Always bet on yourself: A conversation with the CEO of For Oak Cliff

(The Dallas Examiner) – Taylor Toynes is a father, husband, son, former educator and proud lifelong resident of Oak Cliff. He is also the co-founder and CEO of For Oak Cliff, a nonprofit organization that serves the southern sector of the Oak Cliff community – in particular, the 75216 corridor. The 75216 ZIP code is ranked as having the highest number of incarcerated individuals in all of Texas, according to a study conducted by The Commit Partnership. The area is also considered to be a “food desert,” in that many residents do not have suitable access to healthy, affordable food choices. Related Stories FOC aims “to liberate Oak Cliff from [this type of] systemic oppression through a culture of education, while increasing social mobility and social capital.” The organization provides programs such as a food pantry, K-12 tutoring, GED classes, swimming and basketball lessons for community residents. FOC has also partnered with North Texas Collaborative to provide free phlebotomy training. Applicants selected for a phlebotomy cohort receive free certification and exam prep, a laptop and hotspot, transportation and child care while completing the program. The time that he spent working with children led to the idea of creating an organization...