SCAN
Since 1982, Serving Children and Adults in Need (SCAN) has been serving the Laredo community. SCAN provides services to a wide range of populations such as families experiencing family conflict; youth and children in at-risk situations; youth and adults with substance use disorders; victims of sexual assault and violence; children and adolescents who have experienced a traumatic event; children who have been abused and/or neglected; mother and babies who are experiencing stress; and other populations. SCAN has its main office in Laredo, Webb County, where it offers most of its residential programs including an emergency youth shelter, a transitional living program, and four residential substance use treatment programs. SCAN continues to serve the community in several other counties with a total of 10 satellite offices along the Texas-Mexico border. SCAN strives to help individuals achieve their full potential and provides empowerment opportunities to help them succeed utilizing best practices and evidence-based interventions that are grounded in the communities’ culture and language. SCAN staff members strive to promote resiliency and long-term recovery. Keylen was referred to SCAN by a school counselor around May 2021 due to family losses and experiencing family conflict with extended family members. She could not stay with them and found herself homeless. The SCAN case manager went to the school to interview her and immediately placed her at SCAN’s Emergency Youth Shelter. At the shelter, she was provided with residential services, counseling, case management and emergency clothing. The first weeks at the shelter focused on helping her become stable and adjusting to the structure of the shelter. She made the decision to go to school in-person and she was provided with transportation to and from school. She excelled in school. She continues living at the shelter. She graduated from high school this May 2021. She is now working part time with a community leader, who offered her a job. Keylen is now thriving. The shelter was instrumental in giving her the physical and emotional resources she needed for her continued growth and development. Once she turns 18, she will transfer to SCAN’s Transitional Living Program where she can stay long term, go to college, and make a successful transition to adulthood. Keylen is just one 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 SCAN 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″ ]
LAPS
The Laredo Animal Protective Society (LAPS) is Laredo’s only no kill shelter. They reside on a block of land in the mostly vacant area of west Laredo. Located at 2500 Gonzalez Street, LAPS is open for walk-ins from 11am -3:00pm Wednesdays through Saturdays and by appointment on from 3:00-5:30pm Wednesdays through Saturdays. All dogs are available for adoption. They are vaccinated against distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, parvovirus, bordetella bronchiseptica and rabies. They are given a SNAP blood test if over 7 months and are on flea/tick preventative if over 2 months. All dogs are dewormed, microchipped and spayed/neutered. LAPS tries to rescue dogs from being euthanized at the city shelter; however, they have limited space. Fostering animals is a great way to help LAPS. The number of dogs they save depends on the number of people who open their homes to foster. When fostering, LAPS encourages you to share your experiences and insights with them. This helps to ensure a perfect fit with the animals “furever” home. There is no cost to foster. LAPS will provide you with the necessary supplies for the dog you foster. All you need to provide is a safe, clean, caring environment with food, water, and shelter. Dogs should have plenty of socialization, love, and exercise. Ruby is a miniature dear head chihuahua that was fostered by the Perez family. She was fostered after Princess passed away. The Perez family had loved and cared for Princess for 15 years. They felt their home was quiet and empty without Princess. Afraid to adopt a new dog, they optioned to foster Ruby. After a few days, it was a sealed deal. Ruby was already part of the family. She has since been adopted by the Perez family. She enjoys going for walks with the family and riding in the car. She especially likes laying on Mom and Dad’s lap, chasing the cat out of her spot and sleeping in the bed with Mom and Dad. Mrs. Perez shares, “Ruby has brought life back to our quite house and more love than we could imagine. Ruby loves kissing her Daddy every night before she cuddles to sleep.” The Perez family is just one 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 LAPS 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″ ]
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army has a history of helping fight for the souls of lost men and women. It began in England as a “Christian Mission”, but with more than 1,000 volunteers and evangelists it became better known as a “volunteer army.” In 1888, volunteers came to America, and began preaching in Salvation Army uniforms in Dallas, Texas. “The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Our message is based on the Bible, our ministry is motivated by the love of God, and our mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ as we meet human needs in His name without discrimination. Every program we offer is rooted in our passion to serve God by serving the lost, the vulnerable, the needy, the poor, the hurting, the helpless and the hopeless,” said Captain Rebecca Galabeas. Today the Salvation Army serves 127 countries. In the United Sates, they help over 25,000,000 people annually. In 2020, the Salvation Army of Laredo helped over 500 families in need and served over 18,000 meals. They have a lodge that provides shelter for men, women and children. They have a soup kitchen that provides daily meals. They operate a thrift store that provides clothing and other necessities at reduced costs. They also have an emergency food pantry, financial assistance programs, a Christmas program and disaster relief services. We never know when we are going to need help, but it’s great to know there are agencies ready to lend a hand when you are in need. Alejandra Garcia shares, “It has been really difficult during this COVID pandemic time, we have struggled to pay the rent, utilities and buy food. To make matters worse, I was involved in a car accident where the other driver did not take responsibility for his actions. I was unable to work and almost lost my job, because I had to take care of my baby who was injured in the accident for three months. Thank God my child is okay, but my situation was dire. The Salvation Army not only helped me with rent, but they united in prayer for my baby. They gave me hope and helped me when I felt was at my lowest. They provided us with food for our bodies and our souls.” Alejandra says, “I will always be grateful to the Salvation Army for their help and support.” Alejandra is just one example of the lives you touch when you give to United Way. Your donation ensures that agencies like The Salvation Army are around to help people in times of 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″ ]
United Way 211
2-1-1 Texas is an easy to dial phone number that provides information on heath and human services available in the community. 2-1-1 Texas is a program sponsored by the Health and Human Service Commission in conjunction with 25 local independent Area Information Centers across the state. 2-1-1 is available 24 hours a day seven days a week. When you dial 2-1-1 you will hear a prompt that will ask you to select a language preference. Press “1” for an English speaking operator, “2” for a Spanish speaking operator, or “0” for other languages. Once you select a language, you will hear a prompt for COVID-19 press option “6”. If you would like information on local community resources (United Way of Laredo, press “1”, for state services (Medicaid, food stamps, CHIPS or TANIF) press “2), to report fraud (Office of the Inspector General) press “3” or to register for evacuation registry (STEAR) press “4”. You can choose option “8” for assistance with mental health and/or substance use disorders. 2-1-1 is available in every county in the state of Texas. Locally, United Way of Laredo serves as the Area Information Center that provides information for the Jim Hogg, Webb and Zapata County areas. For our area, United Way of Laredo hosts the local line Monday through Friday 9 am to 6 pm. The United Way of Greater Houston hosts the line after hours, on weekends and holidays. 2-1-1 provides information such as where licensed child care services available in the community, where children can participate in summer food programs, where the nearest run-a-way or domestic violence shelter is, where to turn for counseling services, etc. During emergency or disaster situations, the 2-1-1 number can also assist you with where to go for emergency shelter, what evacuation routes to take, information as to what you should take with you when you are evacuating, etc. In 2020, the United Way of Laredo South Texas Region AIC staff handled over 103,000 calls providing information on services available to those in need. Callers received information such as where to go for food stamps, where to call to donate clothing, where to go for counseling or financial assistance. 2-1-1 is not a number to call for life threatening emergency assistance. You should call 9-1-1 for life threatening calls. [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 Laredo HSDA HIV/AIDS Consortia
Being diagnosed with HIV/AIDS is not easy. Besides the immense medical expenses associated with the disease, there is the stigma associated with having AIDS. There are many who cannot tolerate or accept being around people with AIDS. There is always the fear that “you might get it just by being around them”. This type of situation makes it very difficult to find work to cover every day living expenses. John is currently 60 years of age. He was diagnosed HIV positive in 1995. He was 34 years old when he contracted HIV. “I have been through numerous medication regimens since first diagnosed. There has been much progress done in the treatment of HIV/ AIDS. Now, patients do not have to take so many pills as before,” said John. The fewer pills’ patients have to take makes it easier to remain compliant. “One to two pills per day is much better than 6-10 pills per day,” said John. But because these new medications are more potent, they also carry more risks such as, becoming a diabetic, developing heart problems and other medical issues that further complicate the overall approach to treatment. John says, “I am very blessed that my family has been very supportive since I was first diagnosed. My family has always been there for me.” Unfortunately, after living with HIV for 26 years, it has taken a toll on his body and overall health. Some of these medications have given him other medical issues such as diabetes and heart problems. “I have been hospitalized numerous times for the medical conditions that resulted from medications of long term used,” John shared. “I know that I have to care for myself and do my best to comply with all orders given to me by my physician and other medical professionals to remain stable, as far as the HIV virus. I no longer can work and my income is now very limited. My income is what I received from disability which is not much for my living expenses,” John said. He also shared that his family also helps him at times with financial assistance. “I try my best not to burden any of them with this issue. I have come to rely on the HIV/ AIDS Consortia for assistance with co-pays for my medications and food vouchers. The Consortia sometimes helps me with rent and utility assistance. I am very grateful for the assistance given to me and other clients from the HIV/AIDS consortia.” John is just one 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 the Laredo HSDA HIV/AIDS Consortia 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″ ]
Imaginarium of South Texas
While the global pandemic hindered many of us from enjoying some of our daily activities, such as going to the mall, organizations like the Imaginarium of South Texas have continued to provide services. The Imaginarium offers children an extension of what they learn in their classrooms, with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM). It is the only children’s museum within 150 miles. The Imaginarium of South Texas is currently located within Mall del Norte and while their operating hours have changed, their goal and agenda have not. Aside from being a children’s museum, the Imaginarium of South Texas works with various schools and organizations, such as United Way and the surrounding counties and districts, to provide academic development through interesting science experiments, fun activities, and hands-on learning experiences. Kaylee Alvarado, who is a 6-year-old student from Santa Maria Elementary shared, “I really like being in this program because it is a lot of fun. We get to make fun things like slime, snow, ornaments, a monster mask, some mice and a super cool car from just paper, straws and candy. We also read a book and our teacher is really, really nice.” Kassandra Alvarado, a 9-year-old student from Santa Maria Elementary said, “When the corona virus started, it made my sister and I very sad that we wouldn’t be able to go to the Imaginarium. Then my Mom told us we could be a part of this program. It has been so much fun. I really like it because we get to read a book and keep it for our library at home. I love to see what our next activity will be because it is always something related to the story. We get excited when we see our bag filled with the materials for the activity. I can’t wait for the next one, it’s supposed to be a volcano.” At the Imaginarium, everyone benefits from participation. Arturo Martinez, Jr a volunteer at the Imaginarium shared, “One of the simplest ways that I gain satisfaction from life is by dedicating my time to a cause that I feel passionate about. Community service, in particular, offers numerous opportunities for me to utilize my talents to aid those in need of extra help. I decided to volunteer because of my passion to help others. I discovered that serving others is an enjoyable experience at the Imaginarium of South Texas among my numerous commitments to community services, this program impacted my character in a positive manner and has allowed me to feel proud of my accomplishment. For the past three years, I have contributed my time at the Imaginarium by helping them with the weekly workshops and special events.” Mrs. Murrillo, the Executive Director of the Imaginarium of South Texas, emphasized that how before the outbreak of Coronavirus cases, they were in the works of establishing science activities for children with learning disabilities. In addition, the Imaginarium was developing educational and mobility workshops for elderly adults from various retirement and nursing homes from around Laredo. She acknowledged that children with learning disabilities and the elderly tend to be overlooked in the community and are not provided enough resources. While the Imaginarium of South Texas has always had activities and workshops based on providing a more thorough and hands-on learning experience for children, these new programs would designate certain days of the week or month to only children with disabilities or elderly adults. By doing so, Mrs. Murrillo acknowledged that not only would the Imaginarium of South Texas have a larger variety of programs they provide but would also be positively impacting the community. United Way supports agencies like the Imaginarium of South Texas so they can provide outreach programs for children who cannot otherwise afford participating in the Imaginarium’s STEAM-focused curriculum. The Imaginarium of South Texas is a proud member of the United Way of Laredo family of agencies. Your support of United Way, helps to ensure that agencies like the Imaginarium are able to provide youth services to the children of our community. 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″ ]
Sacred Heart Children’s Home
Leticia Farias is happy to share her life experience at Sacred Heart and how God has helped her throughout her life. Her family consisted of seven members: her parents, four older sisters, herself and a younger sibling. After her parents separated, it became difficult for her mother to support the family financially. “My dad no longer wanted to support my mother financially. My mom began to work by buying and selling things. She would travel from one place to another to try and provide for us. The traveling made it difficult for her to care for us,” Leticia shared. “My Mom met a Cuban man named Manolo. He told her about Sacred Heart Children’s Home. He was a benefactor of the Home.” Leticia said. Fearing that she would not be able to provide for her children’s basic needs, Leticia’s mother went to Sacred Heart Children’s Home for help. “At that time, it was Sacred Heart Orphanage. It was attended by religious who were helping needy families like mine. The sisters welcomed and cared for us with great love providing us with comprehensive care that included academic, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual growth. It was their support that made it possible for us to succeed.” Leticia said. She added, “At Sacred Heart, I learned many values such as respect, service, generosity, and trust in God.” Leticia continued, “I’m very grateful to the Sisters of Sacred Heart Children’s Home for taking my sisters and myself under their care when we most needed it. I have learned to give, share and help others who have passed through my life when I see they are in need. This I learned from the Sisters. I know how it feels when you don’t have enough. God has always been in my life. I feel very blessed. The main values I learned that have served me in my personal life to become the working woman I’m today are honesty, sharing, and responsibility which were instilled by the Sisters. We inherited from our mom her strength and determination of working for her family the best she could. When my mom came to visit us at the Home, she would bring us food and clothing. I stayed at the children’s home from the age of 2 to about 11yrs.” “As years went by, I could still count on the Sisters. When I needed cloths or jackets for my children, the Sisters would allow me to go through the donations of used clothing they had received. It was a blessing from God to us. Eventually, I opened a small business with my sister. Our business was a success. I help out whenever I can, but I will always be grateful to the Sisters from Sacred Heart and United Way for helping families in need,” Leticia shared. Sacred Heart is a children’s home that is licensed to provide support for girls ages 5-17 and boys ages 5-10. They provide a home and support services for children. The charity relies on the support of grants and donations. They are a proud member of the United Way of Laredo family of agencies. Your support of United Way, helps to ensure that agencies like Sacred Heart are able to help people in our community. 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.
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″ ]
