Dear Friends,

We're excited to see the significant impact of the coalitions fostered by Bastrop County Cares. These platforms are not just about growth, healing, and resource discovery, but they are also about you, our community members, making a difference in the lives of others.

As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, we must recognize the importance of supporting mental well-being within our communities. Mental health affects individuals from all walks of life, regardless of culture, ethnicity, or background. By acknowledging and addressing mental health within the context of our cultural activities, we break down stigmas and barriers that may prevent individuals from seeking support or accessing resources.

Reflecting on the exciting first quarter of the year, we celebrate milestones such as the inaugural Fatherhood Summit, the inaugural Festival De La Cultura, and the Empower Her Wellness Conference. These events, each catering to different demographics, have enriched our community and exemplify our commitment to diversity and inclusion. These activities are pivotal in breaking down barriers and fostering meaningful connections. By creating spaces where people from diverse backgrounds can come together in shared experiences, cultural boundaries dissolve, and genuine relationships can form. These connections are the foundation for collaborative efforts toward a more inclusive and equitable society.

If you're ready to make a difference in our community, we invite you to join one of our coalitions. Our team is here to guide you in finding an initiative that aligns with your interests and values.



This newsletter provides insights into the past month's highlights and offers a preview of what's ahead. We invite you to help us spread the word about the upcoming events within your networks, enabling us to further support the residents of Bastrop County through our diverse range of coalitions.

Collaboratively yours,

Norma Mercado

Executive Director

Bastrop County Cares

Inaugural 'Festival De La Cultura' in Bastrop County!

On April 27-28, 2024, the Bastrop County! Cares Team was invited to be part of a historical event at the inaugural 'Festival De La Cultura' in Bastrop County, celebrating Hispanic heritage. Executive Director Norma Mercado took part in the official ribbon-cutting ceremony. In collaboration with the City of Bastrop, we were honored to help kick off an annual tradition that will continue to pay homage to our community's rich and diverse heritage.

The event featured unforgettable performances headlined by Grammy-award-winning legends Little Joe y La Familia, along with an exciting roster of local talent including Del Castillo, Ricardo Castillon y La Diferenzia, Conjunto Cats, Eztilo, Rey Arteaga, La Dinastia Aguirre, Clarissa Serna, and The Family Jewelz. These performances added a dynamic energy to the festival, showcasing the diverse and vibrant cultural tapestry of our community.

As part of the event, Bastrop County Cares hosted a Health and Wellness rodeo packed with amazing performances, free food, a petting zoo, recreational activities, and several BCACH Partners also participated in the event as vendors providing a festive and enjoyable opportunity to share resources with community members.

This family-friendly festival extends a warm invitation to everyone to revel in an eclectic array of music, art, culinary delights, and dance. The gifted students from BISD were also able to perform on the big stage. BCACH and several Partners also participated in the event, providing a festive and enjoyable opportunity to share resources with community members. Hats off to our BCACH Partners CARTS, CHCSCT, SWFTC, BISD, Dell Children’s Health Plan, Community Action Inc., and Capital Idea for their participation.



Read more here...

Fatherhood Collaborative gains Momentum!

Following a successful Fatherhood Summit in Early March the Bastrop County Cares 24/7 Fatherhood Program has officially kicked off and is dedicated to supporting and empowering fathers on their journey to becoming better parents. Over the next 12 weeks, consistent meetings will provide a valuable opportunity for men to share experiences, learn, and grow together in fatherhood.

Held every Tuesday evening from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Bastrop County Cares office located at 806 Water St. in Bastrop , TX. These structured sessions will focus on enhancing communication skills and fostering quality time with their children.

Learn more here...

Bastrop County Care-A-Van on the move!

The BCC Team hit the neighborhood of Stoney Point Park to announce the BIG NEWS! 

Care-A-Van Wednesdays are coming!

The Bastrop County mobile well-being and recreation unit encourages fun recreational activities, intergenerational activities, and critical resources that improve the health and wellness of everyone in the community. With this access, families are not only more connected to each other but are connected to their community and to the resources available to them.

Learn more about the Bastrop County Care-A-Van...

Local Food Fair Art Contest!

Calling all students to participate in the art contest for the upcoming Bastrop Local Food Fair! We're seeking your creative input to select the tagline, theme, and logo inspired by the prompt:

“What do locally grown foods look like?"

**Deadline for Students to submit art is May 23, 2024***

Art entries can be submitted via mail, in person or email Krissy Voutas at the BCC Office:

Krissy@Bastropcares.org

806 Water Street

Bastrop TX 78602  

Parents as Teachers-Family Resource Fair-”Honoring April Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month.”

The Bluebonnet Trails Community Services PAT program hosted its annual Family Event and Resource Fair on April 23, in recognition of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. The event took place at Fisherman's Park in Bastrop, TX.

Thanks to the generous support of our donors - Meyers’ Elgin Smokehouse BBQ, Southside Market & BBQ, and HEB (Bastrop location) - refreshments were provided for the families and their guests.

Attendees had the opportunity to engage with presenters from 19 different resources and programs available for children and families. Additionally, a provider offered glitter "tattoos" for the children, which proved to be a popular activity during the event.

Learn more about Parents as Teachers...

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

OWL's (Older Wise Leaders) Coalition

Bastrop County Cares' own, Change Agent Lula Reese, hails from the Shiloh Community. Mrs. Reese also leads the OWL's (Older Wise Leaders) Coalition. She recently attended the Inaugural HEAL (Health, Equity, Advocacy, and Leadership) Summit at Huston Tillotson University, sponsored by Blue Cross Shield of Texas. 

In the photo, Lula is seen here with Tresha Silva, Executive Director of Bastrop Emergency Food Pantry. We recognize that by partnering together, we can pave the way for better ways to improve health outcomes for everyone in our community. This highlights the potential for collective action to address challenges and create positive change.

Learn  more about the OWL’S Coalition here…

Bastrop County Master Gardeners

Learn, Grow, Eat, and Go" is a hands-on curriculum facilitated in a lively, fast-paced, engaging style led by Catherine Pressler, a member of the Bastrop County Cares Board of Directors and Past Chairman. The last class in a series of classes, presented this Spring at Red Rock Elementary through collaboration between AgriLife, Bastrop County Master Gardeners, and Bastrop County Cares, will take place on Friday, May 10, 2024.

Learn more about Learn, Grow, Eat & Go here...

BCACH doubles down on community engagement!

BCACH staff, including Noemi, Jackie, and Abby, have been actively engaged in attending Career & Resource Fairs throughout March and April. On March 27, 2024 BCACH participated in the BISD Junior/Senior Career Day at the Bastrop Convention Center, where over 400 students attended the morning activity.

Director Noemi Guerra took part in a panel discussion alongside BCACH Partners Vincent Tovar (Capital Idea), Alan Butler (Smithville Workforce Training Center), and Josue Rodriguez (Workforce Solutions-Rural Capital Area). The panel focused on career training in the Central Texas Area, offering insights into opportunities available at little or no cost. This informative discussion was presented six times to different sections of attending High School Seniors.

BCACH also facilitated initial conversations between BISD CCMR Director Amanda Brantley, P-Tech Coordinator Dr. Steven Henn, and Pharmacy executives from CVS, HEB, and Walgreens on April 2nd, exploring potential partnerships with the expanding Pharmacy Technician Training program at BISD.

On April 5, 2024, Jackie May attended the Expanding Opportunity Seminar at the Round Rock ACC Campus, which centered on learning about internship and apprenticeship opportunities available in the 10-county Central Texas Area. Workforce Solutions emphasized that "No individual is expendable" in addressing workforce shortages in Central Texas.

Noemi and Jackie attended the Second Chance Resource Fare at the Workforce Solution Capital Area North Office on April 23, 2024, learning about numerous resources available to assist individuals seeking job skills training.

More about BCACH here...

Open Minds, Open Hearts

The April Open Minds, Open Hearts allowed participants to learn about the mind-body connection, the unspoken messages we send and receive from one another, and managing stress in relationships.Thank you to everyone who joined us for this enriching experience.

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

May 16, 2024: Flow not Fear- How to stay calm and grounded during stressful times.

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

2024 Bastrop County Family Expo and Resource Fair

Saturday, June 8, 2024 is the 2024 Bastrop County Family Expo & Resource Fair. We're bringing together an incredible group of organizations, presentations, and resources from across Bastrop County to support you in raising your children of any age.

Register Here

Honoring Older Americans

Celebrating our cherished senior citizens from local churches with Bastrop County's Faith Collaborative!

Event info

Unity Steps Mental Health Walk

Unity Steps: Mental Health Prayer Walk" invites participants to come together in solidarity to raise awareness for mental health issues. This event offers a unique opportunity for individuals to engage in a reflective and supportive community activity. Attendees will have the chance to walk, pray, and reflect, fostering a sense of unity and solidarity. Featuring soothing music and opportunities for personal reflection, the walk aims to promote mental well-being and resilience. Special guest speakers will share their lived experiences and insights, offering encouragement and support to all participants. This event is a meaningful way to show support for mental health awareness while promoting self-care and resilience within the community.

Event Info

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