Resources for Families

Lantern(formally Bright By Text): A text-based service that provides families (prenatal through 18) with developmental activities, parenting tips, and FREE family-friendly events based off their zip code. Families simply text LEARN to 274448 to opt in to this program and can expect around 2-3 text messages a week. They can also sign up once for multiple children in the home. They can opt out at any time. Families also have the choice to opt in to specialized codes (ex: BOND- for caregivers with a child birth to 12 months)  (no county restrictions)

Dollars for College: Dollars for College is a children’s savings account program that provides low- and moderate-income families with a safe, trusted, easy-to-access and low-cost way to build savings for their child’s college education. This program also encourages family members and friends to make deposits in the child’s on special occasions (birthdays, holidays, etc.) through providing a link to share with your network. https://unitedwaydallas.org/resources/dollars-for-college/

Healthcare Navigation: Certified Healthcare navigators will help families understand their options and enroll them in the best insurance plan for themselves and/or their family. This program is available across 16 counties. Families are able to call or visit the website to connect with a navigator. https://unitedwaydallas.org/resources/healthcare-navigators/ (16 counties)

Help Me Grow North Texas: Help Me Grow North Texas is a collaboration of community partners across an 18-county service region that promotes child development, health and wellbeing in North Texas by providing a free centralized information and resource line for local families of children ages 0-5 and pregnant persons. Services include FREE developmental screenings (available in multiple languages), connection to vital community resources & supports, support from an experienced child development specialist including answering questions about pregnancy, parenting, and child development. https://helpmegrownorthtexas.org/  (18 counties)

Impact Loan Initiative: United Way of Metropolitan Dallas has partnered with Capital Good Fund to offer easy, honest and affordable loans to Dallas area residents.  Impact Loans are now available up to $1,500 for a maximum term of 15 months at a fixed rate of 12%. No application or closing fees and no minimum credit score required, and borrowers will improve their credit score with on-time payments.  An Impact Loan can help people pay for a variety of household expenses, including rent and utilities, medical expenses, car repairs, a security deposit for a new apartment, or technology purchases such as a new laptop. Get started here: Impact Loans - Capital Good Fund (no county restriction)

Once Upon a Month: Once Upon a Month™ is an early literacy program that delivers FREE age-appropriate books (English or bilingual books) to North Texas families (Dallas, Collin, Rockwall, and Kaufman counties) every month. This program is designed to support children birth through 5 in building a home library! https://ferstreaders.org/texas  (pregnant persons can also register; they’ll put their due date as the birthdate)

Teachable: A FREE online training library for caregivers and professionals. Trainings are high-quality, online, self-paced, and come with CEUs. Caregivers and professionals can also submit trainings to be included in the training library. Approved submissions will receive a FREE one year membership to First3Years. View online catalog here (hmgntx.teachable.com/) and see submission requirements here.