Brazos Valley Center for Independent Living

Connecting people to the power of independence

Something to KNOW

Rev Up! – Vote

I VOTE EARLY

Send questions to revuptx@gmail.com or visit www.revuptexas.org.

The November 3 election will have a dramatic effect on disability rights and services at the local, state, and national levels for the next decade. 

The DISABILITY VOTE can influence the outcome of this election.  It is in our interest to support candidates – regardless of which party they represent – that support policies and funding that promote our ability to be included in our communities like every other Texan!

The COVID 19 pandemic poses unique challenges to the DISABILITY COMMUNITY.  Do we go to the polls and possibly confront long lines? Or do we use the mail-in ballot process (for the first time for many of us)?  The controversy about mail-in ballots adds another level of confusion.

REV UP Texas’ I VOTE EARLY campaign encourages eligible voters to use the mail-in ballot. But if you want to go to the polls, vote during the EARLY VOTING period. (See In-Person Voting below.)

>>REGISTER TO VOTE

If you have not already registered to vote, you MUST register by October 5 to be able to vote on November 3. Click here to register.

>>VOTING BY MAIL

  • To request a mail-in ballot, click here.
  • To be sure that your mail-in ballot WILL BE COUNTED, you must fill it out and mail it the day you get it – or the next day at the very latest. If you can hand-deliver your ballot, that’s even better. But you MUST deliver it by October 12.

>>IN-PERSON VOTING

Early Voting Dates: October 13 – October 30

General Election: November 3

  • Because of COVID-19, many counties are having a hard time finding poll workers.  This may cause counties to consolidate or eliminate polling locations.
  • If you find long lines when you go to vote in person, there are laws that may allow you to get preference.
  • Contact your county for voting locations. Click here to find contact information for your county election official.

>>LINKS TO FIND MORE INFORMATION

Secretary of State General Information on Disability – Voting  

Disability Rights Texas – Voting

Updates on BVCIL Response to COVID-19

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As of 4/30/2020 – BVCIL staff will continue working remotely through May 15th. As of this time, the plan is for staff to return to working in the offices again on May 18th. With the end of the shelter-in-place order, we will also begin opening our transportation program back up to include all who need above and beyond transportation, not just those with medical appointments and supply trip needs. We hope everyone is in good health and continuing to stay safe during this time.

As of 4/6/2020 – BVCIL closure has been extended to align with the shelter in place order for Texas. All staff are continuing to work remotely and we are still providing essential transportation trips.

Notice sent on 3/23/2020 – This has been an interesting month as our nation handles COVID-19. We’ve continued to monitor the news by health officials and kept at the forefront of our minds the needs of those we work with. These needs also include the health and safety of those we serve, our community partners, and our staff. These things include closing our doors to the public and asking staff to continue to work remotely.

As you may be aware, the mayors of Bryan and College Station announced the afternoon of March 23rd that a new shelter in place policy would be going into effect. This policy starts on March 24th at 9:00 p.m. and requires citizens to stay at home when not needing to leave for essential services such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and medical appointments.

What does this look like for BVCIL?
The staff at BVCIL have put into place a few measures to allow them to work from home and provide assistance to those we work with. Staff are monitoring our main phone lines as well as transportation phone line during regular business hours. While we are limited in this time of social distancing, there are resources we can provide depending on your needs. Our transportation program is still running and will continue to provide trips to those going to and from medical appointments only. Our drivers are taking great care in disinfecting or vehicles after every trip to ensure our rider’s protection.

While we are not currently able to provide our usual face-to-face services, there may be other ways our staff may assist you. Please feel free to call us and see what we can do for you.

How long will BVCIL be closed?
BVCIL is now on the same timeline as the Brazos County shelter in place policies which are currently set to end on April 7th. If these orders are extended, BVCIL will continue to follow the timeline of closures required.

What about classes?
We appreciate the patience and understanding of our community during this difficult and confusing time. To ensure the continued safety and health of those we work with as well as our staff, BVCIL will be suspending all classes, group events, and activities until further notice. You can check for any updates or changes to this by calling, emailing, checking our website or social media.

We will continue monitoring guidance from health officials and any new updates about the Center will be sent out as updates occur. For now, we hope that you will continue to contact us for any needs, questions, concerns, or information.

Our current business hours are Monday – Thursday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., and Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. You may contact us through our main phone line at (979) 776-5505, through our email at info@bvcil.org, through Facebook at www.facebook.com/bvcil, or you can watch for updates on our website at www.bvcil.org/updates-on-bvcil-response-to-covide-19.

Please stay safe and wash your hands!

As of 3/23/2020 – BVCIL is following the shelter in place rules and will continue to be closed through April 7th. Staff are able to work remotely to assist anyone looking for resources or information. Our transportation is now providing trips for people going to medical appointments only.

As of 3/20/2020 – BVCIL has extended the closure date through April 3rd. Transportation services will still be provided for medical appointments, grocery store visits, and getting to/from work.

Notice sent on 3/15/2020 – As we continue to monitor the information provided by health officials regarding COVID-19, we have discussed what ways we can maintain a safe work environment and public space to those who walk through our front door. Our goal is to protect the health and well-being of all visiting individuals, our staff, and our community. With this in mind, we have decided to close down our offices to the public until March 31st. This will allow for proper sanitation efforts as well as for our staff to help our community in other ways. While our doors will remain open, our goal is to limit the amount of people entering our facilities. If you need information or assistance, please choose to call us at our main line, (979) 776-5505, or email, info@bvcil.org, and we will work with you in making sure your needs are met.

Effective Monday, March 16th:

  • All classes, group events, and activities are cancelled through the end of March.
  • Let us know if you need assistance with supplies, appointments, or other services that may become harder to receive.
  • While we are closed to the public, our staff will still be working to provide services – so please contact through phone or email for any information or service needs.

We will continue to monitor guidance from health officials over the next few weeks. Any new updates regarding our Center will be sent out. You can also keep an eye on our website (http://bvcil.org/updates-on-bvcil-response-to-covid-19/) or our Facebook (www.facebook.com/bvcil) for updates on our classes, programs, and events.

If you have any questions about the BVCIL responses to COVID-19 and/or services we may be able to provide, please contact our office at (979) 776-5505 or by email at info@bvcil.org.

As of 3/15/2020 – BVCIL facilities will be closed to the public until March 31st. All classes, activities, group events, and other events are cancelled until further notice. Please call or email for service or information requests.

Kroger Community Rewards Account # Updated

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Kroger has a Community Rewards Program that allows Brazos Valley Center for Independent Living to receive funds every time our supporters shop at one of their stores.

Kroger is committed to helping our communities grow and prosper. Year after year, local schools, churches and other nonprofit organizations will earn millions of dollars through Kroger Community Rewards®.

Kroger Community Rewards® makes fund-raising easy…all you have to do is shop at Kroger and swipe your Plus Card!

If you would like to be able to donate to us every time you go grocery shopping, follow the steps below

 

First, if you do not already have a Kroger Plus Card, you will need to sign up for one. Go to www.kroger.com/account/create to create an account and follow the steps.

Next, once you have an account or if you already have one, you will login and go to “Account Summary”. If you scroll all the way to the bottom, you will see a section titled “Community Rewards” where you can click the “Enroll” button and it brings you to a search page. Enter the BVCIL NPO number LB493 or just search our name. Then, click enroll. It’s that easy!

Now all you have to do is make sure you use your card at check out when you shop at Kroger and they will automatically donate to us at no extra cost to you!

You must present your Kroger Plus Card or provide your Alternate ID at the register during the transaction in order for it to count towards the program.

You should begin seeing at the bottom of your receipts, “At your request, Kroger is donating to Brazos Valley Center for Independent Living”.

If you have any questions, email shelby@bvcil.org and I will do my best to answer them.