El Puente

06/08/2026

This challenge feels especially meaningful this month. In recent days, many of our neighbors have experienced uncertainty and fear, and we've also witnessed something beautiful—the overwhelming support of people who chose to show up with kindness, encouragement, practical help, and compassion.

Supporting our neighbors doesn't always require grand gestures. Sometimes it looks like listening, offering a ride, sharing resources, checking in, or simply reminding someone they are not alone.

This month, we invite you to look around and ask: Who needs support today? Then take one step toward them.

Small acts of love have a way of making a big difference.

Este desafío se siente especialmente significativo este mes. En los últimos días, muchos de nuestros vecinos han experimentado incertidumbre y temor, pero también hemos sido testigos de algo hermoso: el apoyo abrumador de personas que decidieron estar presentes con bondad, ánimo, ayuda práctica y compasión.

Apoyar a nuestros vecinos no siempre requiere grandes gestos. A veces significa escuchar, ofrecer transporte, compartir recursos, preguntar cómo están o simplemente recordarles que no están solos.

Este mes, te invitamos a mirar a tu alrededor y preguntarte: ¿Quién necesita apoyo hoy? Luego, da un paso hacia esa persona.

Los pequeños actos de amor tienen el poder de generar un gran impacto.

05/30/2026

❤️ To everyone who has reached out, offered help, prayed, donated, delivered food, provided transportation, or simply asked how our Hispanic neighbors are doing—thank you.

The love and support we’ve witnessed from this community has been overwhelming in the best way.

We’ve shared your messages of encouragement with families, and they have been deeply touched to know that so many people care about them and are standing with them during this time.

Many of you have offered to help, and we’ve already called on several volunteers to meet immediate needs. If you haven’t heard from us, please know it’s only because the response has been so tremendous. We may still reach out in the days ahead.

But whether or not we ever call, your willingness to help has already made a difference. It has reminded our neighbors that they are seen, valued, and loved by this community.

In moments like these, kindness matters. And you have shown an abundance of it.

Thank you for being the kind of community that shows up for your neighbors. We are grateful for each of you. ❤️

05/29/2026

Animamos a nuestra comunidad a tomarse un tiempo para revisar esta importante información proporcionada por Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition [TIRRC].

Conoce Tus Derechos: https://www.instagram.com/p/DKf44nztWtw/?carousel_share_child_media_id=3647884258090194308_1796074566&img_index=5

Conoce Tus Derechos, Mientras Estás Detinido: https://www.instagram.com/p/DLDMHhFvlLj/?carousel_share_child_media_id=3657820499993390094_1796074566&img_index=5

05/29/2026

Many of you have reached out asking how you can support our Hispanic neighbors and friends during this difficult and uncertain time in Cookeville. Many families are experiencing fear, instability, and urgent practical needs.

As a community, we have the opportunity to respond with compassion and care. Below are a few tangible ways you can help support individuals and families in the days and weeks ahead.

05/27/2026

☀️ Nutrición Escolar del Condado de Putnam: ¡Programa de Comidas de Verano! ☀️

¡Este verano hay comidas gratuitas y nutritivas disponibles para los niños y adolescentes de la localidad! Si sus hijos no asisten a programas de aprendizaje de verano presenciales ni a campamentos SAC, aun así pueden obtener comidas frescas y saludables en varios lugares de fácil acceso.

Aquí tienen todo lo que necesitan saber:

👥 ¿Quién es elegible?
Cualquier persona de 18 años de edad o menos.
No deben estar asistiendo a programas de aprendizaje de verano presenciales ni a campamentos SAC.
⚠️ Nota: Los niños DEBEN estar presentes en el momento de la recogida para recibir una comida.

📍 Lugares y fechas de recogida
Martes (2/6, 9/6, 16/6, 23/6, 30/6):
Burks Elementary
Cookeville High School

Jueves (4/6, 11/6, 18/6, 25/6, 2/7):
Prescott South Elementary
Upperman High School

⏰ Horario de recogida: De 10:00 a. m. a 1:00 p. m. en todos los lugares.

📲 Cómo inscribirse
¡Escanee el código QR situado en la esquina inferior izquierda de la imagen para registrar a sus hijos y asegurar sus comidas!

Asegurémonos de que ningún niño pase hambre este verano. ¡Por favor, comparta esta publicación con amigos, vecinos y familias del condado de Putnam! 🍎🥦

05/26/2026

Many relationships at El Puente began with one simple act of welcome.
This is how community grows.

Muchas relaciones en El Puente comenzaron con un sencillo acto de bienvenida.
Así es como crece la comunidad.

05/21/2026

¡Acompáñanos en la Feria Comunitaria para Bebés con Mother to Mother!
Habrá artículos gratuitos para bebés, pañales, ropa, juguetes, recursos comunitarios y más para familias embarazadas o con niños menores de 5 años.

3 de junio de 2026 | 10 AM–12 PM
Iglesia Católica St. Thomas Aquinas, Cookeville
¡Regístrate escaneando el código QR en el volante!

05/20/2026

Cafecito is today! Come join us!

05/19/2026

Muchos de ustedes ya estaban al tanto de esto más temprano hoy. Todas las escuelas han sido despejadas y son seguras.

On Tuesday, May 19, 2026, officers with the Cookeville Police Department responded to multiple schools within the city limits of Cookeville following reports of potential active threats. The schools involved included Cookeville High School, Cane Creek Elementary School, Jere Whitson Elementary School, Highland Rim Academy, and Capshaw Elementary School.

Officers responded immediately and worked closely with school administrators and partner agencies to assess and secure each campus. After thorough investigations and safety checks, all schools were cleared and determined to have no active threats.

Out of an abundance of caution, officers are also conducting increased patrols and maintaining an active law enforcement presence at additional schools within the city limits, including Prescott South Elementary School, Northeast Elementary School, Sycamore Elementary School, Avery Trace Middle School, and Park View Elementary School. Officers will continue to remain highly visible throughout the school day to help ensure the safety and reassurance of students, staff, and parents.

The Cookeville Police Department understands the concern and anxiety situations like this create within our community. The safety of our schools and children remains our highest priority, and we are committed to responding quickly and thoroughly to all reported threats.

We are supporting the ongoing investigation being conducted by lead agencies and will continue to provide any assistance necessary in response to these incidents. Threats toward schools are taken extremely seriously, and law enforcement agencies will work together to ensure the safety of our community and hold the responsible party accountable.

We appreciate the cooperation of school staff, parents, students, and the community during today’s response efforts.

05/19/2026

At El Puente, we’ve learned that curiosity builds understanding and strengthens relationships.

En El Puente hemos aprendido que la curiosidad construye entendimiento y fortalece las relaciones.