Happy Mother’s Day! I hope everyone has a wonderful day surrounded by all of your blessings. Take time and enjoy those memories from the past with your children and grandchildren. They will become treasured moments in the future.
Being a Mom is not easy, as your children go through all the stages you think you will worry less, but you don’t. When they’re little, you worry about bumps and bruises. As they get older, you worry about their academics, sports and friends. You panic when they get behind the driver’s wheel for the first time, and then your heart breaks as they leave for college. You pray that when they choose their vocation in life, it is the right choice. Then, comes the next chapter, you worry about their family life and children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Thank you to all of the Mom’s out there that put family first. Again, it is not easy. In today’s world both parents have to work just to keep up with the bills and cost of living. Lots of families struggle to get by. The estimated U.S. Census report for 2026 shows that “the poverty rate for Webb County is approximately 20.6% to 21.3%. This is significantly higher than the Texas state average of 13.4% and the national average of 12.2%.
Happy Mother’s Day! I hope everyone has a wonderful day surrounded by all of your blessings. Take time and enjoy those memories from the past with your children and grandchildren. They will become treasured moments in the future.
Being a Mom is not easy, as your children go through all the stages you think you will worry less, but you don’t. When they’re little, you worry about bumps and bruises. As they get older, you worry about their academics, sports and friends. You panic when they get behind the driver’s wheel for the first time, and then your heart breaks as they leave for college. You pray that when they choose their vocation in life, it is the right choice. Then, comes the next chapter, you worry about their family life and children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Thank you to all of the Mom’s out there that put family first. Again, it is not easy. In today’s world both parents have to work just to keep up with the bills and cost of living. Lots of families struggle to get by. The estimated U.S. Census report for 2026 shows that “the poverty rate for Webb County is approximately 20.6% to 21.3%. This is significantly higher than the Texas state average of 13.4% and the national average of 12.2%.”
In 2023, according to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), 13% of Texas households were financially insecure. This measure does not consider an additional 29% of households that experience financial hardship. They are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE). Households that have income above the Federal Poverty Level, but not enough to afford basic expenses in the county where they live.
Between ALICE households and those living in poverty, an estimated 42% of households in Texas were below the ALICE Threshold. These individuals or families are forced to make impossible choices – like deciding whether to pay for utilities or a car repair, whether to buy food or fill a prescription.
For Webb County, it is estimated that there are 83,045 households with a median income of $60,204. Approximately, 21% of those households live in poverty while another 28% earn more than the poverty level, but less than the basic cost of living in the county. This means that 49% of the families living in Webb County are struggling. The information on ALICE and the statistics for Webb County were taken from unitedforalice.org.
The website highlights a “Point-in-Time-Data” report for 2023. While conditions have improved for some households, many continue to struggle, especially as wages fail to keep pace with the rising costs of housing, child care, food, transportation, health care, and more. Households below the ALICE Threshold – ALICE plus those in poverty – cannot afford the basic essentials. As circumstances change, households my find themselves below or above the ALICE Threshold at different times. The report indicates that the “Financial Hardship is Not Equally Distributed”. Overall, the ethnic group with the largest population below the ALICE Threshold tends to be the largest demographic group. In Webb County, almost 50% of the Hispanic households fit that category.
In 2023, according to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), 13% of Texas households were financially insecure. This measure does not consider an additional 29% of households that experience financial hardship. They are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE). Households that have income above the Federal Poverty Level, but not enough to afford basic expenses in the county where they live.
Between ALICE households and those living in poverty, an estimated 42% of households in Texas were below the ALICE Threshold. These individuals or families are forced to make impossible choices – like deciding whether to pay for utilities or a car repair, whether to buy food or fill a prescription.
For Webb County, it is estimated that there are 83,045 households with a median income of $60,204. Approximately, 21% of those households live in poverty while another 28% earn more than the poverty level, but less than the basic cost of living in the county. This means that 49% of the families living in Webb County are struggling. The information on ALICE and the statistics for Webb County were taken from unitedforalice.org.
The website highlights a “Point-in-Time-Data” report for 2023. While conditions have improved for some households, many continue to struggle, especially as wages fail to keep pace with the rising costs of housing, child care, food, transportation, health care, and more. Households below the ALICE Threshold – ALICE plus those in poverty – cannot afford the basic essentials. As circumstances change, households my find themselves below or above the ALICE Threshold at different times. The report indicates that the “Financial Hardship is Not Equally Distributed”. Overall, the ethnic group with the largest population below the ALICE Threshold tends to be the largest demographic group. In Webb County, almost 50% of the Hispanic households fit that category.
In Texas, the ALICE research was a collaboration of several local United Ways and the United Ways of Texas. United Ways of Texas (UWT) is a non-profit organization. It was created in 1980. It is a state association for all of the local United Ways in the state of Texas. They provide statewide collaboration by equipping approximately 70 organizations with resources to achieve their missions and meet their communities most pressing needs. UWT’s work focuses on both building local United Way organizational capacity and enhancing the impact of local United Ways in their respective communities. Their vision: United for a future where all Texans thrive. Their Mission: To strengthen and support the work and impact of local United Ways in Texas.
The ALICE Project came about because “United Way sought a research-based model to fully understand and respond to the needs of our communities. The ALICE methodology was conceived to develop real-time data on income and expenses, establishing a more comprehensive analysis of the state of financial instability in our communities. The project began in 2009 in New Jersey with 17 participating states.”
Why does ALICE Matter? “ALICE workers are essential to the fabric of our society. ALICE works in jobs that are integral to our communities, from child care, educators and home health aides to mechanics – all workers we rely on every day. The future success of our communities is directly tied to the financial stability of ALICE households. When ALICE suffers and is forced to make difficult choices, we all face serious consequences.”
The ALICE report helps us understand why so many non-profit organizations in our community are struggling to keep up with the demand for services. The food insecurities for so many families. The difficulty with making monthly rent, mortgage and utility payments with the rising costs of gasoline and groceries. The difficult decisions people have to make when it comes to purchasing medications or health treatment costs.
What can you do to help? Get involved. Volunteer at an event or for an agency. Donate to the cause of your choice. The possibilities are endless. For more information on United Ways of Texas or ALICE visit www.uwtexas.org/alice-texas. For information on resources in our community dial 2-1-1 or visit www.211texas.org.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE 988: TAKE A BREAK WE GOT YOUR HAIR
The Barber Education Academy in cooperation with the Area Health Education Center (AHEC) will be offering free haircuts every Thursday from May 7th – May 28th from 4pm – 6pm at 1505 Calle Del Norte Suite 230 in Laredo, Texas.
IMAGINARIUM OF SOUTH TEXAS: LIGHT UP THE NIGHT
Join us for the AEP Free Family Night on Friday, May 15th from 6-9 pm 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 Farmer’s Market will be happening on Saturday, May 16th from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM 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.
LAREDO STROKE SUPPORT; ANNUAL SALSA BOWL TOURNAMENT
Bowlers looking to hit the lanes for a good cause? You are invited to take a part in the Laredo Stroke Support’s Annual Salsa Bowl Tournament on Saturday, May 16th at Jett Bowl North from 12:30pm – 3pm. Teams of five are $200. For more information visit laredostrokesupport.org.
LULAC: ORGULLO LATINO LEGACY AWARD
Webb Co. LULAC Council #22387 in collaboration with the South Texas Latino Coalition, a 501 (c)(3) organization will be hosting their 2026 Orgullo Latino Legacy Award. This annual fundraiser enables them to provide scholarships to highs school students within the Laredo/Webb Co. area. This year’s honorees are Rafael Gutierrez, FARO Wealth Companies; The Honorable Diana Saldana, United States District Judge and Allie’s Bird Project, Non-Profit Organization. The event will be held on Thursday, May 21st. For tickets or sponsorship information Mr. Manuel Vinals at 956.394.9950 or email OrgulloLatino@webbcountylulac.org.
AREA HEALTH EDUCATION CENTER (AHEC): KNOW LUPUS
AHEC invites all health providers to a presentation by Dr. Antonio E. Mancera, Rheumatologist to a free virtual education presentation on the signs and symptoms of lupus. The session is scheduled for Thursday, May 28th from 12 noon to 2pm on Zoom. CEUs will be awarded to physicians and offered at no cost to pre-registered participants. For more information call 956.712.0037.
IMAGINARIUM OF SOUTH TEXAS: HEB FREE FAMILY FUN NIGHT
Join us for the HEB Free Family Fun Night on Friday, May 29th from 6-9 pm 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.
MERCY MINISTRIES: BINGO MADNESS
Come join the Bing Madness and support the Mercy Clinic. Their 5th Annual Bingo will be held on Sunday, June 7th at the Laredo College Maravillo Gym located on West End Washington Street. Doors open at 11am with 2 early bird specials at Noon. The regular bingo begins at 1pm. Pre-sale tickets are $30 for 10 games. On the day of the event, ticket price will be $35. There will be food, door prizes and a raffle. For more information, contact Diana Rossell Granados at 956.721.7408 or diana.granados@mercy.net.
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.
In Texas, the ALICE research was a collaboration of several local United Ways and the United Ways of Texas. United Ways of Texas (UWT) is a non-profit organization. It was created in 1980. It is a state association for all of the local United Ways in the state of Texas. They provide statewide collaboration by equipping approximately 70 organizations with resources to achieve their missions and meet their communities most pressing needs. UWT’s work focuses on both building local United Way organizational capacity and enhancing the impact of local United Ways in their respective communities. Their vision: United for a future where all Texans thrive. Their Mission: To strengthen and support the work and impact of local United Ways in Texas.
The ALICE Project came about because “United Way sought a research-based model to fully understand and respond to the needs of our communities. The ALICE methodology was conceived to develop real-time data on income and expenses, establishing a more comprehensive analysis of the state of financial instability in our communities. The project began in 2009 in New Jersey with 17 participating states.”
Why does ALICE Matter? “ALICE workers are essential to the fabric of our society. ALICE works in jobs that are integral to our communities, from child care, educators and home health aides to mechanics – all workers we rely on every day. The future success of our communities is directly tied to the financial stability of ALICE households. When ALICE suffers and is forced to make difficult choices, we all face serious consequences.”
The ALICE report helps us understand why so many non-profit organizations in our community are struggling to keep up with the demand for services. The food insecurities for so many families. The difficulty with making monthly rent, mortgage and utility payments with the rising costs of gasoline and groceries. The difficult decisions people have to make when it comes to purchasing medications or health treatment costs.
What can you do to help? Get involved. Volunteer at an event or for an agency. Donate to the cause of your choice. The possibilities are endless. For more information on United Ways of Texas or ALICE visit www.uwtexas.org/alice-texas. For information on resources in our community dial 2-1-1 or visit www.211texas.org.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE 988: TAKE A BREAK WE GOT YOUR HAIR
The Barber Education Academy in cooperation with the Area Health Education Center (AHEC) will be offering free haircuts every Thursday from May 7th – May 28th from 4pm – 6pm at 1505 Calle Del Norte Suite 230 in Laredo, Texas.
IMAGINARIUM OF SOUTH TEXAS: LIGHT UP THE NIGHT
Join us for the AEP Free Family Night on Friday, May 15th from 6-9 pm 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 Farmer’s Market will be happening on Saturday, May 16th from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM 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.
LAREDO STROKE SUPPORT; ANNUAL SALSA BOWL TOURNAMENT
Bowlers looking to hit the lanes for a good cause? You are invited to take a part in the Laredo Stroke Support’s Annual Salsa Bowl Tournament on Saturday, May 16th at Jett Bowl North from 12:30pm – 3pm. Teams of five are $200. For more information visit laredostrokesupport.org.
LULAC: ORGULLO LATINO LEGACY AWARD
Webb Co. LULAC Council #22387 in collaboration with the South Texas Latino Coalition, a 501 (c)(3) organization will be hosting their 2026 Orgullo Latino Legacy Award. This annual fundraiser enables them to provide scholarships to highs school students within the Laredo/Webb Co. area. This year’s honorees are Rafael Gutierrez, FARO Wealth Companies; The Honorable Diana Saldana, United States District Judge and Allie’s Bird Project, Non-Profit Organization. The event will be held on Thursday, May 21st. For tickets or sponsorship information Mr. Manuel Vinals at 956.394.9950 or email OrgulloLatino@webbcountylulac.org.
AREA HEALTH EDUCATION CENTER (AHEC): KNOW LUPUS
AHEC invites all health providers to a presentation by Dr. Antonio E. Mancera, Rheumatologist to a free virtual education presentation on the signs and symptoms of lupus. The session is scheduled for Thursday, May 28th from 12 noon to 2pm on Zoom. CEUs will be awarded to physicians and offered at no cost to pre-registered participants. For more information call 956.712.0037.
IMAGINARIUM OF SOUTH TEXAS: HEB FREE FAMILY FUN NIGHT
Join us for the HEB Free Family Fun Night on Friday, May 29th from 6-9 pm 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.
MERCY MINISTRIES: BINGO MADNESS
Come join the Bing Madness and support the Mercy Clinic. Their 5th Annual Bingo will be held on Sunday, June 7th at the Laredo College Maravillo Gym located on West End Washington Street. Doors open at 11am with 2 early bird specials at Noon. The regular bingo begins at 1pm. Pre-sale tickets are $30 for 10 games. On the day of the event, ticket price will be $35. There will be food, door prizes and a raffle. For more information, contact Diana Rossell Granados at 956.721.7408 or diana.granados@mercy.net.
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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