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In This Issue
Quote of the Week
"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world." - Harriet Tubman
Save the Dates
December 24 - First Day of Hanukkah

December 24 - Christmas Eve

December 25 - Christmas Day
Event Submissions
Listing your organization's information in the Community Information Digest is easy and free! To have information considered for inclusion in the Digest, please submit it to 211@uwbv.org no later than 5:00 pm Tuesdays. All events posted are for the following week, events submitted for the same week will not be included in the Digest.

Inclusion in the Digest is at the sole discretion of 2-1-1 Texas/United Way of the Brazos Valley and is dependent on their guidelines.
For Your Information
Does your organization have an ongoing program that you would like featured? Send it in! Briefly describe the program in 100 words or less. We will list your program in this section for up to two months, at which time you will need to resubmit the program information.

Marketplace Open Enrollment runs Nov. 1 - Jan. 31

If you, or someone you care about, need health insurance for 2017, now's your chance to sign up or change plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Trained enrollment specialists in the Enroll Brazos Valley coalition are available to provide free, in-person assistance. They'll talk you through your options and share other important advice, including how to qualify for financial help, how to start an application, or how to re-enroll. Find sites in your area at Enroll Brazos Valley. Sign up or change plans by December 15th for coverage to start January 1st.

2-1-1 Brazos Valley would like to announce a new way to stay connected! To receive text updates on local resources including Back to School fairs, tax preparation sites, the Summer Food Program, and Holiday Assistance, simply text 211BV to 51555. Data rates may apply.  
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United Way of the Brazos Valley announces the availability of applications for Washington County and Burleson County for Phase 33 of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program State Set-Aside Funds.  Any organization working to cover a broad spectrum of the residents in this county in the areas of emergency food, shelter, and utility needs are invited to apply. Click here to learn more:  http://www.uwbv.org/emergency-food-shelter-program
Spotlight
Donations & Volunteers for Christmas Store, The Bridge Ministries

Join us in celebrating Christmas by helping your neighbor this Christmas! 

The Bridge Ministries has about 180 gifts so far, but we still need about 1,200 more toys and gifts for parents to shop from. Whether you'd like to shop for gifts yourself or donate some funds for us to shop with, we would greatly appreciate your support for this special event. We are accepting donations now through  December 16th

Drop off locations: 
The Bridge Ministries 
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM  
**Please call/email ahead to make sure we are not out running an errand**
1401 W. MLK Jr. St. Bryan, TX 77803

HUB Collaborative 
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
404 Jane St #100, College Station, TX 77840

We need volunteers to help with the Christmas Store too! We need volunteers to help with:
  • the Kids Christmas Party while parents shop (There is a training for this on Tuesday, December 13, 2016 form 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM at The Bridge)
  • wrapping gifts
  • helping people shop
  • greeting
  • baking cookies 
  • donating gift wrapping supplies
For more information visit  http://thebridgeministries.org/christmas-store.html. For questions or to volunteer contact info@thebridgeministries.org or 979-704-6037.
Events
10th Annual Hamburger Cookout (benefiting the United Way of the Brazos Valley) - The City of College Station
 
Date:       Friday, December 9, 2016
Time:      11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Place:     Sue Haswell Park
                 1142 East William J. Bryan
                 Bryan, TX 77803
Cost:       $5 per plate
 
The City of Bryan will host its 10th Annual Hamburger Cookout benefiting the United Way of the Brazos Valley (UWBV) on Friday, December 9, 2016. The event will be held at Sue Haswell Park located at 1142 East William J. Bryan Parkway in Bryan from 11 AM to 1 PM, rain or shine. The "Who's Who" of the City of Bryan including Police Chief Eric Buske and Fire Chief Randy McGregor will serve up the burgers to be cooked by Deputy City Managers Joey Dunn and Hugh Walker and Public Works Director Jayson Barfknecht along with fellow city employees.

"Everyone in the community is invited to come out and purchase a hamburger plate for five dollars, which consists of a burger with all the trimmings, chips, a cookie, and a drink," shares Eric Zaragoza, Co-Chair of the City's United Way of the Brazos Valley Campaign Committee. "If you need to grab your lunch and go, we will have to-go boxes as well. The proceeds generated from this event go right back into helping our local community so every donation is genuinely appreciated." 

During the UWBV's 2016 Community Campaign, businesses across the seven-county region are encouraged to implement workplace campaigns, like the cookout, that give employees an opportunity to become involved and support local needs by donating to the United Way of the Brazos Valley and its eighteen partner agencies.  For more information please  call Alsie Bond at 
979-209-5181.
Public Hearing Notice - The City of Somerville
 
Date:       Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Time:      Starts 5:45 PM
Place:     City Hall
                150 8th Street
                Somerville, TX 77879
Cost:       None
 
The City of Somerville will hold a public hearing regarding the submission of an application to the Texas Department of Agriculture for a Texas Community Development Block Grant Program (TxDCBG) grant. The purpose of this meeting is to allow citizens an opportunity to discuss the citizen participation plan, the development of local housing and community development needs, the amount of TxCDBG funding available, all eligible TxCDBG activities, and the use of past application and to make their views known at this public hearing. Citizens unable to attend this meeting may submit their views and proposals to the City Manager at City Hall. Persons with disabilities that wish to attend this meeting should contact the City Hall to arrange for assistance. Individuals who require auxiliary aids or services for this meeting should contact the City Hall at least two days before the meething so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Holiday Open House - The City of College Station
 
Date:       Wednesday December 14, 2016
Time:      10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
                Southwood Community Center
                1520 Rock Prairie Road
                College Station, TX 77845
Cost:       None
 
All senior adults are invited to Southwood Community Center on Wednesday, December 14, 2016 from 10:00 AM -12:00 PM for delicious holiday treats. Browse the information tables highlighting programs offered to seniors. Entertainment, door prizes and special guests, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, available for pictures.  For more details, contact Marci Rodgers at  mrodgers@cstx.gov  or 979-764-6371.
Invitation to Comment - The City of College Station
 
Date:       Tuesday, December 6, 2016 - Tuesday, December 20, 2016
Place:     Various Locations, please see below.
Cost:       None.
 
The City of College Station, Texas, will submit the 2015 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Grant to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on or around  December 21, 2016 . This report summarizes how CDBG and HOME funds were expended and resulting accomplishments during the period from October 1, 2015, through September 30, 2016. Draft copies of the report will be available for viewing by the public from  December 6, 2016 , through  December 20, 2016 , at the following locations: City of College Station Community Services Department, 511 University Dr. East, Suite 201, College Station; City of College Station City Secretary's Office, 1101 Texas Avenue, College Station; the Lincoln Center, 1000 Eleanor, College Station; and the Larry J. Ringer Library, 1818 Harvey Mitchell Pkwy. S, College Station, during regular business hours. Additionally, the draft can be viewed on the City of College Station Community Development webpage located at  http://www.cstx.gov/commdev . Written or verbal comments will be accepted during this time and forwarded to the regional HUD Office. Written comments may be sent to  deller@cstx.gov . For more information, please contact the City of College Station Community Services Department at  979-764-3778 .
Job Opportunities
Do you have a job opportunity with your agency? We want to list it! Please send submissions to 211@uwbv.org. Include a brief description of the position and further instructions for those interested in applying or getting more information about the opportunity.
Resource & Project Coordinator (Full Time) - United Way of the Brazos Valley

Resource & Project Coordinator: Responsible for accurately maintaining 2-1-1 Texas Resource Database containing accurate community information and health and human services program and activities in compliance with AIRS standards and in coordination of Texas Information and Referral Network (TIRN). Create and publish monthly, quarterly and annual reports for internal and external use and other resource materials.  Assist with staffing and on call back up for 2-1-1 services when needed.  Provide support to United Way front office and management team through the support and oversight of projects including the Emergency Food and Shelter Program and United Way Internship Program.  

Please submit your resume and cover letter to Alison Prince:  aprince@uwbv.org

Due to the volume of applications recieved, please no phone calls.  You will be contacted to schedule an interview if your skills and experiences meet the needs for the position.  Thank you. 
Office Specialist (Part Time) - The Academy of Competent Youth Work

The Academy for Competent Youth Work is looking for a part-time office specialist to help with database management, shipping, and processing of certifications for child and youth care professionals.  Preference given to individuals with a background in education and youth services.  Hours are flexible.  Work is part time up 24 hours a week.

For more information or to express interest, email to CYCofficeManager@youthworkacademy.org  .  Include your contact information including email address, phone number and a brief description of your relevant experience and goals.
Quick Links
Fact of the Week
A rat can squeeze through a hold the size of a quarter because it has a collapsible skeleton.
Dates & Holidays
December 11 - International Children's Day

December 12-  Poinsettia Day

December 13 - Ice Cream Day

December 14 - International Monkey Day

December 15 - National Lemon Cupcake Day

December 16 - National Chocolate Covered Anything Day

December 17 -
National Maple Syrup Day
Donations
Homeless Hygiene Drive

Grind4God Ministries is having a Homeless Hygiene Drive! Most needed items include deodorant, tooth paste, shampoo, conditioner, baby wipes, diapers, lotion, tissue rolls, bar soap, razors, socks, and bottled water. They are also accepting restaurant gift cards. The drop off location is located at Grind4God Ministries at 307 South Main Street, Suite 108, Bryan, TX  77803. For more information call 979-703-2975.
Clothing and Diapers Needed

SingleMoms Created4Change assists single mothers and married mothers who are parenting by themselves. They are always in need of and accept all brands and sizes of diapers. Other items such as clothing are accepted on an as-needed basis.  For more information, please call Raquel at (979) 575-1034. 
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