It is said that “Necessity is the Mother of Invention,” and that is how our virtual Grant Awards Night and Annual Meeting came about. On March 15th, the CDC issued guidance to postpone or cancel events of more than 50 people, which prompted us to reconsider our plans for our May 7th event at Berry Creek Country Club. I convened a video conference with the Committee Chairs to brainstorm alternatives.   As you know, Grant Awards Night is the culmination of our year’s work. At this event, we distribute our donations, as grants, to local nonprofits.  And with the impact of COVID-19, it was never more important to fund their projects. Within a week, the Board approved moving our event to...

by Babs Cape – Aging brings more than aches and pains and gray hair. Without funds enough for daily living, aging can create a sense of loss, fear and hopelessness. The Caring Place (TCP) assists our aging community in a special way, and Seeds of Strength is part of making that possible. TCP’s program, SENIOR INDEPENDENCE PROGRAM (SIP), began two years ago. The goal for SIP is to provide overall basic-needs support to 600 individuals, age 65 or older, with any type of assistance provided by the Caring Place, which includes financial and non-financial assistance. Its goal is also to provide case-management support to 75 individuals, age 65 or older. Identifying those in need, an...

by Babs Cape – An abused child pulls at our heart strings. How can we help children suspected of sexual abuse, severe physical abuse or those who have witnessed a violent crime? Where is a safe place for young victims to disclose their abuse? Who knows how to comfort them while working for justice and safety? Recently, ten Seeds of Strength members learned from advocates for young people when we visited the Williamson County Child Advocacy Center. These child-trained professionals receive suspected victims from law enforcement agencies, Child Protective Services and prosecutors. With one-on-one forensic interviews and medical exams, all in a non-intimidating manner, the extent of...

by Barbara Garland – A group of SoS members recently visited on a typical P.A.S.S. day. Students from Southwestern University’s Delta Omicron music fraternity met with students from the Boys and Girls Club to teach the youngsters about music. The lesson plan stated that the students should learn to identify multiple musical instruments, to understand the basics of sheet music, to understand pitch, and to construct his/her own Mbira, an African thumb piano. What really happened was a fun interactive hour between the Southwestern University students and both Tippit and Wagner middle schoolers, all who were eager to learn more. The P.A.S.S. pilot program (a partnership between Southw...