Community Connection

Lifelong life skills for DFW children and youth facing adversity – delivered where they already are.

Since 1982, Community Connection has brought our award-winning support group program and an array of services to children and youth ages 4–17 across underserved Dallas area neighborhoods. Wherever children and youth commonly gather, schools, after-school programs, and community centers, we show up and stay.

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Over 4,900 children and youth participate in an evidence-based curricula program annually

youth learned healthy coping strategies through positive activities and engaging activities

children and youth pledge to be drug-free each year after learning important information about the dangers of substance use

Who We Serve

Students growing up in under-resourced neighborhoods are facing a myriad of challenges, including housing & food insecurity, parental incarceration, witnessing domestic violence, family addiction, anxiety, and the list goes on. They often lack a caring and consistent adult to count on. That’s where Community Connection comes in.

What We Deliver

Four wraparound services that show up, year-round.

Community Connection combines evidence-based support groups, classroom curriculum, family engagement, behavioral health education, and special events to help children build the skills they need to thrive. Together, these services create consistent support that strengthens confidence, resilience, and healthy decision-making.

CBSG® Support Groups

Small, confidential weekly groups led by a trained, caring facilitator. Participants learn to manage emotions, refuse negative peer pressure, set and achieve goals, and make healthy choices.

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Classroom Based Curricula

Character education and life skills lessons for the entire classroom where students learn how to strengthen their communication skills, relationships with their peers, and their self-confidence.

Strengthening Families

A family program for youth and parents that meets after-school and improves family communication, reduces family conflict, and strengthens family bonds.

Positive Behavioral Health Presentations

Single- and multi-session classroom or assembly presentations and engaging activities covering a variety of topics, including substance use prevention, mental health promotion, healthy decision-making, and life skills designed to fit into a school day or community program.

“I have learned that I don’t have to fight anymore. I can turn the other cheek and think about ways to cool down.”

George

Age 11, Community Connection participant

Trained Partnerships at your Site

We bring trained facilitators directly to your school, after-school program, or community center, or we’ll train your staff to deliver the program themselves through Brighter Days Training.

Where we show up

K–12 public schools
After-school programs
Recreation and community centers
Youth-serving nonprofits
Summer programs and camps
Juvenile Justice Settings

What changes for kids

Learn more

Take Action

Brighter futures begin with caring communities.

Bring Brighter Days to Your Site

Bring Community Connection to your students

Tell us about your students or program participants, and we’ll propose a fit. We can deliver groups directly with our team, or train your staff to lead them.

Make it Possible

$250 funds a 10- week CBSG® Program for a child.

Multiply that across the students in our shelters, schools, and community sites and across the trained facilitators carrying the work into 43+ states and you can see the incredible impact Brighter Days is making. Your gift covers a trained facilitator, materials, and ongoing evaluation for one child, for the full program cycle.