TDW of Ellis County
August 20, 2024 Meeting
The meeting was called to order by President Nancy Post at 6:02 p.m. with 19 members and 3 guests in attendance. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Special Presentation:
Nancy Post introduced Larry Barksdale, Faith-Based & Community Engagement Specialist with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services who provided an informative presentation on what their organization does. He is the liaison between the community and CPS and handles Ellis, Hunt, Rockwall and Kaufman counties. CPS focuses on preventing risk factors that lead to child abuse and neglect.
You can help by: 1) Partnering with Community programs; 2) Providing Family Support Services; 3) Participating in Prayer & Awareness Days; 4) Adopting a Family; 5) Volunteering at Rainbow Rooms; 6) Display the Heart Gallery; 7) Providing respite care; 8) Being Mentors; 9) Recruiting Foster and Adoptive families and 10) Hosting events such as birthday parties.
Texas just privatized foster care to Empower (3empower.org).
Larry provided handouts and detailed statistical information on the number of children currently in Foster Care in Texas. There are 46 children in Foster Care in Ellis County.
If you need any additional information, Larry Barksdale may be reached at 903.274.5114 and larry.barksdale@dfps.texas.gov
The Abuse Hotline is 800.252.5400
Meeting Minutes and Treasurer Report:
The July meeting minutes are available on the TDWEC website. Mary Lou Shipley made a motion to approve. Helen Brock seconded. All ayes.
Lynda Begnaud (on behalf of Treasurer Mary Brooks) reported a PAC account balance of $4,260.43 and a Scholarship balance of $5,441.86. Kelly Blackburn made a motion to approve. Carol Young seconded. All ayes.
Committee Reports:
Program – Lynda Begnaud
Lynda stated that the September speaker will be a representative from the Ellis County Homeless Coalition.
Scholarship – Vivian Gibson
$2,100.00 was received from the Bakeless Bake Sale which will go toward the Scholarship fund.
Community Outreach – Julie Mendenhall
Julie stated that 500 pounds of food were collected for Manna House. The annual Baby Shower for Hope Health will be after the first of the year.
Fundraising – Nancy Post
This committee sends out an annual fundraising letter, bake-less bake sale and other activities to raise money for TDW. https://www.texasdemocrats.org/my-texas-votes/
Refreshments/Social – Carol Young
Ensures refreshments are provided at each meeting. Thank you to Devita Ross for refreshments.
Communications – OPEN
This committee is in need of a Chairperson. The responsibilities include PR. Let Nancy know if you know someone who could fill this role.
Voter Registration – OPEN
This committee is also in need of a Chairperson. This role will work closely with the Ellis County Democrat group. Let Nancy know if you know someone to fill this role.
Ellis County Democratic Info:
Kelly Blackburn stated that The Democratic Party Tea was a great afternoon that raised $900. Postcards will be arriving this week and they are pulling lists of people to send them to. Make sure all your friends, relatives and neighbors are registered to vote. Mytexasvotes.com is a an “all in one site” to check all things about voting. To get Harris/Walz signs, Stickers or Tshirts – go to the Ellis County Democrat website which now has an online store or go to Kellys garage Tuesday, Thursday or Friday. Poll workers are needed.
Other Business:
There will be a Get Out the Vote (GOTV) meeting on Friday, September 20th 6-9:00 p.m. at 3 Community Circle, Midlothian, where James Talarico will speak. Consider carpooling to attend this meeting.
Presentation:
Nancy Post introduced Jennifer Brummell (Double M; Double L) who is running against Brian Harrison in TX-House District 10 as a Write-In candidate. Jennifer gave a brief overview of her qualifications and reasons for running. She is a Veteran who is focused on Womans Health, LGBTQIA Rights, Veterans and Public Schools.
How can we help Jennifer Brummell? Get the word out, Donate, and Vote. Voting for a Write-In candidate is a bit tricky. Be sure to spell her name exactly – remember “Double M; Double L”
On all Social Media, search “JennforHD10”.
Julie Mendenhall introduced Haley Seale who is the Communications Marketing Manager for North Central Texas Meals on Wheels. They are a needs based organization who help homebound and disabled seniors who are unable to prepare their own meals. They are in DESPERATE need of volunteers to deliver meals. 147 volunteers are needed. They may have to start turning down people because they do not have enough volunteers. Please consider volunteering. They also help deliver pet food to those seniors in need. Haley may be reached at 817.240.9272 and haley@mownct.org
Refreshments:
September – Covered
Next Meeting:
September 17th at the Chamber of Commerce
Upcoming Actions and Announcements:
Contact Nancy if you can:
- Chair or volunteer for a committee
Look for new members to join TDW.
Adjournment:
Helen Brock made a motion to adjourn the meeting. It was seconded by Daphne Hajovsky. All ayes.
Meeting adjourned at 7:17 p.m.
The minutes were prepared by Kathleen Bowen.