Bailey Head Start Center

BAILEY HEAD START CENTER 

Representative Charles Ortega toured the Bailey Head Start Center and read to all the 3 year old classes. Representative Ortega is shown here reading to the classes. THANK YOU for taking time out of your busy schedule to come and read for us. If you would like to read to the Head Start Students, please call Michael Balderas at 580-482-7739.

Elk City Head Start Story Time

ELK CITY HEAD START 

STORY TIME

First Annual Hawaiian Luau

ALTUS MEAL SITE

The Altus Meal Site had their First Annual Hawaiian Luau. They were treated to a Hawaiian atmosphere plus a good and healthy meal. Everyone enjoyed the event.

The Nutrition Program is funded trough a grant from the Older American Act. This program helps communities meet the nutrition needs of elderly persons age 60 and over and their spouse of any age. We also meet social needs to remain healthy. We serve hot meals five days a week to both congregate and home bound people in Jackson, Harmon, and Greer Counties of Oklahoma. For information call Altus Meal Site at 580-482-1290, Granite Meal Site at 580-535-2390, Hollis Meal Site at 580-688-9243, and the Mangum Meal Site at 580-782-3357.

In recognition of the Great Plains Stampede Rodeo......

LINCOLN HEAD START

In recognition of the Great Plains Stampede Rodeo, the Lincoln Head Start center hosted a Cowboy Western Day.They were visited by Cowboy Joe (Joe Buchanan); he told the students about the

clothes that a cowboy wears and why.He showed

them how to rope and also let everyone pat his
horse.The kids, teachers, and parents all had a great time .

SHELTER ITEMS NEEDED

ACMI HOUSE

SHELTER ITEMS NEEDED

Diapers (all sizes except newborn), Baby Wipes, Feminine Hygiene Products, Shampoo and Conditioner, Body Wash, Lotion, Hair Brushes, Socks, Sleep Wear (all sizes), Sports Bras (all sizes), Vacuum Cleaner, Baby gates, Light Bulbs, Cleaning Supplies (Swiffer pads, refills,) Sheets (all sizes), Towels, (4) Laundry Baskets, Pillows. If you would like to donate to the ACMI House, please call
580-482-3800 Thank you.

HEAD START/EARLY HEAD START TAKING APPLICATIONS FOR 2011-2012

HEAD START/EARLY HEAD START TAKING APPLICATIONS

FOR 2011-2012 SCHOOL YEAR 

Southwest Oklahoma Community Action Group, Inc. is currently accepting child applications for the Head Start/ Early Head Start programs in Altus, Hollis, Mangum, Granite, and Elk City for the 2011-12 school year that begins in August. Home-based services allow for a staff to bring activities for you to do with your child to the home each week. Classes available include part day and full day with door-to door transportation, meals, snacks, all supplies, and parent training opportunities. Meals are served family style followed by tooth brushing. Children with disabilities, including severe, are included in all aspects of the program and encouraged to apply.

Head Start and Early Head Start are federally funded programs based on income qualification for pregnant women and children that are birth to age 4 years old by Sept. 1, 2011. This community-based program has over 45 years of experience at no charge to the family. A whole child, individualized approach is used to prepare the child and family for a successful life.

Parents should come to any location below for an application: Lincoln Center, 900 S. Carver Road in Altus, 482-3080; Wilson Center, 905 N. Willard in Altus, 482-2720; Bailey Center, 201 S. Lee in Altus, 482-7739; Mangum Head Start, 471 E. Lincoln, 782-3712; or Elk City Head Start, 8th and Nichols, 225-4103.

Questions can be referred to the Assistant Director's office at 580-482-1919 ext. 100. Applications require proof of famly income, such as tax form 1040, or W-2s, child's immunization record, and birth certificate copies.

Community Action Solutions

Oklahoma Association of Community Action Agencies
2800 N.W. 36th St. Suite 221 Oklahoma City, OK. 73112
405-949-1495www.okacaa.org

Southwest Oklahoma Community Action Provides Safe Haven for Abused Families. Nestled on a quite street in Altus, the rambling two-storyhouse would probably not draw a glance from a passing motorist. That's exactly why ACMI House can provide a safe refuge for victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault. Behind triple-locked doors, nine staff members provide support and assistance for abuse victims who become clients when they enter the shelter. Southwest Oklahoma Community Action Group took over operation of the 7-day, 24 hour shelter about four years ago. The four bedroom house can accomadate up to 18 clients. Shelter Manager Brenda Darville said ACMI House sevices include emergency shelter, 24 hour crisis intervention, advocacy based counseling, advocacy services, resource and referral services, and community outreach. Clients can typically stay in the shelter for up to 30 days. An extention can be granted if the client is working an empowerment plan. The empowerment plan may include finding a place to stay, obtaining an education, or finding a job."Whatever goals they need to meet, we help them." said Darville. "Our goal is to help them become independent." ACMI House provides a safe alternative where victims can feel supported while making important decicions about their futur. Staff may teach life skills, how to bond with children, how to have healthy relationships. Only women and children are able to stay at the shelter. ACMI House does serve male victims, but they are housed in a motel. In cases of sexual assualt, shelter staff may go to the hospital emergency room. Darvelle said they stay with the victim until she can enter the shelter. "We are there to hold their hands," In-client advocates stay and work with clients in the shelter. They may assist in court advocacy-helping with legal paperwork and obtaining protective orders. Out-client advocates meet weekly with victims at a church and a career technology center. "Part of our job is to educate the public about domestic violence so that they can know what it is and that there is help out there". Darvelle said. During these sessions, she may talk about types of abuse and how it effects children. The shelter works closley with several community organizations including Operation Care, Prince Of Peace Catholic Church, Missions On Wheels, and Jackson County Hospital. ACMI House is funded by the Oklahoma Attorney General's office and donations. Clients do not pay to stay in the shelter or for services provided by the staff. It serves clients in Jackson, Harmon, Tillman, and Kiowa and Greer counties. Holly Grace Campbell is the shelter director.

SOUTHWEST ENTERPRISES



Freddy

Norma

Southwest Enterprises is a vocational training program for people with developmental disabilities. Services include job coaching, supported employment, community-integrated activities such as volunteer work, Habilitation Training services, and a sheltered workshop. Workshop activities inlcude a paper and aluminum recycling program. To donate paper or aluminum, call 477-0701 or bring donations to 2208 Enterprise Drive, Altus. Miniature cotton bales are also made for souvenirs. SWE contracts janitorial services and grounds maintenance services at local businesses. If you would like to contract these services for your business or have questions about SWE, call 580-477-0701.

Southwest Enterprises has jewelry for sale that they have made. The price range is $10.00 to $30.00. Jewelry can be viewed and purchased at 2208 Enterprise Drive, Altus.

FREE WEATHERIZATION

We are still taking applications for the weatherization assistance program. SOCAG serves residents of Greer, Harmon, and Jackson Counties. More funds have been available for weatherization than ever before, thanks in part to the Federal Economic Stimulus Plan. These services can make homes more energy efficient which helps reduce energy bills for low-income families, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Services are FREE for qualified persons. Contact 580-482-5040 to apply.