OUR MISSION:  To empower survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

OUR VISION:     At Brighter Tomorrows we make a difference because we take domestic violence and sexual assault personally.  As the second largest domestic violence shelter in Dallas county, we have been witness to thousands of changed lives.  We are committed agents of change who work for survivors and the eradication of domestic violence and sexual assault through education and collaboration.

OUR HISTORY:  Conservative estimates indicate that one in three women will be battered during their adult lives. In response to the epidemic of family violence and with a cooperative effort between the Grand Prairie City Council, Grand Prairie Police Department, Grand Prairie Human Service Coalition, and a group of concerned citizens Brighter Tomorrows was formed in 1989 and began providing a safe haven for victims of abuse.

Over the years, Brighter Tomorrows has sheltered an increasing number of clients from throughout the metroplex. We see clients not only from Dallas and Tarrant counties, but also those fleeing abusive situations in other cities in Texas and around the country. The more we reach out, the more we are aware that there is still work to be done. Domestic and sexual violence knows no economic, cultural or educational boundaries. To combat this epidemic problem, Brighter Tomorrows serves individuals regardless of age, race, ethnic origin, gender, or city of origin.

Today, Brighter Tomorrows is one of the largest domestic violence agencies in Dallas County and includes:

• Three emergency shelters that can house up to a total of 91 residents.  

• Counseling and community outreach centers in Grand Prairie and DeSoto. This centers provide legal advocacy, support groups, counseling,  and community education.

• Three thrift stores (DeSoto, Grand Prairie and Irving) whose two major goals are to raise operating money for agency services and provide household goods and other necessities for agency clients who are in need of this assistance. The store in DeSoto provides food pantry and utility assistance to people in that community.

• A Transitional Housing Program with 68 beds. Clients may stay in transitional housing facilities for up to two years. While in the facility clients receive life skills training, counseling (as required), and may be eligible for additional training resources. Upon employment, the client must establish a savings account that will help them achieve independence when they leave transitional housing.  To download an application click here

• Sexual Assault Services - In 1995, Brighter Tomorrows began responding to sexual assault survivors needs. This program offers a full range of services to survivors of sexual assault.

• Non-resident Services include: 24-hour crisis hotline, individual counseling, support groups, legal advocacy, Parenting Classes (English and Spanish), Life Skills classes, community education, referrals (in such areas as: housing, employment, childcare, training, governmental resources, etc.).

• Provided emergency shelter for 516 men, women and children
  
• Served 37,087 meals to shelter residents
  
• Responded to 1,642 hotline calls and provided crisis intervention
  
• Assisted 490 survivors in non-resident outreach counseling
  
• Supported 48 families in transitional housing
  
• Provided food pantry and electric assistance to 1,016 families

Brighter Tomorrows receives funding through a Community Development Block Grant from the Cities of Grand Prairie and Irving, Texas Department of Human Services, Office of the Attorney General, Victims of Crime, local businesses and individuals. We also rely heavily upon the support of our dedicated volunteers.

All participants had the option of creating their own webpage to help raise funds that will enable Brighter Tomorrows to provide supportive services for those in crisis.  Awards were given to the top three fundraisers.