Cameron-Willacy Counties Community Projects programs.
Services available from Cameron-Willacy Counties Community Projects are done so from multiple locations. They offer outreach to help the family overcome their hardship. This includes, but is not limited too, everything from energy bill help to prescription medications. Other support will include education from Head Start and ESL classes.
The Outreach Department is the primary place for intake. There are multiple offices throughout the non-profit agency’s service area to provide various types of assistance to low-income households. In addition to managing fan and coat drives as well as running food pantries, the agency administers the following.
Cameron-Willacy Counties Community Projects works with the Salvation Army. Together they offer funding for meals, rent, gas, utilities, housing and prescriptions for transients and local residents.
The state of Texas and federal funded Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program can help with home utility bills. This is a service for households with the highest energy needs in relation to their income. There is also support for vulnerable residents. Priority is given to the elderly, the disabled, and families with children under the age of six.
CSBG - Community Services Block Grant is federal funding. It will pay for case management, with the goal of helping clients make the transition out of poverty. CSBG may also help by offering donated funds or goods, which may include coat, food, fans for the summer, and school supply drives.
The Emergency Services Program assists low-income residents who are facing eviction. Qualifying clients must be at least 30 days behind with rent payments and have received a written eviction notice from their landlords.
The Cameron-Willacy Counties Community Projects supported program also requires that clients have some type of income from Social Security, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), employment, unemployment, or something similar. Cash earned through babysitting or odd jobs is not accepted as income. Only then may someone receive help for rent or a deposit.
Emergency Services may also assist CSBG - eligible clients with obtaining medically necessary prescriptions. So different expenses can be covered by the agency.
The Shelter service furnishes free motel vouchers to those who are currently homeless. This is a temporary solution as motel stays are limited to two to three nights per year, per household, depending on the circumstances and the applicant's needs. This is a very limited service, and an appointment with a Family Development Specialist is required to receive a motel voucher.
Cameron-Willacy Counties Community Projects contracts with the YWCA to administer the Shelter Plus Care Program. This is focused on the vulnerable as well. The agency offers voucher-based permanent supportive housing as well as financial aid for rent for homeless households with at least one member who is disabled.
The Prescription Assistance Program helps uninsured Cameron and Willacy County residents obtain needed medications. It does this by providing them with access to free or discounted patient assistance services operated by major pharmaceutical companies.
In response to physician referrals, program staff members screen applicants to check for eligibility. They will then often meet with eligible patients to gather required information and complete the appropriate applications for medical assistance. The program follows up by tracking the process to confirm that the patients, many of whom are low income. receive their medication, as well as contacting people when it is time to renew applications.
Education and employment support services
The Employment Preparation and Training Program provides services and support for low-income individuals who are seeking a job opportunity in the public and private sectors. Program services include job coaching from counselors. They will also address any employability skills training and offer the client referrals. Counselors are available at several of the Community Enrichment Centers to facilitate employment-related activities.
Cameron-Willacy Counties Community Projects offers English as a Second Language (ESL) and English and Literacy Civics (EL Civics) courses as well. The first option, ESL, assists non-fluent students with the acquisition of the English language through practical activities such as listening, reading, speaking and writing.
The next program, which is called EL Civics classes cover American government, history and information related to taking the United States Citizenship Test. The intent is to provide knowledge and skills that help students become active and informed parents. The non-profit will even try to arrange childcare evening EL Civics classes.
Head Start from Cameron and Willacy Counties community action is available as a free, comprehensive child development program serving three to five-year old children and their families. It provides an array of educational, medical, dental, and social services, with the overall focus on thoroughly preparing each child to enter kindergarten. Those youth diagnosed with disabilities are fully included in all aspects of the program.
At the start of the application process, all children are assessed to determine their level of development. Head Start also provides annual physicals, with any needed medical attention covered by the state or the families’ insurance plans. Educational programming focuses on phonemic awareness, pre-reading skills, numeric development, and social skills. Based on the results of the case study done by staff from Cameron-Willacy Counties Community Projects, the family and teachers will also develop a Family Partnership Agreement to ensure the highest level of benefit possible from the available Head Start services.
The non-profit Cameron-Willacy Counties Community Projects has several offices in the region. However the main site is at 3302 Boca Chica, Brownsville, Texas 78521-5705. Call 956-544-6411.
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