Serving the most important needs of our TSC students.

We connect students & their families to campus & community resources

The Scorpion Opportunity Hub serves as a space to engage with the Scorpion community and access campus and community support that will help students achieve their educational goals.

Contact us:
[email protected] | (956) 295-3432
[email protected] | (956) 295-3639

Students at ITECC:
[email protected] | (956) 295-3740

Visit us at the Camille Lightner Center to access available resources:

childcare • counseling • employment • financial assistance • food • housing • legal aid • health insurance • transportation • accessibility services • veteran’s assistance • physical and mental health services

Click here to access our complete Community Resource Guide.

Click here for a map to our Camille Lightner Center.

Scorpion Opportunity Hub Weekly Calendar

Mondays

Whoop Connect
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Lightner 100 P

UTRGV GEAR UP
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Lightner 100 M

Tuesdays

Whoop Connect
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Lightner 100 P

UTRGV GEAR UP
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Lightner 100 N

VIDA
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
& 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Lightner 100 U

Recovery Center
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Lightner 100 W

Wednesdays

Su Clinica
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Lightner 100 W

UTRGV GEAR UP
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Lightner 100 N

VIDA
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Lightner 100 U
& 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
ITEC Center

SOMOS
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Lightner 100 P

Valley Aids Council
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Lightner 100 V

BCFS
1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Lightner 100 V

Thursdays

UTRGV GEAR UP
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Lightner 100 N

Proyecto Juan Diego
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Lightner 100 W

Behavioral Health Solutions
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Lightner 100 V

Fridays

Recovery Center
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Lightner 100 W

Via Email:

Communities in School
Karla Montejano
[email protected]

Healthy Communities of Brownsville
Mrs. Rose Timmer
[email protected]

Food Bank RGV
Ms. Cynthia Zuniga
[email protected]

Female Veterans United
Arlene Perez
[email protected]

Elks Lodge #2876
Monica Montanaro
[email protected]

Tropical Texas Behavioral Health
Ms. Monica Rodriguez
[email protected]

Cameron County Public Health
Ms. Julieta Quezada
[email protected]

here are more details about our community partners at the Scorpion Opportunity Hub:

VIDA – Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (vidacareers.org)

Excited about learning a trade but you are not sure how you are going to pay for your books, uniforms and tools?

Come talk to a VIDA representative at the Hub or at ITEC and learn more.

Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA) is a community-based organization that offers tuition assistance (on a partial scale depending on household income). 

Other assistance provided includes childcare assistance, transportation assistance, textbook assistance, and uniform/tool assistance to students enrolled or pursuing a certificate or associates degree in a high-skilled, high-wage and in-demand field.

Contact:

Mrs. Felicia Adams
Career Counselor
Lightner 100 U
Tuesdays
8:00am – 12pm
Wednesdays
8:00am – 12pm
1:00pm – 5:00pm

Mrs. Felicia Adams
Career Counselor
ITEC Workforce
Tuesdays
1:00 pm – 5:00pm

Brownsville : Su Clinica

Are you without health insurance and need advice about choosing a plan? Do you need help with completing an application for Medical insurance, Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP or TANF? Searching for a medical doctor, dentist or pharmacy?

Stop by and visit with Su Clinica for further assistance.

Su Clinica is a community health center that offers comprehensive health services in pediatrics, adult medicine, women’s health, prenatal care, and behavioral health, among others. Services are free or at reduced cost.

Courtesy assistance with the application process for government provided services such as medical insurance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) can also be provided.

Contact:

Ms. Sonia Garcia
Case Manager and Community Relations
Lightner 100 W
Wednesdays
9:00am – 12:00pm

SOMOS – Integración Familiar | Brownsville TX | Facebook

Do you feel increasing pressures regarding school? Are your personal relationships or children getting to become too much? Do you wish you had your own business? Are you hoping to begin a new life trend?

Check in with SOMOS to learn more about learning how to better handle life rather than life handling you.

The SOMOS Foundation is a community-based organization that provides counseling (personal, family, marriage and teen counseling) and life skills workshops (I.E., Female empowerment, Entrepreneurship, Financial Literacy, Wellness) at no cost to the student or student’s household.

Contact:

Mr. Azael De la Garza
Founder and Executive Director
Lightner 100 P
Wednesdays
10:00am – 12:00pm

Home – Whoop Connect

Do you receive Pell Grant benefits and need new and reliable technology to help you with your homework and other school projects?

If you answered yes to both questions, Whoop Connect can help!

  • No credit checks
  • No deposit
  • No monthly costs
  • No contract
  • No connection fees

Services include a free android table (Whoop Connect) or free cell phone (Gen Mobile).  There is no activation charge, monthly fee or credit check for either product.

You may qualify if you receive any of the following: Pell grant, Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), public housing, Social Security (SS) check, Supplemental Security Income check (SSI), Veterans Pension or Veterans Survivors Pension or are eligible for other low-income household benefits.

Contact:

Mr. & Mrs. Rudy & Maria Garcia
Proprietors
Lightner 100 P
Mondays & Tuesdays
9:00am – 2:00pm

BCFS Health and Human Services – Discover BCFS

Do you have a child from 0 to 5 years old at home but your household budget is beyond tight? Are you searching for options to see who can watch over your child? Are you in the foster system or recently aged out and in need of a helping hand?

BCFS is available to meet with you to see how they can assist you move forward in life. Please come by for a visit.

BCFS Health and Human Services Harlingen is a community-based organization which serves families with children who live in Cameron and Willacy County. Services include two evidence-based programs, Project Hopes and Fatherhood Effect.

These programs help families with conflict and every day struggles while promoting strong family bonds and resilience. As well, our TWC works with current and former foster youth to navigate through the higher education process.

In addition, BCFS has a Family Resource Center which provides services to families with children ages 0 to 5 and expecting moms. Services include cleaning supplies, hygiene items, baby items, diapers, and much more.

Contact:

Mrs. Karla Mora
Peer Advocate
Lightner 100 V
Wednesdays:
1:00pm – 5:00pm

Communities In Schools (ciscameroncounty.org)

Are you looking for someone to talk to about finding a healthy balance between college and work? Did you just graduate from high school and were a part of the Communities in Schools program? Do you feel overwhelmed with your course load

Communities in Schools can help you find a solution. Check in with Ms. Montejano via email for help.  

Communities in Schools’ mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. In partnership with the local system, CIS identifies the most critical needs of students and families – needs that are preventing children from succeeding in school, and in life.

Contact:

Karla Montejano
AED/Program Manager
Available via email
[email protected]

Healthy Communities of Brownsville, Inc – Home (healthybrownsville.org)

Do you need to complete volunteer hours in Southern Cameron County for class or a special project? Are you searching for solid networking opportunities to advance your education and/or career?

Networking with Healthy Communities is in your best interest. Contact Mrs. Timmer via email to learn more.

Healthy Communities is a grass roots community organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of the community of Brownsville, Texas through community outreach focused on promoting health literacy, educational awareness on recycling and good stewardship of our environment.

Contact:

Mrs. Rose Timmer
Executive Director
Available via email
[email protected]

Home – Food Bank of Rio Grande Valley (foodbankrgv.com)

Do you wish you could find someone to help you complete a complicated application for assistance for you and your household? Are you not sure what benefits you can apply for?

Contact Ms. Zuniga at Food Bank of the RGV via email for additional guidance.   

The Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley is passionately committed to improving lives through food assistance, nutrition education, and access to community services.

Contact:

Ms. Cynthia Zuniga
Social Services Coordinator
Available via email: [email protected]

Home | Veteran Females Unit (veteranfemalesunited.org)

Are you a female U.S. veteran and searching for someone to help you navigate through civilian life? Do you wish to connect with other veterans from your area?

Check in with Mrs. Perez, Founder of Veterans Female United, via email to learn more.

Veteran Females United is a community-based organization which focuses on community outreach, engagement and advocacy through volunteers in opportunities that support, advance and advocate for all female veterans.

Contact:

Arlene Perez
Founder and Executive Director
Available via email:
[email protected]

 

Lodge #2876 Welcome (elks.org)

Do you find yourself searching for temporary assistance or an additional helping hand? You can do this and more by contacting Mrs. Montanaro at the Elks Lodge #2876 via email for additional guidance.

Brownsville, TX Elks Lodge No. 2876 assists in the development of programs serving local youth, veterans, and others in need.

Contact:

Monica Montanaro
Representative
Available via email
[email protected]  

Proyecto Juan Diego (proyecto-jd.org)

Are you looking to become a U.S. citizen, better your mental and physical health with free exercise classes, or have a safe space for you and your children?

Come by on the last Thursday of each month to learn more about Proyecto Juan Diego’s services.

Proyecto Juan Diego is well known for its dedication to serving the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Proyecto Juan Diego (PJD) offers low-income families support, guidance, and education in the areas of health, family, education, immigration, and civic engagement.

Contact:

Ms. Laura Lara
LVN | Diabetes Mgmt. Supervisor
Lightner 100 W
Thursdays
10:00am – 1:00pm

www.ttbh.org

Do you find yourself in a mental health crisis or need to access resources during stressful times? Contact Tropical Texas Behavioral Health for help.

TTBH improves the lives of people with behavioral health needs through the efficient and effective provision of quality services delivered with respect, dignity, cultural sensitivity, and a focus on recovery.

Contact:

Ms. Monica Rodriguez
Representative
1-877-289-7199 (Crisis Hotline)
1-800-813-1233 (Appointments or questions)

www.recoverycentercc.org

Are you or a loved one suffering due to an addiction, mental and/or emotional disorder and are seeking help to better your quality of life? Check in and meet with a representative from the Recovery Center of Cameron County to get started.

The Recovery Center of Cameron County is to promote and provide comprehensive substance abuse and mental health treatment services to the public by facilitating affordable access to education, prevention, intervention, and treatment programs.

Contact:

Mr. Jesus Daniel Ramos
Representative
Lightner 100 W
Tuesdays
10:00am – 1:00pm
&
Fridays
1:00pm – 3:00pm

https://www.valleyaids.org/

Do you want to learn more about common healthcare topics? Are you living with HIV and searching for high-quality care? Would you like to access preventative services (I.E., nPEP/PrEP)? A representative from Valley AIDS Council can help you learn more about help available.

Valley AIDS Council (VAC) is the primary provider of HIV prevention, education and testing services and the only Ryan White funded agency providing medical care and supportive services for people living with HIV in the 3-county area that stretches from the lower Rio Grande Valley on to the US/Mexico border.

Contact:

Mr. Armando Molina
Community Health Advocate/ECHO
Lightner 100 V
Wednesdays
9:00am – 1:00pm

www.bhsst.org

Are you 18-24 years of age? Do you live in the RGV, specifically Cameron County? Would you like to learn more about the healing process after a history of trauma? Are you at high risk for substance abuse, HIV/AIDS &/or HCV?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, or have other questions regarding mental health, a representative from Behavioral Health Solutions is available to help.

Behavioral Health Solutions of South Texas (BHSST) aims to develop and implement effective age-appropriate, consumer-driven, evidence-based services to prevent and reduce substance use and strengthen mental wellness across the southernmost Texas communities.

Contact:

Ms. Anaid Hernandez
Representative
Lightner 100 V
Thursdays
9:00am – 12:00pm

https://www.utrgv.edu/gearup

The mission of the UTRGV GEAR UP College in ACTion! is to significantly increase the number of students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education.

 Earlier is better! Come by and speak with GEAR UP to get your financial aid squared away.

Contact:

Ms. Pilar Janis
GEAR UP Coordinator &
Mrs. Katherine Iracheta
GEAR UP Coordinator

Lightner 100 N
Monday – Thursday
9 am – 5 pm

For more information on any organization, help with something else not listed, or how to become a community partner, please contact:

John Rodriguez, Perkins Coordinator

Email: [email protected]
Number: (956) 295-3432
Lightner Hub (100 H)

Daniela Canales, Perkins Program Manager

Email: [email protected]
Number: (956) 295-3639
Lightner Hub (100 I)

Gloria Bebber, Student Success Coach

Email: [email protected]
Number: (956) 295-3740

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