United Way of Metropolitan Dallas announced today that Stand for Children—Dallas’ Home Visit Project has been selected as a 2020 Social Innovator. Only 10 organizations are selected each year. Participating organizations are recognized for tackling challenges in education, income, and health in North Texas. By investing in promising solutions, the program accelerates the impact of these organizations on the community and provides them with stability for long-term success.

“We are honored to have our Home Visit Project selected as part of the Social Innovation Accelerator 2020 class,” said Stacey Vanhoy, Dallas Director of Stand for Children. “The support of the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas will strengthen our efforts to make a larger impact in the lives of many more students by creating unique and thoughtful relationships between educators and families to propel the success of often under-served students. This work has been proven to make significant impact in preparing students to excel socially, emotionally and academically.”

In August 2015, Stand for Children launched the Home Visit Project in Dallas ISD to build relationships between teachers, their students, and students’ families. Through this effort, teachers are trained to engage and partner with families to build authentic, trusting relationships through home visits to ensure every child is socially, emotionally, and academically successful.

Research has shown that the Home Visit Project contributes toward improved student attendance, increased student engagement, improved behavior (with a decrease in discipline referrals,) greater teacher job satisfaction, and stronger connections between families and schools.

“In the 2017-2018 school year alone, teachers and school staff participating in the Home Visit Project achieved 5,420 relationship-building home visits,” said Vanhoy. “We are thrilled to utilize this great opportunity to build upon that success and support educators as they make the connections that help thousands more students thrive.”