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Texas Cuts Teen Traffic Deaths 33%
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 Texas leads the nation in the decline in fatal crashes involving teen drivers. According to a study by the Texas Transportation Institute at Texas A&M University, fatalities among drivers ages 16 to 19 fell by one-third from 2002 to 2007. According to an article in the Austin American Statesman, experts attribute the decrease to the rigorous multi-step drivers license process and peer-to-peer education. In spite of the decline in deaths, driving-related deaths were still the number one killer of Texas teens.
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AISD Receives $8.5 Million Grant
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The Austin School District has been awarded a 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant from the Texas Education Agency. The District will receive $8.5 million over the next five years to provide before and after school programming on ten K-12 campuses.
This grant program focuses on helping students in high-need schools succeed academically through the use of scientifically based practice and extended learning time.
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| Comprehensive Plan Citizens Advisory Committee |
The City of Austin is now accepting applications for the Comprehensive Plan Citizens Advisory Committee. Members of the Committee will work with the consultant team and the City to help all members of the community articulate the common values that will guide Austin's plan for its future. Applications are due in the City Clerk's office by 5 p.m. on Thursday, August 20th. Find applications and more information about the Comprehensive Plan at www.ci.austin.tx.us/compplan/. |
| Proposed Changes to MetroAccess |
 Capital Metro will host Open House meetings tonight and tomorrow night to review proposed changes to its MetroAccess services for people with disabilities. The changes are designed to cut costs while improving services. Proposed changes include stricter penalties for "no show" and shortened call center hours coupled with increased staffing during peak call times.
- Wednesday, August 12th 6-7:30 p.m.
Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center, 4800 N. Lamar, Bus routes: 1L/1M, 101, 338
- Thursday, August 13th 6-7:30 p.m.
Conley-Guerrero Senior Activity Center, 808 Nile Street, Bus routes: 2, 17, 300 |
Financial Literacy Train the Trainer Workshop
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 The Financial Literacy Coalition of Central Texas will offer training to become a certified financial literacy educator with evening classes that begin next Wednesday, August 19th. To learn more or to register, contact Jane Parker at jparker@ag.tamu.edu or 854-9600. Learn more about the Financial Literacy Coalition at www.FLCCT.org. |
| The Psychology of Hate |
| Dr. Ricardo Ainslie, author and professor in the University of Texas Department of Educational Psychology, will discuss "The Psychology of Hate" at the YWCA Hallmark Speaker Series on Friday, August 14th from 9 a.m. to noon at the George Washington Carver Museum, 1165 Angelina Street.
Dr. Ainslie will address the foundations of hate and ways the hate dynamic can be interrupted, modified and healed. He will draw from his extensive interviews with one of the perpetrators of the James Byrd death in Jasper, Texas in 1998, about which he wrote a book titled The Long Road Home. Click here for more information.
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| Fall Day of Caring |
 The United Way's Fall Day of Caring will kick off on September 11th with a breakfast for volunteers at the Long Center for the Performing Arts. Hundreds of community members will spend the day volunteering throughout the community.
Click here to sign up for a volunteer project and join in this community-wide Day of Caring. |
| Striking A Balance: Caregiver Conference |
Austin Groups for the Elderly and the Area Agency on Aging are hosting "Striking a Balance," a free Caregiver Conference on Saturday, September 12th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free respite care is available during the conference with a reservation. The registration deadline is September 4th.
The keynote speaker will be Dr. Jerald Winakur, clinical professor of medicine and a faculty member in the Center for Medical Humanities and Ethics at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. As a geriatrician, Dr. Winakur has dedicated his career to helping the elderly live well.
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| Not My Child: A Survival Toolkit for Parents With Teens |
NOT MY CHILD is an educational program for parents and teens that will be held Tuesday, September 15th from 7 - 9 p.m. at Riverbend Church, 4214 Capital of Texas Hwy North. The program provides information on resources available in Central Texas for the prevention and treatment of adolescent substance abuse and chemical dependency. The two hour program on Tuesday, September 15th, includes a brief educational presentation about alcohol and drugs presented by Jim Williams, Director of Adolescent Programs, Memorial Hermann Prevention and Recovery Center; testimonials from people who have experienced the consequences of teenage substance abuse; and a panel discussion with addiction and recovery professionals. Learn more. |
Community Action Network is a collaboration of organizations and individuals in Central Texas who are working together to build a community of equity and opportunity.
CAN's role in the community is to ...
- Enhance awareness of community issues;
- Strengthen partnerships and connect planning efforts;
- Support collaborative strategies that maximize community resources and impact; and
- Mobilize action by reporting on progress made to improve the community's well-being.
CAN Partners: Austin Area Human Services Association, Austin Area Interreligious Ministries, Austin Chamber, Austin Community College, Austin Independent School District, Austin Travis County Mental Health Mental Retardation Center, Capital Metro, City of Austin, Community Justice Council, Integrated Care Collaboration, Seton Family of Hospitals, St. David's Community Health Foundation, St. Edward's University, Travis County, Travis County Healthcare District, United Way Capital Area, University of Texas at Austin, and Workforce Solutions - Capital Area.
CAN Issue Area Groups: Aging Services Council, Austin/Travis County Victim Services Task Force, Basic Needs Coalition, Behavioral Health Planning Partnership, Central Texas After-School Network, Child & Youth Mental Health Planning Partnership, Developmental Disabilities Planning Partnership, Ending Community Homelessness Coalition, Success by 6, HousingWorks, Literacy Coalition of Central Texas, Ready by 21, Reentry Roundtable, and Regional Transit Coordination Committee. | |
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