Friday, November 13, 2015

Project Santa: Holiday Gift Drive of Austin's Children Shelter


Holiday Gift Drives
Project Santa is the official holiday gift drive of Austin Children’s Shelter. Gifts received during this season will not only help our kids and families during the holidays, but they will help supply gifts to our kids and items for our programs throughout the entire following year.
Due to our extremely limited storage space, it is most helpful for us to accept items that are of the greatest need based on the demographic of kids we serve most frequently. Each year, we serve many more kids between the ages of
0
5 years old and 13 20 years old. In order to make your shopping experience easier, we have provided a list of items that are the most in demand.
For more information, please call 512-499-0090 or email Lindsay Contreras at lcontreras@safeaustin.org.
THREE DONATION DELIVERY TIMES
ACS Programs That Benefit From Your Donations
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Austin Children’s Shelter - 4800 Manor Road Austin, Texas 78723
Saturday, December 12 from 9:00am 12:00pm Sunday, December 13 from 12:00pm 4:00pm Monday, December 14 from 5:00 7:15pm
  •   Emergency Shelter Care: Providing a safe haven and an opportunity to begin to heal through high quality care and critical services.
  •   Transitional Living Program: Providing older youth in foster care a structured environment to begin learning independent living skills.
  •   Supervised Independent Living Program:
  •   Teen Parent Program: Helping young parents break the cycle of abuse and neglect by teaching positive parenting skills.
Respite Care: Enhancing family stability and well-being by providing temporary respite for families referred through partner agencies.
Foster & Adoption: Connecting children and youth with caring families.
Strong Start: Preventing child abuse by strengthening families and providing a therapeutic early childhood program.
Care Academy: Supporting families through quality child care combined with early childhood education and parent coaching at ACS.
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Provides youth who are aging out of the state’s
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carebut are not quite ready to successfully live
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independentlythe opportunity to further
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develop adult skills and prepare for a successful
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independent life.
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Thank you for supporting the children, young adults, and families we serve!
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What Austin Children’s Shelter Cannot Accept
For various reasons (primarily safety and storage), Austin Children’s Shelter is unable to accept any of the following items. Thank you for understanding!
  •   Toy Guns of any Variety (Nerf, Water, etc.)
  •   Aerosol Products (Deodorant, Hair Spray, etc.)
  •   Bats (Baseball, Softball, Wiffle Ball)
  •   Anything with Internet Connectivity
  •   Anything with a Built-In Camera
  •   Twister Game
  •   iTunes Gift Cards
  •   Used Stuffed Animals
Used Toys
Toy Weapons
Jump Ropes
Walkie Talkies
Dart Boards
Anything Depicting Violence, Profanity, or Drugs Hotel or Travel-Sized Shampoos and Soaps
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LISTS BY PROGRAM
Transitional Living Program & Supervised Independent Living Program Young Men & Women Ages 17- 22
  •   Gift cards to Walmart, Target, HEB, Visa
  •   Adult-Sized Bikes
  •   Adult-Sized Helmets
  •   Bike Locks
  •   New or Gently Used Men’s & Women’s Hoodies and Coats (M – XXL)
  •   New Adult Athletic Shorts (S XXL)
  •   New Adult White T-Shirts (M XXL)
  •   New Adult Scarves, Beanies, & Gloves
  •   Clock Radios
  •   Travel Umbrellas
  •   Personal Daily Planners
  •   Reusable Water Bottles
  •   Non-Spiral Journals
  •   Mp3 Players
  •   Ear Buds and Headphones
  •   DVD’s PG-13 (Action and Comedy Preferred)
  •   Basketballs & Ball Pumps
  •   Scrapbooking Paper, Stickers, & Albums
  •   Makeup Kits & Non-Aerosol Hair Styling Products
  •   Nail Polish and Nail Polish Remover
  •   Hair Straighteners, Curling Irons, and Blow Dryers
  •   Cologne and Perfume
  •   Scented Lotion, Body Wash, and Hand Soaps
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Thank you for supporting the children, young adults, and families we serve!
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  •   Gift cards: Target, Walmart, Academy, Old Navy, Half Price Books, Roller & Ice Skating, Bowling, Mini- Golf, Austin’s Park & Pizza, Main Event, Café Monet, Best Buy, fast food for shake outings, etc.
  •   New or Gently Used Adult & Youth Hoodies and Coats (All Sizes)
  •   New Adult & Youth Athletic Shorts (All Sizes)
  •   New Adult & Youth Solid Colored Shirts (All Sizes)
  •   New Adult Pajamas & Slippers (All Sizes)
  •   New Adult Scarves, Beanies, & Gloves
  •   Clock Radios
  •   Travel Umbrellas
  •   Personal Daily Planners
  •   Non-Spiral Journals
  •   MP-3 Players
  •   Ear Buds and Headphones
  •   DVD’s G – PG-13
Basketballs & Ball Pumps
Scrapbooking Paper, Stickers, & Albums
Makeup Kits & Non-Aerosol Hair Styling Products
Nail Polish
Hair Straighteners/Curling Irons
Cologne and Perfume
Scented Lotion, Body Wash, and Hand Soaps
Lego Sets
Science Kits
Magic: The Gathering Cards
Board Games for ages 10+
Book Lights
Wii, PlayStation, Xbox Consoles & Games Rated EC
Teen Only
Handheld Electronic Games Art & Craft Kits
Emergency Shelter Program and Foster & Adopt Boys & Girls Ages 8 - 18
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Teen Parenting Program, Strong Start, and Care Academy Infants and Children ages Birth 7 years, Teen Parents ages 16 22
  •   Gift cards: Target, Walmart, Academy, Old Navy, Half Price Books, Roller & Ice Skating, Bowling, Mini- Golf, Austin Parks & Pizza, Main Event, Café Monet, Zilker Train, Build-A-Bear, Indoor Jumpy Gyms, etc.
  •   New or Very Gently Used Adult & Children’s Hoodies & Coats
  •   New Adult & Youth Pajamas & Slippers (All Sizes)
  •   New Adult & Youth Scarves, Beanies, and Gloves
  •   Underwear for children aged 2 5 years
  •   Clock Radios
  •   Travel Umbrellas
  •   Personal Daily Planners
  •   Non-Spiral Journals
  •   MP-3 Players
  •   Ear Buds and Headphones
  •   DVD’s G – PG-13
  •   Scrapbooking Paper, Stickers, & Albums
Makeup Kits & Non-Aerosol Hair Styling Products Nail Polish
Hair Straighteners/Curling Irons
Perfume, Scented Lotion, and Body Wash
Art & Craft Kits
Art Paint and Brushes
Outdoor Play Equipment for Infants/Toddlers
Water Table
Exersaucers
Tummy-Time Mats
Construction Paper
Educational Toys
Moon Sand
Wooden Puzzles
Blocks
Large Legos
Make Believe Type Toys (Dress Up, Play Food, etc.)
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Thank you for supporting the children, young adults, and families we serve!

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Facilities and Kitchen Needs
Help stock the pantry, medicine cabinets, and supply closets of the Austin Children’s Shelter! We have lots of tummies to feed, booboos to fix, diapers to change, and rooms to clean!
  •   Gift Cards to Home Depot and H-E-B
  •   Diapers and Wipes
o Please include Pampers and Huggies for our babies with sensitive skin
  •   Individual Portions of Non-Perishable Food Items (Cereals, Granola Bars, Baked Snacks, Juices, Fruit and Pudding
    Cups, Peanut Butter/Cheese Crackers, Peanut Butter, Individual Soups and Oatmeal, Popcorn)
  •   Baby Food and Snacks
  •   Formula
o Similac in the blue can is our most commonly used formula
  •   New Baby Bottles & Sippy Cups
  •   New White Bath Towels & Wash Cloths
  •   New Luggage and Duffle Bags
  •   New Convertible Car Seats
  •   Twin Bed Sheets & Comforters
  •   Water Bottles
  •   Batteries - Especially AA & AAA
  •   Toilet paper (2-ply)
  •   Feminine Hygiene Products
  •   Cotton Swabs and Cotton Balls
  •   Combs, Brushes, and Hair Picks
  •   African American Hair Care Products (Olive Oil Brand preferred)
  •   Nail Clippers & Nail Files
  •   Toothbrushes and Toothpaste
  •   Medicine Cabinet Supplies (Tylenol & Motrin (Child & Adult), bandages, antibacterial ointment, Pepto Bismol,
    rubbing alcohol, heating pads, ice packs, small humidifiers, boxes of tissues)
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Thank you for supporting the children, young adults, and families we serve! 

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

NOVEMBER MEETING REMINDERS

ROLLINGWOOD WOMEN'S CLUB

NOVEMBER MEETING REMINDERS

The Rollingwood Women's Club November Meeting is next Tuesday, November 17th at 7pm at the home of Stacy Shapiro at 3209 Pickwick Lane. Book your sitter today because it is our THANKS & GIVING meeting - one not to be missed!
SAFE Alliance
Every year the RWC identifies an organization for our November meeting. The organization identified for this years annual philanthropy is the SAFE Alliance (http://safeaustin.org). SAFE Alliance is an umbrella organization comprised of Austin Children’s Shelter (ACS) and Safe Place. Our speaker will be Lindsay Contreras, community relations coordinator, the SAFE Alliance. We are asking Rollingwood Women's Club members to bring toiletries for teens to the November meeting: shampoo/conditioner; toiletry bags;brushes;nail polish;nail kits; lotion; razors;deodorant to stock their Token Store.
A note from Lindsay Contreras, the SAFE Alliance ---- Several years ago, CPS almost completely quit putting young children in emergency shelter and ACS started sheltering a lot of older kids and for a much longer period of time. Many of these older children, have been in abusive situations (thus Safe Place’s part) and many older children are young parents. So the needs are broad and varied.
At ACS, our teenagers are frequently left out regarding donations. But, in reality, 85% of the kids living in our residential programs are at least 15 years old. The kids can earn fake money throughout the week doing things like extra chores or things that are self-motivated and positive. They can then spend that money weekly in the Token Store - which is stocked with donations. It’s a great positive reinforcement system for them as well as a way for them to acquire things that are theirs versus communal.
Summary of Proposals for Requests for Funds
The RWC raises money throughout the year for our community and we need your vote on how to donate the funds back to our community. There are seven proposals on the table. These proposals will be voted on at the November 17th meeting. According to our by laws, there need to be 15 RWC members present to make a quorum.
Asks from Toni Hudson and Wendi Hundley from the Parks & Recreation Commission:
1. $12,000 for the replacement of a pergola behind City Hall that has previously been torn down.
2. The Parks and Recreation Commission asked for $8,000 to replace a retaining wall behind City Hall measuring 150ft by 3ft. Four bids have been received on each project. In total, the Parks & Recreation Commission asks a total of $20,000 to improve City Hall.
3. Replacement of a dying Mexican Plum Tree between the Pool and fields with a piece of sculpture. The Commission asks for $10,000.
4. Replacement of the fitness equipment near the upper playground, which would cost between $9-11,000.
5. The Commission noted the need for a park bench near the upper park. They recommended RWC donate one at a cost of $1,100.
Asks from Roxanne McKee on behalf of the Rollingwood City Council:
6. The City Council asks $1,000 for a Rollingwood Police Department Appreciation Day, perhaps featuring lunch and commendations.
Asks from City Hall delivered by Marissa Mireur:
7. The President spoke on behalf of the City, who has requested funds to replace the City’s uncomfortable folding chairs. A total of 30 chairs are needed to replace the 28 current ones. Replacement will cost between $1,500-3,000.
 
 
 

Friday, November 6, 2015

Summary of Proposals for Requests for Funds

Summary of Proposals for Requests for Funds
November, 2015

There are seven proposals on the table. These proposals will be voted on at the November 17th meeting at the home of Stacy Shapiro at 3209 Pickwick Lane. According to our by laws, there need to be 15 RWC members present to make a quorum.

Asks from Toni Hudson and Wendy Hundtly from the Parks & Recreation Commission:

1. $12,000 for the replacement of a pergola behind City Hall that has previously been torn down.

2.  The Parks and Recreation Commission asked for $8,000 to replace a retaining wall behind City Hall measuring 150ft by 3ft. Four bids have been received on each project. In total, the Parks & Recreation Commission asks a total of $20,000 to improve City Hall.

3. Replacement of a dying Mexican Plum Tree between the Pool and fields with a piece of sculpture. The Commission asks for $10,000. 

4. Replacement of the fitness equipment near the upper playground, which would cost between $9-11,000.

5. The Commission noted the need for a park bench near the upper park. They recommended RWC donate one at a cost of $1,100.

Asks from Roxanne McKee on behalf of the Rollingwood City Council:

6. The City Council asks $1,000 for a Rollingwood Police Department Appreciation Day, perhaps featuring lunch and commendations.

Asks from City Hall delivered by Marissa Mireur:

7. The President spoke on behalf of the City, who has requested funds to replace the City’s uncomfortable folding chairs. A total of 30 chairs are needed to replace the 28 current ones. Replacement will cost between $1,500-3,000.


Sunday, November 1, 2015

RWC Meeting October 27, 2015, 7:00pm

RWC Meeting October 27, 2015, 7:00pm
Who’s Who of Rollingwood and Request for Funding

At the Home of Jeni Paul at 3214 Pickwick Lane.

President Marissa Mireur called the meeting to order. There were no notes from the previous meeting. The President reported $22,892.59 in the RWC bank account. The next meeting will be November 17 at the home of Stacy Shapiro of 3209 Pickwick Lane. RWC members will vote on the requests for funds presented at the October 27 meeting.  The President reminded the group that 15 members need to be present to constitute a quorum or the vote would be rescheduled.

Catherine Scott, Programs Chairperson, introduced the evening’s program. Who’s Who of Rollingwood.

Marie Saba shared her 2008 cookbook Cooking with Marie.  She also introduced her book Let’s Make Magic with Food, in which she creates food art for and with young children.  The book is published by Chatbooks and is $14. She directed members to her Instagram feed which is @mariesaba. She will be giving a cooking course at the March 2016 meeting.

Heather Jichi spoke about her start-up Bloom Toys and shared a toy prototype. Unsatisfied with construction system for girls, she created her own inspired by the fairy houses she made with her own daughters. The sets are available for preorder on www.bloomtoys.com and are scheduled to ship in time for Christmas.

Wendi Hundtly updated members on the Mopac expansion project. Lively discussion followed, and she directed members to a www.smartmopac.com, which is a group operated by fellow Rollingwood women. She encouraged members to comment on the virtual open house that is being held at http://www.mopacsouth.com. The public has 30 days starting from Oct 21 to comment. Wendi noted that option #5 is the preferred option that would negatively impact Rollingwood the least.  

Linda Barstow and her husband started the charitable group Empact Africa (http://www.empactafrica.org/main/), which primarily addresses AIDS treatment. She has started her own campaign to promote beekeeping in a small city in Zimbabwe. She is on www.GoFundMe.com.

Next, the members took request for funds. Toni Hudson and Wendi Hundtly represented the Parks and Recreation Commission. First, the Parks & Recreation asked for $12,000 for the replacement of a pergola behind City Hall that has previously been torn down. Secondly, the Parks and Recreation Commission asked for $8,000 to replace a retaining wall behind City Hall measuring 150ft by 3ft. This makes a total of $20k in requests for City Hall improvements. Toni noted that already four bids have been received on each project. A member asked why the City couldn’t use their own resources for the repairs. Toni replied the City is currently spending funds on improving the bridge on Edgegrove Dr. and on the crumbling rock wall over the lower park. The third request was to replace a dying Mexican Plum Tree between the Pool and fields with some sculpture. She estimated this would require $10,000.  Wendi proposed improving the fitness equipment near the playground, which would cost between $9-11,000. Toni noted that there was a need for a bench on the park and recommended RWC donate one which would be $1,100. Lastly, both noted that the Park Commission has vacancies and are looking for members.

Roxanne McKee spoke on behalf of Rollingwood City Council and asked for $1,000 for a Rollingwood Police Department Appreciation Day, perhaps featuring lunch and commendations. She commended the police for their success in managing ACL and assistance to the community after recent floods

The President spoke on behalf of the City, who has requested funds to replace the City’s uncomfortable folding chairs. A total of 30 chairs are needed to replace the 28 current ones. Replacement will cost between $1,500-3,000.

Leah Paulo and the President updated members on the Little Library that funds were released for last year. City Council approved the placement of the Little Library near the lower park, but asked members if someone would be willing to organize it.

The Meeting was adjourned.

Minutes Submitted by Kelly Dixon
Minutes Approved by Marissa Mireur