Local Child Protective Services kids get school supply boost from KENS 5, Generations Federal Credit Union and Corner Store

generations fcu logokens5com-logo-310Generations Federal Credit Union and Corner Store will partner with CBS affiliate KENS 5 to collect school supplies for the approximately 7,000 Bexar County children who are under the care of Child Protective Services.

Individuals are encouraged to participate by bringing supplies to the KENS 5 studios during the week of August 4 through August 8, donating online at http://info.mygenfcu.org/bills-elves or dropping off supplies at any of the 14 Generations Federal Credit Union branches between July 23 and August 9.  The school supplies will be delivered to the CPS offices during the week of August 11 and case workers will distribute the collected supplies to the children.  Individuals who donate will receive a coupon for a free Kolache and a cup of Cibolo Mountain premium coffee from Corner Store.

“This school supply drive is a win-win for everyone involved.  It enables Generations to make a tangible difference in our community and it provides these students with the supplies they need to be successful during the school year.  Additionally, the families who take in these children receive little to no financial assistance from the State, so it provides us with the opportunity to help them out as they step up to the plate to help these kids,” said Generations FCU CEO, Steve Schipull.

Hosted by KENS 5 Chief Meteorologist, Bill Taylor, the bi-annual event collects school supplies in August and Christmas toys in December.  The KENS 5 studios are located at 5400 Fredericksburg Road and volunteers will be out in front of the studios at the 4, 5 and 6 p.m. newscasts during the week of August 4 through August 8.

“San Antonio has always been a community that comes together to take care of our own.  The Bill’s Elves initiative has been very successful year after year and we look forward to exceeding our goals and making a difference in the lives of these great kids,” concluded Schipull.

About Generations Federal Credit Union
For nearly 75 years, Generations Federal Credit Union has been an advocate of financial growth and development within the community, offering award-winning financial education classes, as well as products and services that truly make a difference.  Generations strives to be a trusted advisor, offering personal attention that provides members with the financial skills they need to be successful.  Their tailored approach to banking enables them to deliver personalized service for both businesses and consumers.

 

San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo commits $11.8 million to educating Texas youth

SA RodeoThe San Antonio Livestock Exposition, Inc. (S.A.L.E.), a volunteer organization that emphasizes agriculture and education to develop the youth of Texas, has built a reputation for being one of the largest family-friendly events in the state featuring livestock and horse shows, interactive exhibits and shows, PRCA Rodeo action, carnival and live entertainment. Additionally, S.A.L.E. has a direct influence on the lives of thousands of individuals pursuing a higher education.

IMG_7357aThis year, the San Antonio Livestock Exposition, Inc. (dba the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo) has committed $11.8 million to educate Texas youth. This amount represents scholarships, grants, endowments, junior livestock auctions, a youth western art auction, calf scramble program, and show premiums paid to the youth of Texas. This year’s total giving represents a record commitment, topping 2013’s $11.3 million by over a half million dollars. This brings the total amount the organization has committed since inception to $147.9 million. Keith Martin, Executive Director and CEO, made the announcement during the organization’s annual membership meeting, May 13th at the Expo Hall of the Freeman Coliseum/AT&T Center grounds in San Antonio, Texas.

Keith Martin commented, “We owe the show’s continued success to the support and efforts of over 6,000 S.A.L.E. volunteers. Their contributions of time, energy and skills make it possible to give so much back to the youth of Texas. And that’s what we are about, transforming lives, giving these kids an opportunity to improve their futures and the generations to come.”

S.A.L.E. has a rich tradition and history of stewardship to the community and the agriculture industry. With a clear vision of the future, a successful past and continual dedication from over 6,000 volunteers, S.A.L.E. will continue to provide wholesome family entertainment and be a pillar of strength and support to the youth of Texas.

The 2015 San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo will be held February 12th – March 1st at the Freeman Coliseum/AT&T Center grounds.

For additional information, go to www.sarodeo.com or call 210-225-0612. Don’t forget to connect with us on our social channels – Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube!

 

Pediatric Urologists at Methodist Children’s Hospital are first in the City to perform robotic surgery on Children Ages 5 to 18

Methodist Childrens_logoDrs. Jeffrey Leslie and Juan C. Prieto, pediatric urologists at Methodist Children’s Hospital, are the first in the city to perform robotic surgery on children ages 5 to 18. Using the da Vinci Surgical System®, a robot controlled by a surgeon while seated at a console with hand and foot pedals, surgeons can make very precise, complex motions that are facilitated by robotic technology.

The surgeries address symptoms that include abdominal pain, kidney function, blood in urine and kidney stones as well as urine reflux from the bladder to the kidney and urinary obstruction. Children may be diagnosed with obstructions of the urinary tract or have abnormalities of the kidneys and/or urinary tract system.

“The robot is an excellent alternative to a large incision surgery and even a better option than laparoscopic surgery in some instances,” said Dr. Prieto, M.D., pediatric urologist.  “The advantage of the da Vinci Surgical System® is better visualization that is high definition and three-dimensional, providing surgeons with an optimal view of the abdominal structures and organs without the need for a large incision.”

Advantages of smaller incisions include less pain as the child recovers, less use of pain medication, less risk of infection due to there being no large open wound, and a shorter recovery time. With robotic surgery, one incision is placed at the umbilicus and then two additional incisions of about 5 to 8 millimeters are placed in the abdomen to insert robotic instruments.

“For parents whose children need surgery for urological problems, this is an excellent alternative,” said Dr. Prieto.  “Also, recent studies have shown no difference in terms of success rates between robotic pyeloplasty (urinary tract surgery) compared to open or laparoscopic pyeloplasty.”

For more information on Methodist Children’s Hospital please visit: www.MHSChildrens.com

 

Camp Metro at the West Side Girl Scout Leadership Center

GirlScouts_SW TEXAS_servicemark_croppedCamp Metro day camps are held at the West Side Girl Scout Leadership Center, which provides a fun and exciting place for girls to enjoy their summer with a gymnasium, outside play equipment, STEM lab and art studio as well as a stage for performances and make believe. At Camp Metro, girls explore skills and interests in a variety of thematic areas such as community service, cultural arts, healthy living, environmental awareness and much more. Girls get the necessary guidance from adult volunteers and camp staff to develop their skills and understand how those skills can be used to make a difference in the world.

  • Open to all girls in grades K-8 — no Girl Scout experience needed! Just pay an annual $15 membership fee in addition to the camp fee!
  • Cost is $95/girl if registered by June 2; $120/girl if registration received June 3 or later — Edgewood ISD students eligible for additional 20% discount (scholarships available; completed application with registration form due Thurs., May 1 for consideration)
  • Breakfast, lunch and snack served daily
  • Drop off and pick up available from the Sally Cheever Girl Scout Leadership Center
  • Camp runs daily Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with before care beginning at 7 a.m., and after care until 6 p.m. available at an additional cost of $25/girl per week

CampMetroFlyer_frontAbout Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas (GSSWT): Based in San Antonio, Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas serves more than 33,000 girl members and adult volunteers in Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Dimmit, Edwards, Frio, Gonzales, Guadalupe, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Kinney, Maverick, Medina, Real, Uvalde, Val Verde, Wilson and Zavala counties. Girl Scouting helps girls in grades K-12 develop the courage to experience new adventures, the confidence to defy self-doubt and the character to impact a community.

For more information, visit girlscouts-swtx.org.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GirlScoutsSWTX
Twitter: https://twitter.com/girlscoutsswtx
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/girlscoutsswtx
Blog: http://gsswt.blogspot.com/

Summer’s almost here! Have you registered for Girl Scout camp?

GirlScouts_SW TEXAS_servicemark_croppedFrom Daycation at Camp Mira Sol to Camp Metro at the West Side Girl Scout Leadership Center to resident camp at Camp La Jita — there’s sure to be a fantastic campertunity for all girls!

Summer 2014 promises an abundance of choices and experiences to match every girl’s wishes and interests. Girl Scout camp is a place where a girl can make new friends, explore the world around her and discover something she can’t wait to do again. It’s a place where transformation happens. In an environment created just for her, a girl learns real life skills and develops self-esteem while gaining a sense of independence and community.

Whether she attends camp daily or spends the whole week away from home, Girl Scout camp helps a girl discover her potential, dreams and aspirations and builds a skill set she can use for success today and in her future. Campers will discover, connect and even take action on issues and challenges important to them.

Camp SignDownload the Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas 2014 Summer Fun Camp Guide and register for your favorite camps today! http://www.girlscouts-swtx.org/images/gssa/Camp/2014/GSSWT_CampGde_FINAL_web.pdf

Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas offers a variety of flexible options this summer:

Daycation @ Camp Mira Sol —  Camp Mira Sol, located 45 miles northwest of San Antonio, offers sessions that are especially perfect for those new to camping or campers who prefer to spend their evening sharing their adventures at home.

  • Open to all girls in grades K-12 — no Girl Scout experience needed! Just pay an annual $15 membership fee in addition to the camp fee!
  • Cost is $150/girl (scholarships available; completed application with registration form due Fri., April 11 for consideration)
  • Morning snack, lunch and afternoon snack served daily
  • Transportation to and from camp, at no additional cost, from the Sally Cheever Girl Scout Leadership Center
  • Camp runs daily Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with before care beginning at 7 a.m. and after care until 6 p.m. available at an additional $25/girl per week (Note: campers are welcome to be dropped off and picked up directly at Camp Mira Sol but, due to staffing, drop off is from 8:30- 9 a.m. and pick up is from 4-4:30 p.m.)

Camp Metro @ WSGSLC — These sessions will be offered at the West Side Girl Scout Leadership Center (in San Antonio) and offer girls the opportunity to get hands-on experience and explore skills in a variety of thematic areas, including community service, cultural arts, healthy living, environmental awareness and so much more.

  • Open to all girls in grades K-8 — no Girl Scout experience needed! Just pay an annual $15 membership fee in addition to the camp fee!
  • Cost is $95/girl if registered by June 2; $120/girl if registration received June 3 or later — Edgewood ISD students eligible for additional 20% discount (scholarships available; completed application with registration form due Thurs., May 1 for consideration)
  • Breakfast, lunch and snack served daily
  • Drop off and pick up available from the Sally Cheever Girl Scout Leadership Center
  • Camp runs daily Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with before care beginning at 7 a.m., and after care until 6 p.m. available at an additional cost of $25/girl per week

Resident Camp at La Jita — Resident camp sessions take place at Camp La Jita, a beautiful 236-acre camp situated on the Sabinal River near Utopia. Girls can attend one- and two-week sessions living in rustic cabins. They develop independence while under the supervision of specially trained camp staff who help girls plan activities to create a unique camp experience.

  • A variety of session open to all girls in grades 2-12 — no Girl Scout experience needed! Just pay an annual $15 membership fee in addition to the camp fee!
  • Fees vary (scholarships available; completed application and registration form due Fri., April 11 for consideration)
  • Three meals served daily in community dining hall
  • Activities range from riding horses, swimming, hiking, archery, canoeing, arts and crafts, cookouts, nature activities, singing, hikes, games and more

About Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas (GSSWT):
Based in San Antonio, Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas serves more than 33,000 girl members and adult volunteers in Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Dimmit, Edwards, Frio, Gonzales, Guadalupe, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Kinney, Maverick, Medina, Real, Uvalde, Val Verde, Wilson and Zavala counties. Girl Scouting helps girls in grades K-12 develop the courage to experience new adventures, the confidence to defy self-doubt and the character to impact a community. For more information, visit girlscouts-swtx.org.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GirlScoutsSWTX
Twitter: https://twitter.com/girlscoutsswtx
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/girlscoutsswtx
Blog: http://gsswt.blogspot.com/

Youth learning value of work and saving money in Youth Career Opportunities program

Family Services Assn log0Family Service has once again partnered with the City of San Antonio to provide youth an opportunity to work, save, learn and grow through the summer Youth Career Opportunity program. “While families are struggling to make ends meet and one in three youth drop-out of school, this program allows youth to gain valuable work experience and develop healthy saving habits to ensure they are prepared for the future” Family Service President/CEO said.

Family Service will match nearly 200 youth, ages 14 to 16 with local participating high demand work sites to earn $7.25 per hour / 20 hours per week through this job readiness training program. Youth are required to save 10% of their earnings and may withdraw the funds in time to purchase back to school supplies and other items they may need for the school year. Youth that have participated in this program have stated their eagerness to use a portion of the income they earned to help ease their parents’ financial burden.

Youth who apply undergo a thorough process comprised of applications, interviews, and trainings that include financial literacy, conflict resolution in the workplace and more in order to be accepted into the program. Local work sites interested in hosting a youth from June 23 to August 9 are encouraged to call Family Service to learn more about the benefits to their business and how they will help build future leaders.