2-1-1 Texoma Area Information Center achieves National Accreditation

SHERMAN, JULY 5, 2022 – Eric M. Bridges, Executive Director of Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG) announced today that the 2-1-1 Texoma Area Information Center (AIC) has successfully attained national accreditation from the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS).

2-1-1 Texoma AIC joins more than 140 organizations in the United States and Canada to have successfully attained AIRS Accreditation. “Accreditation is reserved only for those who’ve demonstrated achievement in service quality, effectiveness, community involvement, organizational stability, database competency, and other standards within the information and referral field,” said Mr. Bridges. “This is the fourth time 2-1-1 Texoma has attained this important credential. I could not be more proud of our dedicated 2-1-1 team. It is because of their tireless efforts that accreditation was possible.”

2-1-1 Texas, a program of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, is committed to helping Texas citizens connect with the services they need. Whether by phone or internet, the goal is to present accurate, well-organized and easy-to-find information from local and state health and human services programs. This goal is accomplished through the work of 25 Area Information Centers (AICs) across the state.

2-1-1 Texas is a free, anonymous social service hotline available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. 2-1-1 provides help with basic needs like food assistance, housing, utility assistance, child care, substance abuse treatment, mental services, aging services, and assistance for veterans. 2-1-1 also connects callers to a host of state services through various options, or may speak to a Certified Resource Specialist, who may connect them.

The local 2-1-1 staff consists of Alison Tesney, Anita Haliburton, Mary Browning-Rodriguez, Melinda Sinor, and Shawnee Bartlett.

The Texoma Council of Governments is a voluntary association of the local governments in Cooke, Fannin, and Grayson Counties. Established in 1968, the Texoma Council of Governments promotes economy and efficiency in the coordinated planning and development of the tri-county region through its community and economic development activities. Either directly, or through contractors, the Council provides housing, utility assistance, and weatherization services for low-income citizens in the region and assists the elderly through a variety of Area Agency on Aging programs. The Council also facilitates the delivery of grant funding for homeland security and criminal justice.

Summertastic! Texoma Youth Activity Guide, 2019 Edition

SHERMAN, TX, MAY 22, 2017 – Families in Texoma area have grown to depend on the annual Summertastic publication to help plan their children’s summer activities. Delano Smith, TCOG 2-1-1 Program Manager stated, “We start getting calls as early as April to ask when the distribution will begin. Families appreciate having a publication that includes all sorts of summer activities from which to choose from for their children.”

Summertastic is an annual publication which started several years ago in response to 2-1-1 calls received regarding summer activities. It has grown over the years and includes a comprehensive listing of activities with categories including: Art; Day Camp; Holiday & Fundraiser; Horseback & Equine; Music; Nature; Reading; Sports & Fitness; Swimming & Pool; Theater; Vacation Bible School and Other.

The colorful front page of the publication is the result of an art contest entitled, “Summer Colors of Camp.” The winner of this year’s contest is Eduardo Diaz from the Gainesville Junior High School. The 2nd place winner, Ava Grace Hodge, from Savoy Elementary School and 3rd place winner, Margarito Santana from Callisburg High School are also featured in the publication.

The Summertastic publication will be distributed to schools, libraries, and other public offices within the Texoma region by May 25th, 2017. It is also currently available online at summertastic.tcog.com

The Texoma Council of Governments is a voluntary association of the local governments in Cooke, Fannin, and Grayson Counties. Established in 1968, the Texoma Council of Governments promotes economy and efficiency in the coordinated planning and development of the tri-county region through its community and economic development activities. Either directly, or through contractors, the Council provides housing, utility assistance, and weatherization services for low-income citizens in the region and assists the elderly through a variety of Area Agency on Aging programs. The Council also facilitates the delivery of grant funding for homeland security and criminal justice.

Lindsay Presented with Inaugural TCOG Helix Award

SHERMAN, October 22, 2016 – Susan B. Thomas, PhD, Executive Director of Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG), announced today the success of the first 2-1-1 TCOG Info Fest. The event brought together area social service agencies and non-profit organizations for the purpose of sharing important information regarding services provided to families living in the Texoma region.

Held at Pecan Grove Park West in Sherman, Texoma residents were invited to visit each booth and hear about specific services, ask questions or get connected to programs which could benefit their families.

TCOG Hosts First 2-1-1 Info Fest

“TCOG is all about a regional approach to the work we do,” stated Dr. Thomas, “and it is very clear we live in a region where we are not the only ones who think this way.” She went on to say, “Bringing together agency partners so families can connect to multiple services at one time is a prime example of what regionalism can do. By working together we have a greater impact on improving quality of life for families living in our region.”

During the event, Tammy Johnson, TCOG’s Vice President, presented the inaugural 2-1-1 “Helix” award to Colonel William (Bill) Lindsay, USMC Ret. The Helix represents a structure of strands that are oriented in opposite directions yet are linked together for a common purpose. In keeping with TCOG’s vision of Better Leaders Building Better Lives, the award was created in order to recognize someone who exemplifies being a servant leader: one who connects with the community by offering their time and talent while leading with courage and integrity.

TCOG Hosts First 2-1-1 Info Fest

Col. Lindsay received the award based on his many community contributions and long track record of leading by example. During his years of service with the US Marine Corps, Col. Lindsay was the recipient of three separate Purple Heart decorations. Over the years, Col. Lindsay has served as the Mayor of Denison, board president of TCOG, board president of Small Business Commissioners, past president of the Association of Mayors, Council Members and Commissioners and the Texas Department of Transportation Commissioner for Highway Land Acquisition and also served on TML’s General Government Committee. Appointed by the Governor, Col. Lindsay additionally serves on the board of the State of Texas Small Business and Industrial Development Corporation.

The Texoma Council of Governments is a voluntary association of the local governments in Cooke, Fannin, and Grayson Counties. Established in 1968, the Texoma Council of Governments promotes economy and efficiency in the coordinated planning and development of the tri-county region through its community and economic development activities. Either directly, or through contractors, the Council provides housing, utility assistance, and weatherization services for low-income citizens in the region and assists the elderly through a variety of Area Agency on Aging programs. The Council also facilitates the delivery of grant funding for homeland security and criminal justice.

2-1-1 Texoma has published a useful guide to provide you with information and resources for a variety of activities this summer.
See This Year's Guide

SHERMAN, February 16, 2015 – Dr. Susan Thomas, Executive Director of Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG) held an enlightening dialogue with local agencies about the viewing of the HBO Documentary, AMERICAN WINTER.

“The film was an eye-opening, thought provoking and compelling presentation of poverty in America and is a must see for agencies engaged in providing services to impoverished communities,” said Dr. Thomas. “The documentary was presented as part of Texas 2-1-1 Day, a statewide education campaign of the information and referral system.” The 2-1-1 program is among TCOG’s wide array of services aimed at improving quality of life in Texoma.

Co-produced by Joe and Harry Gantz, AMERICAN WINTER tells the interwoven stories of eight families living in and around Portland, Oregon, each of whom called 211, a nonprofit referral organization, in search of help with paying bills, finding housing, or getting advice on how to weather the current financial downturn. In addition to vérité footage of each family, the documentary includes insights from several local officials and business people.

Agencies wishing to view the documentary may contact Judy Fullylove, TCOG Program Manager at jfullylove@texoma.cog.tx.us

The Texoma Council of Governments is a voluntary association of the local governments in Cooke, Fannin, and Grayson Counties. Established in 1968, the Texoma Council of Governments promotes economy and efficiency in the coordinated planning and development of the tri-county region through its community and economic development activities. Either directly, or through contractors, the Council provides housing, utility assistance, and weatherization services for low-income citizens in the region and assists the elderly through a variety of Area Agency on Aging programs. The Council also facilitates the delivery of grant funding for homeland security and criminal justice.

2-1-1 Texoma has published a useful guide to provide you with information and resources for a variety of activities this summer.
See This Year's Guide

Will Appear as cover of 2014 Summertastic Youth Guide

SHERMAN, MAY 5, 2014 – Dr. Susan Thomas, Executive Director of Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG) announced today the winner of the Hot Fun in the Summertime Youth Art Contest. The winning entry, “Fun in the Sun,” was submitted by Jacobi Lucchese, a 7th grader at Texoma Christian Academy.

As the Grand Prize winner, Lucchese’s art work will grace the cover of TCOG’s annual 2-1-1 publication, Summertastic! Texoma Youth Guide. The guide will be distributed during the month of May to more than 70 thousand families in the region. “With 118 entries from 5th, 6th and 7th graders across Texoma, the judges had a lot of art to review, but after looking at all those entries, there was no question in anyone’s mind which one would get the cover. Jacobi’s work really stood out; it’s obvious he is a very talented artist, and we’re lucky to have his work on our cover.” Thomas stated.

The panel of judges included Lisa Avila, artist and Executive Director of the Bonham Creative Art Center, Allison Minton, TCOG Client Services Department Director, Betty Kay Schlesinger, Director of Social Services at Salvation Army, as well as Kim Williams and Neva Damron of the Frame Team.

The first and second runner up selections will also be featured in the guide. The first runner-up is 5th grader Matthew Tan from Gainesville, TX with the entry entitled, “Summer is Awesome as a Dragon” and second runner-up, 6th grader Javier Garcia with the entry entitled, “Hot Fun in the Summer Time.”

The Texoma Council of Governments is a voluntary association of the local governments in Cooke, Fannin, and Grayson Counties. Established in 1968, the Texoma Council of Governments promotes economy and efficiency in the coordinated planning and development of the tri-county region through its community and economic development activities. Either directly, or through contractors, the Council provides housing, utility assistance, and weatherization services for low-income citizens in the region and assists the elderly through a variety of Area Agency on Aging programs. The Council also facilitates the delivery of grant funding for homeland security and criminal justice.

SHERMAN, March 26, 2014 – Susan B. Thomas, PhD, Executive Director of Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG) commended 211 Texoma for facilitating Courageous Conversations, a training workshop held yesterday at TCOG, which focused on the impacts of institutional racism.

Presented by Texas Health and Human Services Commission’s Center for the Elimination of Disproportionalities and Disparities (CEDD), the 3-hour training session offered insight into how racism adversely affects poor communities and communities of color.

“The primary goal of CEDD is achieving equity for Texas’ most vulnerable citizens,” says Thomas. “I am pleased that our 2-1-1 program teamed up with CEDD to provide this important training to social service professionals in the region.” Thomas also noted that several TCOG staff members attended the training and stated, “This type of training helps us understand our client base and the various issues they may face in their day-to-day lives. With improved understanding, we enhance and strengthen our customer service.”

The workshop was conducted by Maxine Jones-Robinson and Rebecca Kerst, specialists for the Center for the Elimination of Disproportionalities and Disparities. Their mission is to partner with Health and Human Service Commission agencies and external stakeholders; other systems and communities to identify and eliminate disproportionality and disparities impacting children, families and vulnerable citizens. Disproportionality is the over representation of a particular group, in this particular case, in the social services system.

Participants examined systems data by race and ethnicity to show that when data is controlled for poverty and single family homes, the common factor in the data is race. Continuing education for multiple disciplines was offered for this event by Texas Health and Human Services.

The Center for Elimination of Disproportionality and Disparities serves as a leader in addressing the systemic factors and identifying practice improvements that address the disproportionate representation and disparate outcomes for children, their families, and other vulnerable citizens within the Texas Health and Human Services System.

The Texoma Council of Governments is a voluntary association of the local governments in Cooke, Fannin, and Grayson Counties. Established in 1968, the Texoma Council of Governments promotes economy and efficiency in the coordinated planning and development of the tri-county region through its community and economic development activities. Either directly, or through contractors, the Council provides housing, utility assistance, and weatherization services for low-income citizens in the region and assists the elderly through a variety of Area Agency on Aging programs. The Council also facilitates the delivery of grant funding for homeland security and criminal justice.