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Dear Friends,
As we step into the holiday season, I'm thrilled to witness the incredible unity and spirit that defines us as an organization.
Our Bastrop County Cares team is hard at work, supporting various coalitions and making connections that matter. It's all about coming together at events, forming new connections, and collectively striving to make our county an even better place for everyone.
Our team is dedicated to fostering partnerships and tackling challenges that require a collective effort. We believe in the power of collaboration to address complex issues.
A heartfelt thank you to each of you for making this year so special. Here's to community, strong connections, and positive changes in Bastrop County.
Collaboratively yours,
Norma Mercado
Executive Director
Bastrop County Cares
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RBCI: Thanksgiving Unity Choir 🎶
On November 10, a talented group of Bastrop County residents came together for an evening of song and thanksgiving. Each note of the Thanksgiving Unity Choir resonated to create a harmonious atmosphere, encapsulating the essence of the holiday spirit.
We extend our gratitude to everyone who participated and made this an unforgettable experience. We hope you will join us in continuing. Stay tuned for more musical adventures and unity events.
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RBCI: Movies in the park ROTC 🎥
We had a great time at 'Movies in the Park' on November 4, an evening dedicated to honoring our veterans.
The Bastrop High School NJROTC presented the colors and performed the national anthem. BCC's Grace Georges led a guided stretch that got our blood flowing before the movie. We followed the stretch with the animated movie 'Valiant,' about a brave but small pigeon who dreams of joining the elite Royal Homing Pigeon Service and serving his country during WWII. Despite the odds, he and his pal Bugsy (Ricky Gervais) endure the rigorous training necessary to prepare them for dangerous missions behind enemy lines.
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RBCI: Veterans Bowling Night 🎳
Each month, the Veterans Collaborative meets for an evening of camaraderie, laughter, and impressive bowling skills.
The recent Veterans Bowling event held in Bastrop on November 24 stayed true to form. The veterans who attended not only showcased their competitive spirits but also highlighted their exceptional teamwork, serving as a reminder of their enduring dedication and resilience.
We extend a heartfelt thank you to all the veterans whose participation made this a great event. We appreciate their service to our country and their participation in our community.
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RBCI: NAMI Training
The recent NAMI mental health training, conducted by the RBCI initiative on November 4, 2023, surpassed all expectations, achieving resounding success.
The knowledge acquired proved to be invaluable, helping attendees to actively advocate for mental well-being within their community.
Reflecting on this remarkable event, there's eager anticipation and enthusiasm to persist in advancing efforts and nurturing positive change regarding mental health in the local community.
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Let's Keep Our Pinky Promise All Year Long!
“Pinky Promise, Solid and True, Mammograms for Me and You” 💕
Let's keep our Pinky Promise going strong all year long! Reach out to a friend or family member and make that commitment together to get screened.
Don't wait—schedule your appointment today! For free or low-cost screening, residents of Bastrop and Hayes County can call 512-392-1161 ext 322.
Let's take care of ourselves and each other by prioritizing our health.
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Congratulations to our BCACH Partners of the Year 2023 🎉
The Bastrop County Cares Accountable Communities for Health (BCACH) Initiative extends heartfelt congratulations to its esteemed Partners of the Year for 2023! The initiative deeply appreciates and honors the commitment demonstrated by all passionate supporters and advocates.
Their unwavering dedication to addressing the crucial link between economic stability and community health has not only raised awareness but also significantly contributed to driving meaningful change. Their tireless efforts in championing the cause of Accountable Communities for Health have sparked inspiration, encouraging others to join in this essential mission.
Through their steadfast advocacy, Bastrop County actively addresses economic stability and building stronger, more interconnected communities that prioritize the well-being of every individual.
In recognition of extraordinary commitment and exceptional contributions, BCACH proudly acknowledges its 2023 Super Connectors:
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We appreciate these partners and their contributions to the collective journey toward enhancing economic stability and well-being for all.
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Join the Movement: The Nourish Coalition Gathers Momentum for a Stronger Local Food System
The Nourish Coalition, a dynamic food system collaborative with a focus on six distinct interest areas called sectors, took a significant stride forward on November 3.
Nourish's inaugural sector meeting, centered around local food infrastructure and food security, gathered members involved in on-the-ground initiatives, including local farms, ranches, food pantries, school nutrition programs, and more.
Several new members joined each sector. Nourish is continuing to seek individuals who are passionate about making a tangible impact within the local food system.
Visit the the Nourish website and navigate to the "How to Get Involved" section and fill out the interest survey to have a Nourish representative reach out to discuss the next steps.
Let's sow the seeds of change and nurture a stronger, more sustainable local food system for everyone. Your involvement can make a significant difference!
Nourishing Communities, One Donation at a Time
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In late August, the Nourish Coalition received a generous endowment of over $20,000 in gift cards from the St. David’s Foundation. Since then, our mission has been clear: to distribute these gift cards among various food pantries, food banks, and meal sites in Bastrop, Williamson, and Caldwell counties.
On Wednesday, November 22, we delivered the final batch of gift cards to the Little Green Church and Soup Kitchen in Martindale. Each distribution held its own significance, but this particular one, coinciding with Thanksgiving and the congregation's celebration, was very special. This year marked their ninth year of serving over 20,000 meals through weekly events.
Nourish coalition members are grateful and humbled to have distributed the gift cards to help organizations bolster food security. We will persist in out efforts, ensuring that support for those in need remains central to our mission. Thank you for your support in creating a more nourished and secure future for everyone.
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Empowering Economic Stability: How to Do Your Part With BCACH
In 2020, various entities in Bastrop County banded together to discuss what the community truly needed to thrive for years to come. From an initial list of 40 items, the group zeroed in on one central focus: economic stability. The group recognized the vital connection between income, health and well-being.
With a clear mission to address economic stability as a social determinant of health, the Bastrop County Accountable Communities for Health (BCACH) initiative was born as a part of Bastrop County Cares.
“We want people to have access to jobs that provide a living wage, health insurance, health literacy, financial literacy— anything that will move them forward out of being in a place where they weren’t economically stable,” said Dr. Patricia A. Alford, Director of BCACH.
Keep reading...
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Child and Family Programs | |
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PAT's Heartwarming Thanksgiving Meal
The Bluebonnet Trails Community Services' Parents as Teachers (PAT) Program orchestrated a heartwarming Thanksgiving meal giveaway on November 16 and 21, spreading festive cheer to their enrolled families.
The PAT program is thankful for donations from Elgin Riders and Classic Bank so they could provide a bag of Thanksgiving side dish essentials, including including green beans, mashed potatoes and stuffing mix, gravy mix, cranberry sauce, cake mix, and frosting, to all 72 enrolled families.
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Open Enrollment for Marketplace Healthcare Plans
Bastrop County has a 22% uninsured population among insurable individuals, which means that approximately 22,000 individuals are without insurance coverage.
Open Enrollment for Marketplace Healthcare plans is open until January 15, 2024. Please share this information with everyone you know! If you had a marketplace health plan this year, check for plan changes, because benefits/providers may have changed.
For more information, reach out to Foundation Community.
Call: 512-381-4520
Text: 737-209-6861
Email: enroll@foundcom.org
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