Who We Are

The Trinity Youth Empowerment Fund (TYEF) is an outgrowth of First United Methodist Church Dallas’ commitment to J.J. Rhoads, a Dallas Independent School District Elementary School in south Dallas.

For seven years, the church has provided reading tutors, underwritten field trips, hosted teacher appreciation lunches, and provided funding and volunteers for field days.  The church continues to maintain its level of support including providing a washing machine and dryer to wash student uniforms when needed.

For four years, one of the church’s adult Sunday school classes has, in conjunction with the school staff, raised funds to allow every 3rd, 4th, and 5th grader to select four books to keep.  This happens at the end of the school year with the strategy to encourage students to maintain their reading skills during the summer.

In 2018, TYEF was organized as an independent non-profit corporation in order to broaden the funding base beyond the church for these and other programs that would enrich the students’ lives.  TYEF Board members worked with the professional staff at Rhoads to fund a broad-based program of enhancements ranging from STEM systems to basketball to musical instruments.

The TYEF Board has secured performances by the Avant Dance Group, Teatro Dallas, and a performance of Peter and the Wolf by professional musicians.  They are committed to working collaboratively with the students, teachers and administrative staff at J.J. Rhoads.

 Additional funding will provide programs in education, the arts and life enrichment programs.   But to accomplish these goals, we need the help of individuals, corporations and foundations to ensure these dreams become a reality and the children in South Dallas have hope for the future!