Focus on San Antonio
Week of 05/04/08:
Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio, www.bhfsa.org, (210) 735-9009; Igo Library, (210) 561-6113, www.sanantonio.gov/library; Mortgage Information, www.ssfcu.org; (210) 476-4610

Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid, Inc. (210) 212-3783, www.trla.org  Gharith Pendragon, gharith111@yahoo.com; Professor Michael Smith, myplace@satx.rr.com; The Lonestar Fatherhood Initiative, (512)472-3237, www.fathers.org; Domestic Abuse: Anonymous Information, 1-800-799-SAFE, Family Justice Center, 210-208-6800, Battered Women's Shelter, 210-733-8810; Child Abuse: ChildSafe 1-800-252-5400,www.childsafe-sa.org; Texas Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIPS) 1-877-KIDS-NOW

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS:

3rd Annual Ride for the Troops - Benefiting Ft. Sam Houston's Fisher House
Pre-registration ($15) is going on now through May 1st for the 3rd Annual Ride for the Troops.  The ride will be May 10th leaving Caliente Harley Davidson - Registration ($20) from 9 - 10 a.m.  Destination is Texas Pride BBQ.  Questions? Contact: ride4troops@hotmail.com  

NASA Space Flight Simulation Study
To learn more about the Space Flight Simulation Study call: 1-866-JSC-TEST or log onto: www.bedreststudy.com

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
For the latest in diagnosis and treatment: www.cdc.gov/cfs

Farmer's Market Thursdays at San Antonio Botanical Garden
8 a.m. to 1p.m. in the parking lot of the SA Botanical Garden. (210) 829-5100 www.sabot.org

Edgewood H.S. Class of 1968
40th Year Reunion October 18th.  Contact Robert Bustos (210) 885-2026 or Armando Hernandez (210) 532-9002

Women's Health & Wellness Fair
Saturday, May 17th at Laurel Heights United Methodist Church from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Please call Elizabeth at (210) 733-7156.  This event is free and open to the public.

'"Restoring Her Purpose" - New Beginnings Christian Center
New Beginnings Christian Center will host their annual Mother's Day celebration for single and widowed moms, Sunday, May 11th.  Drawings for free rent paid, gas cards, groceries and more. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m.  Prizes will be selected after the church service and you must be present to win.  (830) 606-6454; www.restoringherpurpose.com

Heritage Children Mentoring Opportunities
Mentored youth are significantly less likely to use drugs or alcohol, rsort to violence or skip school.  Mentored children are also more likely to graduate high school and go on to college. If you would like to be a mentor to one of the more than 8,500 abused, neglected or abandoned children and teens in San Antonio, call (210) 495-5352.

Carrier Class Action Notice
If you own or owned a Carrier, Bryant, Payne or Day & Night high efficiency gas furnace made and sold since January 1, 1989, you could get benefits from a class action settlement.  There are deadlines to file a claim, exclude yourself, or object to the settlement.  To learn more, call 1-866-517-2490 or go to www.furnacelaims.com

American Diabetes Association - A1C Blood Test
If you have diabetes, a simple blood test can help measure your risk of complications such as heart attack. Why is it important? Because 2 out of 3 people with diabetes die from a heart attack or stroke.  To find out more go to www.diabetesA1C.org

Childhood Asthma
Did you know your child's asthma attack could be triggered by things on shower curtains, a blanket, even a teddy bear? And, there are many things in your home and your child's classroom you may not know about.  Help prevent your child's asthma attacks and avoid the emergency room; call 1-800-NO-ATTACKS for more information or go to www.noattacks.org

Medicare Information
If you have Medicare and need help paying for your prescription drugs, the Bexar Area Agency on Aging may be able to help you. For more information call (210) 362-5248 or (210) 362-5253

Amber Alerts
An abducted child is everyone's child. To get free Amber Alert messages on your cell phone, go to www.wirelessamberalerts.org
A child is callling for help.

Austism Awareness
The odds that a child will be diagnosed with autism are 1 in 150.  Knowing the signs of autism and catching it early could make a world of difference.  For more information go to: www.autismspeaks.org

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Down Payment Assistance
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is providing up to $14,500 in down payment and closing cost assistance to home buyers.  It takes less than 5 minutes to fill out the online application and there are no costs or fees to apply.  Log on to www.housingprograms.org for more information.

Cyber Crime Prevention
Once you post a picture online, you can't take it back. All it takes is a few clicks and your picture could be all over the Internet - even if you think you've made sure only your "friends" can see it.  So, think before you post.  For more information on cyber safety, log on to www.cybertipline.com

Home Foreclosure Assistance
Every year, one million families face losing their homes to foreclosure.  If you've fallen behind on your mortgage, know that there is real help and guidance available.  Call 1-888-995-HOPE for more information.

South Texas Veterans
The South Texas Veterans Health Care System needs your help to provide services for our country's veterans. Your time and effort will enhance the quality of life for our nation's veterans.  Call the Audie L. Murphy Veteran's Hospital (210) 617-5107 for info.

ACORN Housing of San Antonio
ACORN Housing offers free educational counseling and seminars in: home buying, foreclosure prevention, and credit and budget workshops.  (210) 432-4663; 2300 W Commerce #104.  Si habla Espanol

Stay In School
High school dropouts earn 42% less than graduates.  If you had stayed in school, you might know how much that is.  Give yourself a chance - stay in school.  www.operationgraduation.com

Volunteer Advocacy
Earn some "good karma" just by volunteering, voting, getting involved in your community.  Do what you can, when you can.  For more information log on to: www.getgoodkarma.org

Report Smoking Vehicles
The next time you see a car, truck or bus with dirty smoke coming from its exhaust for more than 10 seconds, report it to the Texas Commission for Environmental Quality. You don’t have to give your name and it doesn’t cost anything to make the report. Info: 1-800-453-SMOG (7664)/ www.tceq.state.tx.us  Need license plate number, date, place, and location
 
Flu Vaccines
Influenza will result in as many as 36,000 deaths nationally this year.  The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases says, "Get Your Flu Shot."  It's your best protection against influenza this year.  www.talkflutome.org 

Texas Children's Health Insurance Program
Did you know has the highest level of low income, uninsured children? But Texas families with uninsured children may be eligible for health insurance through Children's Medicaid and/or CHIPS?  Call 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669) for eligibility guidelines and application information.

Talking to Your Teen About Sex 
Your kids hear about sex from everyone: friends, television, movies, the Internet. Make sure they hear from you about the importance of waiting to have sex.  Tell them if they wait, they'll have a better chance at being successful and happy.  To help make the conversation easier, visit 4parents.gov

Texas Runaway Hotline
If you know a teen that has run away or is thinking of running away, make a free, confidential call to the Texas Runaway Hotline at 1-888-580-4357 (H-E-L-P) or contact their website at: www.texasrunaway.org

Texas Veterans Commission
The Texas Veterans Commission wants to help veterans receive benefits they deserve as a result of their military service. Veterans, you’ve already served your country, so let the Texas Veterans Commission serve you. 1-800-252-VETS www.tvc.state.tx.us
 
Prevent Underage Drinking
Did you know kids who drink before age 15 are 5 times more likely to have alcohol problems when they’re adults? Alcohol affects their judgment and their future. So, start talking before they start drinking. For more information about teens and alcohol, and to learn what you can do, visit: www.stopalcoholabuse.gov
 
Kid's Booster Seats
You wouldn’t treat your child like an adult, would you? So why put them in adult seat belts? If they’re under four foot nine they need a booster seat. Info: www.boosterseat.gov

City Public Service - Home Safety
Most electricity related fires can be prevented.  Remember to avoid overloading outlets with multi-prong adapters or extension cords and make sure the cords aren't frayed or worn.  www.cpsenergy.com (210) 353-2970

Texas Legal Aid
If you're a resident of Bexar, Kendall or Medina County and you were affected by Tropical Storm Erin, the Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid office is ready to help you with insurance claims, FEMA appeals or other disaster-related legal problems. 1-866-757-1570

Texas Buglers
Due to a shortage of bugle players in Texas, "Taps" is often played on a CD player at the service of a fallen hero. Texas Buglers is in need of new members and donations.  For more information or to request a bugler for a service, visit www.texasbuglers.org
There is never a charge for any service.

Epilepsy Foundation of Central & South Texas
The Epilepsy Foundation of Central and South Texas offers family support group meetings for parents of children with epilepsy and their siblings. The monthly meetings are held at the Epilepsy Foundation’s Perrin Beitel office from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Child care and a meal are provided. Info: 10615 Perrin Beitel Rd., # 602] (210) 653-5353

Habitat for Humanity
If you’ve been thinking about getting involved in your community, Habitat for Humanity is in need of volunteers for their Winter Build on Fridays and Saturdays. Info: Volunteer Services: 210-223-5203

Bexar County Partners for Youth
Remember how it felt to have someone accept you just for who you are? You can be that someone to a teen. The Bexar County Probation Department is in need of volunteer mentors for the “Partners for Youth” program. Mentors work one-on-one with teens that are having difficulty coping with family conflicts or problems in school. Info: (210) 531-1940

Collaborative Law
Statistics indicate that 50% of all marriages will end in divorce, but the divorce process no longer has to devastate or harm anyone – especially the children. Collaborative Law is a civilized, respectful, innovative approach to divorce designed for spouses who seek a private, dignified end to their marriage. Info: www.collablawtexas.org

Free Credit Report
Check it out! Your credit history affects your ability to get a loan, the interest rate you’ll pay, and in some cases, whether you get a job. Under a new Federal law, you’re entitled to a FREE copy of your credit report once every 12 months. Info: www.annualcreditreport.com 877-322-8228

Spay-Neuter Assistance Program
Spaying/neutering your pet will help it live a longer, healthier life. The Spay-Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP) offers free or low cost spay/neuter services and rabies vaccinations. For more information about dates, times, etc. contact SNAP at 673-7722.

SA Council on Alcohol & Drug Abuse
"Buzzed" driving is drunk driving - do what ever you have to do to stop a friend from drunk driving. Friends don't let friends drive drunk.  Call a taxi or appoint a designated driver.  For more information call: 225-4741
 
Scottish Rite Edu.
The Scottish Rite Program of Texas offers fellowships educators pursuing a Doctoral Degree in Public School Administration. The minimum requirements include Public School teaching experience and current employment in the education field. For more information, contact: Scottish Rite Foundation of Texas P.O. Box 266, Waco, TX 76703
 
Kinship Care Collaboration
A Kinship Care Collaborative has an information line available for those raising children of relatives. Kinship caregivers can access information about services such as counseling, financial support and a whole lot more. For more information, call 619-TALK (619-8255). Info: M – F 8am to 5pm Voicemail available 24 hours a day.

Big Brothers and Big Sisters
Big Brothers Big Sisters is asking all business leaders to encourage their employees to spend an hour a week as a Big Brother or big Sister. It’s a chance to help develop future leaders. For information, call 225-6322.
 
Native American Center
The Native American Center on Castroville Road holds “Research your American Indian Heritage” workshops every Saturday morning from 9:30am to 11am. For more information, call 432-6336. Info: 2555 Castroville Road, #106 Patricia Hawkwing
 
Pet Pals of Texas
Pet Pals of Texas needs volunteers to provide pet-care support services to companion animals belonging to disabled, elderly, and terminally ill residents of Bexar and surrounding counties. Pet Pals of Texas is a San Antonio based non-profit organization. For more information, call 279-1330. Info: 9834 Meadow Branch Converse, TX

Polycystic Kidney Disease
P-K-D or Polycystic Kidney Disease is a life threatening genetic disease which many people don’t know they have. Symptoms include high blood pressure, kidney stones, heart problems and more. For more information, call 1-800-PKD-CURE (753-2873. Info: www.pkdcure.org
 
Humane Society/SPCA
The Humane Society needs foster families for military pets. The Humane Society S-P-C-A of Bexar County offers foster pet care assistance to deployed military personnel. Families are needed especially to care for large dogs. It’s one way to help our troops overseas. For more information, call 226-7461, ext. 120.
 
Texas State Guard
The Texas State Guard, an all-volunteer state military force is looking to add to their ranks. The 4th Air Wing unit works and trains one weekend per month. Previous military service is not required. For more information, contact: www.txsgair.org awrecruit@grandecom.net
 
Christian Senior Services
Meals on Wheels of San Antonio needs help from Bexar County businesses to “Adopt A Day” as a pick-up site for volunteers who deliver meals to homebound seniors. Meals on Wheels is a program of Christian Senior Services. If you need more information, call: 735-5115, ext. 109/Leslye, Leslyeh@sbcglobal.net 735-5115, ext. 121/Lola lolad.css@sbcglobal.net
 
US Navy Historically Black College Scholarship
Applicants are needed for the Historically Black College Scholarship sponsored by the Navy R-O-T-C. You must be African American or Hispanic, be a high school senior, and have at least a 3.0 G-P-A. Other criteria may apply. For information, contact: www.cbcfinc.org erivers@cbcfinc.org
 
SAMMinistries
“Furniture for a Cause”, a used furniture store benefiting SAMMinistries on Blanco Road is now open. Home, office furniture, accessories and more are for sale to help the homeless in San Antonio. For more information call 220-1244. Info: 5254 Blanco Road (inside Loop 410) Will pick up
 
SA Baby Moses Project
Open Arms, San Antonio’s Baby Moses Project is a way to save a baby and yourself. If you feel you can’t take care of your newborn, take the baby to any fire station or hospital. No questions asked. For more information, call 211, Texas United Way Help Line.
 
First Baptist Church
The First Baptist Church runs a non-profit restaurant, the 4th Street Inn for lunch from 11am to 2pm. Find daily specials and featured entrees on the menu. All receipts and tips benefit M.A.N.N.A., a community ministry feeding the homeless. For more information, call 226-0680. Info: 207 4th Street
 
TX Highway Patrol Museum
The Texas Highway Patrol Museum presents “Cruisin’ to Coffins” a statewide educational program targeting teen drinking and driving. The presentations are free to educators of junior and senior high students. For more information, call 270-9530.