To attack the problem of crime, poverty and unemployment requires the cooperation and collaboration of everyone in Dallas joined and working together in the underserved communities that are most effected. That's what the Dallas Leadership Foundation is all about. Founded in 1995 by Kathy Dudley, a nationally renowned expert in the field of urban redevelopment, the Dallas Leadership Foundation began as an organization to help the Ideal Neighborhood Association south Dallas do a better job serving the needs of the residents living in south Dallas. She discovered that the best way to do that was to utilize all of the available resources that Dallas had to offer. She tapped into the business community, a non-profit agency, the local churches and individuals who had a desire to improve the quality of life of people living in the Ideal south Dallas community. Since that time, Dallas Leadership Foundation has expanded its reach to where today they are present in six additional underserved grassroots communities. Building on the model that Dr. Dudley started, DLF brings together individuals, non-profit agencies, churches and businesses from all over the city to develop, assist and empower leaders to help themselves and their communities in the areas of 1) Community Development, 2) Leadership Development and 3) Strategic Partnerships.

The city of Dallas is truly a great city in which all of its residents should be proud to live. It's a city that has experienced much success in its long and illustrious history. But it's also a city that has experienced many setbacks along the way. From the fire in 1860 that ravaged most of the downtown area, to the Kennedy assassination in 1963 and the fall out in the banking industry in the 1980s, Dallas has had its share of setbacks that would have destroyed the spirit and character of any other city. Instead, it not only survived, but our city has been able to overcome every setback with a never quit "can-do" attitude of its people. It is that can-do attitude that, time and time again, has lifted Dallas to such heights that made the city even stronger than it was before.

Recognizing this lesson and taking it to heart will enable the people of Dallas with the help of the Dallas Leadership Foundation and its many partners to overcome the challenge of high crime, unemployment and poverty. With that same never quit can-do attitude that has brought Dallas to the heights it has reached thus far, the Dallas Leadership Foundation is doing its part to bring hope to the distressed communities in our city.