According to 2018 Changing the Odds Dinner Co-Chairs Connie O’Neill and Dick Skorburg,
“It was an honor to serve as event chairs for this year’s Changing the Odds Dinner to kick-off Momentous Institute’s 7th annual education and mental health conference.
“Dallas has one of the greatest income disparities in the country, with nearly one-third of Dallas County children living in poverty. Nearly one in eight children in Texas have experienced three or more Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), which include economic hardship, divorce, or living with a parent who has a substance abuse problem or mental illness. These experiences of poverty and trauma place young children on a tenuous, lifelong path of negative mental and physical health outcomes.
“However, with intervention, these experiences can become the foundation for astounding resilience and establish an ability to overcome what seems to be insurmountable obstacles. Through its work, Momentous Institute emphasizes the importance of helping children understand and manage their emotions, reactions and relationships.
“Momentous Institute, owned and operated by Salesmanship Club of Dallas, has been building and repairing social emotional health in children and families since 1920. Each year, the organization serves over 5,500 children and family members through innovative education and therapeutic services. The organization also invests in research and training, including the annual Changing the Odds Conference, to reach far more children than could ever be served directly.
“After nearly 100 years of work, research has proven that the unique combination of social emotional health and rigorous academics is a game changer for children and their long-term success, especially for those who have experienced trauma or toxic stress.
“Momentous Institute is devoted to all children achieving their full potential, and our wish is that you partner with Momentous Institute to help change the odds for countless children in our community and beyond!”
* Graphic and photo provided by Momentous Institute