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In this edition:
2021 Conference
Resources
Other News

May Newsletter

 

 


Registration is Now Open
for Our 2021 Virtual Conference!

June 22, 23, and 24 from 1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Register Here

Hello Meals on Wheels Texas Community,

We look forward to seeing you online at this year's Meals on Wheels Texas Virtual Conference! We are excited about the many different opportunities that this virtual event will provide. The schedule is up on our conference web page, and we will continue to update the page with conference presenters and workshop descriptions as the event develops. Check back regularly for more details on sessions and workshops!

Even though we are not able to meet together in person, this year's conference will offer plenty of opportunities to connect with your peers. As always, we thank you for your service and dedication to the older adults in our communities who are homebound and even more at risk during this ongoing pandemic.

Don't hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions at info@mealsonwheelstexas.org.

 


Deadline Extended:
Statewide Network Member Interest Survey

As you all may know, Meals on Wheels Texas is creating a statewide network of local home delivered meal providers that can serve unserved areas of the state and participate in contracts with managed care organizations and hospital districts, providing the highest quality meal possible. MOWT is now in the process of identifying organizations who might be interested in participating in this network.

This survey is expected to take 10 minutes to complete. You will be asked a series of questions about your delivery options, referral and intake response times, and resources needed to expand delivery outside of current services areas. A copy of the survey can be found here so that you can review and find the best person in your organization to answer these questions. Please respond based on your pre-COVID operations. If you expect services to significantly change, then respond with your expected post-COVID operations.

Take the Survey NOW!

Thank you and please contact info@mealsonwheelstexas.org if you have any questions.
 


 

Meals on Wheels Texas Newsletter Sign Up for Additional Staff

Each year, we update our email contact list. If you have additional staff who you would like to receive this monthly newsletter and other email communications, please share their contact information with us through this form.


 

Save Our Seniors Update


Governor Abbott, TDEM, and TMD Launch State Vaccine Call Center To Connect Organizations, Businesses With Mobile Vaccine Teams

From the Governor's Office on May 6, 2021: "Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), and the Texas Military Department (TMD) ... announced the launch of the State Mobile Vaccination Team Call Center... Texas businesses or civic organizations can call 844-90-TEXAS and select Option 3 to schedule a visit from a state mobile vaccine team to vaccinate employees, visitors, or members. To qualify for a visit, a business or civic organization must have 10 or more employees, visitors, or members who voluntarily choose to be vaccinated. Homebound Texans are also encouraged to call the hotline and select Option 1 to request a state mobile vaccination team to visit their home.

"Vaccines are the most effective tool in Texas' fight against COVID-19, and we are committed to making COVID-19 vaccines even more widely available to Texans across the state," said Governor Abbott. "The State Vaccine Call Center will help connect businesses and civic organizations with these life-saving shots and ensure that more Texans have an opportunity to get vaccinated. I urge organizations and businesses to call 844-90-TEXAS and schedule a visit from a state mobile vaccine team. Here in Texas, COVID-19 vaccines will always be strongly encouraged and always voluntary.""

Each week, the Governor's Office announces new participating counties in the Save Our Seniors initiative to vaccinate homebound seniors across Texas. We will continue to update our members through Mobilize with new counties as they are posted. To find your Assistant Emergency Management Chief, visit the regions section of the TDEM website.


Resources
 

Texas Department of Agriculture Update: HDM County Grants and Census Data

The 2020 census data needed for updated county grant amounts is not yet available. TDA has determined for the HDM 2022 program year, the county grant amounts will be based on the 2010 census numbers. 

TDA did not want to prevent any delays with providers who work with counties over the next few months on getting their resolutions done early.
 


 

FCC Launches Emergency Broadband Benefit Program on May 12


The Emergency Broadband Benefit is a Federal Communication Commission (FCC) program to help families and households struggling to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. This new benefit will connect eligible households to jobs, critical healthcare services, virtual classrooms, and more.

The FCC has announced that eligible households can apply for the program starting May 12, 2021 in three ways:

  1. Contact your preferred participating broadband provider directly to learn about their application process.

  2. Go to GetEmergencyBroadband.org to apply online and to find participating providers near you.

  3. Call 833-511-0311 for a mail-in application, and return it along with proof of eligibility to: Emergency Broadband Support Center, P.O. Box 7081, London, KY 40742.

Individuals who use videophones and are fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) may call the FCC’s ASL Consumer Support Line at (844) 432-2275 (videophone).

On April 13, the FCC and ACL hosted a webinar that provided an overview of the benefit, eligibility criteria, how to apply, and the FCC’s partner toolkit materials. Webinar materials are now available:

  1. Webinar recording

  2. Webinar transcript

  3. Webinar slides: PDF, Word

 
 

Administration for Community Living:

Covid-19 Resources


The Administration for Community Living has created a page for Covid-19 resources specifically designed for Aging and Disability networks. You can find their resources, including guidelines for reopening, here.

 


Other News

 

Administration for Community Living: American Rescue Plan FAQ

ACL has released this FAQ detailing how the American Rescue Plan funds can be used as relates to the Older American Act. This guidance is being provided to states and AAA's.
 



Meals on Wheels America: 2021 MEALS ON WHEELS LOVES PETS GRANT CYCLE NOW OPEN

Whether you have an existing pet support program or are interested in starting one, the Meals on Wheels Loves Pets grants can offset some of the costs involved with providing pet food and related infrastructure. Funded through Meals on Wheels America's partnership with PetSmart Charities as part of their strategy to combat social isolation and loneliness among the seniors you serve, this year's grants will be awarded to support creating new or expanding existing programs that help to ensure senior clients and their animal companions can live happy, healthy lives together.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications must be submitted through our Online Grants Management System (login required). You can start your application at any time and save as you go, but the deadline to submit is 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday, May 24, 2021. The grant period will begin on or around July 1, 2021 and extend up to twelve months. See a preview of the application here and the final report here. For assistance in writing your grant proposal, check out this quick guide here that walks you through the application.

QUESTIONS?

Email Carter Florence, Senior Director, Strategy and Impact, at carter.florence@mealsonwheelsamerica.org.

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