Dear BCC Community,
On behalf of the Bastrop County Cares Board of Directors, I am thrilled to announce that the BCC Board of Directors named Norma Mercado BCC’s new Executive Director. Norma will begin her new role later this month. Norma is strategic and focused and will build on the existing strengths of the organization to implement the Strategic Plan the Board adopted earlier this year.
Norma has over 24 years of experience working in the educational setting and completed her Masters in Social Work at Texas State University. She has a passion for advocating for at-risk children, youth, and families.
Norma’s personal experience with homelessness, teen pregnancy, and poverty fuels her passion to help others overcome adversity. Norma’s tireless efforts have been instrumental in the coordination of wraparound services now being offered at the Bastrop Independent School Districts’ Family Resource Center, which includes a health clinic, clothes closet, adult ESL/GED classes, mental health services, utility assistance, and social services.
Norma is passionate about helping communities thrive and strongly advocates for supporting Bastrop County Cares’ mission to “improve the conditions where our neighbors live, work, pray, and play.”
Norma shared the following reflection about her new role: “A proverb that resonates with me as an educator and community leader is, ‘Give a man a fish, and he will eat for a day. Teach a man how to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.’
As the new Executive Director of Bastrop County Cares, I am excited to work with the Bastrop County community to achieve our vision of a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Our vision is ambitious, but it is achievable. We have a talented and dedicated team and are committed to making a difference in the lives of those we serve.”
She continued, “The key will be to focus on collaboration and innovation. We need to be willing to take risks and try new things. We will work together to develop new and effective ways to address our community’s challenges. I am confident that we can create a better future for everyone together. I am committed to working with all of you to achieve our vision. I appreciate your support and am honored to be part of the BCC team and the Bastrop County community.”
Please join the Board of Directors in welcoming Norma to Bastrop County Cares!
Sincerely,
Catherine Pressler
Board Chairman
Bastrop County Cares