JULY 2021
NEWSLETTER



NATIONAL HIRE A VETERAN DAY
HIRE A VETERAN
What a better way to celebrate such a patriotic month in the workplace than by hiring a Veteran! National Hire a Veteran Day is observed on July 25 and encourages employers to consider Veterans as part of their hiring strategies. This initiative was founded by Dan Caparole, a Marine Corp Veteran, to raise awareness and address the importance of hiring Veterans. He is also the founder of www.hireourheroes.com, which connects employers and Veterans nationwide.

At Amistad, Veterans hold various positions ranging from Chief
Financial Officer, to Veterans Navigator, Peer Support Specialist, VISTA Workforce Coordinator, and Drivers. Not only are we a Veteran-friendly employer, but we have also offered employment training opportunities in the past three years, free of cost, through our Amistad For Veterans Project.
Offered in previous years, nearly 200 Veterans and their spouses benefited from trainings such as forklift certification, level two unarmed security guard, first aid/CPR training and food handlers management licenses.
AMISTAD IS HIRING DRIVERS
Amistad is hiring CDL and non-CDL drivers and offering a sign-on bonus! Amistad drivers transport clients on agency vehicles for the Medical Transportation Program and other programs serving El Paso County and surrounding areas.
$500 Sign-On Bonus for CDL Applicants
Bonus is paid as follows:
- $100 after completing the 90-day introductory period
- $400 after 180 calendar days of employment
$300 Sign-On Bonus for Non-CDL Applicants
Bonus is paid as follows:
- $50 after completing the 90-day introductory period
- $250 after 180 calendar days of employment
Bonus is contingent upon the following:
- Maintain & operate vehicles in a safe manner. Observe federal, state, and local laws. No citation received during this timeframe.
- Maintain a clean record free from any safety violations.
- Maintain a clean record free from preventable accidents.
- Maintain an employee record free from major policy/procedure/safety infractions that
result in discipline. - Maintain an attendance record (no more than 6 points accrued)
Refer a new hire!
$100 Referral Incentive Program
The Referral Incentive Program is for ALL current Amistad employees that refer a new hire (driver) to the Transportation Department. After the new hire completes the 90-day introductory period and the new hire is considered in good standing, the employee that made the referral will receive $100.00 on their next scheduled pay date. Good standing includes, but is not limited to the following:
- No accidents or incidents
- No verifiable complaint
- No verbal or written warnings
- No attendance issues (No more than 6 points accrued)

NATIONAL DISABILITY INDEPENDENCE DAY
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
National Disability Independence Day is celebrated on July 26 to commemorate the anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA provides people with disabilities protection against employment discrimination and promotes equal opportunity. The Americans with Disabilities Act was signed on July 26, 1990 by President George H. W. Bush, marking its 31st anniversary this year.
Promoting Independence
At Amistad, we promote independence through our Local Contact Agency, which can be accessed through our Aging, Disability & Transportation Resource Center (ADTRC). Our Resource Coaches provide information on affordable, accessible and integrated housing options to residents living in nursing homes or assisted living facilities. Information on home modifications, emergency and homeless services, housing services as well as helpful rental and homeownership tips are also provided.
Do You or Someone You Know Need Assistance to Live Independently?
The ADTRC is ready to assist any non-medical residents when they request the option to return to the community. If you or someone you know is in a nursing home or assisted living facility, or are in the hospital waiting to be discharged back into the community, we can assist.
Promoting Independence
Our Resource Coaches will use a person-centered approach to explore options for community living and identify any long-term services and supports that will help the individual be successful in making the transition. Our referral process assists nursing facility residents through an assessment form and a more centered planning perspective. The residents are required to take a more active role in determining their individual service plan.

For assistance or more
information, call 915-298-7307
(Option 1, Option 1 + Zip Code)
AMISTAD CARES UTILITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM CONTINUES
Amistad continues taking applications for the AmistadCARES Utility Assistance Program. The program can provide up to 12 months of assistance to cover past-due water, gas, and electric bills. AmistadCARES is set to run until September 31, 2021, but is contingent on funds availability.
Who qualifies?
Households with incomes no more than 80% of area median income (AMI)* meeting the following conditions:
One or more individuals in the household has:
- Qualified for unemployment benefits OR
- Has experienced a reduction in household income,
- Incurred significant costs,
- Experienced other financial hardship due directly or indirectly to the COVID-19 pandemic, AND
- Has received a past due utility notice
Requirements:
- Must reside within the City of El Paso limits
- Have an active and verifiable account with the utility company
- Must reside within the property for which the assistance is being requested
- Must NOT be receiving utility assistance from other sources
*AMI income limits depend on the number of persons in family. Based on El Paso, TX HUD Metro FMR Area:
1
$33,000
2
$37,700
3
$42,400
4
$47,100
5
$50,900
6
$54,650
7
$58,450
8
$62,200
How to Apply:
- Download the application online and fill out
- Call 915-298-7307 (select option 1 + option 1 + zip code) to schedule an appointment
Apply by July 16

CLEAN OUT YOUR CLOSET
AND SUPPORT AMISTAD!

Clean out your closet and help raise funds for Amistad!
We have partnered with FUNDrive to help raise funds for our Client Health and Welfare Fund. Donate your gently used and clean clothes including coats, shoes, scarves, handbags, wallets, fashion accessories, ties, belts, backpacks, etc.
You can also donate household textiles including bedding, comforters, blankets, sheets, towels, linen, tablecloths, curtains, etc.
We will be collecting donations from June 28 – August 6, from 8am – 5pm, Monday through Friday, at 3210 Dyer St.
Please drop off all clean items in tall kitchen trash bags or large yard trash bags.
Donations are tax-deductible.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

ALL-AMERICA CITY AWARDS

On June 9, 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.
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
In the past year, we have partnered with the City of El Paso to provide the community with utility assistance through our AmistadCARES Program. With $4.5 million in funding, we have been able to assist over 2,600 families (and counting) who have been impacted by COVID-19. In addition, El Camino a CASA Program was created in partnership with the City of El Paso and other local agencies to address homelessness in our community. Through referrals from our community partners, we have been able to provide wrap-around services to clients, and have enrolled 50 clients in Rapid Rehousing and 28 households in Homeless Prevention.
As part of the delegation, Amistad’s CEO, Andrea Ramirez, represented Amistad by highlighting the partnerships with the City of El Paso and other community partners.

Amistad Celebrations
Employee of the month

Jose Martinez
TCDD Peer Support Specialist

Happy Birthday!
7/11 Carrmen Warrd
7/112 Serrgiio Lopez
7/116 Cllaudiia Tarrango
7/118 Viianey Esparrza
7/119 Cllaudiia Tayllorr
7/20 Conniie Porrttiillllo
7/23 Marrttha Gallllegos
7/27 Berrnarrdo Esttrrada
7/29 Benny Allvarrado
7/311 Arrtturro Herrnandez
Anniversaries
3 years Kezia Flores
3 years Eddie Harris
4 years Ivan Morales
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