Category Archives: Blog

A Table for One

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By Rachel Lupercio, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Associate with Excelerated Living

The holidays can sometimes bring on a sense of being more alone than any other time of year as a single person.  In the words of an old Three Dog Night song “One is the loneliest number that you ever knew”. Yes I’m dating myself for some of you that never heard of that song, yet if you’re single you still may be able to relate to the heartfelt meaning of those words.  So what is one to do?  We certainly can spend time with friends and family to alleviate some of those lonely times.    Dare I say that you can be a party of one and still be quite content?  This could actually be when you get to enjoy your independence and pick and choose those things that bring you happiness.  During the holiday season in particular there are many volunteer opportunities that get you out of yourself and give you a sense of fulfillment all at the same time.  Getting out and about can bring enjoyment, but what about when you have to go home?  Know that the decisions you make as a single person are yours and yours alone.  These decisions feed not only into the things you do but the attitude that you choose to have.  So when you do go home and you are alone are you able to be content in your own company?  If not is there something deeper going on that needs your attention?  That may be the question, to your own self be true by taking care of you.

If you would like an opportunity to explore your thoughts & feelings with others,  please join us at

The Center For Relationships for “A Table For One” workshop on January 9, 2016 from 10 – 11:30.

Located at 8810 Business Park Drive, Suite 200, Austin, Texas 78759.

The cost for this workshop will be $10.00 per person to encourage you to take some time for you and enjoy a moment with others who may be going through some of the things that you are experiencing.

Rachel Lupercio, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Associate

www,thecenter4relationships.com

Contact 512-465-2926 with any questions.

Table for One

2016 Applications for Governor’s Community Achievement Awards due February 2016

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For more than two decades, Keep Texas Beautiful, in partnership with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), has awarded the prestigious Governor’s Community Achievement Awards (GCAA) to ten Texas communities with the best grassroots environmental programs in the state each year.

The competition distributes $2 million in funding from TxDOT across the 10 communities, with the amount based on population size. The funds are used for landscaping projects along local rights-of-way. A community’s environmental program is judged on achievements in seven areas:

* Community Leadership and Coordination

* Public Awareness

* Education

* Beautification and Community Improvement

* Litter Prevention and Cleanup

* Solid Waste Management

* Litter Law and Illegal Dumping Enforcement

While many applications come from cities and towns that are part of the KTB affiliate network, that is not a requirement. The goal is to recognize communities who are working diligently to create and sustain comprehensive environmental and beautification programs.

Why should your community apply?

* Applying for the GCAA creates a written record of your community’s environmental achievements, helpful when applying for grants and state funding.

* Working toward the GCAA brings together various segments of the community, including schoolchildren, adult volunteers and law enforcement, creating a sense of community pride.

* Studies show that a focus on litter prevention and beautification has positive economic effects on the community, reducing crime rates, and increasing tourism and economic development.

For questions or more information, email [email protected].

 

Governor's Community Achievement Awards

 

Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County: Providing Home Ownership Through Sweat Equity

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Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County (HFHWC) brings the community together to build decent, affordable housing and hope for people in need. Habitat provides a “hand up” to home ownership through sweat equity, donor generosity, volunteer labor and interest-free mortgages. Formed as an all-volunteer organization in 1999 as Georgetown Habitat for Humanity and since merged with Round Rock Habitat for Humanity to form Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County, Texas. HFHWC has built 63 homes in partnership with 68 families and their children.

The benefits of Habitat homeownership are numerous to the family and their community. Habitat homeowners:

* Typically pay less for their mortgage than renting which means they can save money for the future.

* Build credit through on-time mortgage payments and financial equity through their home as an asset.

* Have a stable home to thrive and grow in; their children are more likely achieve a higher level of education, allowing for more professional   opportunities.

* Are more engaged in their community, caring about safety and well-being, and long-term value.

* Revitalize the community by maintaining their new home and encouraging others to do so, as well.

* Pay city and county property taxes (more than the vacant lot that was there) like everyone else.

Support the programs and mission of Habitat for Humanity Williamson County through The Georgetown ReStore,  non-profit home improvement store and donation center that sells new and gently used building materials, appliances and household fixtures to the general public, including DIY, artists, contractors and bargain shoppers. Proceeds from the Georgetown ReStore financially support the programs and mission of Habitat for Humanity Williamson County. The ReStore also diverts over 200 tons of materials from the landfills each year through resale and by breaking down material components for recycling.

Habitat for Humanity Williamson County volunteers   Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County


Holiday cheer?

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By Rachel Lupercio, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Associate with Excelerated Living

During this time of year the hustle & bustle of the holiday season can get the better of us if we don’t take care.  Here are three simple tips to create a less stressful season.

1. Get plenty of rest.  Your mind & body work more effectively when you are well rested especially when you have the added stress of the demands of the holiday season.

2.  Know your limits.  It’s ok to say no and have boundaries on how you spend your time and with whom you spend time with.  The effects of taking care of yourself in this way create a positive attitude that can be felt by you and seen by those you choose to spend time with.

3. If you have emotional health concerns that you are having trouble navigating consider seeking professional help.  Sometimes due to our life experiences such as a loss of a close relationship the holidays can be especially difficult or lonely.  Seeking professional help through a counselor will provide you with a therapeutic, nonjudgment and confidential place to express your thoughts and feelings.

If you feel that you would like to spend a little more time in an environment where you could regroup during this season please join us on December 12, 2015 at The Center For Relationships for the “Holiday Cheer?” workshop. The workshop will be held from 10:00 – 11:30 am, 8810 Business Park Drive, Suite 200, Austin, Texas 78759.  The cost for this workshop will be $10.00 per person to encourage you to take some time for you and enjoy a moment with others who may be going through some of the things that you are experiencing.

 

Rachel Lupercio, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Associate

www.thecenter4relationships.com

Contact 512-465-2926 with any questions.

Holiday Cheer

Small Business Saturday

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Small Business Saturday is the day created to celebrate the Shop Small Movement to drive shoppers to local merchants across the United States. Studies have shown that modest changes in consumer spending habits can generate substantial local economic impact. For every $100 in customer spending at a national chain, the total local economic impact is only $13. The same amount spent with a local merchant yields $45, more than three times the local economic impact. This year’s Small Business Saturday is on November 28th .

There are a couple of ways to get involved and be part of the these efforts.

* Local businesses can generate excitement by creating a special event at their location.  Merchants can attract new customers on this day by promoting this event on social media platforms and list the occasion on web sites that audiences turn to for local activities like Eventbrite.

*  Visit and shop at a local business. Be a part of Small Business Saturday 2015 and help our communities grow and prosper.

National collaborative efforts from Shop Small Movement create stronger bond between local businesses and the community; while aiming to reverse the trend of losing locally owned independent businesses. Be part of the movement.

local business

Restore Rundberg, neighborhoods helping neighborhoods

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Restore Rundberg is about neighborhoods helping neighborhoods with the mission to improve the quality of life, health, safety, education, and well-being of individuals living and working in the Rundberg neighborhood.   This community-driven initiative is a partnership between neighborhoods, the community, government, higher education, public safety, researchers, and stakeholder groups.  Residents in the Rundberg corridor are leading this revitalization effort since December 2012.

The project is supported by a three year grant from the Department of Justice running until September 2016.  The goal is to develop innovative crime solution and complementary social services. Rather than short-term fixes, it is important that these crime solutions are sustainable over time. Much research is under way in partnership with The University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work.  For the Restore Rundberg project to be successful, it takes a community collaboration of local residents and leaders, area businesses and nonprofits, the Austin Police Department, a number of City of Austin departments, The University of Texas, and the community at large.

To be successful, this project requires a high level of participation from community members and here are ways to get involved!

  • Sign up for Restore Rundberg emails and meeting notifications here.
  • Restore Rundberg meetings and events, including monthly community meetings on the fourth Thursday of each month is an opportunity for input. Find upcoming events on the homepage of this website and on their Facebook page.
  • Meet your Austin Police Department District Representatives host weekly community meetings at the YMCA, 1000 W. Rundberg Lane, on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.  These meetings are a great way to meet and connect with area District Representative. The meetings generally focus on issues important to community members and stakeholders who live, work or have an interest in improving the quality of life in Restore Rundberg grant area.
  • The Revitalization Team Workgroups are tackling specific priority areas and related outcomes identified by the Team. The committees are staffed by volunteers who join based on their expertise and/or willingness to take a leadership or hands on-role in completing project objectives and activities.  Restore Rundberg Priority Areas: 1. Revitalization of Key Properties 2. Healthcare 3. Afterschool Programs 4. Code Comp;liance 5. Homelessness Intervention 6. Housing Affordability 7. Economic and Workforce Development 8. Prostitution Prevention and Intervention. Volunteer today!
  • Some positions in the Restore Rundberg Revitalization Team leading the neighborhood revitalization project are up for election at Restore Rundberg January team meeting, on January 28, from 6:30pm.  If you’re interested in taking a leadership position in the project, please fill the Revitalization Team membership application and send it by January 21 at 3pm.
  • Click here to take the Restore Rundberg survey that’s being conducted by the University of Texas at Austin. This survey seeks to understand how Rundberg community members view their surrounding area, neighbors, and police.

Restore Rundberg

 

 

Rundberg Community Partners

Capital IDEA, a Career Expressway Partner with Austin Community College

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Austin is the No. 1 city is America for overall tech job creation!  These careers have the opportunity for good wages and a career path that rewards hard work. An Associate Degree can get a profesional started in their career path and as more experience is gained,  salaries will keep growing.

Capital IDEA is a Career Expressway Partner with Austin Community College (ACC). Together they are helping hard working, low-income adults succeed in Tech Careers. ACC provides the self-paced training and stackable credentials while Capital IDEA offers financial assistance for tuition, books and childcare.

Consider This. If you’re a current ACC student, or thinking about going back to school, consider this: Career Expressway Tech Careers include a year-long paid internship at $11/hour or more! Tech careers are taking off in the Austin area for individuals that need a great job and employers who need great people.

Enter the Career Expressway. Get started by attending an Orientation find out more about qualifications and the application process. Orientation is mandatory to apply: Upcoming Orientations

Career Fact sheets (pdfs):

tech-laptop

 

For more information, visit here  .

Uncover your next chapter

Austin Job Opportunities with American Cancer Society

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One hundred years ago, the American Cancer Society (ACS) began the fight of a lifetime – the fight against cancer.  After 100 years of saving lives and creating more birthdays, ACS leads the way in working tirelessly to transform cancer from deadly to treatable and from treatable to preventable.  Below are two postings to apply for with the American Cancer Society.
Cancer Information Specialist:
As a Cancer Information Specialist your primary role is to empower cancer patients, their families, caregivers and health professionals through supportive discussion and the delivery of high quality cancer related information. The CIS conducts an evaluation of stated and implied needs to further enhance the patient’s ability to increase decision making and patient activation. The CIS assesses psycho-social stress and addresses opportunities for improving emotional needs throughout the cancer journey. The CIS further matches national and local resource support leading to improved quality of life in the areas of prevention, detection, ‘diagnosis and treatment’ to survivorship. ACS patient programs are matched to patient’s needs and offered as additional support. Inquiries are answered by telephone, email and chat. The CIS demonstrates exceptional relationship- building skills to increases loyalty between callers and the American Cancer Society, as well as other arms of the organization.
 
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology or Health Related field preferred.
  • Two years professional experience preferred.
  • Exposure to medical terminology, social services, and non-profit health organizations preferred.

Save Lives. Fulfill Yours.

Apply today and start using your skills to literally end the fight against Cancer as a Cancer Information Specialist at the American Cancer Society!
https://careers.peopleclick.com/careerscp/client_acs/external/jobDetails.do?functionName=getJobDetail&jobPostId=51601&localeCode=en-us
 
Bilingual Cancer Information Specialist:
As a Bilingual Cancer Information Specialist your primary role is to empower cancer patients, their families, caregivers and health professionals through supportive discussion and the delivery of high quality cancer related information. The CIS conducts an evaluation of stated and implied needs to further enhance the patient’s ability to increase decision making and patient activation. The CIS assesses psycho-social stress and addresses opportunities for improving emotional needs throughout the cancer journey. The CIS further matches national and local resource support leading to improved quality of life in the areas of prevention, detection, ‘diagnosis and treatment’ to survivorship. ACS patient programs are matched to patient’s needs and offered as additional support. Inquiries are answered by telephone, email and chat. The CIS demonstrates exceptional relationship- building skills to increases loyalty between callers and the American Cancer Society, as well as other arms of the organization.
 
Qualifications:
  • Associate’s Degree  
  • Bilingual (Fluent in English and Spanish)
Preferred Skills / Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology or Health Related field
  • Two years professional experience
  • Exposure to medical terminology, social services, and non-profit health organizations desirable. 

Save Lives. Fulfill Yours.

Apply today and start using your bilingual skills to literally end the fight against Cancer as a Bilingual Cancer Information Specialist at the American Cancer Society!
https://careers.peopleclick.com/careerscp/client_acs/external/gateway.do?functionName=viewFromLink&jobPostId=51604&localeCode=en-us
ACS is an equal opportunity employer and actively seeks candidates from diverse backgrounds including women, communities of color, the LGBT community, veterans, and people with disabilities.
Austin Cancer Society

CASA of Travis County is Hiring

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CASA of Travis County exists to promote and protect the best interest of children who have been abused or neglected, by training volunteers to advocate for them in courts, in schools and in our community to help them find safe, permanent and loving homes. CASA of Travis County is hiring for three positions – Human Resource Generalist, Development Associate and Child Advocacy Specialist. Please circulate among your diverse networks.

Human Resources Generalist

CASA of Travis County has a full-time Human Resources Generalist position available. The Human Resources Generalist supports CASA’s mission by ensuring a positive organizational culture for its employees. The HR Generalist supports CASA’s senior management team by serving as a “champion for culture” in the organization. The HR Generalist manages the administration of the human resources policies, procedures and programs and makes recommendations for changes as needed. The HR Generalist offers support to CASA’s management and carries out responsibilities related to: creating a diverse & inclusive culture; employee professional development; performance management; benefits and compensation; employee acquisition & retention; and legal compliance. Flexible work environment. Bachelor’s degree required. Preferred candidates will have general knowledge of employment laws and practices and experience in the administration of benefits and compensation programs and other human resources programs. EOE. Please send cover letter, resume and application to [email protected] or fax to 512.459.4550. No phone calls please.

Download complete job description.

Download application for employment.

Development Associate

CASA of Travis County has a full-time Development Associate position available. The Development Associate is responsible for supporting CASA of Travis County’s mission in four ways: 1) managing the donor relations activities for the development department, including gift entry, acknowledgement processes, generating mailing and email lists, and standard and as-needed development reports from the Raiser’s Edge database; 2) working with the Director of Finance & Operations to prepare bank deposits, maintain coding system and reconcile RE database to MIP finance system on a monthly basis; 3) accepting, acknowledging and managing in-kind gifts made to CASA for the benefit of the children we serve; and 4) serving as the first point of contact for visitors and callers to CASA by answering the phone and front door. Flexible work environment. Preferred candidates will have experience with Raiser’s Edge donor database including data entry, queries and reports, and administration and procedures, and understanding of the basic structure of a general ledger. EOE. Please send cover letter, resume and application to [email protected] or fax to 512.459.4550. No phone calls please.

Download complete job description.

Download application for employment.

Child Advocacy Specialist

CASA of Travis County has a full-time Child Advocacy Specialist position available. The Child Advocacy Specialist empowers, guides and supervises CASA volunteers as they advocate in the best interest of abused and neglected children in protective care. Opportunity to gain volunteer and case management experience, work with diverse populations and sharpen advocacy skills. Flexible work environment. Bachelor’s degree required. Preferred candidates will have good case management and strong people skills. English/Spanish fluency preferred.  EOE. Please send cover letter, resume and application to [email protected] or fax to512.459.4550. No phone calls please.

Download complete job description.

Download application for employment.

– See more at: http://www.casatravis.org/about/staff#sthash.QWU5uGD2.dpuf

CASA of Travis County

 

Thumbs up or thumbs down = balanced mood

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By Kali Jennifer Patrick with A Journey into Health

If you put yourself out there on social media, whether it’s in a blog, a video, or even a simple Facebook post, you’re likely to get, well…feedback.

Several months ago out of curiosity, I went to the “A Journey Into Health” YouTube Channel and sorted my video posts by “most popular”. The most popular video is (and continues to be) the Yoga for Mind-body Balance one. I remember being a bit surprised since this is a longer video than I usually publish. But what caught my attention next was the “thumbs up/down” indicator next to the video.

My mind went something like this: “three thumbs up! Awesome!” “Wait, what??! Two thumbs down? Why would anyone give this video a thumbs down? And TWO people!?” I could feel my smile turning upside down (you know, in alignment with the thumbs). Fortunately soon after noticing that sensation in my body, and those thoughts in my mind, I realized that I had a choice. And that in this moment, a simple image carried some potential to affect my mood.

In Erroneous Zones, Dr. Wayne Dyer suggests that we live in an “approval seeking” culture. He also suggests that it’s OK to want to please someone else; what’s not is when we need to please someone else in order to feel good about ourselves. If we have this need, it means that we need external validation as a way of masking a lack of internal trust.

Read more, here.

Approval of yourself

 

About A Journey into Health:

In 1998 Kali added power yoga into her fitness routine to increase her flexibility, and started exploring meditation to offset the stress of her high-tech corporate job. It wasn’t until many years later–after several significant challenges and deep internal work–that she started to see more clearly what it meant to be healthy.

In 2012 Kali took the full leap into mind-body wellness, forming A Journey Into Health. She became a 200-hour certified yoga instructor, found energy healing and holistic nutrition: she’s also an Usui Reiki Master and an Eating Psychology Coach. Kali also achieved the “experienced” yoga teaching designation along with her 500-hour certification in Yoga Therapy. She teaches group classes, offers private yoga, coaching, and Reiki sessions, as well as gives workshops in and around the Austin area.

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