'Quest's Results...Extraordinary' Says Head of Taskforce
"Trying and difficult circumstances, namely the closing of San Antonio's Levi Strauss plant, inspired the visionary leadership that created Project Quest more than 21 years ago. Different, but equally challenging circumstances, have led to redefining that vision that will carry Quest forward stronger than ever for the next 20 or more years.
Quest, a nationally-awarded workforce development agency, was founded by COPS/Metro Alliance, leaders of the business community, the city of San Antonio, the state of Texas and the regional Private Industry Council..."
Read moreThe Border Organization Challenges Del Rio Police
"...lack of neighborhood patrols and 'collaboration' with the US Border Patrol were among issues discussed at a meeting earlier this week between a local grassroots citizens' group and members of the Del Rio Police Department.
Read moreValley Interfaith Launches Spanish GED Program
"Valley Interfaith consists of 25 churches of different creeds, one of eight similar organizations in the state, among a network distributed throughout the US. This organization has created a community program in which non-English speakers can obtain the equivalent of a high school diploma, also known as a GED. 'The idea is for people to be able to take the exam in Spanish,' says Lilia Garcia, a member of Valley Interfaith. 'We prepare them with intensive classes in math, social sciences and natural sciences....'"
Inicia Programa Paisano, El Mañana
Central Texas Religious Leaders Call for Immigration Reform
In a prayer service and press conference organized by Austin Interfaith, Central Texas Bishops and clergy from six religious denominations "pressed Tuesday for reforms centered on keeping families together and allowing unauthorized immigrants to earn legal residency with a path to citizenship.... such principles are key to what they called just and humane immigration reforms."
Central Texas Religious Leaders: Immigration Change Must be Just, Humane, Austin American Statesman Printable version
Read moreSuperintendent Agrees to Expand RGV Adult Education Efforts
"On Thursday evening, King spoke to over 100 adults who are either participating in the Valley Interfaith GED program or waiting to do so. The house meeting was held at St. John the Baptist's in San Juan. Speaking in Spanish, King praised those participating in the GED program and spoke about his vision for scaling up what Valley Interfaith has started....
....asked if the GED en Español program could be scaled up to match the obvious demand, King had no doubts. 'I have no doubt at all. We will find a way to do it.'"
Read moreAustin Leaders Kill Zoning Entitlement
"The Austin City Council did away with the CURE zoning process at its last meeting, but the zoning entitlement program didn't go quietly. The public hearing before the Council's vote was characterized by a heated exchange between Mayor Lee Leffingwelland Interfaith Austin's Kurt Cadena-Mitchell.
Read moreAustin Interfaith Takes Back Dove Springs Neighborhood
"Juvenile crime, speeding and sidewalk repairs are some of the biggest problems in in Southeast Austin's Dove Springs area -- but residents are fighting back. Neighbors are taking advantage of the city services their tax dollars pay for. Side walk repairs are continuing in direct result of residents calling 311 to report the need, according to city officials.
Read moreAustin Interfaith Defends Affordable Housing Construction
"If Oak Creek doesn't remain affordable housing, will have to move in with her mother in Bastrop. Principal Robertson says continuity is key for low-income families.
'Constant change is not a friend for Title One families,' Robertson says. 'Nor is it for students to jump from school to school. That upheaval — some of our most successful families will be thrown into I don't know what kind of abyss.'
Read moreAustin Interfaith Calls on City to Enforce Its Own Rules on Economic Incentives and Construction Wages
"The Austin-based Workers Defense Project is asking the courts to step into its wage dispute with the developers of the downtown Austin J.W. Marriott hotel under construction.
'Developers need to keep their promises to taxpayers and workers, and the city must enforce its own rules,' said Kurt Cadena-Mitchell, a leader of Austin Interfaith, a multi-congregation group pushing the city to establish a standard above minimum wage on construction projects that are granted economic development deals by the city."
Read moreDAI Calls on TX Legislature to Support Medicaid Expansion Bill
Leaders of Dallas Area Interfaith called on Texas legislators to support bi-partisan House Bill 3791 which would expand Medicaid to insure an additional 1.5 million Texans. Clergy from Jewish, Catholic and Protestant congregations announced that DAI had collected over 5,000 signatures in the last few months in support of expansion Medicaid.