Hello from your Rise & Thrive Team!
BiGAUSTIN (BiG) and the Housing Authority of Travis County (HATC) have entered a partnership that empowers residents and provides the tools and resources needed to break free from the constraints of poverty and achieve a better tomorrow.
BiG & HATC have launched an exceptional program exclusively designed for the residents and voucher holders of Travis County called the “Rise and Thrive Initiative”; the HATC resident gateway to transformation, beginning July 1, 2023.
This program is entirely free and has been thoughtfully curated to address the unique challenges residents may encounter on their journey to self-sufficiency.
What does this program include?
Workforce Training and Resume Workshops
Unlock your full potential and acquire the skills necessary to thrive in today’s job market. Our comprehensive workshops will equip you with essential tools, ranging from crafting an impactful resume to mastering effective interview techniques. Prepare to shine and seize new career opportunities!
Healthy Living Workshops
Your well-being is our priority. Our dedicated team of experts will guide you on a transformative journey toward healthier living. Discover the secrets of balanced nutrition, exercise, stress management, and self-care practices. Rejuvenate your body, mind, and soul!
Financial Literacy
Take control of your financial future and lay a solid foundation for lasting prosperity. Our financial literacy sessions will empower you with vital knowledge and practical skills to effectively manage your finances, save for the future, and make informed financial decisions.
Youth Leadership and After-School Tutoring
We believe in investing in the next generation. Our program includes initiatives for youth leadership development and after-school tutoring to support academic excellence, foster personal growth, and unleash the potential of our future leaders.
Scholarships
The Foundation Scholarship can be used either to cover the full cost of a two-year degree or as a $2,500 award towards a four-year degree.
Your Voice Matters!
We could use your help in a BiG way!
This is your opportunity to express your needs and suggest any additional services or resources that would benefit you. Together, we can shape a program that truly meets your expectations.
We invite you to take a few moments to complete the Needs Assessment Survey and make your voice heard. Your feedback is invaluable to us, and we deeply appreciate your participation in this important endeavor.
Rest assured that your responses will remain anonymous and confidential.
For additional information, please contact Chessie Floyd – BiGAUSTIN Self Sufficiency Coordinator/Case Manager at [email protected]
OUR INITIATIVES
FAMILY ENRICHMENT
Build strong families by promoting wellness, healthy nutrition, positive family interactions, child care, parenting, financial literacy, and connecting our residents and clients with resources to assist them in achieving their long-term goals.
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
Expand the opportunities for children that allow for esteem building, leadership, character development, social responsibility, and exploration of interests and talents.
SELF-SUFFICIENCY
Guide and assist families and individuals on their path towards financial independence and self-sufficiency via assistance and training in obtaining employability, financial support when seeking higher education or vocational training, and workshop/outreach events to connect them with available resources.
RESIDENT SUCCESS STORY
KICKSTART YOUR CAREER JUST LIKE CORNELIUS MCDONALD
Cornelius McDonald, an Alexander Oaks Apartments resident, never thought that being an electrician would be one of his career choices. In March 2019, Mr. McDonald attended the Career Opportunities event where he was able to receive valuable information regarding a variety of debt-free skilled trades from Skillpoint Alliance.
The Pre-Apprenticeship Electrical program is four-weeks long and throughout the program, students learn the necessary skills, like device box wiring and conduit bending, to enter their first year of apprenticeship with either IBEW 520 or Centrex IEC.
Cornelius graduated with the OSHA 10 Certification and obtained his Texas Department of Licensing and Registration (TDLR) Electrical Apprentice License on May 17th, 2019. And with the assistance and support from Skillpoint Alliance, he is now in the electrical industry working for Tumlinson Electric, LLC.
