2025

This week’s SDEP Advisory Council event was entirely focused on providing Networking Opportunities for each of our individual stakeholders that allowed all attendees to network with one another, based on their topical services of interest. The room was organized with multiple tables, each labeled with a particular service topic. SDEP Partner organizations brought materials of information on particular service(s) each provides. Great conversations were had, and relationships built. Thank you to all who participated! If you’re interested in doing this again, let us know in the comments below, or email us, and we’ll get this on the calendar again!

11/13/2024

Thank you Jordan Allsup and Clean UP usa for your partnership and all that you are doing in our community! 🙏 We’re excited to launch this collaborative transportation initiative with you soon!

10/28/2024

Expanded Services Now Available! Our latest Advisory Council meeting focused on exciting updates to the expanded services, support, and technical assistance now available through the South Dallas Employment Project (SDEP). These services will enhance the experience for individuals seeking assistance, our organizational and employer partners, and the communities we proudly serve.