Texas Rehabilitation Association
17424 W. Grand Parkway, Suite 422.
Sugar Land, TX, 77479
T: 713.818.1852 •F: 281.343.0357
E-MAIL

SAARA's new board members have been installed and are already at work for 2004. New Officers are
Marcine Garis, President; Paul McCollum, President-Elect; Jackie Pannell, Vice President;
Marilyn Padgett, Past President; Anna Marie Posey, Secretary; and Nelda Sanchez, Treasurer.
Board members are Lupe Armendariz, Beth Settle, Sandy Ganske, Lynn Keith, Gary Gordon, and
Rose Mary Trejo. SAARA's Board invites you to attend our monthly meetings held the first
Wednesday of each month from Noon to 1 pm. Check this TRA website calendar for dates, location, and details.

SAARA has an established grants program, whereby 75% of all net proceeds from fund-raising activities are designated for grants for persons with disabilities with a maximum of $500 year designated for student registrations to TRA/SAARA training programs. In 2003, SAARA awarded $1,279.78 in grants to persons with disabilities and $500 for 5 studnet registrations to the TRA Conference. SAARA planned and conducted their Annual December Training Conference which offered 5 hours of continuing education credits to members and non-members.

Membership recruitment efforts included inviting people to attend our monthly meetings so they could learn who we are and what we do. In 2003, we held meetings at various locations: Easter Seals, Vista/Terra Health, and Lighthouse for the Blind. This was done to inform members/visitors of community services and to promote awareness of the mission of TRA/SAARA. We used the new TRA website to promote SAARA's annual conference and to post monthly meetings. Members participated in supporting the Alamo Head Injury Association by setting up chairs for persons with disabilities at two of the Fiesta Parades. We used e-mail to share state and national legislative information with members and "Friends of SAARA". This information was also shared with the TRA Board. Fund-raising activities for 2003 included a spring Garage Sale, Cookbook Sale, and the December Annual Conference. As noted above, 75% of net income is designated for grants and 25% for administrative costs.

2004 ACTIVITIES:
Sale of cookbooks is an ongoing activity. SAARA members shared their favorite recipes for our cookbook. These are great gifts for only $7.00!! You may order a cookbook by calling Lupe Armendariz at 210-614-3911. (If you require shipping, that cost will be added to your order.) Remember, 75% of your purchase goes directly to grants for persons with disabilities.
Garage Sale on April 3, 2004
December 2004 Annual Conference and Social
Training at 2 monthly meetings
Monthly e-mails of information and reminders to members and associates
Use of TRA Website to promote activities and post activities on the calendar