First Annual Community Resource Summit Part II

First Annual Community Resource Summit Part II

Sponsored by Jefferson County Adult Probation

Held at the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club

Thurs. Feb. 3, 2011

Jim Stott, Director Jefferson County Adult Probation

Jerry Johnson, Deputy Director

Rick De La Torre, Pre-trial officer, Violence Intervention Unit

Part One of the Summit was held last month for the staff to educate them about the various local social services available to their clients.  Part two was designed to inform their clients of these services.

Approximately 125 probationers took advantage of the Community Resource Summit sponsored by the Jefferson County Adult Probation Department, despite the bitter cold weather that hit Southeast Texas overnight.  Some of the clients were ordered by the courts to attend but most clients volunteered to come so that they could be better informed of the opportunities available to them locally.

Jim Stott, director of JCAP said the idea of having the Summit was so that their client could talk to a number of agency representatives all at one place, a “one stop shop”.  He said, “Many clients don’t have their own transportation and that makes it very difficult to keep appointments for more than one agency at a time. The Summit gives them an opportunity to fill out applications for several services without having the hassle of traveling across town.  

Agencies represented were: Golden Triangle Empowerment Center of Port Arthur, Arrow Child & Family Ministries, Small Business Administration, Texas Health Step, Social Security Administration, Texas Work Force Resources, Family Services, King Smiles Dentist, JCDI, The Salvation Army and The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club.

Michael Perez, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club said he was pleased with the response and that Coach David Smith did a great job coordinating the event.  Coach Smith said he was happy to let the community see another side of the Salvation Army.

Tina Kirkland, a client, said she will be forever grateful to APS for helping her get her life back in order.  She said they provided her with counseling and transportation so that she could keep her appointment with the various agencies.  “They do not set you up for failure, but for success.” She said.  “The key, however, is having the willingness to change before anything positive can happen.”  She said it took losing her family, her home, and her job before she finally took control, and admitted that she had enough of the drug life.  She said that she owes at least 80% of her success to the staff in the probation department.

Tina said that she believes that there is a purpose in everything and that God is ultimately in control.  “I wouldn’t change anything that has happened to me” she said, “because it has made me who I am today.” 

One of the most popular booths at the Summit was from the Small Business Administration.  It is the dream of many to have their own business and getting the correct information on how to go about that is very important.

The staff was pleased with the turn out and are already planning the next Summit for this Spring.

CLICK HERE to view a photo album of the Summit on The Salvation Army Facebook page!

Preparing for the Winter Storm

While freezing temperatures and severe weather threaten all of Southeast Texas, the Salvation Army of Beaumont is making emergency preparations for the upcoming winter storm. 

With any emergency should come preparedness, and the Salvation Army of Beaumont wants to remind Southeast Texans to be prepared with these severe weather tips:

·         Get together an emergency supply kit for both home and vehicle - with water, non-perishable food items, flashlights, batteries, a radio, extra blankets and warm clothing.

·         Make sure your home is well insulated from the cold, and all doors and windows properly sealed.

·         Remember to keep your pets, pipes, and plants protected from the cold.

·         Check all fire extinguishers and smoke alarms, and keep space heaters free from any obstruction.

·         Do not use a stove to heat a room.

·         If possible, stay home.  If you have to get out and drive, avoid black ice on ramps and bridges and make sure your tires have adequate tread.

·         Fill up the gas tank check antifreeze levels in case of an emergency.

·         Stay tuned to local news for severe weather information and emergency procedures.

Extra cots and blankets are set up at the Salvation Army Emergency Shelter, located at 2350 IH-10 East in Beaumont, for anyone who needed a warm place to sleep and get out of the dangerous cold weather.  Warm blankets, coats and jackets are also available free of charge.  For more information, call 409-896-2361.

The Social Service Center at 1490 N. 7^th Street will be closed until 9:00 a.m. Monday, February 7, 2011.

WARMING STATION NOW OPEN

The Salvation Army of Beaumont is now opening a Warming Station to anyone who is in need of shelter from cold weather.  The Warming Station will be open as long as the temperature is below 40 degrees during the day. 

The Warming Station is located at The Salvation Army Social Service Center on 1490 N. 7^th Street in Beaumont.  Blankets, coats and jackets will be given to anyone free of charge. Hot coffee and refreshments will be served, and anyone interested can come by Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., and 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

The Salvation Army Emergency Shelter located on 2350 I-10 East will also be open on weekends when the temperature is below 40 degrees.

Winter is here and so are the FREEZING temperatures! Don't get left out in the COLD!

WINTER IS HERE and so are the FREEZING temperatures! Don’t get left out in the COLD!

The Salvation Army of Beaumont has HUNDREDS of FREE warm coats and jackets to give to those in need, thanks to generous donations from our friends across Southeast Texas & Munro’s Cleaners. (Men, Women, Children sizes available.)

Individuals and families are eligible to receive one coat or jacket per family member as long as a valid I.D. or social security card is provided for each person. Anyone interested can stop by The Salvation Army Social Service Center located at 1490 N. 7th Street.

A limited number of blankets are also available.

Coats/Jackets will be given out Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 am, and from 1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., and Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 am, and from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.