When Teena James’ first-born son attended Dunbar High School, she witnessed an alarming number of youth impacted by violent crime and poverty in the Echo Heights and Stop Six neighborhoods.
Violent crime is “starting with our young kids, our young teenage boys and young ladies are starting to participate too,” James said.
She knew she had to do something when she helped a 17-year-old avoid potential legal jeopardy. Had he gained a criminal record, it would have impeded his ability to pursue college.
She would come across students who lacked basic necessities such as clothing, food and — sometimes — a place to stay.
“At that point, I started just reaching out to help any child,” James said.
Since 2009, James has been known as “Mother James” and “Miss Stop Six” due to her dedication to supporting the community.
In 2014, she launched the Safe in the Six nonprofit organization to foster a support system in Echo Heights and Stop Six. The nonprofit connects neighborhood youth and families to resources and services to help them succeed in their education and careers and provide safe spaces to help children maintain their mental, emotional and physical health.
Welcome to 52 Faces
52 Faces of Community is a Fort Worth Report weekly series spotlighting local unsung heroes. It is sponsored by Central Market, H-E-B and JPS Health Network.
At the end of the year, these rarely recognized heroes will gather for a luncheon where the Report will announce one honoree to represent Tarrant County at the Jefferson Awards in Washington, D.C.
James’ service and loyalty to the community earned her recognition in 52 Faces of Community, the Fort Worth Report’s weekly series spotlighting unsung heroes in Tarrant County.
“The impact that she made on the schools was really big,” said Jayson Dixon, Safe in the Six marketing director. “She goes into those schools … because she wants to tell kids, ‘You can come out of whatever situation you’re in.’”
Dixon was inspired by James’ tenacity in starting the nonprofit, prompting him to join the team.
“I’ve seen her fight through every type of diversity to get it done. … When she could not get any help,” Dixon said. “We had to create our own help.”
James has secured housing for local youth, purchased clothes and back-to-school supplies, and even escorted children to and from school to ensure their safety.
She and members of the nonprofit aim to serve as “fillers,” guardians who attend promotions, graduations and field trips for children whose parents have work or scheduling conflicts.
Even attending such events can make a difference in a child’s life, James added.
“They’re not alone. They have someone that’s helping them out,” she said.
Safe in the Six partners with SafeHaven of Tarrant County and One Safe Place to help house youth and residents who’ve experienced domestic violence. James has opened up her own home at times.
“Our purpose is to give them a safe environment,” Dixon said. “We can get in touch with the families, set up remediation, figure out what’s wrong and make it work.”
When neighborhood residents struggle with mental health issues or social skills, some also turn to James for help.
“I just see her as a fighter. She loves what she does. She loves that community.”
Jayson Dixon, Safe in the Six marketing director
“A lot of kids are detaching,” she said. “They keep to themselves, and some of them end up having issues mentally.”
While James connects families to local health resources, such as John Peter Smith Hospital, she also takes it upon herself to provide them with uplifting opportunities.
That includes the nonprofit’s annual red rose giveaway.
Every year on the first day of school at Dunbar High, Safe in the Six hosts a red carpet event welcoming teenaged girls with red roses to encourage confidence and positive self-esteem.
“Our goal is to start building up their self-esteem, making sure that these young ladies know who they are and they love themselves,” James said.
She ensures high school boys also receive the care and the guidance they need.
Once a month, the nonprofit hosts the Dads of Dunbar program, bringing in speakers to teach teen boys about entrepreneurship, the importance of completing high school and how they can pursue higher education or trade schools.
Providing events and training is one of the nonprofit’s way of breaking the cycle of crime and poverty that has marred Echo Heights and Stop Six.
James makes time and space for everyone, Dixon said.
“I just see her as a fighter,” he said. “She loves what she does. She loves that community.”
Nicole Lopez is the environment reporter for the Fort Worth Report. Contact her at nicole.lopez@fortworthreport.org.
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Great Job Nicole Lopez & the Team @ Fort Worth Report Source link for sharing this story.
