The Scorpion Opportunity Hub hosts a wide range of community partners to support student success
VIDA – Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (vidacareers.org)
Are you excited about learning a trade but not sure how you will 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), 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:
Ms. Felicia Adams
Case Manager and Career Counselor
Lightner 100 U
Tuesday & Wednesday
8 a.m. – 12 p.m. & 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Mr. Isidro Ramos
Director of Workforce & Economic Development
ITEC Center Workforce
Wednesdays, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Are you without health insurance and need advice about choosing a plan? Do you need help completing an application for Medical insurance, Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP, or TANF? Are you searching for a medical doctor, dentist, or pharmacy?
Stop by and visit Su Clinica for 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. Help with application assistance 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
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
SOMOS – Integración Familiar | Brownsville TX | Facebook
Do you feel increasing pressures regarding school? Are your 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 V
Mondays
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Do you need new and reliable technology to help you with your homework? Do you receive benefits (I.E., Housing, Medicaid, Pell Grant, SNAP, Veterans, WIC)?
Whoop Connect/ Assurance Wireless can help if you answered yes to both questions!
- No credit checks
- No deposit
- No monthly costs
- No contract
- No connection fees
Whoop Connect, in partnership with Assurance Wireless, provides a free Android tablet or cellphone without an activation charge, monthly fee, or credit check. 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
9:00 am – 2:00 pm
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 need a helping hand?
BCFS is available to meet with you to see how they can assist you in moving forward in life. Don’t think twice about coming to visit. Please call 956.230.3849 for more information.
BCFS Health and Human Services Harlingen is a community-based organization that serves families with children who live in Cameron and Willacy Counties. Services include two evidence-based programs, Project Hopes and Fatherhood Effect. These programs help families with conflict and everyday struggles while promoting strong family bonds and resilience. Our TWC also works with current and former foster youth to navigate 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
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Communities In Schools (ciscameroncounty.org)
Are you seeking someone to talk to about finding a healthy balance between college and work? Did you graduate high school and participate in the Communities in Schools program? Do you feel overwhelmed with your course load?
Communities in Schools can help you find a solution. Come and by for a chat.
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 life.
Contact:
Ms. Karla Montejano
Clinical Case Worker
[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 seeking solid networking opportunities to advance your education and/or career?
Networking with Healthy Communities is in your best interest. Come by Wednesday afternoons for more information.
Healthy Communities is a grassroots 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
Lightner 100 W
Wednesdays
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
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?
Stop by and get guidance from a Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley representative.
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
Lightner 100 O
Available via email: [email protected]
Home | Veteran Females Unit (veteranfemalesunited.org)
Are you a U.S. veteran searching for someone to help you navigate civilian life? Do you wish to connect with other veterans from your area?
Veteran Females United is a community-based organization that focuses on community outreach, engagement, and advocacy through volunteer opportunities that support, advance, and advocate for all female veterans.
Contact:
Arlene Perez
Founder and Executive Director
Lightner 100 P
Available via email:
[email protected]
Lodge #2876 Welcome (elks.org)
You can do this and more by reaching out to our CBOs, Veteran Females United, and/or Elks Lodge #2876, which provide support services for veterans.
Brownsville, TX Elks Lodge No. 2876 assists in developing programs serving local youth, veterans, and others in need.
Contact:
Monica Montanaro
Representative
Lightner 100 V
Thursdays
10:00am – 12:00pm
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
Representative
Lightner 100 W
Thursdays
10:00 am – 1:00 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 Manager for Grants
Email: [email protected]
Number: (956) 295-3639
Lightner Hub (100 I)