JANUARY 2022 NEWSLETTER
2021: YEAR IN REVIEW
Navigating through the second year of the pandemic has definitely not been an easy task, but even as the world shifts towards the “new norm,” there is still a great need for assistance in our communities. Being a servant leader for over 45 years, Amistad pivoted resources to adapt to the current needs of El Pasoans. As we look ahead to 2022 and prepare for new challenges and opportunities, we would like to take a moment to pause and look back at all the amazing accomplishments that were made possible thanks to the support of our community partners, donors, and staff.
MLK DAY OF SERVICE FOOD DRIVE
Food insecurity in our community has been more prevalent throughout the pandemic. In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, Amistad held a food drive to help meet this need. There was an outpour of generosity from community members, organizations and businesses! In addition, El Paso Behavioral Health System donated $1,000 towards the cause. Donations collected during the week were distributed to families in need on January 18, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, via a drive-thru food distribution event. Together we were able to provide food for approximately 1,500 people!
AMISTAD TRANSPORTS SENIORS TO COVID-19 VACCINE MEGA SITE
As COVID-19 vaccines became available at the beginning of the year for high-risk populations, Amistad partnered with the Housing Opportunity Management Enterprises (HOME) to transport 600 of their elderly residents to the El Paso County Coliseum to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
On February 5th and February 26th, Amistad coordinated eight vehicles to provide transportation services for elderly residents from 12 HOME complexes to the El Paso County Coliseum where University Medical Center (UMC) of El Paso staff administered the first and second dose of COVID-19 vaccines to hundreds of the most vulnerable residents. Amistad’s fleet helped provide transportation to those who might otherwise not have had access to the vaccination sites.
This event was also made possible in collaboration with El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego and the County of El Paso.
AMISTAD COLLECTED HYGIENE PRODUCTS FOR ELDERLY CLIENTS
Amistad’s VISTA Program and El Paso Community College’s Respiratory Care Technology Program partnered to collect adult diapers, sizes small, medium, and extra-large, as well as other hygiene items. A total of 418 adult diaper bags were collected during the donation drive!
AMISTAD’S 45TH BIRTHDAY!
In 2021, Amistad celebrated 45 years of serving El Paso and Far West Texas! To celebrate, Amistad held a fundraiser, which helped raise nearly $84,000 towards the Client Health and Welfare Fund (CHWF), surpassing the $45,000 goal! The CHWF provides additional support for our clients to help meet their basic needs.
As part of the celebration, Amistad held a drive-thru donation parade and a cook out to thank staff, sponsors, and Board of Directors.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
AMISTAD HOLDS COVID-19 VACCINATION CLINICS
As COVID-19 vaccines became more readily available to the public, Amistad held several vaccination clinics throughout the year by partnering with the Texas State Office of Emergency Management and San Vicente Clinic. Amistad clients, staff, family members, and the community at large, were invited to receive first and second doses of Pfizer vaccines. Amistad helped more than 100 individuals get vaccinated against COVID-19.
ALL-AMERICAN CITY AWARDS
On June 9th, the City of El Paso was named an All-America City Award winner by the National Civic League! The All-America City Awards recognize communities that leverage civic engagement, collaboration, inclusiveness and innovation to successfully address local issues. Amistad had the opportunity to be part of the 2021 All-America City delegation that represented El Paso in the national spotlight.
The City of El Paso won by outlining three community projects that address the community’s most pressing challenges and improving the quality of life and place for its residents.
- El Paso United Family Resiliency Center
- COVID Response for Vulnerable Population
- Equity Response to Tragedy
Since 2020, Amistad has partnered with the City of El Paso to provide the community with utility assistance through our Amistad CARES Program. With $4.5 million in funding, Amistad has been able to assist over 6,700 families who have been impacted by COVID-19. In addition, Amistad was awarded $2.2 Million dollars in federal funding to establish the El Camino a CASA Program. In partnership with the City of El Paso, Emergency Shelters and other local agencies, this program addresses homelessness in our community. Through referrals from the Coordinated Entry system, we have been able to engage homeless clients through Street outreach, provide wraparound services and enroll participants in Rapid Rehousing and Homeless Prevention services.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS HIGHLIGHT
In 2021, El Paso Electric (EPE) inducted Amistad into their Community Partner Program! The program provides support to community-based and nonprofit organizations in our community. EPE awarded Amistad $6,000, which provided funding towards the Client Health and Welfare Fund (CHWF) and the
Transportation Department. In addition, we partnered to reach EPE customers and help pay past due electric bills through our AmistadCARES Utility Assistance Program.
2021 WOMEN OF IMPACT
Amistad’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Andrea Ramirez, was recognized in El Paso Inc.’s 2021 Women of Impact along with five other strong female leaders! This recognition highlights their dedication and contribution they bring to the community.
BEST OF EL PASO WINNER!
For a second year in a row, Amistad was voted as one of the best nonprofits from El Paso Inc.’s Best of El Paso 2021. Amistad is proud to serve those in need and the support we receive from the community allows us to continue our Mission.
THANK YOU
A special Thank You to our employee monthly donors!
Gerardo Blanco
Celia Garcia
Mireya Lopez
Jose Martinez
Rosa Payan
Andrea Ramirez
EL PASO GIVING DAY
THANK YOU to all of our donors who supported Amistad on El Paso Giving Day! Every single donation will help make a positive impact in someone’s life.
Individual donors play a key role, as every dollar helps Amistad continue programs that assist Veterans, persons with physical, developmental or intellectual disabilities, the elderly, persons at risk, and our homeless population.
A very special THANK YOU to Helen of Troy for their generous $10,000 gift, to Hoy Family Auto for sponsoring the $1,000 Traffic Jam Power Hour, and Walmart for matching $350 in donations!
CONSUMER HEALTH INSURANCE MARKETPLACE
Consumer Health Insurance Marketplace Enrollment Services (CHIMES) is now available through January 15, 2022. Here’s what you need to know, according to HealthCare.gov:
- This year, a new law, American Rescue Plan (ARP), provides greatly improved financial assistance, which can significantly lower people’s premiums.
- Four out of five people will be able to find plans for $10/month or less after newly expanded financial assistance.
- With the new law, millions more people qualify for tax incentives that lower their premiums.
These are quality, comprehensive health plans that offer doctor visits, emergency care, preventive care, hospital care, and prescription drugs. - Consumers who enroll by December 15, 2021 can get coverage that starts January 1, 2022.
- There is more help available this year. Consumers can access assisters and Champions for Coverage in nearly every state and county on the Marketplace.
Amistad’s Consumer Health Insurance Marketplace and Enrollment Services (CHIMES) Navigators can guide you through the enrollment process.
For assistance, call 1-877-595-1788.
HOLIDAY CHEER!
Amistad’s staff from the El Camino A CASA Program brought holiday cheer to our clients! Through Toys for Tots and other organizations, they helped brighten children’s holidays by collecting toys and gifts. The El Camino A CASA Program is dedicated to provide wrap-around services to our homeless population or those at risk of becoming homeless. Our dedicated case workers go above and beyond for our clients who are homeless, but their love for children also shines through!
FESTIVE HOLIDAY SWEATER CONTEST
Congratulations to Joan Lujan and Michelle Hazelwood, winners of the Festive Holiday Sweater Contest!
HOLIDAY CHEER!
As a token of appreciation from the Corporate Management Team (CMT), our Board of Directors enjoyed a holiday dinner at Amistad. We are extremely thankful for their support, time, and expertise they provide year-round!
HOLIDAY CHEER!
Amistad’s management team plays a key role in keeping the organization sailing smoothly. We were happy to be able to celebrate the holidays as an Amistad family!
HOLIDAY CHEER!
Our amazing staff enjoyed a delicious holiday lunch and had the opportunity to win some exciting raffle prizes! A special Thank You to Victor from San Jose Funeral Homes for sponsoring the raffle prizes for our staff.
Amistad Celebrations
Employee of the month
Erika Sanchez
ADTRC Grant Administrator
WELCOME
Kristina Peña
Community Relations Manager
Kristina Peña is a proud born and raised El Pasoan. She most recently served as the Coaching and Connecting Coordinator for the El Paso Chamber from December 2018 through December 2021. As a volunteer in a grassroots campaign, this fueled her passion for community involvement and a change in her educational studies to Organizational Communications & Public Administration. She hopes to bring the same passion and strategic planning learned from her previous roles to serve as the Community Relations Manager at Amistad. As a native El Pasoan, her journey is to “support local” as much as she can to shop at local restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques. She enjoys cooking new recipes, early morning walks and reaching for a good book when she can. Welcome Kristina to Amistad!
Employee of the month
Every Veterans Day we celebrate and recognize our very own Amistad Veterans with an appreciation breakfast. We are grateful for their service to our country and the work they do for our community!
Happy Birthday!
Anniversaries
