MARCH 2022 NEWSLETTER

We’re turning 46!
Amistad was built 46 years ago on the humble beginnings of a promise made by friends seated at the small table in Mrs. Lucy Acosta’s kitchen to support the impoverished in our community by providing transportation to doctor’s appointments. Today, Amistad has been transformed into a multifaceted agency devoted to providing valuable resources to the West Texas region.

Amistad, like many other non-profit agencies in our community had to act fast during the surge of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, 2021, and 2022, but through perseverance, Amistad has continued to support the disenfranchised in our community. Our mission is simple, but it is what we at Amistad have come to embody in every way. Today, our agency has expanded to provide over 30 different
programs and social services through advocacy, counseling, donations, access to healthcare, transportation, and utility assistance.

Through the dedication of our passionate staff, our Board of Directors, community partners, donors, and volunteers, Amistad continues to impact the lives of thousands every day. Every partnership, donation, and volunteer hour allows us to serve our clients and all in the community who need the helping and healing hand of a friend. After all, Amistad means friendship, and we thank you for the opportunity to wrap our wings around those who need
us the most.

Support Our Mission!
For our 45th birthday, you helped us celebrate, and we want to invite you to celebrate with us again. Our birthday not only marks the start of Amistad, but the start of a community partnership dedicated to helping those in need. Help us continue our mission of providing social services to the impoverished in our community by helping us surpass last year’s goal of $45,000 in 45 days.

Interested in providing a larger contribution on
behalf of your organization?

We have a corporate sponsorship for you! Contact our Community
Relations Manager today to see how your organization can donate
and be highlighted during our celebration.
Contact Kristina Pena at [email protected] for more
information.

March is Women’s History Month!
We celebrate Women’s History Month to remind ourselves of the accomplishments of women throughout the years to our culture and society. That might seem like a generic description of this month’s recognitions, but we ask you to take some time to reflect on the adversities, accomplishments, and small liberties we take for granted, no matter our gender. We at Amistad are proud to have created a platform of equality in the workplace and are grateful for our women in leadership. Though the feminist movement and others have been the catalysts for change, we encourage you to use this month to advocate for
equality, thank a mentor, or become a mentor. Set the example that opportunities in the workplace and society should be obtainable for all.

The Monthly Catch-Up

Amistad Cares

Amistad’s partnership with the City of El Paso allowed us to provide utility assistance for thousands in our area during the pandemic. We at Amistad are thrilled to announce that these services have been extended to those who:

Are currently renting
Reside within City of El Paso limits
Are at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI)
Have experienced direct or indirect hardship due to the pandemic

Applicants MUST meet ALL qualifications for approval. If you or someone you know need assistance, contact us today.

(Option 1, Option 1, Zip Code)

Disability Awareness

March is also Disability Awareness Month, and we at Amistad encourage you to raise awareness about the support, rights, and celebrate the contributions individuals with disabilities contribute to our community.
Amistad’s Peer Support Specialist Network empowers individuals with Developmental Disabilities (DD/IDD) in institutional settings. We encourage those with a physical&/or intellectual development disability interested in becoming a mentor to contact us today!

Lending a Helping Hand

Mr. Eddie Teofilo is a 31-year-old single father to a 10-month-old son named Marley. He and his girlfriend were having a difficult time in their home state of California, and at times experienced homelessness. They decided to move to El Paso in hopes of better opportunities and to be closer to his girlfriend’s family. Mr. Teofilo and his girlfriend were able to stabilize and secure an apartment before the birth of their son. With assistance through staffing agencies, Mr. Teofilo was able to maintain employment throughout the pandemic until October of 2021. During this time, he was notified a close family member had passed away, and so Mr. Teofilo traveled to California for the services. Upon his return to El Paso, he found his then 7-month-old alone in the apartment. He later discovered his girlfriend had returned to California, leaving their son behind. Without a support system in El Paso. Mr. Teofilo had no way of providing care for his son. This caused him to lose his job and eventually his apartment. He and his son moved into the Salvation Army Family Shelter in October and were later referred to Amistad’s El Camino a Casa Program. With Amistad’s assistance, Mr. Teofilo and his son were re-housed the first week of December and were provided with necessary furniture like a bed and crib through donations from community members.
Recently, Mr. Teofilo experienced excessive tire damage to his vehicle. With unreliable transportation, he was concerned for the wellbeing of his son and bring able to attend his job training program. Mr. Teofilo reached out and asked if there was any assistance that could be offered. Through perseverance and several phone calls made to Discount Tire, Mr. Teofilo was able to have his tires replaced. The managers and staff at Discount Tires opened their doors and serviced his vehicle at no cost to him. We at Amistad are always willing to provide assistance if we are able. Now Mr. Teofilo is able to continue his training program and provide reliable transportation for himself and his son.

Thank You for Your Service

Our Guardianship Program always works diligently to provide quality care to clients, but many times, we’re not legal experts. Through partnerships over the years, Amistad has been able to work with legal advocates in our community who are knowledgeable and just as passionate as our Intensive Case Managers. One of these individuals is attorney Karin Carson.

Karin has represented the Amistad Guardianship Program since December of 2018, and has practiced Estate Planning, Probate Law, Estate Administration, Elder Law, and Guardianship for 32 years. She has been a strong advocate for Amistad and our clients, ensuring they receive quality care assurance. It is with a heavy heart that we must say goodbye to Karin, as she will be retiring from her position. We are forever grateful for the service she has provided to our agency and our clients. We wish her a happy retirement after her years of service.

Amistad Announcements

Employee of the Month

Congratulations Aurelio Ochoa! Aurelio has consistently displayed a
positive attitude and strong teamwork. He is never one to shy away from extra shifts or training new drivers. Aurelio prioritizes safety to avoid accidents and always provides great customer service. Thank you for your service, Aurelio!