April is widely recognized for National Volunteer Awareness Month. In honor of National Volunteer Month, I would like to highlight the importance of volunteers. In the non-profit world, “volunteers make the world go around.” Without volunteers, nothing can get done.
Even though many charities have staff, without the volunteer board members and officers an organization cannot operate. The board of directors governs the agency. They make decisions, set policies and procedures and are responsible for the organization. They are the stewards to ensure that the agency follows its mission and is accountable to the community.
As a part of the United Way family, I have been blessed to work with some amazing people and non-profit organizations. My focus this week is on a few that are 100% volunteer operated. Last week, I shared about the Kidney Foundation of Laredo that falls into that category. The Laredo HSDA HIV/AIDS Service Consortia is another agency that falls into that bracket. The Consortia is 100% volunteer driven.
April is widely recognized for National Volunteer Awareness Month. In honor of National Volunteer Month, I would like to highlight the importance of volunteers. In the non-profit world, “volunteers make the world go around.” Without volunteers, nothing can get done.
Even though many charities have staff, without the volunteer board members and officers an organization cannot operate. The board of directors governs the agency. They make decisions, set policies and procedures and are responsible for the organization. They are the stewards to ensure that the agency follows its mission and is accountable to the community.
As a part of the United Way family, I have been blessed to work with some amazing people and non-profit organizations. My focus this week is on a few that are 100% volunteer operated. Last week, I shared about the Kidney Foundation of Laredo that falls into that category. The Laredo HSDA HIV/AIDS Service Consortia is another agency that falls into that bracket. The Consortia is 100% volunteer driven.
Maria Elena Montemayor is the agency’s president of the board.
“The volunteer board of directors is multidisciplinary with members that are in the medical field, religious field, active HIV/AIDS client, and other disciplines interested in assisting HIV/AIDS clients,” Montemayor said. “The Laredo HSDA HIV/AIDS Service Consortia has been in operation since 1991. The Consortia initially began as a partnership with the City of Laredo Health Department. We had a Memorandum of Understanding with them to help administer the state grant funds and oversee the service provided to HIV/ AIDS clients. With the support of the Consortia, we were able to fill in the gaps where state funding could not help clients.
“The Consortia assists with supplemental services such as food, gas, prescriptions, supplies and specialized doctor’s appointments. The eligibility criteria are that you have a confirmed diagnosis of HIV/AIDS and that you live in the Webb or Zapata County area. There are no fees charged to clients nor are they required to donate anything.
“Over the years, the life expectancy for a patient diagnosed with HIV/ AIDS has changed due to earlier detection, intervention, education and improved regime treatments. While this is a positive factor for those affected with HIV/AIDS, it greatly increases the cost of treating clients over their lifetimes. The majority of active cases live at or below the current Federal Poverty Level guidelines.”
The Consortia recently lost a few of its board members, the late Dr. Henry Carranza, Vernette Carranza (his wife) and the late George Donavan. Our thoughts and prayers are with the organizations as they continue to help clients in need.
The last Dr. Carranza was also part of the creation of another 100% volunteer organization. Laredo Organized Volunteers for the Elderly and Disadvantaged, better known as “LOVED”.
Maria Elena Montemayor is the agency’s president of the board.
“The volunteer board of directors is multidisciplinary with members that are in the medical field, religious field, active HIV/AIDS client, and other disciplines interested in assisting HIV/AIDS clients,” Montemayor said. “The Laredo HSDA HIV/AIDS Service Consortia has been in operation since 1991. The Consortia initially began as a partnership with the City of Laredo Health Department. We had a Memorandum of Understanding with them to help administer the state grant funds and oversee the service provided to HIV/ AIDS clients. With the support of the Consortia, we were able to fill in the gaps where state funding could not help clients.
Their mission is to help the elderly or disadvantaged with the emergency distribution of clothing and blankets during inclement weather, Schools supplies for homeless or disadvantaged families and Thanksgiving meals for the homebound elderly in our community. For more information on the Consortia or the LOVED organization email montemayor1@stx.rr.com.
As you know, most charities exist because of volunteers. For some reason a person feels called to action for a cause that has touched their life. Many times, it is because of a difficult situation in their life that a person dedicates their time and energy to help others in need … such is the case for The Laredo Cancer Society (LCS).
They were formed in 2015 out of the need of one person, Nancy Santos. Ms. Santos was diagnosed with breast cancer at 29 years of age. Soon after, she was informed that the disease had metastasized to other parts of her body. As she followed the path for routine treatments, she would often ask how she could access services for cancer patients. Unfortunately, she found that there was a void of services for this patient population, especially in the area of emotional support services. Out of this need, Ms. Santos began hosting Cancer Friends. This idea prompted Nancy to wonder what other needs cancer patients struggled with. Through her work with Cancer Friends, she learned about needs of people diagnosed with cancer. That’s when she nonchalantly said, ”I will start a non-profit to help cancer patients.” With the help of Veronica Urrabazo and Dr, Mahani, the Laredo Cancer Society opened its doors to help individuals diagnosed with cancer.
Sylvia Flores is the volunteer Treasurer for agency. She said, “the LCS vision is to provide direct financial and emotional support to cancer patients and their families in the Laredo and surrounding areas (as they go through treatments). Because the organization is 100% volunteer based, 100% of the funds raised go directly to help patients. We assist with medical costs, utility expenses, travel for doctor’s visits, mortgage/rent and other needs. In many cases, we fill a void by helping to coordinate and support breast cancer patients with their breast prosthetic needs.”
For more information on the Laredo Cancer Society or how you can help make a difference, visit their website at wecare@laredocancersociety.org or call them at 956.615.4297.
Laredo HSDA HIV/ AIDS Consortia and the Laredo Cancer Society are two agencies that I have worked with through United Way of Laredo. If you would like to share information on a 501 (c)(3) organization or its services, please send me an email at 956cuidandolonuestro@gmail.com. Thank you!
Mark your calendars
R.B. COWL REHABILITATION CENTER: CHILDREN’S ORTHOPEDIC CLINIC
Ruthe B. Cowl Rehabilitation Center will be hosting their monthly Children’s Orthopedic Clinic on Tuesday, April 14. Registration is required. To schedule an appointment, call 956.722.2431.
LAREDO VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE (VITA)
Just a friendly reminder, April 15 is right around the corner. Free tax help is here! The Laredo VITA program has IRS Certified Preparers ready to help you. Don’t stress about your taxes — let a qualified volunteer handle it for you. Call 956.307.8138 or visit www.vitalaredo.org.
LAREDO LITTLE THEATRE: ROCK OF AGES MUSICAL PRODUCTION
The show will run April 16-26. Visit their website for times and ticket information at www.laredolittletheatre.org.
SMILES FROM HEAVEN: YOU’VE GOT A FRIEND IN ME GALA
Because every child fighting cancer deserves a friend like you. Friday, April 17 at 7 p.m. at The Barn at Los Patios. For more information call 956.337.8967.
LAREDO MAIN STREET: FARMERS MARKET
The next Farmer’s Market will be happening on Saturday, April 18, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Outlet Shoppes at Laredo! Each month features a unique theme, seasonal activities and exciting workshops. Every visit is a new and memorable experience. Whether you’re shopping for fresh ingredients, supporting local artisans, or enjoying live entertainment, the Farmers Market is the place to be. For more information email: lmsevents01@gmail.com.
SCAN: PLAY DAY
You are invited to join SCAN for an afternoon of fund with activities, arts & crafts, music and more. Families of all ages are welcome to this free event on Wednesday, April 22 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Peg Energy Stadium. For more information call 956.608.3852.
VOLUNTEER SERVICE COUNCIL FOR BORDER REGION: ALL WE NEED IS LOVE & A DASH OF STYLE 34TH ANNUAL ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS’ DAY LUNCHEON & FASHION SHOW
The event will be held on Wednesday, April 22 at the Laredo Country Club $100 per seat or $1,000 a table. For more information contact Claudia Arredondo at 956.612.4664 or Juanita Zepeda at 956.235.3599.
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY (ACS): RELAY FOR LIFE
The ACS is registering teams for its annual event to raise funds for cancer research, programs and services. The event takes place on Friday, April 24 at the UISD Student Activity Center 6 pm to 1 am. Schools, community clubs, organizations, agencies and families are invited to join. To register a team, visit www.relayforlife.org/webbtx or call Laura Nanez at 956.286.6955.
AREA HEALTH EDUCATION CENTER (AHEC): GENETICS CONFERENCE
All parents and families are welcome to attend this resource fair for children with disabilities and autism. The event will be held Friday, April 24 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Laredo Public Health office located at 2600 Cedar Ave. For more information, call 956.712.0037.
UNITED WAY OF LAREDO, THAT’S HOW WE ROLL: BOWLING TOURNAMENT
The event will be held Saturday, April 25 at Jett Bowl North from 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. For more information call 956.723.9113.
If you have a upcoming community event or information on a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization you would like to share, please email at 956cuidandolaredo@gmail.com.
SCAN’s Recovery support services are designed to increase the occurrence of long-term recovery from substance use disorders among youth and adults. Recovery support services may precede treatment, accompany treatment, follow treatment or be delivered separately from treatment. SCAN has a Youth Recovery Community Service. It has peer-to-peer recovery support services for individuals between the ages of 13-21 withahistory of substance use disorders. It also has the Todo Es Posible recovery support program, which provides support services for adults 18 and older. It emphasizes the importance of self-care and cultural diversity. Intervention services provide both youth and adults the opportunity to participate in a variety of evidence-based and informed programs that are designed to effectively intervene once behavioral problems have been identified. For the youth, SCAN offers an Emergency Youth Shelter that provides temporary residential service for children and adolescents. FAYS Program is designed to build resilience and strengthen families in order to keep children safe and families connected. It offers crisis intervention, counseling and short-term respite care for families. Rural Border Intervention (RBI) is a substance intervention program for youth and adults living in region 8.
SCAN offers a multitude of program and services for youth, adolescents, adults and families in need. For more information on their services please visit their website at www.scan-inc.org. You can also contact them by calling 956.724.3177 or emailing them at info@scan-inc.org.
Area Health Education Center (AHEC): Managing Chronic Pain: The Mental Health Connection (Virtual Seminar)
This virtual seminar is scheduled for Friday, March 6th from 1:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Arielle Guillod, M.A. from UT Health San Antonio will be the guest speaker for the seminar. For more information, email hmedellin@mrgbahec.org or contact AHEC at 956-712- 0037.
Imaginarium Of South Texas: Aep Light Up The Night
Join us for the AEP Light up the Night on Friday, March 6th from 6-9 p.m. at the Imaginarium located the main campus of Laredo College (West End Washington Street) Building P-149. For more information, please call 956-728-0404.
Laredo Main Street: Farmers Market
The next Farmers Market will be happening on Saturday, March 14th , from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Outlet Shoppes at Laredo! Each month features a unique theme, seasonal activities and exciting workshops. Every visit is a new and memorable experience. Whether you’re shopping for fresh ingredients, supporting local artisans, ore enjoying live entertainment, the Farmers Market is the place to be. For more information email: lmsevents01@gmail.com.
Laredo Animal Protective Society (LAPS): Dog & Puppy Supplies
LAPS is requesting assistance with food, pet items and cleaning supplies for their shelter. Items include Heavy-duty trash bags, paper towels, adult & puppy canned food, vinegar, degreaser, dog treats, sharpie pens and more. Donations can be dropped off from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday at 2500 Gonzalez St.
Laredo Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
Free tax help is here! The Laredo VITA program has IRS Certified Preparers ready to help you. Don’t stress about your taxes – let a qualified volunteer handle it for you. Call 956-307-8138 or visit www.vitalaredo.org. If you have an upcoming community event or information on a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization you would like to share, email me at 956cuidandolonuestro@gmail.com.
If you have a upcoming community event or information on a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization you would like to share, please email at 956cuidandolaredo@gmail.com.
Peggy M. Duncan, United Way of Laredo
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