|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Recommendations to Reduce Victimization |
 Five out of six people will be a victim of a violent crime or an attempted violent crime at least once in their lives. The Victim Services Task Force shared its newest FAQ "Frequently Asked Questions" report with the CAN Community Council this week. It is estimated that only half of violent crimes are actually reported due to a fear of retaliation, a lack of awareness of their rights and mistrust of the system.
The Victim Services Task Force made several recommendations to improve the system and to encourage more people to report crimes. The recommendations included:
- improved coordination among the various public safety organizations and the CAN Partners;
- improved coordination with CAN Issue Area Groups that serve vulnerable populations; and
- administrative support for the work of the Victim Services Task Force.
The Victims of Violent Crimes FAQ, and other issue area FAQs are available on the CAN website.
| |
 |
|
|
| Be an Ozone Action Hero |
 Officials and air quality experts in the Austin-Round Rock Metropolitan Statistical Area warn that the region is down to the wire on staying within ozone limitations this year - and fending off an EPA designation that could hinder the region for the next 20 years. August and September historically have the highest number of days when ground-level ozone measurements exceed the federal standard. The area's "Big Push" campaign is making one last effort to convince individuals and businesses to reduce the number of motor vehicle trips, to reduce energy consumption, and to be mindful of activities which can increase ozone emissions. The public can take the "Your air. Your commitment." pledge online at www.ozoneheroes.com to become an Ozone Action Hero (and get a free T-shirt). The public and businesses can also take the "Commuter Challenge" during Commute Solutions month in September. The Central Texas region includes Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis and Williamson counties. For more information on ozone and what we can all do to make a difference, please visit www.cityofaustin.org/airquality www.cityofaustin.org/airquality and www.cleanairforce.org. |
| United Way 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.
|
Out of the Darkness Community Walks
|
In the United States, a person dies by suicide every 16 minutes, claiming more than 32,000 lives each year. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is sponsoring Out of the Darkness Community Walks throughout the United States this September to raise awareness about depression and suicide. The Austin walk will take place on Saturday, September 12th at 9 a.m. on the steps of the State Capitol. Visit outofthedarkness.org to learn more and to sign up for the Austin event. |
| 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 for Youth Summit |
Join in a conversation on how the community can work together to create a more effective and efficient youth justice system. Students, parents, educators, community members, judges and other professionals with the juvenile justice system will participate in a Community for Youth Summit on Saturday, September 19th 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Reagan High School. Participants will consider how to address the root causes of youth misconduct, eliminate dropouts, and provide opportunities for success and productive careers for all students. For more information or to RSVP, email community4youth@gmail.com.
|
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. | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
