CROSSFIRE began as a grass roots program of volunteers in 1990 (incorporated as a 501c3 tax exempt organization in 1994) to address the academic, social, and spiritual needs of gang-oriented, at-risk children. These volunteers, recruited by two visionary housewives, began extensive involvement as reading tutors and mentors in the elementary school of an east Dallas neighborhood which, in the words of a gang unit Police Officer, was located on the turf of “the largest, most criminally active gang in the city of Dallas."

Many alarming facts compelled these volunteers to action: a majority of the boys were becoming gang identified by 3rd grade, and officially “crossed in” by the 6th grade; there was a shocking drop-out rate at the neighborhood high school; results of the most recent standardized reading test given to fourth graders, were dismal; 93% of Texas prison inmates never completed high school and are functionally illiterate; and it cost approximately $30,000.00 per year to incarcerate one juvenile.

Most of the children in the predominantly Hispanic Dallas neighborhood, were from single parent homes, poor, smart but failing academically, living in rundown “crack apartments,” and all exposed, influenced and affected by gangs, drugs, violence, and disgusting role models. Violence, in various forms, was a part of daily life. Drugs posed a constant danger and temptation. The breakdown of the family leaves children without a sense of security and identity, and not having a father in the home has been shown to be the single greatest contributing factor to poverty and gang involvement.

Bright and gifted young people struggle in the inner-city without vision, hope, or direction, and never know that God has a plan for them. They desperately need caring adults to believe in them and guide them.

Over the years, many different programs have been implemented through Crossfire in order to train and empower the children and teens of the neighborhood, and guide them through the pitfalls of inner-city life. The most important component in their success at changing lives, however, has been relationship. Many of the original children from that elementary school years ago have stayed in relationship with Crossfire, and been helped to achieve academic success, acquire life skills, and grasp a vision of hope and destiny for the future. They are now in their 20’s, have grown up in this organization, had their lives dramatically impacted, overcome great obstacles, and are living lives that will impact their peers and their families for generations to come.

MORE HISTORY: Unlikely Beginning | The Streets