Simmons Foundation Gives $1 Million Grant
Metroplex populations in need will benefit from the Simmons Family Foundation’s recent $1 million grant to the UT Arlington School of Social Work.
The gift extends the school’s Innovative Community Academic Partnership (iCAP) program to Dallas County. The program initiates, supports, and funds ideas among educators to help social service agencies develop better practices.
“The foundation is proud to support this expansion of the UT Arlington School of Social Work into the Dallas County community,” says Serena Connelly ’95, foundation vice president. “The iCAP program is an appealing investment because it benefits all stakeholders: providers, clients, funders, faculty, and students.”
iCAP was founded in 2010 through a gift from the Amon G. Carter Foundation to support work with Tarrant County social service agencies. Initial funding benefited Catholic Charities of Fort Worth’s Common Threads program, which teaches weaving skills to Bhutanese refugees so they can become more financially stable. iCAP also assisted the Youth Offender Diversion Alternative, which helps a juvenile court reduce repeat offenders through alternative methods of dealing with misdemeanor family violence.
“We are building synergy and momentum through the success we’ve experienced with iCAP,” says Scott Ryan, School of Social Work dean. “Support from the Simmons Family Foundation will enable us to expand the reach of this research-based program throughout North Texas and beyond.”
