Our Programs

Eligibility

• Agency staff qualifies families who fall under the low income guidelines or based on families currently receiving federal benefits. Must reside in Guadalupe County, which falls under the auspices of The San Antonio Food Bank.

Services

• SNAP
  
  Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) offers nutrition assistance to millions of eligible, low-income individuals and families and provides economic benefits to communities.
  
  Households who receive SNAP can use benefits to buy foods such as:
  
  
  • breads and cereals
  • fruits and vegetables
  • meats, fish and poultry
  • dairy products
  To learn more about SNAP, please visit http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap .
  
  
• Adult Medicaid
  
  Medicaid is the State and Federal cooperative venture that provides medical coverage to eligible need individuals.
  
  Medicaid was introduced to improve the health of people who might otherwise go without medical care for themselves and their children. You can think of Medicaid as a type of health insurance for low-income families, children, and people who are elderly or have a disability. But unlike regular health insurance, you don't have to pay for it, and most services are free.
  
  How does Medicaid work?
  
  Each month you will receive a Medicaid ID card. It is very important that you keep it in a safe place. You will have to show that card each time you visit a doctor or get a prescription filled. You will not receive a monthly ID card if your only benefit is payment of all or part of your Medicare Part B premium.
  
  What is covered?
  
  In most cases, Medicaid pays for doctors' services, laboratory and X-ray charges, medication, nursing facility and hospital services, family planning, eyeglasses, hearing aids, ambulance, podiatry, chiropractic, maternity, nurse midwife, and other health care services.
  
  
• CHIP – Children’s Medicaid
  
  Children in Texas without health insurance may be able to get low cost or free health coverage from the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) or Children’s Medicaid.
  
  What is covered?
  
  
  • Dentist visits, cleanings, and fillings
  • Eye exams and glasses
  • Choice of doctors, regular checkups, and office visits
  • Prescription drugs and vaccines
  • Access to medical specialists and mental health care
  • Hospital care and services
  • Medical supplies, X-rays, and lab tests
  • Treatment of special health needs
  • Treatment of pre-existing conditions
  To learn more about CHIP/Children’s Medicaid, please visit https://chipmedicaid.org/.
  
  
• Longterm Care
  
  Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) provides a range of services to Texans with disabilities that help ensure their well-being, dignity and choice. Programs also are in place to support family members who care for them.
  
  MPED
  
  MEPD (Medicaid for person with disabilities) provides assistance paying your medical expenses, assistance with home care and nursing home facilities, or help paying Medicare cost-sharing expenses.
  
  To learn more about long term care, please visit https://hhs.texas.gov/services/disability.
  
  
• WIC
  
  WIC is a nutrition program that helps pregnant women, new mothers, and young children eat well, learn about nutrition, and stay healthy. Nutrition education and counseling, nutritious foods, and help accessing health care are provided to low-income women, infants, and children through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program, popularly known as WIC.
  
  What about fathers?
  
  Fathers of children under the age of 5 are encouraged to enroll their children in the WIC program. Just like any other parent or guardian, fathers can bring their children to appointments, attend nutrition classes, and receive and redeem benefits for their children. Active participation by fathers is a great help in keeping WIC children healthy.
  
  What does WIC provide and who receives the benefits?
  
  WIC provides nutrition education, nutritious foods, referrals to health and human services, breast feeding support, and immunizations (at some clinics). Food benefits are issued for each client. Both fathers and mothers can receive and spend benefits for their children.
  
  To learn more about WIC, please visit http://texaswic.dshs.state.tx.us/wiclessons/english/splash/.
  
  
• TANF
  
  The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)program is designed to help needy families achieve self-sufficiency. States receive block grants to design and operate programs that accomplish one of the purposes of the TANF program.
  
  The four purposes of the TANF program are to:
  
  
  • Provide assistance to needy families so that children can be cared for in their own homes
  • Reduce the dependency of needy parents by promoting job preparation, work and marriage
  • Prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies
  • Encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families
  To learn more about TANF, please visit https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ofa/programs/tanf/about .
  
  
• Healthy Texas Women
  
  Healthy Texas Women is a program dedicated to offering women’s health and family planning at no cost to eligible women in Texas. These services help women plan their families, whether it is to achieve, postpone, or prevent pregnancy. They also can have a positive effect on future pregnancy planning and general health.
  
  Healthy Texas Women provides a wide variety of women’s health and core family planning services, including:
  
  
  • Pregnancy testing
  • Pelvic examinations
  • Sexually transmitted infection services
  • Breast and cervical cancer screenings
  • Clinical breast examination
  • Screening and treatment for cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure
  • HIV screening
  • Long-acting reversible contraceptives
  • Oral contraceptive pills
  • Permanent sterilization
  • Other contraceptive methods such as condoms, diaphragm, vaginal spermicide, and injections
  • Screening and treatment for postpartum depression
  
  This program pays only for the services listed above. If a health problem such as cancer is found, you will be referred to a doctor or clinic that can treat you. If you are pregnant, you will be referred to a program such as Medicaid for Pregnant Women. You might have to pay for those extra services.
  
  To learn more about Texas Healthy Women, please visit https://www.healthytexaswomen.org/htw-program .
  
  

In Partnership With

• San Antonio Food Bank. Visit Here!
• Center staff works together cohesively with the SAFB through the applicant intake and screening process.

Volunteer Responsibilities:

• Follow direction and safety guidelines.
• Arrive on time.
• Wear casual work shoes and closed-toe shoes.

Volunteer Requirements:

• Must reside in Guadalupe or Hays County.
• Minimum requirement is 17 years of age.
• All volunteers under the age of 18 must –Have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian; Must be accompanied and be under parental or guardian supervision when volunteering.
• Must show proof of age – a certified copy of birth certificate, school record, vaccination record, driver’s license or State Identification Card.
• Able to work outdoors in various weather conditions and along natural terrain.

Nutrition, Fitness & Screenings

9 AM – 10 AM

• Health & Wellness & Nutrition Education
• Chair Low-Impact Zumba

10 AM – 11 AM

• Blood Pressure & Glucose Screenings
• Glucose BINGO with prizes

Program Overview

Eligibility

What to Expect

1. Health & Wellness Education
   • Learn how to build healthy eating habits and active lifestyles in line with USDA guidelines.
   • Topics include adapting traditional foods, increasing physical activity, and preventing chronic illness.
   
   
2. Nutrition Class
   • Nutrition Class guided by a certified nutrition professional.
   
   
3. Chair Low-Impact Zumba
   • A fun and accessible movement session for all ages.
   
   
4. Diabetes & Hypertension Screenings
   • Blood Glucose Screening: Includes fasting blood test.
   • Blood Pressure Screening: Learn how to monitor your numbers at home.
   • Receive educational materials and guidance to prevent, delay, or manage chronic conditions.
   
   
5. Glucose BINGO: Have fun with health-themed BINGO and win prizes!

In Partnership With:

• San Antonio Food Bank
• First United Methodist Church Wesley Nurse
  

For More Info:

Eligibility

• The community youth between the ages of 6-16 years.

Services

• SOCCER & RECREATION ACTIVITIES – such as arts and crafts, tournaments, board games and other activities are offered.
• SHOW N’ TELL FRIDAY, guest speaker or demonstrator program promotes positive interaction and life- rewarding skills.
• SYNERGY Snack Pack, a food subsidization program designed to feed children whose only summer food source may be the food they are receiving at the community center. As a partnering agency of the San Antonio Food Bank (SAFB), specific foods are attained by the center and placed into shopping mall style bags. The bags are then distributed immediately following the Show N’ Tell Friday presentation to youth who participate in the summer youth program.

Ten Week Duration, Monday – Friday Weekly

• Week 1: June through Week 10: August

Sponsor

• RCCI

Eligibility

• Agency staff qualifies individuals based on their income by using a voucher provided by the SAFB and Federal Income Guidelines.
• Must have application on file.

Services

• Pop-Up Market is a San Antonio Food Bank (SAFB) program that provides large quantities of perishable and non-perishable food items (and more) to qualified individuals and families.
• Pop-Up Market also connects individuals to other SAFB programs including Client Services (Federal Benefit Assistance) and Nutrition, Health and Wellness Education.
• Vouchers available 3 weeks prior to event during hours of operation.

In Partnership With

• San Antonio Food Bank. Visit Here!
• Promiseland Church Ministry Volunteers are the backbone to the Pop-Up Market Distribution.
• Redwood Community Center Inc., RCCI, dba - Centro Esperanza hosts monthly Pop-Up Markets in collaboration with the San Antonio Food Bank.

Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)

Eligibility

• Must be 60 years or older
• Household income must be below federal poverty guidelines
• Each eligible senior in a household may enroll separately

Services

• Distribution of USDA approved foods for home use
• Nutrition education and outreach
• Option to assign one or more proxies for pick-up assistance

Proxy Sign-Up Details

• Their name, your name
• Statement authorizing proxy pickup
• Their signature and the date
• Along with proof of address, income, and photo ID

In Partnership With: San Antonio Food Bank

Hygiene Closet

Eligibility

• Community members aged 60+, are invited to register for vouchers through agency staff.

Items Available (while supplies last)

• Laundry detergent
• Toilet paper
• Soap & shampoo
• Toothbrushes & toothpaste
• Feminine hygiene products
• Packaged razors
• Shaving cream

In Partnership With: Superior HealthPlan

Utility Assistance Component

• 0-50%=$2,400
• 51-75%=$2,300
• 75%-150%=$2,200

Crisis Assistance Component

• Extreme Weather Conditions - Extreme Weather Conditions are only applicable during the summer months (June, July, August, September) and winter months (November, December, January, February).
• President or Governor Declared Disaster
• Life Threatening Crisis.

Funding Source

Required Documents

• Social security cards for all household members.
• Proof of ALL income FOR THE PAST 30 DAYS for every household member 18years or older, who works or receives assistance. (Check stubs, Social Security/SSI, award letters including minor children receiving any type of SS benefit included) Letters must be from Social Security Administration and must reference or be dated for the current year, VA letter, unemployment, TANF letter, retirement, pension, child support, etc.
• If any household member 18 or over is NOT receiving any income, you must complete the attached Declaration of Income Statement.
• Proof of citizenship and identity for ALL household members. NO EXCEPTIONS! (If you do not have the forms listed below, please contact your local office for a list of other acceptable forms.)
  -Citizenship forms for every household member: certified copy or birth certificate (not footprint hospital record), pass port, certificate of naturalization or US tribal registration with photo, permanent resident card.
  -Identity: driver's license or state issued ID, military card, state offender card, current school ID (immunizations or school records for minors may also be accepted as proof of identity).
• A 12-monthbilling history from each of your energy providers, even if you are not receiving assistance from all of them. (ELECTRIC, WATER, NATURAL GAS AND/ORPROPANE) NOTE: If you have less than 12 months in your home, please provide history for as many months as possible.
• Your current and past due electric bills and disconnection notice, if applicable.
• Your current and/or past due water/wastewater bill and disconnection notice if you have past due amounts, you need help with.

Eligibility

• Low-income individuals and households in Guadalupe County.
• To qualify for assistance, your household's yearly income must be below or at 150% of federal poverty guidelines.

Services

• Utility Assistance.
• By appointment only!

In Partnership With

• Community Council of South Central Texas (Guadalupe County) http://www.ccsct.org/.
• Center staff works together cohesively with the Community Council of South Central Texas through the applicant intake and screening process.