Grace After Fire


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"Be of good cheer. Do not think of today's failures, but of the success that may come tomorrow. You have set yourselves a difficult task, but you will succeed if you persevere; and you will find a joy in overcoming obstacles. Remember, no effort that we make to attain something beautiful is ever lost."
 

   -Helen Keller

 

Table Talk



For more information contact:
 

Harris County:

Monique Rodriguez (281) 698-0306

[email protected]

 

Kanetrica PattonLyons (713) 409-2081

[email protected]

 

Tana Plescher 
(281) 738-0330

[email protected]

 

Alamo Region:

Melissa McKennon (210) 887-8608


Roberta Castaneda (210) 744-0642
 
Laly Cholak (210) 247-7662
 
Metroplex
Cassie Winslow (469) 543-3071


Houston Table Talk Color Me Camo Flyer



 

For More information about Color Me Camo Table Talk email: [email protected]

 
Domestic Violence Awareness Month





In 1995, the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV) convened several national domestic violence organizations - the Family Violence Prevention Fund, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the National Domestic Violence Hotline, and later the National Network to End Domestic Violence - to launch a new effort to support domestic violence programs' awareness and education efforts for Domestic Violence
Awareness Month (DVAM), observed annually in October. The collaborative effort became the Domestic Violence Awareness Project (DVAP).


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National Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15-October 15, 2016


             


During National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15) we recognize the contributions made and the important presence of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States and celebrate their heritage and culture.



Hispanics have had a profound and positive influence on our country through their strong commitment to family, faith, hard work, and service. They have enhanced and shaped our national character with centuries-old traditions that reflect the multiethnic and multicultural customs of their community.



Hispanic Heritage Month, whose roots go back to 1968, begins each year on September 15, the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico, Chile and Belize also celebrate their independence days during this period and Columbus Day (D�a de la Raza) is October 12.
The term Hispanic or Latino, refers to Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin regardless of race. On the 2010 Census form, people of Spanish, Hispanic and/or Latino origin could identify themselves as Mexican, Mexican American, Chicano, Puerto Rican, Cuban, or "another Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin."



Today, 55 million people or 17% of the American population are of Hispanic or Latino origin. This represents a significant increase from 2000, which registered the Hispanic population at 35.3 million or 13% of the total U.S. population.




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Upcoming Events

October 8, 2016
 
 


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Grace After Fire's Couples Retreat
West Texas Ranch
December 2-4, 2016
 
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Grace In The Community
2016
 
Grace After Fire Receives Grant From Texas Veterans Commission


        
 
 
 
Grace After Fire with Candace Payne
"Chewbacca Mom" discussing the Simple Joys
 
 
Grace After Fire Supports Feed My Starving Children Hosted By First Baptist Church Universal City
 
 


Grace After Fire on Veterans Operation Command Radio featuring Monique Rodriguez

Training

 

      

 Facilitator Training will be conducted in the Alamo Region, October 20, 2016
10:00am-2:00pm by RSVP or referral only. Please contact Roberta Castaneda at 210-744-0642 or 
 to reserve your spot.
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These Resources May Interest You!


 

 

 

 

If you or a Veteran you know is in crisis or in need of immediate assistance please contact the Veteran Crisis Line at

 800-273-8255 and Press 1

 

 

 

January 2016
Greetings!


Welcome to the October edition of Grace After Fire's newsletter.  As an organization we are committed to keeping you up-to-date and informed about what we are planning for the future. Our mission of Grace After Fire is to provide the means for women Veterans to gain knowledge, insight and self-renewal. We are dedicated to helping women Veterans help themselves.
A WORD FROM THE CEO:


Do you find yourself today running your race of life and wondering if what you're doing really matters or whether or not the time and energy you give each day makes a difference?  Or maybe the question in your head is- is anyone even listening to what I'm saying or seeing the work that I'm doing? 
 
I assure you, if you have asked yourself anyone of these questions- you are not alone.  In fact, just recently the same type of questions creeped into my mind slowing me down from moving forward.  Shortly after the invasion of paralyzing thoughts; I was approached by a few people who shared these words with me- and instantly my mindset began to shift.
 
"I appreciate your support and your advice; what you say matters"
 
"Your inspiring words and meaningful actions has helped change my life"
 
Sometimes life has a way of pushing doubt, uncertainty, and worry upon us to make us question who we are or if we matter.  The encouragement from my peers above were indicators that when we least expect it or need the most; the harvest from the seeds that we've sown will make itself be known. 
 
So the next it feels like you're spinning your wheels and you don't see the immediate "fruit" from your work, remember who you are and why you're here. You're never given anything in this world that you can't handle. Be strong, be flexible, love yourself, and love others.  And remember- to keep moving.
 


 
Cheers,
Mea Williams




 


Coming Soon


                                                                                       


In a couple of weeks we will be able to share some exciting news about the upcoming film festival premiere of AFTER FIRE, a documentary film featuring Grace After Fire. Check out the film's brand-new Facebook page to watch a preview and stay updated on all the latest news.



In 2016, the U.S. military officially opened combat jobs to women, who now account for one in five new recruits and comprise the fastest growing group of veterans. AFTER FIRE takes an intimate look at the challenges three of these women face when they return from service - following a journey that puts them at odds with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, their families and their own desire to keep secrets. The film throws a spotlight on the human toll of rape in the military, combat injuries and VA dysfunction, telling a universal story about strength in the aftermath of trauma.


       


GAF Happenings: Why NOT Join Us?


Metroplex
Veterans Combat-Related Special Compensation Clinic
October 5, 2016 1pm
Wyndham Hotel Dallas Love Field
3300 W. Mockingbird Ln
Dallas, Texas 75235


Live Your Best Life Now
October 8, 2016 9am-3pm
8737 King George Drive
Dallas, Texas 75235


Grace After Fire Facilitator Training
October 19, 2016 9am-5pm
Transformance
8737 King George Parkway
Dallas, TX


San Antonio:
Red, White, & You Workshop
October 4, 2016 9am-4pm

Texas Veterans Commission
611 North Flores Street
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 582-1508/1072


Military Job Fair
Norris Conference Center
October 5, 2016 10am-2pm
618 NW 410, Suite 207
San Antonio, Texas 78216


New Braunfels & Seguin Regional Job Fair
Alamo Colleges-Central Texas Technology Center

October 13, 2016 10am-4pm
2189 Farm to Market Road 758
New Braunfels, TX


Spooktacular Fall Clothing Sale
Dress For Success
October 13-15, 2016 10am-7pm
600 N. Frio St
San Antonio, Texas
(210) 737-1515



The Mission Continues Buddy Check 22
September 22, 2016
Contact: George & Eva Davila
(210) 473-3349/6106


JBSA Retiree Day
September 22, 2016 8am-12pm
Brooke Army Medical Center
3551 Roger Brooke Dr.

Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234


Veterans Centers by PTSD Foundation of America
Every Thursday 7-8:30pm
Warm Springs Rehabilitation Hospital Thousand Oaks
Building 500
14747 Jones Maltsberger
San Antonio, Texas 78247
(210) 402-0663
 


Houston:
U.S. Vets Monday "Movie Night"
October 3, 2016 7:30-9pm
4640 N Main St
Houston, Texas 77009


Hope Stone Ink "Warrior Beat"
No cost drum lessons
October 4, 2016 8-9:15pm
Veterans Resource Center #711
701 N. Post Oak Road, Suite 102

Houston, Texas 77024


Military and Veterans Marriage Enrichment
October 8, 2016 9am-4pm
St. John's Episcopal Church
815 South Broadway
La Porte, Texas 77571
Register at:

or Call: (682)-730-1818


Lone Star Veterans Association
Warrior For Life Luncheon
October 20 , 2016 11am-1pm
Masraffs
1753 Post Oak Boulevard
Houston, Texas, 77446




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Study Announcement-Texas Women's University
Kimberly Landrum, MS RN, doctoral student and veteran of the U.S. Army, is conducting a research study that aims to find out what this experience is like for women veterans. Her study is to research " What is it like for you to seek health care?


The research design, which has been approved by the Institutional Review Board of Texas Woman's University, states that Kimberly Landrum will communicate with interested participants, and we will schedule an interview at a mutually agreed upon time and place. While she lives in Houston, she will have research funds which will allow me to travel for the interview. 


If a woman is interested in participating, she may call or e-mail her in order to discuss the study and go from there. The woman will not have to travel to her area, she will make arrangements to come to them.


 
What this involves:
  • 60-75 (maximum) minutes of face to face interview with Ms. Landrum
  • Possible opportunity for a second and final interview (60-75 minutes)
  • Questions about your experience with seeking healthcare as a woman veteran
  • Location and time at your convenience
  • $50 giftcard with each interview, as an appreciation of your time
 
How this is beneficial:
  • Findings will be reported to participants, and to nurses and other health care providers in the community, to better understand the experiences of women veterans when it comes to seeking health care
  • New knowledge will be used to inform nurses about the needs and expectations of women veterans, and how nurses can support women veterans to seek needed health care.
 

Kimberly Landrum MS RN
Jonas Scholar for Veteran Health Care, 2016-2018
Texas Woman's University 
Houston, Texas 


Kimberly Landrum
281-757-8164 (cell, or text)




      Farewell to Monique Rodriguez
 


On behalf of the entire Grace After Fire Team we would like to thank Monique Rodriquez for her contributions during her tenure February 2015-October 2016. She has accepted an offer with University of Texas Health Science Center in their Stress, Trauma, and Recovery Services (STARS) Clinic and STARS Lab as Clinician and Clinic Manager. She has the opportunity to diagnosis, treat, and research PTSD among both civilians and Veterans. As Clinic Manager, she will also be responsible for outreach, marketing, and branding the clinic and lab as Veteran friendly and growing the Veteran population of the clinic; therefore will remain in the Veteran circle. 
Monique, thank you for serving the women Veterans and family members in your community and across the states. It was a pleasure serving with you and we wish you well in your future endeavors.  




Grace After Fire Team


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   Contact our Grace After Fire Team


      
  
Mea Williams-President and CEO

Melissa McKennon-Program Director
Roberta Castaneda- Lead Outreach Coordinator
Laly Cholak- Outreach Coordinator

Monique Rodriquez- Outreach Coordinator
Kanetrica Lyons- Outreach Coordinator 
Tana Plescher- Outreach Coordinator
Cassie Winslow- Outreach Coordinator
Tandy Ervin -Board Chair 


Contact: [email protected] (for counties outside Alamo Region, Metroplex, and Harris)
DONATORS & SUPPORTERS


A BIG thank you to our past and current donators and supporters. We greatly appreciate and value your assistance and continued support.


 




 

Grace After Fire
PO Box 218604 Houston, TX 77218



Grace After Fire | PO Box 218604 | Houston | TX | 77218