Everyone is invited to attend this year’s Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) awareness conference because, “Everyone is responsible to keep our children safe.” Whether you are a teacher, parent, health care provider, professional, law enforcement, attorney, student or community member, we all play a role in the safety and wellbeing of our children. I truly believe, “It takes a village!”
The 26th Annual Conference “It Takes a Team to Protect a Child” is scheduled for Thursday, April 2 at the Texas A&M International University, Student Center Ballroom. As child abuse continues to be a critical issue in communities nationwide, this conference aims to break the cycle of abuse through education, collaboration, and awareness. The conference serves as a platform for professionals, advocates, law enforcement, educators, healthcare providers, and community members to gain valuable knowledge and resources to help protect children from abuse and neglect.
Save your spot, don’t wait to register! The cost is $75 a person and $25 for students with a valid identification. The fee includes
Everyone is invited to attend this year’s Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) awareness conference because, “Everyone is responsible to keep our children safe.” Whether you are a teacher, parent, health care provider, professional, law enforcement, attorney, student or community member, we all play a role in the safety and wellbeing of our children. I truly believe, “It takes a village!”
The 26th Annual Conference “It Takes a Team to Protect a Child” is scheduled for Thursday, April 2 at the Texas A&M International University, Student Center Ballroom. As child abuse continues to be a critical issue in communities nationwide, this conference aims to break the cycle of abuse through education, collaboration, and awareness. The conference serves as a platform for professionals, advocates, law enforcement, educators, healthcare providers, and community members to gain valuable knowledge and resources to help protect children from abuse and neglect.
Save your spot, don’t wait to register! The cost is $75 a person and $25 for students with a valid identification. The fee includes lunch and unit hours for continuing education. On-site registration and check in will begin at 7:30 a.m. You will be greeted by the festive music of the Zapata High School Mariachi Halcon.
The program kicks-off with opening remarks from the CAC Board President, Chief Cordelia Perez and Executive Director, Dr. Severita Sanchez. The lineup of topics and speakers for the conference are always exceptional. United States District Judge Diana Saldana, Southern District of Texas in Laredo is the Keynote speaker. Her session will be moderated by KGNS Anchor, Mindy Trust Casso.
Judge Saldana’s session is entitled, “This is Me: My Journey from Childhood Trauma to Community Partner” in it she will share her journey from childhood trauma to community partner working to engage, inspire, educate and empower youth.
I first met the Honorable Judge Saldana through her involvement, leadership and support of our local Combined Federal Campaign. For years, she worked with Judge George Kazen to support programs that provide, food, clothing and shelter for families in need. Since Judge Kazen’s passing, she has played an instrumental role continuing his legacy in the support for individuals coming out of the prison system trying to integrate back into the community. She is an incredible and inspirational lady. You won’t want to miss her presentation!
Assistant District Attorney for the 49th Judicial District of Texas, Mr. Rogelio Soto is next up on the agenda. He will cover CAC 101: Why We Should Care. He is followed by Laredo Police Department Chief of Police, Miguel A. Rodriguez, Jr. His topic is “Protecting the Voiceless: A Law Enforcement Blueprint for Child-Centered Justice”.
Right after lunch, Attorney, Juan J. Cruz will present “New Legal reporting Requirements Affecting Public Education Entities.” Mr. Cruz is the Managing Partner at JCA Law, P.L.L.C. He is respected and well known in our community for his exceptional work. He has held several prestigious positions throughout his career, including being the first Hispanic chair of the State Bar of Texas School Law Section. He is also a former chair for the Texas Association of School Board Council of School Attorneys.
lunch and unit hours for continuing education. On-site registration and check in will begin at 7:30 a.m. You will be greeted by the festive music of the Zapata High School Mariachi Halcon.
The program kicks-off with opening remarks from the CAC Board President, Chief Cordelia Perez and Executive Director, Dr. Severita Sanchez. The lineup of topics and speakers for the conference are always exceptional. United States District Judge Diana Saldana, Southern District of Texas in Laredo is the Keynote speaker. Her session will be moderated by KGNS Anchor, Mindy Trust Casso.
Mr. Cruz is dedicated to providing a “gold standard” legal service. His presentation is sure to extremely informative. Thank you, Mr. Cruz for everything you do to support our community. I am extremely grateful for everything you do to support the Children’s Advocacy Center and their mission of helping families in need. The knowledge, experience and leadership you provide to our school districts and government offices is priceless. I have been blessed to seen the great work Mr. Cruz has done as a board member for the CAC and with United Independent School District. Mr. Cruz has been defending Texas educational entities for years.
Dr. Juan Gerardo Galvan-Rodriguez, Psychotherapist and Clinical Director at Holy Family Psychotherapy Training Institute, will be the last speaker of the day. His topic be on the “Shared Responsibility: Psychological Insights and Multidisciplinary Strategies to Prevent Suicide in At-Risk Children.”
In additions to the Annual Conference, CAC cordially invites the community to join them on Friday, April 24th for the 3rd Annual Warrior Walk. It is a free event open to the public. It will be at the Bartlett Park off Thomas Ave. It will start at 9:30am. Everyone is encouraged to wear BLUE attire. Remember, “Every step counts in the fight against child abuse.” For additional details contact 956.712.1840 or email officemanager@caclaredo.org.
Mark your calendars
LAREDO PHILHARMONIC CHORALE: THE 7 WORDS OF CHRIST
Come experience this evocative and spiritual masterpiece brought to life by the voices of the Laredo Philharmonic Chorale. The event will be on Sunday, March 29 at 3 p.m. at the TAMIU Fine and Performing Arts Center. Admission cost is $30 & Students with ID can enter for free. For tickets call 956.763.9960
LAREDO ANIMAL PROTECTIVE SOCIETY; EASTER EGG HUNT
Bring the whole family out to LAPS for a fun filled day with games, food and drinks. There will be raffles, adoptions and Easter Bunny pictures on Friday, April 3 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 2500 Gonzalez St. For more information call 956.724.8364.
AREA HEALTH EDUCATION CENTER (AHEC): BOWLING TOURNAMENT
The AHEC Tournament is scheduled for Saturday, April 4 from noon to 3:30 p.m. at Jett Bowl North. For more information, contact AHEC at 956.712.0037.
IMAGINARIUM OF SOUTH TEXAS: AEP LIGHT UP THE NIGHT
Join us for the AEP Free Family Night on Friday, April 10 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 PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP: UNDERSTANDING PARKINSON’S
Everyone is invited to come learn more about Parkinson’s. The workshop will be held on Saturday, April 11 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the TAMIU Western Hemispheric Trade Center, Room 111. The event will feature three keynote speakers. Kristen Martulis, DNP, APRN, AGNC-C, Depart. Of Neurology UT Health Science Center in San Antonio will present A New Frontier vs Deep Brain Stimulation. Leila Saadatpour, MD and Assistant Professor of Neurology UT Health Science Center in San Antonio will present Non-Motor Symptoms in Parkinson’s. Pablo Coss, MD and Assistant Professor of Neurology UT Health Science Center in San Antonio will present Parkinson’s Therapies and update on Laredo Clinics. For more information or to register for the event call 956.942.5511.
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
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.
UNITED WAY OF LAREDO; THAT’S HOW WE ROLL: BOWLING TOURNAMENT
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.
Judge Saldana’s session is entitled, “This is Me: My Journey from Childhood Trauma to Community Partner” in it she will share her journey from childhood trauma to community partner working to engage, inspire, educate and empower youth.
I first met the Honorable Judge Saldana through her involvement, leadership and support of our local Combined Federal Campaign. For years, she worked with Judge George Kazen to support programs that provide, food, clothing and shelter for families in need. Since Judge Kazen’s passing, she has played an instrumental role continuing his legacy in the support for individuals coming out of the prison system trying to integrate back into the community. She is an incredible and inspirational lady. You won’t want to miss her presentation!
Assistant District Attorney for the 49th Judicial District of Texas, Mr. Rogelio Soto is next up on the agenda. He will cover CAC 101: Why We Should Care. He is followed by Laredo Police Department Chief of Police, Miguel A. Rodriguez, Jr. His topic is “Protecting the Voiceless: A Law Enforcement Blueprint for Child-Centered Justice”.
Right after lunch, Attorney, Juan J. Cruz will present “New Legal reporting Requirements Affecting Public Education Entities.” Mr. Cruz is the Managing Partner at JCA Law, P.L.L.C. He is respected and well known in our community for his exceptional work. He has held several prestigious positions throughout his career, including being the first Hispanic chair of the State Bar of Texas School Law Section. He is also a former chair for the Texas Association of School Board Council of School Attorneys.
Mr. Cruz is dedicated to providing a “gold standard” legal service. His presentation is sure to extremely informative. Thank you, Mr. Cruz for everything you do to support our community. I am extremely grateful for everything you do to support the Children’s Advocacy Center and their mission of helping families in need. The knowledge, experience and leadership you provide to our school districts and government offices is priceless. I have been blessed to seen the great work Mr. Cruz has done as a board member for the CAC and with United Independent School District. Mr. Cruz has been defending Texas educational entities for years.
Dr. Juan Gerardo Galvan-Rodriguez, Psychotherapist and Clinical Director at Holy Family Psychotherapy Training Institute, will be the last speaker of the day. His topic be on the “Shared Responsibility: Psychological Insights and Multidisciplinary Strategies to Prevent Suicide in At-Risk Children.”
In additions to the Annual Conference, CAC cordially invites the community to join them on Friday, April 24th for the 3rd Annual Warrior Walk. It is a free event open to the public. It will be at the Bartlett Park off Thomas Ave. It will start at 9:30am. Everyone is encouraged to wear BLUE attire. Remember, “Every step counts in the fight against child abuse.” For additional details contact 956.712.1840 or email officemanager@caclaredo.org.
Mark your calendars
LAREDO PHILHARMONIC CHORALE: THE 7 WORDS OF CHRIST
Come experience this evocative and spiritual masterpiece brought to life by the voices of the Laredo Philharmonic Chorale. The event will be on Sunday, March 29 at 3 p.m. at the TAMIU Fine and Performing Arts Center. Admission cost is $30 & Students with ID can enter for free. For tickets call 956.763.9960
LAREDO ANIMAL PROTECTIVE SOCIETY; EASTER EGG HUNT
Bring the whole family out to LAPS for a fun filled day with games, food and drinks. There will be raffles, adoptions and Easter Bunny pictures on Friday, April 3 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 2500 Gonzalez St. For more information call 956.724.8364.
AREA HEALTH EDUCATION CENTER (AHEC): BOWLING TOURNAMENT
The AHEC Tournament is scheduled for Saturday, April 4 from noon to 3:30 p.m. at Jett Bowl North. For more information, contact AHEC at 956.712.0037.
IMAGINARIUM OF SOUTH TEXAS: AEP LIGHT UP THE NIGHT
Join us for the AEP Free Family Night on Friday, April 10 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 PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP: UNDERSTANDING PARKINSON’S
Everyone is invited to come learn more about Parkinson’s. The workshop will be held on Saturday, April 11 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the TAMIU Western Hemispheric Trade Center, Room 111. The event will feature three keynote speakers. Kristen Martulis, DNP, APRN, AGNC-C, Depart. Of Neurology UT Health Science Center in San Antonio will present A New Frontier vs Deep Brain Stimulation. Leila Saadatpour, MD and Assistant Professor of Neurology UT Health Science Center in San Antonio will present Non-Motor Symptoms in Parkinson’s. Pablo Coss, MD and Assistant Professor of Neurology UT Health Science Center in San Antonio will present Parkinson’s Therapies and update on Laredo Clinics. For more information or to register for the event call 956.942.5511.
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
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.
UNITED WAY OF LAREDO; THAT’S HOW WE ROLL: BOWLING TOURNAMENT
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.
Peggy M. Duncan, United Way of Laredo
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