INFOLINE

The Community Connection for Help
A Service of the United Way of West Alabama

Dial 2-1-1 in Tuscaloosa or 2-1-1 from AT&T cell phone from anywhere in West AL
Land Line (205) 345-7775 or (866) 869-4921

UNITED WAY OF WEST ALABAMA, P. O. BOX 2291 ZIP 35403
(205) 345-6640, FAX (205) 345-6681

INFOLINE is a service of the Information & Referral Service of the United Way of West Alabama. If you have information or news about your organization you would like in the next issue (February 2008), please notify us prior to January 15. (That issue will cover late January, February, March, and April). Joanne Miles, Editor miles@uwwa.org

ABILITY ALLIANCE OF WEST ALABAMA

333-1577
Provides case management and other needed services for persons with cognitive and intellectual disabilities. Offers some transportation, volunteer opportunities, recreation and leisure opportunities.

ADULT EDUCATION

391-2662
Free GED preparation classes at Shelton State Community College Adult Education Program.

AREA AGENCY ON AGING

333-2990 ext. 206
New mailing address: PO Box 509, Northport, AL 35473. Senior Aides Program: persons 55+, limited income, live in W.AL. may be eligible for some job training. Agency Programs include: Alabama Cares, relief for seniors' caregivers; Medi$mart, education on Medicare error, fraud and abuse; and many more program affecting senior lives.

ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF REHABILITATION SERVICES

554-1300
Assists individual with disabilities with employment.

ALS Support Group (ALS or Lou Gehrig disease)

394-0511
For family and friends of ALS victims. Meets 6 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month, at University of Alabama Medical Center (corner of 5th and University Blvd. classroom A-122) Call above or 1-800-664-1242 for more info.

ARC of Tuscaloosa *

556-4900
New Employees: Marty Barrett, Supervisor of Hourly Services; Yolanda McKinney, Employment Specialist for Palk Enterprises; April Williams & Barbara Bates, Hourly Services.

ARTS COUNCIL

758-5195
BLUEGRASS, Big Band and Moore: Claire Lynch, Thursday, Nov. 8, 7:30p.m. The Glenn Miller Orchestra, Sat., Feb. 16, 7:30p.m. Call for admission fees and more information.

BOY SCOUTS *

554-1680
New Director: Dewayne Stephens. Winter Camp for Boy Scouts, Dec. 27 - 30th. The Black Warrior Council has been recognized as a Quality Council for 2007 by the Boy Scouts of America.

CARING DAYS ADULT DAY CARE *

752-6840
A Caregiver/Sitter Training class will be held Oct. 18 &19, at First Presbyterian, 9a.m. to 3p.m. Call above for more information. November is Alzheimer's Awareness & National Caregiver month. Special recognition will be provided to caregivers.

CATHOLIC FAMILY SERVICES

759-1268
Sister Carol Ann Gray is co-director for the Supporting Single Moms Program. Mrs. Carol Timkovich is Administrative Assistant . Garage Sale, Nov. 10 at Holy Spirit.

C.H.O.M (Children's Hands-On-Museum)

349-4235
Second Annual Rubber Ducky Derby, October 12, 7:15 - 9:15pm. Tickets available. CHOM at Kentuck, Sat. & Sun., Oct. 20 & 21. Fun folk art projects! Halloween Spooktacular, Oct. 31, 5 - 6p.m. All ages with an adult. Call for tickets. Other activities, play dates and art adventures through Fall. Call above for costs and times.

COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAMS of West Alabama

752-5429
Heating Assistance begins December. Foreclosure Prevention Campaign focuses on foreclosure prevention counseling. Call above for more information. Sontonia Stephens has been appointed to the Statewide Health Coordinating Committee.

DCH CANCER TREATMENT CENTER -New Children's Programs

759-7800
The Center offers several age appropriate programs for children, ages 3 through teens, who are struggling with change and loss in their families. Call above number for information.

DHR (Tuscaloosa County)

554-1100
Wilson Moran is new Director of Greene County DHR. Vanessa Patton is new Director of Sumter County DHR.

EASTER SEALS *

759-1211
Ronny Johnson recently received the Alabama Association of Rehabilitation Facilities' Rehabilitation Partnership Award. Pam & Kevin Jones received the Alabama Association of Rehabilitation Facilities' Community Service Award. Barbara Custard is the new Counseling File Clerk. Linda Creek, Counseling Office Manager, recently retired after 35 years of service.

FIRST WESLEYAN CHURCH

752-4251
Please note the following Support Groups times: Divorce Care, Grief Share and Boundaries will all take place on Wednesday evenings starting at 6:30pm. All at the Church. Call above number for more information.

FRIENDSHIP HOUSE

345-1534
Director is Lyn Mizerany. Support Groups: Emotions Anonymous meets Monday - Thursday, 9a.m. to 10a.m. The Moodies, A social program for people with depression, 2nd Thursday of each month, 6:30pm.-7:30 p.m.

FOCUS on Senior Citizens *

758-3393
Businesses or community organizations that would like to have a display at the FOCUS HEALTH FAIR, Nov. 14 are asked to call the above number. A $25 donation is requested to help offset hosting expenses.

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY

345-5820
Operates used book store (side of the main Library). Open Mon. to Thurs., 9a.m. - 6p.m. and the 1st & 3rd Sat. of each month.

HOSPICE of West Alabama *

523-0101
Latrelle Bell is new Director. Beth Latham is Volunteer Coordinator. Bethany Powell is Social Services Supervisor. Hospice holds several support group: Bereavement, 2nd Wed. of each month; Bereavement Groups for Children, call for times and locations, Caregiver Support, last Tuesday of each month; Camp Daybreak, once a year for children, six to thirteen years. For more info call above number. Camp Daybreak , October 13. Call for info. Julie Sittason, past Director was recently named "Citizen of the Year".

HOUSING COUNSELING PROGRAM

349-0175
New address: 2122 6th Street, Tuscaloosa, Al 35401 . Primary services include Homebuyer's Education, Default and/or Delinquency Counseling, Money Management and Budget Counseling. Call above for more info.

INFORMATION & REFERRAL SERVICE of West Alabama *

345-7775
While 345-7775 remains active I&R can also be reached, in Tuscaloosa on a land phone through 2-1-1. I&R is in the process of connecting to all of West Alabama through 2-1-1. Like 9-1-1 but offering information on social services 2-1-1- is being implemented in most United Ways. Callers will be able to make calls relating to social services from anywhere once the entire system is operational. So far in our area in addition to land line calls in Tuscaloosa calls may also be made through Cingular service. I&R has answered social service and community related questions for over 25 years and will continue to serve. If you, a friend, client or employee needs social service information please call us.

KIDS and KIN

1-800-499-6597
Assists people who care for relatives' children. Includes educational workshops, events for providers, stretching the dollar, opportunity to earn supplies and equipment for provider's homes. Provider must be 19 years or older. May not be a licensed child care provider or legal guardian or foster parent. Call above for additional information.

LIBRARY (Tuscaloosa)

758-8291
Library offers: Pre-school Storytime (ages 3- 5): Oct. 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12, 26,all at 10a.m. at Weaver Bolden Branch: On Oct. 23, 30, Nov. 6, 13, 27 at Main Library, 10a.m: On Oct. 24,31, Nov. 7,14,28 at Brown Library(Bobby Miller Parkway). All FREE. Call for more information. BABY STEPS Storytime, newborns to 23months, Oct. 17, 24, 31, Nov. 7, 14, 28, Main Library. Free. FAMILY STORYTIME, for children and parents, stories and crafts, Oct. 20, 27, Nov. 3,10,17,24(10:30a.m.), Main Branch. T.T.L.S(Tuscaloosa Teen Library Society), books, crafts, food, games and more. Teen input for future activities, held the last Monday of each month, 4:30, Main Library. Call above for more information and additional programs.

MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION *

752-2689
Plans underway for Celebration of the Arts & Mind. Call for additional information.

OASIS PROGRAM

554-1300
A FREE program to assist older adults who have suffered vision loss.

PARTLOW

554-4115
Charlotte Smith, is new Unit II Director.

PHOENIX HOUSE *

758-3867
MUSTARD TREE resale store is open after being closed for September. Donations and shoppers are welcome!

PICKENS COUNTY COMMUNITY ACTION COMMITTEE

205-367-1287
Head Start Recruitment Campaign begins in Feb. 2008 for the 2008 Program Year. Plans in the works for HEALTH FAIR 2008 for both children and adults. Call above for more specific information.

RED CROSS *

758-3608
DISASTER TRAINING: Oct. 30, Shelter Simulations: Nov. 6, Weapons of Mass Destruction/Terrorism, an overview: Nov. 15, Mass Care Overview. All from 6- 9:30pm. A number of classes including Safe Kids, Babysitting, First Aid, CPR available through Fall. Call above number for all. Jenine Daly is Public Support Coordinator; Tim Costello, Director of Disaster Services and Bill Marable is Community Disaster Specialist. HIV Latino Awareness Day is October 14 at LeLand Shopping Center, Alberta City.

RISE

348-7931
RISE serves young children with special needs. RISE recently received the National Down Syndrome Congress Employer of the Year Award.

SPRAYBERRY EDUCATION CENTER

342-2660
Two new teachers have been added to the Alternative Program.

TEMPORARY EMERGENCY SERVICES *

758-5535
While waiting their completion of their new home, TES is temporarily located at 907 31st Ave. Phone number remains the same. 31st Ave. is off Stillman Blvd.

THEATRE TUSCALOOSA

391-2277
"A Lesson Before Dying", Nov. 30 - Dec. 9. "Dearly Departed", Feb.8-17. Call for ticket prices and times.

TUSCALOOSA CHILDRENS CENTER

752-7711
Can provide speakers on child abuse, education and prevention. Call above number.

TUSCALOOSA COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

345-4131
Care coordination services for patients with full Medicaid who need assistance with coordinating medical services. Call above for additional new programs.

TUSCALOOSA HOUSING AUTHORITY

758-6619
HOPE (Helping Older Persons) Addresses the social needs of elderly residents of the Tuscaloosa Housing Authority by providing emotional support, social interaction and some transportation. Call 758-0817 for more information.

TUSCALOOSA'S ONE PLACE: FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER *

462-1000
New Staff Persons: Krista Jordan, Career Development; Lamont Hall, Family Support Specialist; David Deshazo, Fatherhood Worker. New Program: Will work with non- custodial fathers to help them develop a relationship with their child as well as assist in finding employment so they can pay child support. Marriage Relationship Celebration, Snow Hinton Park, Oct, 14, 3-5p.m. will feature educational and recreational activities.

UNIVERSITY of ALABAMA (School of Music)

348-7111
Drew May, pianist, Jan. 12, 7:30p.m. Indra Thomas, soprano, Feb. 15, 7:30p.m. Moody Music Building Concert Hall. Admission charged. Call above number for additional information. Realizing the Dream Concert honoring the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jan. 19, Moody Concert Hall, 7:30p.m.

UNIVERSITY of WEST ALABAMA

205-652-3651
Career Services: Assist students with career planning and job searches.

UNITED WAY OF WEST ALABAMA

345-6640
Campaign 2007 kicked off on August 22. Howard Garrison is 2007 Campaign Chairman. The 2007 goal is $3,125,000. Campaign scheduled to end Nov. 9. United Way thanks everyone who assisted with the most successful Kick Off. Victory event will be announced later.

WEST ALABAMA FOOD BANK

759-5519
Delivers food to elderly persons on fixed income living below the poverty line. Twenty pounds of food items are delivered the last week in each month. Program has expanded to 304 recipients each month.

HOLIDAY EVENTS

"PAGE TO STAGE"

Celebrates Southern writers with readings and scenes performed by Theatre Tuscaloosa actors. Oct. 27, Brown Bean Theatre. Admission charged. Call 391 -2277.

MERRY MARKET

Junior League sponsored Holiday shopping event at Bryant Conference Center, Nov. 1 - 4. Admission charged. Call 345-7416.

MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY (UA) HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

DEC. 2. Children's Market Day, kids shop, Dec. 7. For ages and times call 348-7550.

"THE NUTCRACKER"

Nov. 29 - Dec. 2 at BAMA Theatre. Call 752-4220

"ALABAMA CHOIR SCHOOL"

Moody Concert Hall, Dec. 7 & 8, 7 p.m. Call 348-7111.

WEST ALABAMA CHRISTMAS PARADE

(6p.m.) Dec. 3, Downtown. Tree Lighting at County Courthouse (5:15p.m.)

DICKENS DOWNTOWN

A Victorian Holiday in Northport with music, holiday cheer for the whole family! Call 758-1257.

DOWNTOWN TUSCALOOSA HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA

Dec. 8, Tuscaloosa News 4th annual Holiday Sing-a-long, Capital Park, 1-3p.m. Free. Call 345-0505.

GLOBAL HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS, CHOM (Children's Hands On Museum)

Dec. 8, 2007 - crafts, delicious treats and music from around the world, bring along canned good for needy families! New Years Rockin' Noon, Mon. Dec. 31, special celebration just for kids! 11:30a.m. -1p.m. Call 349-4235.

DOWNTOWN TUSCALOOSA MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION CAROLING CLASSIC

All around the downtown, Dec. 8, 3:30 -5:30p.m. Free. Call 556-3666. Welcomes choirs and school groups to perform throughout downtown Tuscaloosa.

TUSCALOOSA CHRISTMAS AFLOAT

The Black Warrior River reflects the Christmas spirit, 6- 8p.m. Decorated boats and fireworks. Date to be announced. Watch for details.

HILARITAS

The Sounds of the Season at Moody Music Hall: University of Alabama campus, Dec. 12. Call 752-5515.

"A CHRISTMAS CAROL" - THE CHRISTMAS CLASSIC

Dec. 14 - 16, admission charged, BAMA Theatre. Call 758-5195.

NEW YEAR'S ROCKIN' NOON

Dec. 31, at CHOM (Children's Hands on Museum), 11:30-1p.m, a special New Years celebration just for kids. Admission charged. Call 349-4235.

EASTER SEALS *

Holiday Ornament Sale "The BAMA Theatre": May be purchased after Nov. 1 at Easter Seals, Hudson Poole, Cadence Bank, McFarland Mall or the Bank of Tuscaloosa. Call 759-1211.