Dear Friends,

We continue to see amazing connections happening across Bastrop County. The coalitions supported by Bastrop County Cares are hosting that provide opportunities to grow, heal, and find resources.

If you aren't involved in a coalition already, our team would be happy to connect you with an initiative that is important to you.

This newsletter shares highlights from the past month and previews of what's to come. Please help us spread the word about these upcoming events within your networks so we can continue to serve Bastrop County residents with our many coalitions.

Collaboratively yours,

Norma Mercado

Executive Director

Bastrop County Cares

PAT Parents Spring into Relaxation

Bluebonnet Trails Community Services’ Parents as Teachers program held a “Spring into Relaxation” group connection event. The event focused on healthy ways for parents to cope with stress and anxiety, as well as learning to help their children handle different emotions in healthy ways.

Parents participated in a breathing exercise to relax and unwind and shared their favorite practices for managing stress. Parents and children enjoyed art time together. They also learned about a parent group for parents of children with special needs from Mrs. Denise Navejas, who shared upcoming family events for parents.

Learn more about Parents as Teachers...

ParentPowered Program Gains Momentum, Eyes Expansion into Elgin and Smithville

Our team of Parent Ambassadors, who work under the Family Empowerment Resource Center, attended three school events throughout March where they focused on explaining the ParentPowered texting service. Smithville Elementary's Rafflemania, Bastrop Lost Pines Elementary's Spring Fest, and Bastrop Bluebonnet Elementary's Book Fair & Jamboree hosted the events.

Keep reading....

Empower Her: Celebrating Growth and Healing

Our recent Empower Her Event, organized under the Youth and Resilience Collaborative, was a resounding success! The conference attracted participants from rural and urban areas and offered a platform for transformative dialogue and personal growth. Each session was designed to foster mother-daughter relationships and enhance access to local mental health resources.

Keep Reading...

Veterans Bowling Night

We're thrilled to announce the success of our Veterans Bowling Night, now a monthly tradition held every last Wednesday of the month at Film Alley from 6 to 8 PM. Join us for an evening of camaraderie with our veterans and their families!

Check out the highlights

Harmony Fest

We had a stress-free day of wellness and connection at our recent Harmony Fest event, hosted by the Faith Collaborative on March 9 at the First United Methodist Church in Bastrop. It was a day filled with uplifting experiences and a harmonious blend of activities for the mind, body, and soul.Keep Reading...

Network Rural Disproportionality

Norma Mercado and Linda Quiroz represented Bastrop County Cares as participants in the CTX Health and Wellbeing Network Rural Disproportionality Event in Smithville on April 6. Alongside other amazing community members as well as like-minded organizations, the pair enjoyed sharing knowledge, participating in conversations, and engaging with others on important topics that affect our communities. 

Open Minds, Open Hearts

The March Open Minds, Open Hearts workshop allowed participants to build trauma-informed spaces for safety and connection. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this enriching experience.

Get ready for the next event in our "Open Minds, Open Hearts" series! 

April 18, 2024: The Science of Interpersonal Relationships

The workshop is free to attend, and CEUs are available.

Let's continue nurturing individuals and communities together!

Register

2023 Annual Report

BCC has grown tremendously in the past year, nearly doubling both our full-time and contracted partners. Each of the coalitions had incredible connecting events and serve our county well.

Check out the full Annual Report

Upcoming Events

Veterans Bowling Night

Friday, April 26 from 6-8 pm at Film Alley in Bastrop

Experience the Heartbeat of Hispanic Heritage

Get ready for Festival De La Cultura Bastrop County - a vibrant celebration of Hispanic heritage! Join us for an authentic, family-friendly fiesta featuring a kaleidoscope of artists, a feast of culinary wonders, and a colorful tapestry of traditions from every corner of the Hispanic world.

April 27-28, 2024 at Mayfest Park, Bastrop

Learn more