Health and Hope for the Holidays, Free Thanksgiving Dinner for the Homeless and the Hungry

   

                The 9^th Annual Health and Hope for the Holidays, free Thanksgiving dinner for the homeless and the hungry was a success! Businesses and volunteers from across Central Texas joined together by donating their time, to provide those in need with a hot meal. Over 500 people attended the dinner, several of them were families. Those who ate, had all the fixings of a true Thanksgiving dinner; turkey, gravy, green beans, corn, mashed potatoes, rolls and pie. Drinks were also provided and were distributed by volunteers with trays. At the center of every table, there was also a bowl, overflowing with apples, oranges and bananas; and was refilled before you even noticed pieces had been eaten. Winter coats and jackets were also available for those who were in need of one. Volunteers helped to sort sizes, to best fit the new owners. A station was also set up for attendees to receive a free flu vaccination and hygiene packets.

            Several social services agency booths were set up, including United Way, to provide guests with information about available family, crisis, specialized, support and youth services. I was able to personally speak with several guests about their experience at the dinner. Each person was so appreciative of everything. It was amazing to see how one act of kindness, effected people so deeply. Parents who were not able to provide a Thanksgiving meal, said they were happy that their children were able to receive one, thanks to caring volunteers.

            The Health and Hope for the Holidays Thanksgiving Dinner, is just one of the many ways that United Way Central Texas is reaching out to the community. Please contact UWCT at (254)778-8616, if you would like more information on how you can get involved and make a difference for Central Texans in need.

Families in Crisis

My name is Mary Beth Kelton and I am the marketing communications coordinator for United Way Central Texas. I decided to create this blog; to better help people understand what United Way Central Texas does. We currently fund 27 different agencies that provide 200,000 social services. When you give to UWCT, you're helping to meet the needs of people in our community. From early childhood education to specialized care, youth development to senior services, UWCT is the best investment you can make in the strength and health of Central Texas. This year, more families than ever before in our area, are in need of help. Whether it's finding the next meal, job training and placement, affordable daycare, or rent and mortgage assistance, United Way Central Texas is helping people find the resources they need.

Recently, I had the privilege of visiting one of the agencies that we fund, called Families in Crisis. They are a non-profit shelter, where Central Texas women and children can go for support. The women and children who stay at the shelter are either escaping severe domestic violence or sexual assault and it is vital for them to be removed from the situation.

Upon my arrival, Bellia the shelter’s coordinator, greeted me. She began to give me an introduction to what the shelter is all about. Families in Crisis can house up 16 women and children; many of them are families who arrive together. The shelter has a 24-hour hotline and staff, readily available to assist any woman or child, in need to escape from severe domestic violence and/or sexual assault. If Families in Crisis thinks there is necessary means to remove the woman and her children (if she has any) from the situation, they will organize for a cab to pick them up at a public location if they have no means of transportation.

Upon arriving at the shelter the women are given all essential items to everyday living, toiletries, clothes, food, water and safe shelter. The woman can then receive counseling if it is needed. The shelter consists of several bedrooms that contain bunk beds and baby cribs. There is also a kitchen area, living room, single sized bathroom, family sized bathroom, playroom and outside play set for the children. Families in Crisis will take care of the women and children, as they aid them in starting a new life and getting back on their own feet. As we neared the end of the tour, I noticed a brown box, sitting on a table near the back door. The box was filled with rice, crackers, cereal, juice, plates, napkins and utensils. Another box was by the door and it was filled with little household items, such as a lamp, picture frame and vase; among other things. I asked Bellia what the boxes were for and she told me that one of the women in the shelter, was getting ready to leave. Every item that was in those two boxes, was all she had.

The employees at Families in Crisis work hard, around the clock, to ensure Central Texas women and children, who are experiencing emotional and physical abuse, have a place to go for safety. The shelter is always in continual need of support to run. If you would like to give a donation, please call United Way Central Texas at (254) 778-8616. Together, we can continue to improve the quality of life for those in need.