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  The 211 United Way Capital Area Helpline participated in the 2009 Texas Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (TXVOAD) training conference.  It was held at the AT&T Conference Center and Hotel in Austin, Texas, June 1st &2nd. The workshops and training programs focused on increasing the level of preparedness, response, and recovery operations in Texas.  There were voluntary organizations, civic and community service groups, state agencies, and emergency management officials in attendance. The goal was to improve the coordination and communication between voluntary disaster relief organizations, not only during the 2009 hurricane season, but for other disaster events in Texas. 211 Co-Presented with Mary Mays, Emergency Management Coordinator from the Health and Human Service Commissions‘ (HHSC) Texas Information Referral Network (TIRN) on 211’s role state wide during disaster.  211 also participated in other workshops.  Such as, 2008 Hurricane Season Lessons learned presented by Michael Harmon, Field response Administrator Governor’s Division of Emergency Management, and Pandemic Flu: Preparing Your Organization for Potential Impact This Fall presented by Cynthia Morgan PhD, RN, Community Preparedness Section Department of State Health Services, to name a few. If you would like to see how you can become involved in disaster preparedness please contact Jerry Ronquillo, Community Outreach Coordinator with the 211 Texas United Way Capital Area Helpline at 512-323-5566 x55029.

John Sharp and other Central Texas leaders talk about E3 Alliance’s Blueprint for Educational Change. The Blueprint is Central Texas’ commitment to building the most successful educational pipeline in the country.

We just received some wonderful news from our friends at TECEC: Your hard work has paid off. Yesterday at 11:50 PM, the Texas Senate approved HB 130, 26-5, meaning that full-day high-quality pre-k has officially passed the 81st Texas Legislature! We only have one more step to go. Now it must clear Governor Rick Perry’s desk before it becomes law. The Governor has until June 21, 2009 to veto or sign a bill into law. It is important that we act now to get the message to the Governor that high-quality pre-k is important to Texans. Only an organized and loud message to the Governor can ensure that HB 130 successfully passes the Governor’s desk. Please take a few moments to send him a message today! Click here to send the Governor this important message.

It was great to see bloggers and social media enthusiasts talk up the Give5 campaign. People really got behind it and sent it out via their extensive networks. Give5 supporters included Addie Broyles, food writer from the Austin American-Statesman, Jenna Noel, associate publisher from Edible Austin, Mike Sutter, food critic from the Austin American-Statesman, Jodi Bart from Tasty Touring and Monica Williams from Giving City Magazine. –Mando How did you Give5 this past Memorial Day weekend? Were you out of town, and missed out on the fun? Head on over to Plucker’s tonight — Thursday, May 28th, 6-9pm – Pluckers Wing Bar/KGSR Party with a Purpose – 3909 S. LamarJoin Pluckers and KGSR for one crazy fun party, with live music by Marshall Ford Swing Band, drink specials and 20% of food sales donated to United Way Capital Area. Be sure to mention UWCA when you attend this party with a purpose!

Our friends at AGE of Austin are committed to ensuring that older adults with limited resources live as independently as possible in a safe and health environment. They write to let us know that: Every 18 seconds someone aged 65+ is treated in the emergency department for a fall* Every 35 minutes a senior dies as a result of injuries sustained in a fall* The average health care cost of a fall injury is $19,440, excluding doctor’s services* While one in three older adults falls each year, many of these accidents are preventable through home modifications, fall prevention training, and the use of durable medical equipment. Join AGE in raising awareness of senior safety by donating cash or equipment to our free Durable Medical Equipment lending program. Simple items such as wheelchairs, walkers, shower benches, and canes are life-enhancing pieces of equipment that empowers seniors to live safely in their homes. In 2008, AGE provided over 700 pieces of equipment at no charge to low-income seniors or disabled Central Texans. Unfortunately, our waiting list is now longer than ever and we need your help. Over 75 local seniors are currently on the waiting list! On Wednesday, June 3rd, 8am-6pm, please come by the historic AGE building (3710 Cedar Street) to drop off durable medical equipment or to make a donation. In return, you’ll receive a sweet treat, a donation receipt, and “Words of Wisdom”, words of advice written by seniors who would like to share their wisdom with you. To […]

If you haven’t been there, you’ll discover that Blue Star Caféteria has a cool interior, high-quality ingredients, and new twists on great, traditional comfort food dishes. Enjoy their comfort cuisine for lunch, brunch or dinner at Blue Star Cafeteria during the entire weekend (May 23-25) and 5% of the proceeds from food sales will be donated to United Way Capital Area.

Gelato: this delightful treat is 80 percent less fat than American ice cream. It has a velvety texture that melts in your mouth without leaving any unpleasant coating. That sounds like bliss… When you enjoy gelato any time of day during Memorial Day weekend (May 23-25) at Paciugo and 5% of the proceeds will be donated to United Way Capital Area. Additionally, be sure to stop by from 3-5pm on Monday, May 25th for an exclusive gelato tasting specifically for Give5 attendees.