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The YMCA of SETX offers Afterschool programs for PNGISD, PAISD, NISD, and Few Primary School.  They encourage everyone to apply for state child care assistance through Workforce Solutions. The YMCA will provide financial assistance as needed while applications are being processed.

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The YMCA of SETX offers Afterschool programs for PNGISD, PAISD, NISD, and Few Primary School.  They encourage everyone to apply for state child care assistance through Workforce Solutions. The YMCA will provide financial assistance as needed while applications are being processed.

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Through the use of state, federal, and local funds we are able to provide financial assistance to pay for child to support families in their quest for self-sufficiency.

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YMCA Bike Repair Clinic - First Tuesday of the Month starting Sept. 6th

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YMCA Bike Repair Clinic - First Tuesday of the Month starting Sept. 6th

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Mental Notes - August 2022 Newsletter by Shan Moore | This newsletter was created with Smore, an online tool for creating beautiful newsletters for individual educators, schools and districts

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Now, for that exciting announcement I mentioned above! I would like to introduce our NEW Outreach Coordinator, Tracy Baker! Want to know more about Tracy & all that she can do? Keep reading for a Q&A between myself & Tracy!
Q: Can you introduce yourself to our readers and tell them your position?

A: My name is Tracy Baker and I am the Mental Health Outreach Coordinator for Spindletop Center.

Q: And how long have you been in this position?

A: I started in May of this year, just after I graduated with my Bachelor's.

Q: What interested you in this Position?

A: That is an interesting story. I had known for some time that I wanted to work for Spindletop Center because I appreciate the work we do here, I was just waiting for graduation to apply for a position. While still enrolled in college, I was offered the opportunity to take the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course through my school, TWU. Between the time I signed up for the course and actually received the training, I was made aware of the MHFA outreach coordinator position and immediately put in my application. Taking the course was fantastic and taught me so much about how to recognize the signs and symptoms of someone having a mental health challenge and how to connect them to care. I was incredibly excited to come to my interview for the outreach coordinator position and I think my, I know it is cliché, but my passion for the subject matter was probably pretty apparent. I am just really excited that my job now allows me to tell others about this amazing program.

Q: Can you tell me more about the Mental Health First Aid program?

A: Absolutely! The short version is that the program teaches the every day individual the basics of how to recognize signs and symptoms of mental health or substance use challenges in those around them and also teaches them how to connect these people to more qualified help. Just like when learning regular first aid or CPR, the person is taught how to stabilize the situation until professionals can get on scene. MHFA is pretty similar in that we do not learn to diagnose or treat mental illness just like a physical first aider does not diagnose illness or perform surgery.

Q: You said that is the short version, is there more to it?

A: Actually yes. The course to become a Mental Health First-Aider is approximately 8 hours long, with three different modes of learning available; fully in person, hybrid with some online pre-work and the rest in person, or fully online with the "in person" portion being provided through web conference such as on Zoom or Teams. MHFA actually offers several specialized courses for different needs. The course most relevant to your audience is our Youth Mental Health First Aid. This is designed for adults who work with young people age 12-18; this includes teachers, administrators, counselors, SROs, bus drivers, cafeteria workers or anyone else that comes in regular contact with youth. This training teaches these adults to recognize the unique signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges in young people, which may be different than those in adults. It also teaches them how to interact with a youth in crisis and connect them to the help they need. The best part is that anyone working for a school district or at an institute of higher education can take the training absolutely free. The course also qualifies for CEUs as well.

Q: Where can someone learn more about Youth Mental Health First Aid?

A: They can contact me directly at MHFA@stctr.org or my cell phone 409-748-5261. I can send them more information, some to their school and talk to their administration or district leaders about the program, and set up training for anyone in their district.

Also, we do have some funds remaining through August, so we can definitely provide YMHFA prior to the start of school. I encourage counselors, principals, or health services directors to get on the list for training.
Sign up for Mental Health First Aid! Tracy Baker Tell her Shan sent you!

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Now, for that exciting announcement I mentioned above! I would like to introduce our NEW Outreach Coordinator, Tracy Baker! Want to know more about Tracy & all that she can do? Keep reading for a Q&A between myself & Tracy! Q: Can you introduce yourself to our readers and tell them your position?