WEEKLY STAFF BULLETIN
July 13, 2022
Shout Outs
  • Muchas Gracias Dave for bringing to us your sense of community, joy, and curiosity. I am grateful for our time together and I wish you the best in the next stage of your life.
  • Shout out to Dave Perez for completing a year of the CIS ADF Fellowship. Thank you for coming along for this pilot program and bringing your wonderful self to our organization. I'll miss you.
  • Shout out to Sam Gutierrez for jumping into her new role as Community Outreach Specialist! She has approached her new position with curiosity and initiative, and we are lucky to have her join the Program Support Services Department!
  • To Rebecca Staffon for always being a kind and supportive soul
  • HUGE THANK YOU to Meghan who has help coordinate big moves for the programs team!
  • Thanks to Deidre and Dorothy for having great collaborative conversations around our roles this week!
  • Shout out to Deja for helping identify to identify potential families for this year's Food for Thought video. I appreciate you!
  • Shout out to Erica Gallardo and Anna Martinez for general awesomeness this summer and always.
Q&A with Ali Akler, CIS AmeriCorps Compliance Specialist
  • What was your first position at Communities In Schools?
  • I was an intern at Crockett High School in the Spring of 2016.
  • What is one thing that has changed in your time at CIS and/or one thing that has remained the same?
  • One thing that has remained the same is the Central Office, I'm very excited for a new space!
  • What is your favorite memory from your time at CIS?
  • My favorite memory is when I was serving with AmeriCorps and we had our December Resource Days. These were my favorite because we all got together to bond, share, and spend time together. We had a potluck and gift exchange that was always really fun.  
  • When you aren’t working, what is your favorite way to spend time?
  • I enjoy reading, dog walks by the lake, watching Netflix/Hulu shows, and being with family and friends.
  • What is your favorite quote?
  • My current summer quote is, "Lord, whatever you're baking, it's done."
Reminder: find recent resources and upcoming events on the
Thanks to everyone who takes the time to read the
Apple Juice staff bulletin each week!

The winner in last week's drawing:

$25 Target card - Dustin Ysla
Community Resources, News & Events
 
The 2023 Central Texas African American Family Support Conference theme is Renew, Empower and Advocate for Lasting Change. It's going to be a hybrid event to be held at Palmer Events Center, Austin, Texas and virtually on Whova on February 7-8, 2023.
 
There are so many ways to participate.
Start by submitting a workshop proposal on any topic that relates to
  • behavioral and mental health
  • substance use disorders
  • intellectual and developmental disabilities
  • race and equity
  • suicide prevention
  • personal stories of recovery
  • sexuality and mental health
  • faith and mental health
  • children and mental health and many more.
 
Submission Deadline: September 1, 2022.
Thursday Talking Truth over Tea Series - An open forum discussion about issues of justice and equity in our local and broader communities!
  • Thursday July 7, 2022 (1-2:15pm) * Virtual Attendance : Zoom * Physical Attendance ACC Highland TRHT Center
  • Thursday July 28, 2022 (1-2:15pm) * Virtual Attendance : Zoom * Physical Attendance ACC Highland TRHT Center
Summer weather can wear our bodies down physically, as extended periods in heat can cause sleeplessness, lethargy, lack of appetite and dehydration, all of which can lead to aggressive behaviors and anxiety. In fact, a study by the American Physiological Society found that people are more likely to have higher levels of stress hormones in the summer than in winter. That’s why it’s important to take a proactive approach to maintain your mental wellbeing this summer. 

The Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) curriculum identifies eight dimensions of wellbeing, including emotional, environmental, financial, intellectual, occupational, physical, social and spiritual. Here are a few tips on how you can tend to every aspect of your mental wellbeing as the weather warms up.
COVID cases are on the rise again in the Austin area. The US Government is now on their third round of mailing free at-home tests. Each order now comes with 8 free tests.
 
Please go here to order free at-home tests for your household 
COPE Support Group from the YWCA Thursdays at 1 p.m.

Free & Virtual

This group will explore specific coping skills and provide a space to process life experiences, according to group needs.

Learn more and register here.
CIS Program Manager Makayla Barrientos partnered with Pasos for Oak Cliff to provide 100 pairs of shoes to 50 Overton Elementary families on Saturday, July 9th!
Communities In Schools Resources & Information
This section is the same each week and has links to agency resources and reference materials.
Resources for Anxiety
If you are feeling fear, anxiety, sadness, or uncertainty, assistance is available through the Communities In Schools Employee Assistance Program. Benefits include law access, HelpNet, Safe Ride, Work Life, Well Coach, and 1-6 counseling sessions, and can be accessed by phone: 800-343-3822 or 512-328-1144, TDD 800-448-1823. Click here  to access and select Access Your Benefits. Registration Code: AWP-CISA- 198
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Our Mission: Communities In Schools of Central Texas surrounds students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.