CSNT holds event to discuss community challenges

Community Services of Northeast Texas, which many people in the area use for need-based services like help paying electric bills, Head Start and Veterans assistance recently came together for a Bridge Builders event. CNST in collaboration with the Texas Association of Community Action Agencies (TACAA) along with Jason Sabo, Frontera Strategy met together to amplify the voices of the Cass and Marion County communities, empowering them to shape their future directly. People front the community were invited to have their voices heard.

On the morning of March 27, 2024, almost 30 citizens of Cass and Marion County came together to discuss community challenges and offer concrete and practical solutions. Convened by Community Services of Northeast Texas, Inc., this meeting gave community members a chance to put forward specific and actionable suggestions to improve the region and do business.

Bridge Builders event sought to foster open dialogue and engagement among Cass and Marion County residents, area constituents and community organizations.

“We believe in the power of community voices to drive meaningful change,” said Michelle Morehead, Executive Director at Community Services of Northeast Texas. “The Bridge Builders event serves as a platform for residents to articulate their needs and aspirations. By uplifting their voices, we aim to cultivate a shared vision for a thriving community.”

Key features of the Bridge Builders event included: - Facilitated discussions by Jason Sabo from Frontera Strategy, providing expertise in advocacy and public policy.

- Texas Association of Community Action Agencies, offering insights into the Texas network of community action agencies.

- Interactive breakout sessions were designed to encourage collaboration and brainstorming among participants.

At the heart of this event lay the commitment to actionable change. Following the community dialogue sessions, insights are being gathered and will be compiled and shared with key elected officials, ensuring that the voices of Cass and Marion County residents inform policy decisions and initiatives.

At the meeting, the comments focused on Outreach to Access and Information, Healthcare Access, including Mental Health & Prescription Drugs, Job/Economic Development, Housing, and Infrastructure. Specific recommendations from attendees include:

Outreach to Access and Information

1. Create more opportunities for elected officials to hear from constituents 2. Formally recognize the Marion County Health & Resource Coalition to raise awareness amongst business owners and community members. 3. Start promoting innovative outreach strategies to increase awareness of existing community resources: a. Start a Faith-Based, pastoral alliance to serve as a trusted, single information point and coordinator of diverse constituents. b. Start an investment fund for CSNT’s Nonprofit Collaboration Center, a 2026 Project with a vision to bring multiple Marion County organizations under one roof, work together, build relationships, and easily refer to each other, leading Marion County families to become more self-sufficient.

Healthcare Access, including Mental Health & Prescription Drugs 1. Continue to develop and formalize Health & Resource Coalitions 2. Expand resources for pharmacy, medical, dental care, preventative care, and mental healthcare. 3. Secure resources and alliances to create more affordable healthcare 4. Utilize medical students from the University of Texas Tyler campus

Jobs/Economic Development

1. Attract companies and employers to increase job opportunities and build tax base 2. Incentivize corporations and industries to provide high-wage employment to: a. Create jobs. b. Diversify the workforce. c. Keep human talent and resources, local 3. Support tourism initiatives and attract large-capacity events, such as conventions. 4. Invest in businesses on IH-59, specifically those that promote stop-n-stay which increases tourism to support local businesses.

Housing

1. Provide workforce housing to meet current and prospective employer needs. 2. Recognize the impact of segregation on our community and host events to focus on uniting our citizens toward shared goals. 3. Examine the impact of short-term rentals on housing affordability and availability.

Infrastructure

1. Support and enhance Law Enforcement. a. Increase Training for Mental Health response b. Increase Funding for Staff Recruitment and Training 2. Improve road and street maintenance, including infrastructure renovation: a. Sidewalks b. Streets c. Water Lines 3. Support Parks and Recreation investment 4. Improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public transport, GoBus/Trax System to: a. Better support for far-reaching communities b. Better support for working adults and parents c. Better communication of available GoBus routes d. Start to move beyond a volunteer-led city, and invest in paid staff People in the community are encouraged to continue the discussion. Contact: Michelle Morehead, CSNT, Inc. Executive Director at michelle.morehead@csntexas. org or (903) 799-0642.

Morehead provided much of the content through two different press releases.

About Community Services of Northeast Texas: Community Services of Northeast Texas is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals and families in Northeast Texas. Through a range of programs and services, we empower communities, promote self-sufficiency, and foster growth.