SEPTEMBER 2021NEWSLETTER
Congratulations to our Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Andrea Ramirez, on being named one of El Paso Inc.’s Women of Impact 2021! Mrs. Andrea Ramirez has been with Amistad for 11 years and became the new CEO in June 2020.Being a new CEO and navigating through the pandemic has come with its challenges, but Mrs. Ramirez’s strong leadership during these trying times has demonstrated her dedication to our staff and the clients we serve, making Amistad a beacon of hope for the community.
TEXAS VETARANS COMMISSION GRANTEE
Amistad has been awarded a $500,000 grant from the Texas VeteransCommission to serve Veterans, Dependents and Surviving Spouses withGeneral Assistance and Mental Health Services within Region 10. We look forward to the continuation of providing services to our Veterans Community for year 2021-2022!
VETERANS, DEPENDANTS and SURVIVING SPOUSES in El Paso, Brewster, Culberson, Jeff Davis, Hudspeth, and Presidio counties interested in rental/mortgage and utility assistance and/or peer support services and counseling services, please call 915-298-1107 or 915-298-1194.
Visit www.projectamistad.org/adtrc-veterans-services for information on our veteran services.
KENDRA SCOTT & AMISTAD PARTNERED FOR NATIONAL NONPROFIT DAY
Kendra Scott and Amistad exclusively partnered on National Nonprofit Day with a virtual and on-site shopping event. The virtual event was hosted August 17 and18 where Amistad received 20% of proceeds from the sales. Thank you to everyone who participated in this event and helped us raised funds for our ClientHealth and Welfare Fund (CHWF)!
FUNDRIVE
Thank you for helping us raise funds by donating gently used clothing! Through FUNDrive, we raised $337 towards ourClient Health and WelfareFund (CHWF). Every dollar raised and/or donated helps us continue our Mission in our community!
FAREWELL TO CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
In August, we bid farewell to our Chief Operating Officer of Transportation, Rosario Fernandez.Mrs. Fernandez served the agency for nearly 19 years, leaving a legacy at Amistad. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Corporate Management Team, and staff, we want to wish Mrs. Fernandez the best in her future endeavors and thank her for her commitment to the agency over the years!
NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH
September is National Suicide Prevention Month and it aims to educate people on the stigmatized topics of mental health illness and suicide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is the 10th leading cause of death and is one of the three leading causes of death on the rise in the U.S. Some groups have higher rates of suicide than others. Factors such as race/ethnicity, age, and other population characteristics, impact suicide rates among different groups.
Additionally, connections to other forms of injury and violence increase the risk for suicide and can cause serious health and economic consequences. Suicide impacts more than just one individual. It can affect the health of friends, family and the community. While there are many factors, it is critical to provide support and resources to those suffering from mental health conditions and suicidal thoughts. TheNational Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI), offers a variety of educational information and resources addressing mental health and suicide, including warning signs of someone who might be contemplating suicide.
- According to NAMI, these are a few warning signs to look out for:
- Increased alcohol and drug use
- Aggressive behavior
- Withdrawal from friends, family and community
- Dramatic mood swings
- Impulsive or reckless behavior
Suicide is preventable. Protective factors such as family and community support and easy access to health care can decrease the risk for suicide. The stigma surrounding suicide prevents a lot of people from seeking the help they need.Having open conversations about mental health and emotional struggles can help reduce the stigma and encourage individuals to seek the help they need. It is imperative to break the silence of mental health and ensure various resources are available for our clients and staff. If you or your loved ones are in crisis, call the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL) at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
https://www.nami.org/Get-Involved/Awareness-Events/Suicide-Prevention-Awareness-Month
Request an Appointment
AMISTAD CARES UTILITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM DEADLINE
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.
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
Deadline extended through August 30.
MEDICARE GUIDANCE FOR SENIORCITIZENS DURING COVID-19
As the pandemic continues, Amistad’s Aging, Disability & Transportation Resource Center of El Paso & Far West Texas (ADTRC) is focusing on the importance of El Paso area senior citizens having the appropriate health care coverage. The Centers for Disease Control &Prevention (CDC) reports that 8 out of 10 deaths from COVID-19 reported in the US have been among adults age 65 or older. Amistad’s ADTRC provides help for seniors to re-evaluate their coverage now, before Medicare open enrollment begins on October 15.
Senior citizens may often be worried about their health already, but the coronavirus is now adding another layer of concern. To help take away some of that stress, Amistad’s Resource Coaches are available to help our elderly friends, neighbors, family, and even our parents navigate the system and provide them with some peace of mind.
The ADTRC offers assistance to people under the Medicare Improvements for Patients andProviders Act (MIPPA). This funding is provided by the Health and Human ServicesCommission (HHSC) to help older adults, individuals with disabilities, and their caregivers to apply for special assistance through Medicare. Amistad’s Resource Coaches provide outreach and education, as well as one-on-one assistance to Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers regarding Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D, including Low Income Subsidy(LIS) and Medicare Savings Programs (MSP).
These Medicare special assistance programs can help beneficiaries significantly reduce their medical costs:
- Low-Income Subsidy (LIS)/Extra Help (Part D benefit) provides financial assistance known as Extra Help to those with limited income and assets.
- If eligible for LIS/Extra Help, Part D premiums, deductibles, and co-payments can be eliminated or significantly reduced.
- Medicare beneficiaries with limited income and resources and those who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid may qualify for extra help paying for their Part Band Part D premium.
Even though the Medicare open enrollment period runs October 15 through December 7for coverage changes that will become effective in January 2021, Amistad’s ADTRC suggests that seniors start to explore their options now. This will help ensure that they have the time they need to work with a Resource Coach to apply for Medicare special assistance programs and make their enrollment decisions based on their eligibility.
COVID-19 VACCINATION CLINIC
With the recently rising cases ofCOVID-19 and the new Delta variant circulating, Amistad understands the importance of keeping our staff, clients, and community safe. Centro SanVicente and Amistad partnered to provide Moderna vaccines to our staff and community on August 11.
On September 8, Centro San Vicente will be administering vaccines at Amistad once again. The vaccination clinic is open to all members of the community who are 18 and older, and will be provided on a first-come, first serve basis.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
SEPTEMBER 11 20TH ANNIVERSARY
Reflecting Absence Memorial, New York City
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attack at the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington D.C., and the United Airlines Flight 93 airplane that crashed in Pennsylvania. On this day, we honor the memory of the 2,983 victims, among them law enforcement officers, firefighters and paramedics who made the ultimate sacrifice while saving lives.
To commemorate the anniversary, in 2001 Congress approved naming September 11, Patriot Day. On September 11, 2011, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum opened in remembrance of this date. The memorial, Reflecting Absence, is located where the Twin Towers once stood, and it features twin waterfalls surrounded by bronze parapets with the names of the victims.
AMISTAD IN THE COMMUNITY
Our Amistad staff continues to provide community outreach with information regarding our various services and programs. Find us at the next community event!
IN LOVING MEMORY
In loving memory of Mr. Jose G. Lara Moure, may he rest in peace. Our sincerest condolences to his family for their loss.
AMISTAD IS HIRING!
Join our team and make a difference in your community! Amistad has immediate openings for a Workforce Development VISTA and CDL/non-CDL drivers.
Apply Online!
Amistad Celebrations
Employee of the month
Heidy Garcia
Guardianship Accounting Specialist
Promotions
CONGRATULATIONS!
Denise Apodaca
Promoted to:
ADTRC Lead Resource Coach
Miguel Pacheco
Promoted to:
Transportation Operations Coordinator
10 YEAR ANNIVERSARIES
Congratulations to Arturo Hernandez and Consuelo Portillo on their 10th year anniversary at
