Thursday, November 1, 2012

 
 
 

Beat Auburn Beat Hunger!

 
Donate canned foods to Tuscaloosa's One Place, or in any of the RED barrels around the University of Alabama campus.
 
Text "BABH" to 27722 then reply "Yes" to make a $5 donation!
 
Also, monetary donations can be made at any Bama Dining cash register around campus!
 
 

Thursday, October 25, 2012

The Iron Bowl Contest


Big Game. Great Cause.


You could win two seats to the Iron Bowl

while helping families in our community!


                                                 

 


IRON BOWL GAME DAY PACKAGE CONTEST
to benefit

 

Make a tax-deductible donation to Tuscaloosa’s One Place and

you will be entered automatically in the drawing! Entry tickets are $10.00 each, three for $25.00 or five for $40.00.

 

 Winner receives:
  • Two Tickets for the Alabama-Auburn Game in Tuscaloosa, AL on Nov. 24
  • One free parking spot
  • $100 cash for programs, souvenirs, etc.
 

Entry deadline is November 16; no limit on number of entries

For entry information and locations, call 205-462-1000 or email awaller@etfrc.org
 

Drawing is November 16th   Official Contest Rules available at www.tuscaloosaoneplace.org

Sponsor
 

 
  

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Annual Fall Festival

Come Celebrate Fall with Tuscaloosa's One Place Annual FREE Fall Festival!
There's still time to get signed up to volunteer or help by donating candy and prizes! For volunteer or donation information please contact Jessica Scrivner at (205) 462-1000 or jscrivner@etfrc.org

Don't forget to dress up!

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Legacy of Love


Legacy of Love Banquet 2013 <3

Do you know of anyone whose marriage inspires you? Let them know you value them by nominating that couple to receive an award at the Legacy of Love Banquet. Right now Tuscaloosa's One Place is taking nominations for couples whose marriage positively influences children, grandchildren, and others in the community. A couple who is creating generational blessings and, due to their example, leaving a Legacy of Love for others to aspire to for generations to come.

Nomination Deadline is November 15!


Please fill out the forms below to have them be recognized by Tuscaloosa's One Place, local businesses, and local churches. Legacy of Love will be held at the First Baptist Church of Tuscaloosa on February 21, 2013 from 6:30p.m.- 8:30p.m.

Visit our FaceBook page to download a printable version: Tuscaloosa's Once Place- Community Healthy Marriage Initiative 
 
 


ALSO! DONATIONS ARE WELCOMED IF YOU ARE FEELING THE NEED TO SUPPORT HEALTHY MARRIAGES. BECOME A SPONSOR TODAY OR DONATE DATE NIGHT GOODIES SUCH AS A RESTAURANT OR MOVIE GIFT CERTIFICATE! SPONSORSHIP FORM IS BELOW!

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Tuscaloosa County Named 100 Best Communities for Youth to Live, Learn, and Grow!

Tuscaloosa County today was named one of America’s Promise Alliance’s 100 Best Communities for Young People. The national award was given to Tuscaloosa County to recognize its outstanding and innovative work in addressing the high school dropout crisis and for its programs and services.
 
Tuscaloosa's One Place coordinates Tuscaloosa's Promise which is the group of community members who applied for Tuscaloosa County to be recognized as a 100 Best Community!
 
“So many dedicated people and programs contributed to this win and it further reinforces our belief that a focus on youth pays dividends to the entire community," said Sabrina Thomas, Tuscaloos's Promise Coordinator.
 
Other counties recognized from Alabama include Sylacauga and Mobile! 
 
Read the Full article HERE! 100 Best Communities for Youth
 
 

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

TOP 10 Reasons to Mentor

It’s that time of year again! TOP’s, after school mentoring program, starts back in full swing on September 4th. We are very excited to work with all of the returning mentors and meet all of the new ones. At Tuscaloosa’s One Place, we depend heavily on the generosity of volunteers. We are always looking for new and exciting faces to add to our mentoring program. If you or anyone you know is interesting in participating in this rewarding program, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Emerald Autrey at (205) 462-1000.
“TOP 10 Reasons Why YOU Should Be A Mentor”
1.       You can make a difference, in the life of a child and in our community.
2.       You can lead a better way for a child who may not have direction. Statistics show that children with mentors are less likely to involve themselves in drugs and more likely to continue their education.
3.       It is an opportunity to give back to your community.
4.       Not only will you teach the kids something, they will also teach you.
5.       Mentoring is something you can and should be proud of. It is a very rewarding experience.
6.       Chances are someone helped you get to where you are. This is your chance to “pay it forward” and help someone else get to where they need to be.
7.       It’s a wonderful resume builder!
8.       Mentoring helps build and improve your leadership skills, which are essential to be successful in life.
9.       By spending time with these children, you are creating future mentors.
10.   Mentoring is a chance to expand both your professional and personal networks.

~Written by Macy Magnusson, TOP Volunteer

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Heatin Up the Diamond

Exciting News for TOP!!!!!


Visit http://www.heatinupthediamond.blogspot.com/ to check out what is to be an awesome girls softball tournament in which the proceeds will benefit Tuscaloosa's One Place.  If you would like to volunteer to work at the tournament please email Amanda Waller, awaller@etfrc.org

Monday, July 9, 2012

School Supply Drive!




2012 Tuscaloosa Backpack Coalition

School Supply Drive is now underway

July 13th-August 5th

City and County schools have collected names of their most needy students (around 2,000 plus). As a part of The Tuscaloosa Backpack Coalition, TOP is currently collecting resources & recruiting volunteers to distribute school supplies to these students.


There are many ways YOU can participate:
  1. You can adopt a student at University Mall, July 13 - August 5 from 10am to 8pm.
  2. You can volunteer to help at the adopt a student area at the mall.
  3. You can make a monetary donation to support the 2,000 children we hope to serve this year by sending a check to Tuscaloosa's One Place PO Box 40764 Tuscaloosa, Al 35404. Make sure to note it is for the school supply drive on the check.
  4. You can donate supplies!!! Items will be given to students in all Tuscaloosa County and City school. Collection Bins will be located at Tuscaloosa's One Place location 870 Redmont Drive. 
  5. The distribution event: Will take place on August 11th  From 8:30am to noon at McFarland Mall. We need as many volunteers as possible!! We will be giving out 2,000 backpacks.  

*If you would like more information, to sign up to volunteer or have questions about donations please call Sabrina at 462-1000.*

*If you know of someone who needs school supplies they can contact the City or County Board of Education to get signed up.*


Example of Supplies Needed
 
Elementary Supply List
12 #2 Pencils, 24 ct. Crayons, Construction paper, Scissors-Blunt, 4 Glue sticks, 4 Pocket folders w/ brads, Plastic School Box, Washable markers, Regular markers, writing tablet, 2 Bottles Glue, flat pink erasers, Mead Composition Book, pack of Cap Erasers, Ruler, Vinyl Binder, 2 Wide ruled spiral notebook, 2 packs Wide ruled filler paper, Pack of Highlighters, Pack of Colored Pencils, Watercolor Paint Set, Pencil pouch, Pencil Sharpener, Index cards, Mechanical Pencils, backpack (clear or mesh)
Middle School Supply List
12 #2 pencils, Box colored Pencils, 3 College ruled filler paper, 4 College ruled spirals, 6 Folders w/ brads & pockets, pack Glue Sticks, Graph Paper, pack Highlighters, 2 packs Index cards, Markers, pack Mechanical pencils, Pencil Pouch, Pencil Sharpener, pack Pens- black, pack Pens- blue, pack Pens- Red, Ruler, bottle Glue, Tab Dividers, 2 Vinyl Binders, backpack (clear or mesh)
High School Supply List
12 #2 pencils, Box colored Pencils, 3 College ruled filler paper, 4 College ruled spirals, 8 Folders w/ brads & pockets, pack Glue Sticks, pack Highlighters, Markers, pack Mechanical pencils, Pencil pouch, Pencil Sharpener,  pack Pens- black, pack Pens- blue, pack Pens- Red, Ruler, bottle Glue, Tab Dividers, 2 Vinyl Binders, scientific calculator,  backpack (clear or mesh)



Your willingness to contribute through donations and/or volunteering is greatly appreciated and even more important this year because of the state of the economy. Certainly our youth are the future of this country and we hope this endeavor will be even more successful than last year!

Monday, July 2, 2012

July 4th Fun & Safety

Need activities to celebrate the 4th of July????
                                       

Children's Hands-on Museum:

U.S.A. Food Flag:
Blueberries, strawberries and bannannas or marshmellows on
shish kabob sticks

Firework painting:
Spoon some diluted poster paint on black construction paper
then blow away with a straw!


A list of activities from the Tuscaloosa News:

Family Safety Tips

Sparkler Shield



For more family safety tips visit http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Independence-Day.shtml




Thursday, June 28, 2012

Brookwood Elementary Summer Program

                               L.eaders
                               E.xploring
                               A.ll
                               P.ossibilities

L.E.A.P. is Brookwood Elementary's Summer Program, coordinated by Tabitha Trimm Yost.  L.E.A.P. is offered to the students of Brookwood entering grades 1st-5th.  This summer 48 children participated in L.E.A.P.!!!!  The program reinforces academic skills learned in the previous school year through projects and theme-based activities.  It also teaches Life Skills such as organization, study skills and self-esteem.  Enrichment Activities including field trips and guest speakers are also used as different learning methods.  Progress reports are provided to keep the parents involved. Also, breakfast and lunch is provided!

Below are pictures and descriptions of some L.E.A.P. enrichment activities.

Admiring The University of Alabama's trophies and awards in swimming and diving


Checking out The University of Alabama's swimming practice pool


1st grade as they parade into Brookwood's Olympics

Tug of war, Bookwood Olympics

Disk throw, Brookwood Olympics

Brookwood 1st grader with TOP intern

Award ceremony, Brookwood Olympics






Monday, June 18, 2012

TOP's 13th Anniversary

"June 2012 brings us to the 13th anniversary of Tuscaloosa's One Place: A Family Resource Center.  People think of the month of June as the traditional month for weddings.  To me, a wedding signals the formal beginning of a long-term commitment meant to nurture human beings as they grow and develop.  Weddings provide a public forum whereby people promise to take care of each other.  Not only are children nurtured in the relationship, but the partners of a marriage nurture each other.  As such, June seems like the most appropriate month to celebrate another year of TOP's successes!  Like a good marriage, TOP exists to nurture families, children and their caregivers."
- Dr. Debra Nelson-Gardell, Board of Directors President


        Thirteen years ago this month Tuscaloosa's One Place opened it's doors to begin serving this community. Since this time we have grown leaps and bounds!  "Obviously with time has come lots of changes, but what has not changed is our mission: to strengthen families and the community"-Teresa Costanzo.  
        Tuscaloosa's One Place would like to send out a special thank you  to all who have contributed, we could not have accomplished all of our wonderful  achievements without your help.

"Small acts transform the world" - Howard Zinn

"Our positive work at TOP would not be possible without the help of thousands of dedicated volunteers who give of themselves each week.  We are also fortunate to have a host of community partners that help provide a seamless array of services designed to meet families' needs.  Obviously our community, state and nation face many challenges in the days ahead but by working together we can ensure that children's needs are being met and that we are helping prepare them to become our leaders of tomorrow.  TOP remains committed to providing quality services in our area and to continue to reach out to families who need support and encouragement.  On behalf of the staff and Board of Directors, we say THANKS for allowing us the opportunity to serve as
Together We ARE Making a Difference!
- Teresa Costanzo, Executive Director
  

Friday, June 8, 2012

Things to do with your child this summer!

School is out for the summer and the children are at home.  What now?  Here are a few resources with ideas on fun activities to do with your children.




75 Kid Activities
Fun for Children of all ages!



And for our little ones!



Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Painting for a Purpose






Thursday, April 26th at 6:00pm

Uptown Art (formerly known as Sips-n-Strokes) is hosting a fundraising event for Tuscaloosa's One Place, A Family Resource Center. Come enjoy refreshments, socializing, and instructional painting all while giving back to your community.

$40.00 for the evening includes the above painting and refreshments. For every person attending $20.00 will be given to Tuscaloosa's One Place.


Click on the link below to view the flyer!

                                                                   UPTOWN art Flyer!

Monday, April 2, 2012

Spring Fling

We hosted our annual Spring Fling on March 25, 2012 and it was a huge success! First, we would like to thank all of the wonderful businesses, resaurants, agencies, and individual volunteers and donors who made this day possible. Without your help and contributions the Spring Fling would not have been nearly as successful. When it was all said and done, we had a total of 885 attendees and 115 volunteers. We all had a blast!


The hay ride was a favorite all day. There were always kids waiting in line to hop on the next ride.


The maze was so much fun and provided great entertainment for kids of all ages!


This game was a crowd favorite!


Our grill-masters hard at work!


The fishing game was a great way to spend some time in the shade and win a cool prize.


The kids loved showing off their face paint!


Everyone loved practicing their football skills in hopes of winning some candy!


The treasure dig was such a fun way to hunt for prizes.



We had two Easter egg hunts, one for the older children and one for the younger children. They had such a great time hunting and showing off their eggs!
  
We owe a huge thank you to the Tuscaloosa Police Department! The kids couldn't get enough of the car, motorcycle, and helicopter they brought.

Spring Fling was such a wonderful day and we were so thrilled to be able to serve our community in such a fun way.




Monday, February 27, 2012

Love is in the Air!

 We had a great turnout for our 5th Annual Legacy of Love Banquet.

February is traditionally celebrated as Healthy Marriage Month throughout our nation as a way to acknowledge the importance of the commitment that marriage represents in forming the foundation of healthy communities, healthy children, and healthy families.
  On the evening of February 23rd TOP honored seven couples that exemplified healthy marriages.

There were many submissions for this prestigious honor. Nominations by family members or friends consisted of answering questions and a short essay on why that particular couple should be honored.
  The couples that were selected shared their stories of how they met, their hardships, and some of their fondest memories from their journey through marriage.

The way they portray love to each other and the family and friends that surround them speaks for itself of why they were chosen for their display of what healthy marriages should looks like.


 Here are the honored couples for 2012:

Mr. & Mrs. Alexander

Mr. & Mrs. Clements

Mr. & Mrs. Holmes

Mr. & Mrs. Lyles

Mr. & Mrs. Magnen

Mr. & Mrs. Watts

Mr. & Mrs. Williams





A BIG thank you from everyone at Tuscaloosa's One Place to everyone who made this evening a success. We couldn't have done it without you!