Sweet Oak Initiatives

Many families are unaware of the resources available to them, and we are here to connect them with currently available services  and the support they need.

We serve as a one-stop hub for families who are struggling to find available funds for rent, utilities, and other basic needs. Many families are given phone numbers to call, a list of agencies to visit, and often spend time and effort that does not lead them to timely help.  

We network with non-profits, agencies, and churches daily, and strive to keep updated with what funds and resources are available each week. When one agency is unable to fill multiple needs or a large request we assist to pool available resources to help meet the need.  Our case managers work to connect the dots.

We are working on solutions to help with  transportation, medication, child care, access to pantries, and other basic needs.  We will assist families in filling out forms, turning in job applications, and providing them with access to computers, a printer, and the internet, especially for those who do not have a smartphone or wifi availability.

We believe that everyone deserves access to all available resources and are committed to working with families to find solutions to their challenges . 

Lack of sufficient units is a critical issue facing many families in our community. We are committed to working towards a future where everyone has access to safe, affordable, and permanent housing.

We will collaborate and support the re-development efforts of our cities, other non-profits, agencies, landlords, and faith groups who are working together to create more affordable housing in the community.

We are committed to mentoring and companioning families through the process of applications, voucher eligibility, inspections, and move-in.

Homelessness – Many individuals and families are currently homeless (often invisible) in our city, whether out of choice or being ineligible to access the availability of local shelters.

One of our priorities is the creation of a Transitional Housing facility, which will provide a steppingstone for individuals and families on the journey from homelessness towards permanent housing.

Needs:

a) Join us in locating locations, resources, and get engaged with the tasks of making this a reality.

b) We seek donations to help families on their journey to permanent housing. Your generosity to a fund/endowment will assist with application fees, deposits, and first month’s rent, especially for families who are committed to the effort of achieving permanent housing, and those pursuing HUD/Section 8 housing.

FYI – Often it is the lack of $50 or $100 towards an application fee or deposit that keeps a family from moving into a home.

We believe that everyone deserves a safe and stable place to call home. We are committed to working towards this goal through collaboration, community support, and innovative solutions.

Access to healthy and nutritious food is a fundamental right for all individuals and families in our community. Many food pantries are available locally on most days of the week. However, those who are working, disabled, or without transportation are unable to access pantry resources during their service hours.

We will offer a wide range of pantry related services to address the issue of ‘food deserts’ in our area.

Connecting the dots…..

a) Community Gardens – We are excited to support the set-up of hydroponic/aquaponic towers (mini community gardens). The fresh produce from the gardens will support a community kitchen in preparing meals, to be delivered to homes that don’t have regular access to fresh produce.

We welcome and encourage youth groups, scouts, student councils and church groups who wish to engage with us to grow their own community gardens. Contact us!

b) Pick-up & Pass-along – We will pick up and pass along excess food from pantries and food drives to those who were unable to access pantry services. We will help fill Blessing Boxes /Pink Boxes placed around Bryan/College Station

c) Cook & Deliver – Utilize the availability of community kitchens and volunteers to cook and deliver meals to those without transportation, veterans & elderly who are homebound, and those on the waitlist for Meals on Wheels.

We are thankful for the resources and support available through the Brazos Valley Food Bank, Texas A&M University, Producers Co-op, etc. and other pantries to help sustain the extensions to pantry services.

We believe that everyone should have access to healthy and nutritious food. We are committed to working with our community to address food insecurity and ensure that all families have access to the resources they need.

Our team is excited to announce the upcoming launch of a Community Resource Database, a free online resource that will assist case managers to be informed of local resources currently available through agencies, churches, and other groups. We aim to make this resource list easy to navigate and kept as updated as possible each week. We are committed to giving families in need the most accurate information available when they call for help, or before we call another agency to request funds or services.

Because agencies and groups come into or run out of funding at different times, or are unable to provide all services they may have once offered, we believe collaboration is key to being well informed of all resources that may be currently available.

In turn we help each other lead from a position of good understanding.

We are currently in the planning stages and will keep you updated on the progress and how your organization can participate.