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.

SHERMAN, JUNE 5, 2017 –Summer got off to a great start on June 1st when kids and adults of all ages were treated to hot dogs, games, a petting zoo and live music. This was all part of the Annual Summer Kick Off for the Summer Youth Program held at the Texoma Housing Partners Housing Authority located in Bonham.

TCOG’s Public Housing Program – Texoma Housing Partners Kick off Summertime

The Summer Youth Program happens every year on Tuesdays and Thursdays from June through August. Lou Ann Taylor, TCOG Public Housing Social Services Coordinator, stated, “We’ve got big plans for a special summer for the kids which will include events such as trips to the Family Life Center, wildlife presentations, a visit from a magician, science experiments, games, crafts and more.”

Community Agency partners include Assembly of God Church, Pride Prevention Substance Abuse Center, Texas Agri-Life Extension office, Fannin County Family Crisis Center, North Texas Youth Connection, The Windom Baptist Church, WIC, Guardians of the Children, TCOG’s 911 Program, United Healthcare, Cigna and Fannin County Children’s Center. These agencies participate in both the summer kick off and also provide programs which fill summertime with positive activities for the kids.

TCOG’s Public Housing Program – Texoma Housing Partners Kick off Summertime

While the kids enjoyed food, games and the Ranchero Petting Zoo; adults were once again entertained inside with live music by Mr. Ezra (Bubba) Copeland. Bubba was such a hit last year, he’s become a regular part of the fun as he provided a great time with tunes ranging from gospel to rock.

Dr. Susan Thomas, TCOG Executive Director stated, “TCOG enjoys strong support from partner agencies and local businesses which enables us to bring so much more to the residents of our public housing. Working together we make a difference in the quality of life for those we serve and that’s what TCOG is all about.”

TCOG’s Public Housing Program – Texoma Housing Partners Kick off Summertime

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, May 24, 2017 – TCOG Executive Director Susan B. Thomas, PhD, announced today the addition of the Leonard Housing Authority to the Texoma Housing Partners (THP) Consortium, bringing the total number of participating housing authorities TCOG operates for THP to 19.

Texoma Housing Partners is the nation’s first consortium of small public housing authorities. It is also the largest and enables cities across Texoma to participate in a regional solution and realize tremendous cost savings by pooling resources and working together as a consortium.

“Shelter is one of our most basic human needs, and this is true for people from all walks of life. We meet that very basic need for some of our most vulnerable citizens, and we do that very well,” stated Dr. Thomas. “This kind of work is what TCOG’s vision is all about. By leading the way in public housing and striving for excellence and efficiency in the delivery of those services, we ensure a better life for hundreds of families across Texoma.”

TCOG has been involved in public housing 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 Collin, Fannin, Grayson, and Hunt Counties joined forces to create the nation’s first public housing consortium in 2000. TCOG’s administrative contracts were reduced to one agreement between TCOG and THP, and the organizations have enjoyed a positive and productive partnership focused on the provision of safe, decent, and affordable housing across Texoma.

Allison Reider, Director of TCOG’s Client Services Department, stated, “THP has been very successful and I believe the primary reason is the regional mindset and selfless leadership modeled by the board of commissioners. The THP board understands the benefit of regionalism and working together for the best interest of the region. They understand by pooling their resources they can achieve the common goal of maintaining a strong, superbly managed, award-winning public housing program.”

THP has since grown from 13 to 19 cities over the last 17 years. Marty Burke, President of the THP board commented, “What we have accomplished together would never have been possible to accomplish individually, and I have seen firsthand how well TCOG staff has managed our Public Housing Program. We are consistently rated as high performer and we are nationally recognized as an authority on public housing consortia. Leonard is joining a very strong partnership.”

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 13, 2016 – Board members representing the (18) cities participating in the THP Consortium met Monday night to conduct business, and to celebrate another year of successfully providing the public housing program to families living in the region.

The board received the FYE 2016 audit as presented by Brian Grisham, representing the audit firm Adami, Lindsey & Company. Mr. Grisham told the board, “Three independent auditor reports were issued in conjunction with the audit. The first report expresses a clean opinion on THP’s financial reports. The other two reports deal with THP’s internal controls and compliance and expresses a clean opinion on compliance with federal program requirements and states that no deficiencies in internal controls were noted that required reporting to the Board or a regulatory agency. THP is in strong financial position and the program is sound.”

Allison Reider, TCOG Client Services Department Director gave the board an update on the new construction of duplexes in Bonham, “We are very close to having the plans and specifications completed for the two duplexes and will be going out for bid soon. We anticipate breaking ground in early 2017.”

Betty Childress, THP Board Chairman summed up the meeting by saying, “We are so proud of the work the TCOG staff does on a daily basis on behalf of our public housing program. Year after year, safe and affordable housing has been provided to our cities and we are truly thankful.”

THP is the nation’s first consortium and includes the following cities: Bells, Bonham, Celeste, Ector, Farmersville, Gunter, Honey Grove, Howe, Ladonia, Pottsboro, Princeton, Savoy, Tioga, Tom Bean, Trenton, Van Alstyne, Whitewright and Windom.

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.

For two days each week during the summer, about a dozen children meet at the Bonham Housing Authority TEAM Center for a few morning hours of crafts, games and learning activities.

The Texoma Council of Governments Public Housing Program in Bonham hosts a Summer Youth Program for 5- to 12-year-olds, and the program partners with various organizations to provide the children unique opportunities to fill the summertime tedium.

“We just felt like this would be a good way to fill a gap for kids in the summer when they’re kind of sitting around with nothing necessarily to do,” Lou Ann Taylor, social services coordinator for TCOG Public Housing, said. “We felt like if we involved other agencies that could bring in some education along with the fun that would not only give the kids something to do, but they could learn something along the way and a lot times not realize they’re learning something.”

Every Tuesday and Thursday from June 14 to August 11, the community partner agencies volunteer their time to provide activities for the children, who are primarily from the local public housing. Pride Prevention, Fannin County Crisis Center, North Texas Youth Connection, Agri-Life Extension Office, Morning Star Academy, CVS Home Health, and the Windom Baptist Church are among the organizations that plan hourlong programs for the children through the course of the summer.

“The program was set up for the kids who reside in our public housing, but there are kids here today that don’t live here and never lived here,” Taylor said Thursday. “We don’t turn anybody down.”

Taylor said about 8 to 14 kids take part in the activities each day, and she credited the community partners with making the program special for the children. A few of the highlights include a magician, a dental education program, a wildlife presentation and an end of the summer movie day at a local theater.

“I think it’s great because of the fact that it not only gives the kids something to do, but it also makes them and their parents aware of the agencies that are in the area,” Taylor said. “The kids love coming because we have so many different things to look forward to.”

On Thursday, volunteers from the First Assembly of God Church in Bonham led the 12 children in crafts and games. Liz Dyvig, an associate pastor, said this is the second year her church has been involved in this program, and they draw from Vacation Bible School material to find ways on keeping the children engaged and entertained. She said her church searches for ways to be involved in the public housing community, and when they heard about the youth program, they wanted to do their part in helping out.

“I think it’s great for the residents of this community,” Dyvig said. “… I hope the children have fun, and I always hope they learn a little bit more about God.”

The church will host activities for the youth program on three different days. Dyvig was joined by another member of the church, Faye Rogers, who read a story and lead an interactive craft with a Bible memory verse.

On June 9, the Public Housing Program launched this year’s youth program with a Kickoff Party that included live music, a balloon artist and a petting zoo. The TCOG Public Housing Program in Bonham hosts several different activities throughout the year for residents. Taylor noted a few of big events were an Easter Egg Hunt and a Halloween carnival.

“The kids aren’t just sitting idle all the time — they’re getting out and they’re exploring, learning new things and having fun along the way,” Taylor said. “… My philosophy is that it does take a village to raise a child, and the partnerships we have with individuals and agencies are invaluable to kids as well as adults.”

Source: http://heralddemocrat.com/living/lifestyle/tcog-program-frees-children-summertime-tedium

SHERMAN, June 21, 2016 – There’s nothing better than a summer day with hot dogs, live music and a petting zoo. Just ask the folks who enjoyed this and more at the Summer Youth Program Kick-Off Party held on June 9, 2016, in Bonham.

TCOG's Public Housing Program Kicks Off Summer In Style

The Summer Youth Program happens every year on Tuesdays and Thursdays from June through August. Lou Ann Taylor, TCOG Public Housing Social Services Coordinator, plans a special summer for the kids which includes events such as trips to the Fannin Life Center, wildlife presentations, a visit from a magician, a dental program and a nature walk. Community Agency partners including Pride Prevention, Fannin County Crisis Center, North Texas Youth Connection, Agri-Life Extension Office, The Assembly of God Church, Morning Star Academy, CVS Home Health, and the Windom Baptist Church also provide programs which fill summertime with positive activities for our kids.

TCOG's Public Housing Program Kicks Off Summer In Style

While the kids enjoyed hot dogs, snow cones, popcorn and the Ranchero Petting Zoo; adults were entertained inside with live music by Mr. Ezra (Bubba) Copeland. An accomplished musician, Bubba played a variety of tunes from gospel to rock to country. You name it, he played it.

The TCOG Public Housing Program enjoys strong support from area partner agencies and local businesses; by working together we are able to bring many programs and activities to our public housing kids that would not happen otherwise. Programs that have a positive impact and potential to change and improve lives and that’s what it’s all about.

TCOG's Public Housing Program Kicks Off Summer In Style

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, JULY 1, 2015 – Texoma Housing Partners (THP) received notification from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that their Public Housing Program managed by Texoma Council of Governments earned a High Performer Rating for fiscal year ending 2015.

Each year every housing authority in the nation is required to undergo a Public Housing Assessment which includes scoring of the following four components: physical (40 points), financial (25 points), capital (10 points) and management (25 points). A High Performer rating is achieved with a score of 90 or higher.

The physical scoring is rigorous with points removed for items such as: inoperable smoke detectors, inoperable locks, windows not shutting properly or vegetation touching the building. “Program staff manage and maintain these properties so well, 37 points were received for the physical score, added to 24 points (financial), 24 points (management) and 10 points (capital) for the High Performer score of 95.” said Allison Minton, TCOG Client Services Department Director.

Since the inception of these annual assessments over 15 years ago, THP has achieved a High Performer rating every year. The ongoing success of the program is a direct result of operating as a public housing consortium and maintaining a contractual relationship with TCOG.

THP is the nation’s first consortium and was established in 2000. It was created under the Quality Housing Work Responsibility Act (QHWRA) of 1998 which allowed small housing authorities to join together for the purpose of management efficiencies. The consortium began with 13 small housing authorities and has grown to include 18 cities located across Fannin, Grayson, Collin and Hunt counties. TCOG provides the consortium professional management and access to other TCOG programs which are made available to all public housing residents.

Operating as a consortium with an administrative contract with TCOG gives participating housing authorities distinct advantages. Combined resources and streamlined expenses have produced significant savings which allow the participating housing authorities to remain fiscally sound while government funding continues to shrink. Another reason the consortium has been so successful is the combined THP Board of Commissioners. One representative from each city serves on the Board and provides oversight to the consortium with a regional mindset. Ms. Minton continued by stating, “This board is an example of regionalism at its best, they concern themselves with the interest of the whole, rather than the individual city they represent which ultimately benefits everyone.”

“The coordinated effort of this consortium continues to be very effective,” stated Betty Childress, THP Board President. “The Public Housing Assessment is a tough measuring stick used by HUD to determine the efficacy of the program.”

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, NOVEMBER 23, 2014 – Imagine a place you could go to receive information on Medicare benefits and housing assistance. A place you could attend GED classes as well as weekly bingo games. Somewhere you could hear guest lectures every month on a variety of subjects. Well, that place is the TEAM Center located at the Texoma Council of Governments’ public housing offices at 810 West 16th Street in Bonham.

The TEAM center was established in 2010 and was created to Teach, Empower, Assist and Motivate individuals by providing multiple programs and social services under one roof. Families have access to: Public Housing, Social Services, Benefits Counseling, Energy Services and the Section 8 Programs that are all housed at the TEAM Center.

By definition, a one stop shop is where multiple services are offered in a convenient location. The TEAM Center accomplishes this by bringing an array of programs and services together that are easily accessible to everyone.

If you or someone you know is in need of services, send them to the TEAM Center.

Schedule of Services

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, April 24, 2014 – Dr. Susan Thomas, Executive Director of Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG) celebrated a ribbon cutting for the new Maintenance Facility for the Texoma Housing Partners, a public housing consortium operated by TCOG.

Dr. Thomas stated, “This is an exciting day for the Texoma Housing Partners. This 6400 square foot Maintenance Facility will store all inventory, supplies and equipment in one location which will produce tremendous efficiencies. With everything in one place, managing the maintenance operations for the 18 cities participating in the consortium will be completely streamlined.”

Texoma Housing Partners Maintenance Building

Built with capital funding received over three years, the building includes 5175 square feet of warehouse space and 1225 square feet which includes office space, kitchen area and conference room. The building is fenced in the back and includes a large concrete drive for roll up dumpsters and deliveries and also includes covered equipment parking. Special attention was taken to create an energy efficient building by installing high energy efficient heating and air-conditioning, appliances and lighting.

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.