Parents Leading Change in Bachman Lake

For 10 years, the Community Action Network has brought parent leaders together at the Bachman Lake Together Family Center to build leadership skills, connect with neighbors and learn how to advocate for their families and community. 

Building Leadership, Strengthening Community

Inside the Family Center’s classrooms and community, Parent Leaders are leading neighborhood projects to connecting with community resources while their children participate in high-quality early childhood programming through AVANCE North Texas and Lumin Education. 

“The first thing that we think about when we’re parents is, ‘And my child? Where do I leave them?’” Yosira Rodriguez, a Community Action Network (CAN) parent leader and member of Bachman Lake Together's Board of Directors, said. “When I see parents with kids, I tell them that there are courses at Bachman Lake Together for parent leadership...you will receive classes, your child will receive classes, and truly, both are learning.” 

For Yosira, parent leadership and advocacy are about meeting caregivers where they are. Through CAN, she has met neighbors, working parents and grandparents, each bringing their own experiences to the program. 

“I was new in this country, and sometimes I thought ‘I don’t know the language, I don’t belong here,’” Yosira said. “...but my voice counts, my voice is really worth listening to because I am a member of the community, my children are members of the school, so I have to advocate for them.” 

That leadership has taken many forms, supported by the relationships and opportunities housed within the Family Center.  

 “The moms asked for... a space where we could meet, that there was access to a kitchen, that there were green areas, that there was space to have books,” Maria Reza, Parent Leadership Manager, said. “The opening of the center... gave them a sense of belonging to something... and that also boosted their participation and growth.” 

A Place to Gather and Belong

At the Family Center, CAN Parent Leaders have helped families navigate Pre-K enrollment with Dallas ISD, sharing their experiences and answering questions about programs, eligibility and access. Through the City of Dallas Community Ambassador Program completed in 2025, parents gathered neighbor’s feedback, connected families to local resources, coordinated and led workshops on topics such as emergency preparedness and safety. They have also facilitated Parent Cafés with United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, bringing parents together to share experiences, support one another, and discuss issues affecting their families and community.  

For over 10 years, Bachman Lake Together has provided a place for connection, with the Family Center in the heart of the community. Parent leaders have been a critical part of this impact, helping shape the Family Center and the opportunities it provides for families. As we look ahead, longtime parent leaders will mentor a new generation through a redesigned curriculum that makes it easier for parents to participate, lead projects and address issues affecting their families and community. Together, we can strengthen parent leadership and create more opportunities for parents to lead.