First Choice Social Services

Huge thanks to Bank of America for sponsoring and supporting First Choice Social Services Small Business Academy Launch. It was a huge success.

Our next session will begin in January 2023.


Bank of America

In 2019, there were 134,567 Black-owned employer businesses (businesses with more than one employee) in all sectors of the U.S. economy, an 8% hike from the 124,551 Black-owned employer businesses in 2018.

-Black and African Americans hold beliefs related to stigma, psychological openness, and help-seeking, which in turn affects their coping behaviors.

-The participants in this study were not very open to acknowledging psychological problems, but they were somewhat open to seeking mental health services. Thirty percent of participants reported having a mental illness or receiving treatment for a mental illness

-Black and African American men are particularly concerned about stigma.

-Cohort effects, exposure to mental illness, and increased knowledge of mental illness are factors that could potentially change beliefs about symptoms of mental illness.

-Participants appeared apprehensive about seeking professional help for mental health issues, which is consistent with previous research. However, participants were willing to seek out some form of help.

Religion can be a protective factor for mental health in Latinx/Hispanic communities (faith, prayer) but can also contribute to the stigma against mental illness and treatment (demons, lack of faith, sinful behavior), so targeting religious institutions to help encourage good mental health and treatment-seeking is important.

There is a perception in Latinx/Hispanic communities, especially among older people, that discussing problems with mental health can create embarrassment and shame for the family, resulting in fewer people seeking treatment.

July is Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Mental Health Awareness Month!

Oftentimes, in these communities, mental health is overlooked. Seen as a weakness, or unholy. It is important that we work to bring light to the true issues of mental health in BIPOC communities.

We must uplift everyone and let them know that their feelings of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and so many more mental health disorders are valid and very much so real.

The leading cause of PTSD is sexual violence at 33%, with 94% of r**e victims developing symptoms of PTSD during the first two weeks after their traumatic experience.

We had a great time at the reopening of the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center.

We made a lot of great connections within the community and are excited to see the future opportunities that will arise as we slowly reopen.

Happy Pride Month to All!!!

“We are so sure we know what freedom is in America that we cannot imagine a world in which true freedom might come after sacrifice of personal rights. Freedom is sending your kids to school with confidence that they will come home at the end of the day.”

— Taylor Schumann

Our hearts are with the families of the most recent horrific and vicious acts of gun violence against our children in Texas, and the families affected by the Buffalo NY shooting.

May God continue to protect our children and secure our safety as a nation.

-First Choice Social Services Staff

Most people who commit su***de have a diagnosable mental disorder -- most commonly a depressive disorder or a substance abuse disorder.

-Four times as many men than women commit su***de. However, women attempt su***de more often than men.

-The highest su***de rates in the U.S. are found in Caucasian men over age 85. However, su***de is also one of the leading causes of death in adolescents and adults ages 15 to 24.

21% of U.S. adults experienced mental illness in 2020 (52.9 million people). This represents 1 in 5 adults.

5.6% of U.S. adults experienced serious mental illness in 2020 (14.2 million people). This represents 1 in 20 adults.

16.5% of U.S. youth aged 6-17 experienced a mental health disorder in 2016 (7.7 million people).

6.7% of U.S. adults experienced a co-occurring substance use disorder and mental illness in 2020 (17 million people).

Attending the TCSAAC conference this morning at the Lena Pope Home.

Children living in poverty experience more abuse and neglect.

Experiencing poverty can place a lot of stress on families, which may increase the risk for child abuse and neglect. Rates of child abuse and neglect are 5 times higher for children in families with low socioeconomic status.

If you see something, say something.

In 2021, state agencies identified an estimated 1,840 children who died as a result of abuse and neglect — an average of five children a day. However, studies also indicate a significant undercounting of child maltreatment fatalities by some state agencies by 50% or more.

If you see something, say something.

A pioneer is someone who sees potential, an innovator who is willing to try new things. A pioneer pushes boundaries to advance a cause or idea or break a record. These men and women have experienced success in their field, sometimes by overcoming great challenges.

Bridget Vinson-O’Neal is currently the Founder and Executive Director of First Choice Social Services. Mrs. Vinson-O’Neal has over 27 years of experience working with victims and perpetrators of domestic violence. Mrs. Vinson-O’Neal implemented the first grass-root domestic violence outreach program for women of color at The Family Place in 1997. Mrs. Vinson-O’Neal has also earned recognition for her work in BIPP, winning the CW33 Free to Be Hero’s Award.

Bridget Vinson-O'Neal is the perfect picture of a pioneer. She has made a mark on this world in many different ways ranging in all different forms of community work. She has broken social barriers, gender barriers, and racial barriers. And I, Savannah O'Neal, am proud to call her my Mom.

"War Is Organized Murder, And Nothing Else."

-Harry Patch

"Women Don't Need To Find A Voice, They Have A Voice, And They Need To Feel Empowered To Use It, And People Need To Be Encouraged To Listen."

-Meghan Markle

The Time is Always Right to do What is Right.

-Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

It is important to know the signs and statistics of Teen Dating Violence. When we know the signs of Teen Dating Violence, we can help prevent it.

BIPP Facilitation Training

Battering Intervention and Prevention Program (BIPP) Facilitation Training is here! Register today-Seats are limited!

Purchase Tickets Here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bipp-facilitation-training-tickets-149926874317

BIPP Facilitation Training Battering Intervention and Prevention Program (BIPP) Facilitation Training is here! Register today-Seats are limited!

First Choice Social Services stands with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services in fighting against Human Trafficking.

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month.

Join us for the following activities:
-Week of Prayer to end Human Trafficking-January 10th-16th. Visit www.gov.texas.gov/GRACE for more information.
-Wear blue on January 11th as we show unity in the eradication of human trafficking.

To report potential trafficking situations, call the 24-hour hotline at 888-373-7888.

You Still Have Time

https://conta.cc/3Jp39V0

You Still Have Time Wishing you a prosperous New Year There is still time to make a tax-deductible donation to First Choice Social Services! We know that you have many options when it comes to your end-of-year giving. Wh

Support First Choice Social Services on Giving Tuesday

There's still time to donate!!! Give your gift today and help us achieve our goal to end domestic violence and substance abuse!

https://givingtuesday.mightycause.com/story/First-Choice-Social-Services-Giving-Tuesday

Support First Choice Social Services on Giving Tuesday I'm participating in on Razoo! Join the movement!

Support First Choice Social Services on Giving Tuesday

Tuesday, November 30th is . Use the link below to donate to First Choice Social Services and help us reach our goal to end Domestic Violence and Substance Abuse.

https://givingtuesday.mightycause.com/story/First-Choice-Social-Services-Giving-Tuesday

Support First Choice Social Services on Giving Tuesday I'm participating in on Razoo! Join the movement!

First Choice Social Services

As we enter the holiday season, join First Choice Social Services in helping provide families in need with holiday food baskets, coats, and toys. Please visit our website www.firstchoicesocialservices.org to make a year-end gift and partner with us in the battle against family violence.

If you, or a family you know needs any of the listed items, contact our agency at 972-589-1877.

First Choice Social Services
www.firstchoicesocialservices.org
[email protected]
(O) 972-468-0631
(C) 972-268-2538

First Choice Social Services First Choice Social Services' mission is to be the First Choice in social services to provide treatment to families affected by domestic violence, substance abuse, and teen homelessness.

First Choice Social Services participated in the MLK Treat the Building!! We had a great time passing out candy to the kids and seeing all their amazing costumes.

We had an amazing time at the Dallas Skyline Basketball Club Golf tournament today. We made new partners in eradicating domestic violence. Thank you Mr. Prescott Mack and Mr. Akeem Stroupe for choosing First Choice Social Services as recipients of the proceeds from this event.

Listen to our Executive Director as she's interviewed by Barbara Pettis on her Podcast, 'He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not'.

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1789442/9403001

Time is running out!!

Dallas Skyline Basketball Club is hosting its Annual Golf Tournament. This is a fun family-friendly outing of 18-hole golf, friendly competition, and fundraising. A percent of the proceeds will benefit First Choice Social Services.

This event will be held this Sunday, October 24th, from 10AM to 2PM.

Come out to have fun and raise money for a good cause!

Tickets are selling fast. Don't miss this opportunity!

Use the link below to register for this event:

https://www.dallasskylinebc.com/event-details/dallas-skyline-charity-golf-tournament-1T

Join us tonight as our Executive Director will be the guest speaker for the Podcast with Barbara Pettis.

Tickets are selling fast! Our Night of Comedy, Music, Spoken Word, & Food is this evening at 8 PM.

Get your tickets now!

https://eventbrite.com/e/191749506937

Join First Choice Social Services for our fundraiser as we enjoy a night of comedy, spoken word & music.

Purchase Tickets using the Link Below:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-night-of-comedy-music-spoken-word-food-tickets-191749506937

Dallas Skyline Basketball Club is hosting their First Annual Golf Tournament. This is a fun family-friendly outing of 18-hole golf, friendly competition, and fundraising. A percent of the proceeds will benefit First Choice Social Services.
This event will be held on Sunday, October 24th, from 10AM to 2PM.
Come out to have fun and raise money for a good cause!

Use the link below to purchase tickets:
https://www.dallasskylinebc.com/event-details/dallas-skyline-charity-golf-tournament-1

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. If you See something, Say something.

It's not too late to donate!!!

We had a phenomenal fundraising month, however, it's not over yet. Join us this Friday through Zoom or Facebook Live for our final day of fundraising! Enjoy music, engaging conversation, games, and prizes with us one more time.

Help us reach our fundraising goal of $10,000 to assist with our programs and outreach services.

Zoom Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86801818096