As concerns over youth mental health, social development, and interpersonal conflict continue to grow, one North Texas organization is working to equip teenagers with the tools they need to build healthier relationships and make better decisions.

“We want young people to leave with skills they can carry into every relationship and every stage of life.”

Face to Face Enrichment Center Dallas adult facilitator and marketing coordinator Aysia Davis

Face to Face Enrichment Center Dallas opened its Dallas-area location in January 2025 and focuses on youth empowerment, mentorship, communication skills, and relationship management for teens ages 14 to 19. The organization is part of a larger nonprofit network founded by Gabrielle Johnson in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and has expanded throughout Louisiana and Texas over the past several years.

“Our mission is youth outreach, empowerment, relationship management, mentoring, and helping young people develop the skills they need to navigate life,” said Dr. Louisa Stanton, program monitor for the Dallas location.

Empowering Teens with Relationship Skills

Originally launched in 2008 as an organization focused on HIV/AIDS testing and support services, Face to Face later shifted its focus toward youth development, recognizing a growing need for mentorship and guidance among teenagers. The organization now operates programs designed to help young people develop communication skills, self-awareness, and healthy relationships.

One of its signature initiatives is a 13-week curriculum called Cookies and Convo, which is delivered directly within schools. The program uses guided discussions, journaling exercises, personality assessments, and group conversations to help students better understand themselves and the relationships around them.

According to program leaders, today’s teenagers face challenges that extend beyond academics.

“Their social skills, not really knowing how to speak, not really knowing how to carry themselves, and building healthy relationships overall are some of the biggest issues we see,” said adult facilitator and marketing coordinator Aysia Davis. “Many of them are turning to the internet for answers instead of having trusted adults or mentors to guide them.”

Face to Face staff say schools are a natural place to reach teens because many of the social pressures and relationships young people navigate every day begin there. Through partnerships with junior high and high schools, the organization creates opportunities for students to discuss peer relationships, family dynamics, communication, conflict resolution, and dating relationships in a supportive environment.

The program’s personality assessment component is designed to help students better understand their own communication styles and how they interact with others.

“When they can identify who they are, it helps them navigate relationships better, communicate more effectively, and choose healthier friendships,” Stanton said.

The organization says student feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. While some participants initially join because of incentives such as gift cards, staff members report that many leave with practical life skills and a new perspective on communication and personal growth.

Leaders also hope the program can help address larger issues affecting youth across the region.

“We see conflict among young people every day, whether it’s online or in our communities,” Stanton said. “We want to provide tools that help them resolve conflict, communicate better, and make healthier choices.”

In Need Of Community Help

Despite offering free, grant-funded programming, organizers say community participation remains one of their biggest challenges. They encourage parents, educators, and community members to help connect young people with available resources.

“There are organizations willing to do some of the heavy lifting,” Stanton said. “Sometimes the biggest thing the community can do is simply refer a young person to a program like ours.”

Face to Face Enrichment Center Dallas is currently accepting participants for upcoming summer sessions beginning in June and July. In addition to Cookies and Convo, the organization collaborates with community partners to offer etiquette training and conflict resolution workshops for teens.

Get Connected

For more information, families can visit the organization’s social media platforms on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, or contact Face to Face Enrichment Center Dallas directly at 972-217-3231. Check out their website here.

“The goal is simple,” Davis said. “We want young people to leave with skills they can carry into every relationship and every stage of life.”

The post Face to Face Enrichment Center Brings Relationship Skills and Youth Mentorship to Dallas Teens appeared first on Dallas Weekly.