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.