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.

TCOG’s Family Self-Sufficiency Program Accepts Grant Award

Nearly $200,000 awarded to TCOG through HUD

SHERMAN, JANUARY 27, 2022 – Eric M. Bridges, Executive Director of Texoma Council of Governments announced today that the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program received a grant award from the Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) in the amount of $197,458 to support program administration. “These funds are designed to provide clients with the tools necessary to achieve financial self-sufficiency,” stated Mr. Bridges.

The Family Self Sufficiency Program coordinates Section 8 Rental Assistance with public and private resources to enable families to achieve economic independence. Each participant is required to establish individual goals and achieve them under a five to seven year contract. The theme of Family Self-Sufficiency is to empower people to take control of their lives and become independent, productive members of the community. By combining HUD’s rental assistance program with a package of supportive services, FSS assists families in obtaining the skills they need to achieve financial independence and the pride that goes with it. Research has proven that the FSS program assists families to secure employment, increase wages and accumulate assets.

“People often ask what the Family Self-Sufficiency Program is. I respond it is a program designed to give a hand up, not a hand out. It is a program that changes lives,” stated Rayleen Bingham, TCOG’s Section 8 Program Manager.

TCOG’s Family Self-Sufficiency Program has 94 current participants and 124 clients who have completed the program and graduated, receiving escrow disbursements of $471,561.32 (Average per person $3,802.91). Bingham states the FSS Specialist position is the hub of this program. “It requires in-depth case management and the opportunity to connect on a personal level with the participants. To have a successful program, the specialist is required to assume many different roles; Housing Administrator, Financial Advisor, Information/Referral Specialist, and the most important role, a mentor.” The FSS Specialist is responsible for actively seeking community support and donations. The only portion of FSS funded by HUD is the rental assistance and escrow incentives.

Family Self-Sufficiency provides each participant the ability to achieve their dreams, provide our community with responsible tax-paying citizens and in turn become role models for future generations.

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.

United Way partners with TCOG to launch Emergency Relief Program

Supplemental funds available for households impacted by winter storm

SHERMAN, JUNE 21 – Officials with Texoma Council of Governments, United Way of Grayson County, and Habitat for Humanity of Grayson County, have launched a coordinated Winter Disaster Emergency Relief Program as announced in a joint release issued by the local agencies today.

After February’s severe winter storms, many area residents were left out in the cold as a direct result of the unexpected hardships from dealing with damages to their homes. On February 19, 2021, President Biden declared a major disaster in the State of Texas, clearing the way for emergency protective measures, including disaster assistance such as grants and low-interest loans for temporary housing and home repairs with FEMA. The application deadline for that assistance, however, has lapsed; ending on May 20, 2021.

“Based on the calls we continue to receive through our information & referral programs, it is evident many families and households are still reeling from the economic impact of the sudden and unexpected damages to their homes,” stated Sean Norton, TCOG’s Public Information & Media Manager. “Many of these callers were either completely unaware of FEMA’s assistance or had been denied after applying.”

Norton added, “After connecting with our community partners at United Way of Grayson County, we devised a plan to support those who were unable to meet the FEMA application deadline.”

To be eligible for assistance through TCOG, applicants must reside in Fannin or Grayson counties and demonstrate their household was affected by factors related to February’s severe winter storms. The funds available through Habitat for Humanity, however, are limited to Grayson County residents only.

Additionally, to be eligible for assistance through TCOG, applicants must be at or below 80% of the area median income (AMI) as listed in the guidelines below. Habitat for Humanity’s income guidelines are slightly lower as assistance is limited to applicants who are at or below 60% AMI.

“Habitat for Humanity’s Brush of Kindness program offers a lifeline to households whose homes were affected. Four months after the severe weather, we are still receiving calls from people who did not realize how badly their homes were damaged,” stated Laurie Mealy, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Grayson County. “Home repair now will prevent substantial problems later and can mean the difference in begin able to stay in one’s home or losing it altogether.”Assistance through this Emergency Relief Program can cover expenses such as reimbursement of extended hotel stays for displaced families, rent & utilities, and even major/minor home repairs.

Assistance will be available until funds have been completely exhausted. To apply, residents will need to call the (903) 893-2161 ext. 3596.

Funds were distributed from United Way through the Texoma Regional Foundation for allocation to the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Texoma.

The Texoma Council of Governments is a voluntary association of the local governments in Cooke, Fannin, and Grayson counties. Established in 1968, 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. Both directly and 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

From Homeless to Hero

SHERMAN, October 16, 2018 – Hard work, perseverance and determination has just paid off for a participant in Texoma Council of Government’s (TCOG) Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program. Just over six years ago, Tavay Carroll enrolled into the FSS Program desperate to make changes in order to ensure a better life for her and her family. After setting and achieving many goals, including obtaining and maintaining full-time employment, Carroll recently received her graduation certificate. Graduation is a big deal for anyone who reaches success in the program; however, Tavay is especially excited because she believes this step not only changed her story but the future story of her girls.

Carroll’s journey of parenthood started out rocky. She made choices that no parent should have to make and then spiraled out of control— she was lost, deep in her emotions. Tavay found herself homeless and living out of her car. She was fighting for her parental rights and desperately needed and desired a change. Shortly after receiving a hand up with a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher, Carroll started helping for herself by making different, positive choices. One of these choices was deciding to put the needs of her family first, which she did by completing an application for the FSS Program.

At TCOG, the FSS program is a voluntary, goal-centered program with monetary incentive in the form of an interest-bearing escrow account available to participants who actively work to increase their wages during the program participation. Participants are given 5 years to achieve their goals with up to 2 years additional time, if needed. Throughout this process, they work with an FSS coordinator who truly becomes one of the family’s loudest and proudest cheerleaders. The ultimate goal of the FSS program is to assist in transitioning families into full economic independence.

Carroll tirelessly worked towards her goals one-by-one and fought daily to be the best version of herself she could be. She led her family by example over the last 5-6 years and it has definitely paid off. Both of Tavay’s daughters recently graduated from Sherman High School. Ysatis, a new student enrolled at Grayson College, will be pursuing a degree in either education or criminal justice. Ymani has bravely answered the call to defend her country with the United States Marine Corps where she currently is fulfilling her commitment at basic training in North Carolina. Carroll’s daughters have witnessed their mother persevere and claim triumph over her trials.

“Tavay’s story is inspiring and a lesson to us all,” said Eric Bridges, Executive Director of TCOG. “It exemplifies what’s possible when a person accepts responsibility, put others ahead of themselves, and perseveres instead of succumbing to life’s challenges; characteristics Tavay has clearly instilled in her children.”

FSS programs everywhere share success stories similar to Carroll, nevertheless she and her family have much to celebrate as they complete their journey from homeless to hero.

As Tavay likes to say, “The FSS program helped me to realize that success is just a failure turned inside-out and anybody can accomplish their goals when they put their minds to it. FSS inspires hope.”

The Texoma Council of Governments is a voluntary association of the local governments in Cooke, Fannin, and Grayson counties. Established in 1968, 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. Both directly and 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.

Attention families looking for Section 8 Housing rental assistance: Watch out for SCAMS. We want you to know that there are no fees needed to apply for Section 8. There are reportedly plenty of websites which claim to be application websites for rental assistance. The only way you can apply for assistance through Section 8 is directly through a local housing authority.

Follow these tips from the Federal Trade Commission to avoid a Section 8 scam:

• Contact your local housing authority to find out how to register for the Section 8 waiting list. You’ll find their email and phone number on the HUD site. Follow their instructions to sign up.
• Housing authorities do not charge fees, and they won’t reach out to you by phone or email to suggest that you join a waiting list. A housing authority also will never ask you to wire money or pay with a prepaid card. Those are sure signs of a scam.
• Treat your Social Security number and other personal information (say, credit card numbers), like cash. Don’t give them out on a website you find through a search.
• Have you seen this kind of scam? File a complaint with the FTC and HUD. Some people have gotten help from the Better Business Bureau, so you also can file a complaint there.

TCOG’s ADRC Announces New Educational Series

SHERMAN, JUNE 6, 2018 – Dr. Susan Thomas, Executive Director of Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG), announced today the start of a new educational series provided by TCOG’s Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC). By featuring unique resources each month, the ADRC of Texoma brings value to the community by educating older adults, people with disabilities, caregivers and professionals about resources that benefit them and relieve their families.

To kick off the series, the ADRC facilitated a presentation and live demo, showcasing captioning telephones, special telephones that ensure phone conversations are clearly understood, by displaying text of conversations in near real-time on a large color touchscreens while also amplifying voice so users can see and hear what callers are saying.

“Phone conversations for people with hearing loss can be frustrating,” said Thomas. “ADRC has teamed up with ClearCaptions to improve the accessibility of captioning telephones so that people may access this resource with greater ease.”

“Connecting services and options to those who most need them is a multi-step process,” said ADRC Program Manager Janet Karam, “It involves scouting for resources, building them into our database, assisting callers, providing referrals, and educating the public.”

The ADRC fosters strong partnerships with providers of services and options benefiting older adults, caregivers, Veterans and people with disabilities. To learn more and get involved, contact the ADRC at (855) 937-2372.

The next meeting in this series is . It will be held on from – at TCOG’s offices in Sherman.

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, December 27, 2017 – Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG), in collaboration with the Salvation Army of Grayson County, Areli Medical Supply and Grayson County Health Clinic, announced the Durable Medical Equipment Project will launch January 2, 2018.

“The purpose of the project is to loan durable medical equipment (DME) to individuals with medical necessity,” stated TCOG Executive Director, Dr. Susan Thomas. Work began on the project when TCOG’s Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) received funds from Texas Department of Health and Human Services Commission to initiate the project in August 2016.

ADRC Program Manager, Janet Karam, said, “The project fulfills two gaps for Grayson County: 1) a means for collecting, refurbishing and distributing reusable durable medical equipment; and 2) loaning the equipment to individuals in need.”

The project’s inventory includes wheelchairs, walkers, rollators, canes, portable commodes and shower chairs. The Salvation Army of Grayson County houses the project in their Denison warehouse, and Texoma residents along with partner agencies have donated to the inventory on hand. The project’s collaborators coordinate referrals, inventory control and maintenance.

Thomas explained that TCOG became involved in the project by recognizing the need for such a program. “As an organization committed to improving quality of life, TCOG encourages solution-based, collaborative projects such as the DME initiative.”

To access the program, referral forms and medical necessity forms must be completed by referring agency and individual’s doctor.

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.

TCOG Recognized as Instrumental in Growing Program

June 6, 2017 – In a meeting On June 5, 2017, THP Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to move away from the administrative contract with TCOG with an effective date of August 31, 2017.

In a statement, Mr. Marty Burke, THP Board Chair, said, “The growth in staffing over the last year and the recent addition of the Leonard Housing Authority has simply tipped the scales. TCOG has grown our program to such a level that we are now able to manage it ourselves.”

TCOG has operated the public housing program since 1993 when the organization administered individual contracts with seven housing authorities. That number grew to 13, and after the Quality Housing Work Responsibility Act (QHWRA) legislation was passed by Congress in 1998, the 13 housing authorities from Fannin, Grayson, Collin and Hunt Counties joined forces to create the nation’s first public housing consortium in 2000. That same year, the multiple administrative contracts were reduced to one agreement between TCOG and THP, and since then 6 more cities have joined the consortium bringing the total to 19. Over the years, TCOG and THP have enjoyed a positive and productive partnership focused on the provision of safe, decent and affordable housing across Texoma.

“Our ability to support our programs to the degree they are in a position to stand on their own is indicative of better leadership, which is what we strive for at TCOG,” stated Judge Jason Brinkley, TCOG Board President. “We are very proud to have been of service to THP for so many years; we wish them well and look forward to continuing our partnership.”

TCOG has a long history of training staff and growing programs that eventually spin off to become their own organization. The COG has played a role in the creation of several agencies in the Texoma region. Workforce Solutions Texoma and Meals on Wheels of Texoma started off as COG programs, grew to become self-sustainable, and spun off as standalone agencies. Other organizations like Home Hospice and the Texoma Regional Blood Center benefited from the COG’s financial and managerial support as they built their organizations.

TCOG’s Executive Director, Susan B. Thomas spoke to this track record noting, “We have a rich history at the COG of growing and supporting effective regional programs and organizations. THP’s decision to stand-alone is another feather in TCOG’s regional leadership cap and another step forward in the pursuit of our vision Better Leaders Building Better Lives. Leadership cultivates growth and helps build quality of life; THP is an example of our vision at work in Texoma.”

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.