Communities In Schools
Even during these difficult pandemic times, Communities in Schools (CIS) has continued to provide help and support to students and schools that need their support. Sandy Salinas, CIS program Coordinator, shared that CIS began to provide virtual classrooms for students who need tutoring during the pandemic. For most of the school year in 2020-21, face-to-face assistance was extremely limited and based on the guidelines of each school. CIS is providing student support as needed. Patricia Sandoval shares how CIS was able to help her son Jesus. Jesus recently graduated from Lyndon B. Johnson High School, the jewel from the south. He struggled to reach this milestone because he is autistic. With the support of his family, friends, teachers, and CIS counselors, he was able to walk across the field to receive his high school diploma. Patricia shared that she has three sons. She learned about CIS through flyers sent out by the school. Patricia said, “We are extremely grateful to CIS for their support. At the start of the semester as we were preparing Jesus for the classroom, CIS helped us with school supplies and uniforms.” Judith Ventura, CIS Site Coordinator at LBJ High, says, “It’s not often I get to work with students and/or families who are autistic, so seeing Jesus work hard to graduate has been very rewarding for me.” His mother, Patricia is his biggest advocate and number one fan. She encourages him every day not to give up and to always strive for the best. Jesus had a difficult senior year due to the pandemic but was still able to enjoy some of the senior activities. Jesus was able to represent CIS at Homecoming for LBJ High School. With the support of CIS, Jesus was also able to attend his senior prom with another CIS student, and wear a cap and gown for his graduation. Patricia Sandoval says their next goal is to enroll Jesus at Laredo College this fall semester. Jesus is an example of the lives you touch when you give to United Way of Laredo. With your support, United Way is able to provide financial resources to agencies like Communities in Schools to ensure they are able to provide programs and services to those in need. For more information on how you can support the United Way of Laredo or any of their network of agencies contact the United Way at uwlaredo@unitedwaylaredo.org or visit their website at www.unitedwaylaredo.org If you are in need of community resources and are not sure where to turn dial 2-1-1 for information on programs and services in available in our community. [wr_column span=”span4″ ][wr_image el_title=”donate” image_file=”https://unitedwaylaredo.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/PayPal-Donate-Button-High-Quality-PNG.png” image_size=”full” link_type=”url” image_type_url=”https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=LFUEMWNDDLUZG” open_in=”current_browser” image_container_style=”no-styling” image_alignment=”inherit” image_margin_bottom=”30″ appearing_animation=”0″ disabled_el=”no” ][/wr_image][/wr_column][wr_column span=”span4″ ]
The Children’s Advocacy Center
The Children’s Advocacy of Laredo-Webb County (CAC) is committed to serve the children, adolescents, and families who have been through the trialing experiences of abuse, neglect, or other forms of trauma. The CAC has served the community of Webb County and surrounding areas for almost 30 years. Hannah Gabelman began her journey with CAC as a volunteer. Gabelman recalls, “Soon after I began volunteering, the pandemic hit. I was hired full-time in order to help the therapy department meet the needs of all families. I’m proud to say that despite every hurdle the pandemic put in our way, we overcame every single one always with the goal to fight against child abuse and neglect.” She said, “Even through the tribulation of the COVID-19 pandemic, The CAC team stayed true to their mission. The diligent CAC team quickly made plans to ensure services would be available for their child clients and non-offending family members.” Dr. Severita Sanchez, Executive Director said, “Since inception, the CAC mission has been to break the cycle of child abuse through community education, training and prevention, and to allow the child opportunities for healing through intervention in a child sensitive environment”. She said, “The CAC is able to prosper and fulfill its mission through the continuous support of organizations such as United Way of Laredo.” Gabelman explained that the therapy department rapidly transitioned into Telehealth Therapy, a technology used to support virtual therapy sessions. Therapy sessions were able to continue because of the financial support of foundations and donors that believe in the importance of breaking the cycle of child abuse. Tools such as ethical virtual meeting platforms and electronic devices used for virtual therapy were able to be purchased to meet the needs that came about due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Families who received our services expressed their gratitude for the work CAC commits itself to,” Gableman said. The therapy team strived to make the virtual shift efficient and smooth. Even with personal setbacks and frustrations due to the pandemic, CAC quickly overcame obstacles and stepped up to assist clients. In order to guarantee virtual sessions were conducted ethically, the therapy team was thoroughly trained in offering safe and proper Telehealth services. The Children’s Advocacy Center is just one of the agencies you support when you give to United Way of Laredo. With your support, United Way is able to provide financial resources so that agencies like CAC are able to provide programs and services to those in need. For more information on how you can support the United Way of Laredo or any of their network of agencies contact the United Way at uwlaredo@unitedwaylaredo.org or visit their website at www.unitedwaylaredo.org If you are in need of community resources and are not sure where to turn dial 2-1-1 for information on programs and services in available in our community. [wr_column span=”span4″ ][wr_image el_title=”donate” image_file=”https://unitedwaylaredo.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/PayPal-Donate-Button-High-Quality-PNG.png” image_size=”full” link_type=”url” image_type_url=”https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=LFUEMWNDDLUZG” open_in=”current_browser” image_container_style=”no-styling” image_alignment=”inherit” image_margin_bottom=”30″ appearing_animation=”0″ disabled_el=”no” ][/wr_image][/wr_column][wr_column span=”span4″ ]
Boy Scouts of America
Karla Walters-Poston is the Scoutmaster for Laredo’s first all-female BSA Troop in Laredo. Steven Wright is the Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 2020. These Scouts are very active in their community. These Scouts partnered with National Guard, Master Sergeant Frank and his men on a project to help rebuild a ramp for the Laredo Animal Shelter. Scoutmaster Karla recalls, “The scouts did an amazing job and are always happy to help the community when the opportunity presents itself. Our troop is successful because we are surrounded by people who believe in us.” Karla is extremely grateful to SCAN, the charter organization for Troop 2020. She also expressed her gratitude to the Aztec District committee members, the South Texas Council BSA, our community, friends, and family members. She wanted to give special thanks to Juan Molina and his family, but most importantly to God. “Our scouts are inspired by the Scouts, BSA Program” Karla said. “They want to set an example for other females by leading and succeeding.” Karla said her scouts have set their individual goals: to earn the rank of Eagle. Tsioné Elise Walters, one of the troop members, is the first female scout to transition from middle school to high school. She is the only female high school student in Boy Scouts. She is currently a freshman at John B. Alexander High School. “Alexander is the only high school that currently has a female scout and I want to make my school proud and earn my Eagle Scout Rank,” says Elise Walters. She is currently working on her Pope Pius XII Religious Medal and will also be the first female scout in Laredo to earn it. Walters is currently a Tenderfoot and awaits a board of review to rank to Second Class. “I joined Boy Scouts because I wanted to do something that was earned. I want to learn life skills that will help me become successful when I join the Air Force. I see my kid brother having so much fun in scouts and I wanted to join the fun, too.” Since becoming a Scout, her scout friends have become her family. She said, “we motivate each other and help each other become better than yesterday Lauren Valls is a very energetic scout who loves to the outdoors. Valls is an 8th grade student at Trautmann Middle School. Scoutmaster Karla shares, “Out of all our female scouts, Valls takes the lead when it comes to Merit Badges. Valls is a very dedicated scout and is highly self-motivated and successful in earning merit badges.” Valls said, “I joined Boy Scouts because I wanted to be able to earn my Eagle Scout rank. I also joined Boy Scouts because it offers the opportunity to learn life skills in a fun way that will help me become successful.” She recalls watching her brother in Cub Scouts and wanting to join. Since females were not allowed at that time, she participated under the Me-Too Program. Valls says, “Now that membership is available to females, I register to be a part of Boy Scouts and I am glad I did.” Karla shared that Emma Wright is the Troop’s youngest female scout. She is currently a 7th grader at United Middle School and her academics are very important to her. Emma is an amazing individual that can light up a room with her charisma. She joined scouting because she wants to earn her Eagle Scout rank. Although she is the youngest, she is ambitious and a dedicated scout. Our scouts are amazing individuals who shine in their own way and together can move mountains. We are sure they will achieve greatness. Scouting during a pandemic has surely been a challenge, however it has not been a match for their motivation to succeed. Pushing forward through these difficult times is just proof that these scouts will make Laredo proud. For more information on how you can support the United Way of Laredo or any of their network of agencies contact the United Way at uwlaredo@unitedwaylaredo.org or visit their website at www.unitedwaylaredo.org If you are in need of community resources and are not sure where to turn dial 2-1-1 for information on programs and services in available in our community. [wr_column span=”span4″ ][wr_image el_title=”donate” image_file=”https://unitedwaylaredo.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/PayPal-Donate-Button-High-Quality-PNG.png” image_size=”full” link_type=”url” image_type_url=”https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=LFUEMWNDDLUZG” open_in=”current_browser” image_container_style=”no-styling” image_alignment=”inherit” image_margin_bottom=”30″ appearing_animation=”0″ disabled_el=”no” ][/wr_image][/wr_column][wr_column span=”span4″ ]
CIS
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South Texas Food Bank
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Boy Scouts—South Texas Council
In Scouting, Mrs. Veronica Caballero has immeasurable memories and experiences. She has been the Den leader for Cub Scouts. She is also a prestigious member of the Troop Committee for Boy Scouts and has completed a Bachelor of Commission Science, and an Adult Leader Training of Wood Badge. Mrs. Caballero has been a member of the training staff and completed Trainer’s Edge. Currently, Mrs. Caballero is a Unit Commissioner with the Cub Scout Pack at Sacred Heart Children’s Home, also known as Pack 2017. Scouting is adventure, excitement, character, leadership and so much more. “There is so much room for growth,” explained Mrs. Caballero. She has personally seen this growth with her Cub Scouts, and her two sons. Her sons have learned and experienced an abundance through Boy Scouts. They have learned about financial management, experienced astronomy in Colorado, drove ATVs, and have been scuba diving. Additionally, they have learned how to finance their trips through fundraising with Boy Scouts. Most importantly, Mrs. Caballero explained that her sons are learning about servant leadership. Through these exceptional tasks, they are preparing for life by acquiring the necessary skills. They are growing into positive role models and contributing members of their community. Her sons also assist as Boy Scout leaders in the position of Den Chief’s for the younger Cub Scouts. They are dedicated to the cause every Monday and meet with the Cub Scouts. They help the kids gain advancement and build confidence. Some of the activities they have worked on are belt loops and building a robotic arm from cardboard and straws. In Scouting, children begin with their best right now selves and grow into their very best future selves. The current motto for Cub Scouts is “Do your best.” Later, as the young Cub Scouts transition into Boy Scouts their motto changes to “Be prepared” as in be ready for the curve balls that life is going to throw at you, explained Mrs. Caballero. The goal is to teach the troops how to work as an individual and as a team to overcome obstacles. One of the main goals the scouts has is servant leadership. They impressively accomplish this by focusing on community outreach by giving back to the community. Troop 615 has adopted the highway on Bob Bullock Loop 20 beginning at Walmart and ending at Arkansas. They have also participated with H-E-B’s Feast of Sharing, have been the color guard for Autism Awareness functions, and have said the Pledge of Allegiance at the Naturalization Ceremonies at the Court House. Mrs. Caballero’s current goal as Unit Commissioner is to begin a third Unit for special needs children. Currently, she has two units Pact 2017 and Troop 402. She hopes to begin her third Unit very soon. In order to begin her third Unit, she will need a minimum of five registered children, but her goal is to have at least eight children signed up. She is a strong advocate for all children having a chance to experience being a Cub Scout and a Boy Scout. The work of United Way of Laredo does not go unnoticed by the Boy Scouts—South Texas Council. “United Way is always generous to remember us,” explained Mrs. Caballero. Their assistance ensures that we have the Boys Scout program in our community. They also help us to maintain the beautiful Camp Huisache, which is available to the youth in our community. [wr_row width=”boxed” background=”none” solid_color_value=”#FFFFFF” solid_color_color=”#ffffff” gradient_color=”0% #FFFFFF,100% #000000″ gradient_direction=”vertical” repeat=”full” img_repeat=”full” autoplay=”yes” position=”center center” paralax=”no” border_width_value_=”0″ border_style=”solid” border_color=”#000″ div_padding_top=”10″ div_padding_bottom=”10″ div_padding_right=”10″ div_padding_left=”10″ ][wr_column span=”span12″ ][wr_heading el_title=”be a hero” tag=”h1″ text_align=”center” heading_margin_top=”5″ heading_margin_bottom=”10″ font=”inherit” enable_underline=”yes” border_bottom_style=”solid” appearing_animation=”0″ disabled_el=”no” ]BE A HERO, HELP US HELP OTHERS BY DONATING[/wr_heading][wr_image #_EDITTED el_title=”paypal” image_file=”https://unitedwaylaredo.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/PayPal-Donate-Button-High-Quality-PNG.png” image_size=”medium” link_type=”url” image_type_url=”https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=LFUEMWNDDLUZG” open_in=”current_browser” image_container_style=”no-styling” image_alignment=”center” appearing_animation=”0″ disabled_el=”no” ][/wr_image][/wr_column][/wr_row]
Serving Children and Adults in Need INC.
Serving Children and Adults in Need (SCAN) was publicly shaped in 1982 as Stop Child Abuse and Neglect in Laredo, Texas. Presently, SCAN is a community-based, nonprofit social services organization. The organization provides an assortment of comprehensive services to Cameron, Dimmit, Duval, Frio, Hidalgo, Jim Hogg, Kleberg, LaSalle, Maverick, Real, Starr, Uvalde, Val Verde, Webb, Zapata and Zavala Counties. SCAN has over thirty programs that provide diverse prevention, intervention, and treatment services for children, adolescents, adults, and families SCAN is known by individuals and families as a place where they can find the means to cultivate their full potential, and where they feel their language and culture are respected. SCAN’s programs and treatment services are provided by respectably trained and considerate staff members. The staff members help promote the healthy development of individuals by granting empowering opportunities throughout the community. The caring staff members support their clients by encouraging long term recovery and resilience, such as the case of their client Crystal. Crystal was referred to SCAN Emergency Youth Shelter when her parents could no longer support her. At the time of event, one of her parents was being assisted at the SCAN substance abuse treatment facility. Crystal was able to stay in the youth shelter at SCAN for about ninety days. After the ninety days she was granted ended, Crystal was moved to a foster home in Brownsville, Texas. Crystal successfully obtained a job. When she turned eighteen she earned her General Equivalency Diploma and her driver’s license. At the age of eighteen, she exited the child welfare system and became homeless. After contacting SCAN, she instantaneously admitted to the transitional living program. The transitional living program is a program used to help the youth transition to adulthood successfully. Currently, Crystal is continuing her higher education while following a healthy developmental path. She is on her way to successfully transitioning into independent living. United Way of Laredo generously assists SCAN’s vision in providing services to the community. The funds United Way provides go to supporting SCAN programs and buying school uniforms and school supplies for the youth. [wr_row width=”boxed” background=”none” solid_color_value=”#FFFFFF” solid_color_color=”#ffffff” gradient_color=”0% #FFFFFF,100% #000000″ gradient_direction=”vertical” repeat=”full” img_repeat=”full” autoplay=”yes” position=”center center” paralax=”no” border_width_value_=”0″ border_style=”solid” border_color=”#000″ div_padding_top=”10″ div_padding_bottom=”10″ div_padding_right=”10″ div_padding_left=”10″ ][wr_column span=”span12″ ][wr_heading el_title=”be a hero” tag=”h1″ text_align=”center” heading_margin_top=”5″ heading_margin_bottom=”10″ font=”inherit” enable_underline=”yes” border_bottom_style=”solid” appearing_animation=”0″ disabled_el=”no” ]BE A HERO, HELP US HELP OTHERS BY DONATING[/wr_heading][wr_image #_EDITTED el_title=”paypal” image_file=”https://unitedwaylaredo.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/PayPal-Donate-Button-High-Quality-PNG.png” image_size=”medium” link_type=”url” image_type_url=”https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=LFUEMWNDDLUZG” open_in=”current_browser” image_container_style=”no-styling” image_alignment=”center” appearing_animation=”0″ disabled_el=”no” ][/wr_image][/wr_column][/wr_row]
South Texas Food Bank
The South Texas Food Bank has been present in the community of Laredo for about thirty years. The organization has aimed to be a link between those who are suffering from hunger, and those who want to help a well-organized outlet with assurance that their donation will reach those who need it the most The beginning of the Food Bank was in 1989. It was made aware that the state and federal governments were not providing all of the necessary help needed in the Laredo. Millions of pounds of edible foods that be used to feed the hungry, were being thrown into the landfill every year. In December 1989, the establishment of the Laredo Webb County Food Bank first opened with one mission in mind: to help end hunger here at home. The food bank currently serves eight counties in the south Texas region: Webb, Zapata, Jim Hogg, Val Verde, Starr, Maverick, Dimmit and Kinney. The South Texas Food Bank is a certified member of Feeding Texas, Feeding America’s Food Bank Network, and the United Way of Laredo. These programs help by allowing the organization to have a better ability to acquire food, funds, and resources. The South Texas Food Bank has a variety of programs that target the needs of the different individuals. The programs include, Adopt-A-Family, Commodity Supplemental Food Program, Kids Cafe, BackPack Program, SNAP Ed Program (Food Stamps, Medicaid, and TANF), TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program), and Food Banking (Food Pantries). The programs are valuable to many people throughout the community such as Brianna and her family. Brianna and her younger siblings has been happily attending the Larga Vista Kids Café for over three years. Her mother finds the Kids Café as a blessing for her family. Besides the daily hot homemade meals that are provided to her children by the Larga Vista staff and volunteers, she is grateful to have a safe and enriching place for her children to go to after school. The staff at Larga Vista enjoy having Briana’s company. “Brianna has very outgoing and friendly personality. You can tell that she enjoys coming to the café,” stated Ernie Hill, Kids Program Coordinator for the South Texas Food Bank. “She is the type of kid that goes over and thank the staff and volunteers for cooking the food.” Hill also pointed out that for two years Brianna has been asked to paint a bowl that represents the Kids Café for the food bank’s annual Empty Bowl fundraiser. “One of the bowls that comes to mind is a bowl where she drew herself and her friends sitting at a table and eating. In the background, she drew a couple of the staff members and wrote their names next to them. To me, that simple gesture showed her level of appreciation and gratitude. She does not take the Kids Café for granted,” Hill concluded. [wr_row width=”boxed” background=”none” solid_color_value=”#FFFFFF” solid_color_color=”#ffffff” gradient_color=”0% #FFFFFF,100% #000000″ gradient_direction=”vertical” repeat=”full” img_repeat=”full” autoplay=”yes” position=”center center” paralax=”no” border_width_value_=”0″ border_style=”solid” border_color=”#000″ div_padding_top=”10″ div_padding_bottom=”10″ div_padding_right=”10″ div_padding_left=”10″ ][wr_column span=”span12″ ][wr_heading el_title=”be a hero” tag=”h1″ text_align=”center” heading_margin_top=”5″ heading_margin_bottom=”10″ font=”inherit” enable_underline=”yes” border_bottom_style=”solid” appearing_animation=”0″ disabled_el=”no” ]BE A HERO, HELP US HELP OTHERS BY DONATING[/wr_heading][wr_image #_EDITTED el_title=”paypal” image_file=”https://unitedwaylaredo.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/PayPal-Donate-Button-High-Quality-PNG.png” image_size=”medium” link_type=”url” image_type_url=”https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=LFUEMWNDDLUZG” open_in=”current_browser” image_container_style=”no-styling” image_alignment=”center” appearing_animation=”0″ disabled_el=”no” ][/wr_image][/wr_column][/wr_row]
