by Barbara Garland – As I walked into the Boys & Girls Club (located in the old Carver Elementary School) I was immediately struck by the bustling activity. Ushered into the library, which was cheerfully decorated with Easter and Spring decorations, our group from Seeds of Strength was warmly welcomed by Diane Rasmussen, Volunteer Coordinator. Kelly St. Julien, Branch Manager, and Tommy Rice, Unit Director, spent time explaining the program and how the Seeds of Strength grant is being used. The $20,000 grant from Seeds of Strength has made it possible for approximately 45 children and youth to be mentored in one-on-one weekly sessions. These children are those who need extra a...

by Barbara Garland – Imagine being a teenager who is pregnant, homeless, with no support system – kicked out of your home or choosing not to stay in an abusive situation. What would you do? Where would you turn for help? The Annunciation Maternity Home in Georgetown is a welcoming and caring place for desperate young mothers-to-be who want to build a life for themselves and their children. The home is designed to take in homeless pregnant teens as they try to become self-sufficient mothers. Annunciation Home provides a program for teens from 12-17 years of age. Sixteen girls are currently housed at Annunciation Home. These teens can stay through their pregnancies and up to two ye...

by Babs Cape – What if you have no home, your family is broken, and you are facing alone a world filled with strangers – social workers, lawyers, judges and courtrooms? You are just a child and your world has gone haywire. But, then, a CASA trained and caring volunteer becomes your advocate, your friend and supporter, someone who can navigate the sea around you and work to put you in a comfort zone. Your life, and your future, is suddenly a bit better. CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates, and their single goal is for all children in Williamson County to have a safe, permanent home. When children are removed from their home by Child Protective Services and enter ...

by Jan Spence – Watching people working together to help children and plucks at out heartstrings. That is what happened to me on December 12 when I visited Backpack Buddies, one of our SoS grant recipients. I found myself smiling from the inside out. It was a lovely gift! Backpack Buddies (BB) is pretty much what it sounds like it is – sending nutritious, non-perishable food items home with students in backpacks. Except not quite. Now the use of backpacks is a great idea until the students forget to bring them back, or someone spills milk on it at home, or little brother gets sick on it — well, you get the idea. So, BB sends food items home with students in plastic groce...