6 minute read
Medical Focus
Receives $236,500 for Housing
CommunityBank of Texas, N.A. and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) have awarded a $236,500 Affordable Housing Program (AHP) subsidy to Fort Bend Women’s Center (FBWC) for a $3.8 million expansion of its longer-stay housing community.
FBWC helps survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and their children find safety and self-sufficiency. It operates the only crisis hotline and emergency shelter for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Fort Bend County, Texas.
FBWC plans to build an additional 22 new units at its a longer-stay housing facility for a combined total of 49 units where abuse survivors and their families can stay until they meet their goal of self-sufficiency.
“When survivors and their children are ready to exit the emergency shelter and transition to independence, one of the chief factors that could cause them to return to their abuser is the inability to find an affordable place to live,” said Vita Goodell, executive director of FBWC. “The funds from CommunityBank of Texas and FHLB Dallas will help us build much-needed housing.”
AHP funds are intended to assist FHLB Dallas members in financing the purchase, construction and/or rehabilitation of owner-occupied, rental or transitional housing and housing for homeless individuals. AHP funds must be used to benefit households with incomes at or below 80 percent of the median income for the area.
“We are proud to be part of FBWC’s long-term vision in breaking the cycle of domestic violence,” said Brandi Gregg, executive vice president and chief compliance officer at CommunityBank of Texas.
In 2020, FHLB Dallas awarded $19.3 million in subsidies to 38 affordable housing projects. The subsidies will help create 2,749 new or rehabilitated housing units. Included in that total is $10.2 million in subsidies for 1,475 units of housing in Texas.
Since the AHP’s inception in 1990, FHLB Dallas has awarded more than $323 million in AHP and Homeownership Set-Aside Programs and has assisted more than 57,000 households.
“FBWC’s longer-term community will house women and children who might otherwise be homeless or face returning to an abusive situation. It’s an example of the way AHP funding can change lives for the better,” said Greg Hettrick, first vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas. “We are pleased to partner with CommunityBank of Texas on FBWC’s vision.”
For more information about the AHP, visit fhlb.com/ ahp.
Naureen Ahmeduddin, D.O., and Gilberto Sustache, M.D.
Houston Methodist Welcomes Gilberto Sustache, M.D., and Naureen Ahmeduddin, D.O., to Houston Methodist Primary Care Group at Brooks Street
Houston Methodist Primary Care Group is pleased to welcome Gilberto Sustache, M.D., and Naureen Ahmeduddin, D.O. Sustache and Ahmeduddin join Asisat Ope, M.D. and Ali Sawal, D.O., at the Brooks Street practice in Sugar Land.
Sustache is a board-certified family medicine physician providing preventive care and wellness maintenance. His clinical expertise includes health screenings, minor procedures and men’s health, as well as thyroid concerns.
Sustache received his medical degree from the University of Massachusetts in Worcester, Massachusetts, then completed his residency at Memorial Family Medicine Residency Program in Sugar Land. “Having served in this community for 20 years, I look forward to joining Houston Methodist and partnering with my patients in their plan of care,” said Sustache.
As a board-certified family medicine physician, Ahmeduddin specializes in acute and chronic care, including men’s health, complete physicals, preventive care and women’s health.
Ahmeduddin earned her medical degree from Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Henderson, Nevada, and finished her internship at Memorial Family Medicine Residency Program in Sugar Land. She completed her residency at Memorial Family Medicine Residency Program in Sugar Land, where she also served as chief medical resident.
“My goal is to provide personalized care to all my patients,” said Ahmeduddin. “I prioritize open communication and patient education so that my patients can take ownership of their health.
Houston Methodist Primary Care Group at Brooks Street is located at 1201 Brooks St., Suite 100, Sugar Land, TX 77478. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Sustache or Dr. Ahmeduddin, or to find a Houston Methodist Primary Care physician in the Fort Bend county area, visit houstonmethodist.org/ pcg/southwest or call 281.930.6639.
Visit houstonmethodist.org/sugarland to learn more about Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.
Fort Bend Education Foundation 18th Annual Zuhnë Education Expedition a Recommended Ride
Grab your cycling gear and join the 18th Annual Zuhnë Education Expedition Bike Ride! On Saturday, March 27th, the Fort Bend Education Foundation will host its 18th annual bike ride. Whether you are training or just wanting a great day with friends, this is the ride for you.
Riders take off at 7:30 am from Ken Hall Stadium (located at Hightower High School in Missouri City) to wind through the quiet streets and countryside of Fort Bend and Brazoria Counties before looping back home. Riders have the option of three routes: 29, 47 and 76 miles.
Rest stops are themed and staffed by Fort Bend ISD high school students vying for the “Best Rest Stop” award. SAG wagon and motorcycle support will be on the course to assist with any needs. After the ride, pick up a “grab n go” lunch and don’t forget to vote for the favorite Rest Stop!
The ride will adhere to any socially distancing guidelines applicable at the time of the ride. The ride will follow safety protocols, including but not limited to, a rolling start, masks except when riding and/or eating and individually wrapped/prepackaged food.
This ride is a recommended ride and all proceeds benefit the Education Foundation. The Fort Bend Education Foundation provides opportunities to enrich and enhance the quality of education for all Fort Bend ISD students through its Grants to Teachers and Schools programs. They touch every school in Fort Bend ISD!
Libraries Present Online Local History Programs for Texas History Month In March
In recognition of Texas History Month, Fort Bend County Libraries’ Local History and Genealogy Department will present two online programs in March for local history buffs.
On Monday, March 15th, Carol Beauchamp will present “The Story of the Runaway Scrape.” After word of the fall of the Alamo reached the Texians in 1836, panic ensued and a mass exodus took place in an effort to outrun the approaching Mexican Army. Learn what these early colonists endured as they ran for their lives.
On Monday, March 22nd, Genealogy and Local History department manager Daniel Sample will present “A History of Booth, Texas.” Sample will share a brief history of the community of Booth, Texas, in southeast Fort Bend County. He will also talk about the old Booth school building.
These online, pre-recorded videos can be viewed on the Fort Bend County Libraries website at www.fortbend.lib.tx.us.
Erma Trevino, Ronnie Williams, Bill Dillon, Rick Pal, Hillary Dunn, Angela Martinez and Ron Bailey.
Special thanks to Zuhnë for pedaling in to sponsor this year’s ride. Register online at https://runsignup.com/zuhneeducationexpedition before the event day to prevent any distractions on the ride morning. For more information, go to fortbendisd.com/ foundation.
Ann Bertles, MD Board Certified Ob/Gyn
Amanda Smith, PA-C
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