4th QUARTER 2016
EDINBURG HOUSING AUTHORITY
El Reflejo Newsletter Volume 3 Issue 4
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RODOLFO “RUDY” RAMIREZ
Edinburg Housing Authority 2016 Board of Commissioners CHAIRMAN VICE-CHAIRMAN RESIDENT COMMISSIONER COMMISSIONER COMMISSIONER JOSE RODRIGUEZ ARMANDO BARRERA EDUARDO GONZALEZ ELIAS LONGORIA JUAN GUZMAN
Ciro Treviño Administration Building 910 S. Sugar Rd. Edinburg, Texas, 78539 Office Hours: Mon.- Thurs.: 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Fri.: 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Main Office
EHA staff, Edinburg PD, Edinburg Parks and Recreation, Whiskey D. Band, Southern Justice, representatives from Edinburg Sekula Library and RGV JR. Vipers Academy participated Children from the in the event by traveling to Edinburg Housing Authori- every development to deliver ty’s developments lined up toys. The caravan was led by on Dec. 21, waiting for Blue Blue Santa and began at La Santa to arrive with toys. Ap- Posada. The journey continproximately 500 toys were ued through Lantana, El Jarcollected in collaboration din, Albores Courts and endwith the Edinburg Police De- ed at Ramirez Apartments. Six members of partment and distributed at EHA’s 4th Annual Toy Drive. the Southern Justice mo torcycle club participated in the event by handing out toys to the children. Vice president for the Southern Justice, Freddy Ramos, commented on the importance of community partners in events like the toy drive. “It’s very import Toys were collect- ed throughout the city of Ed- ant because we all try to inburg from Nov. 18 – Dec.14. do the same thing for evThanks to EHA’s community eryone – give back to the partners, boys and girls from community,” Ramos said. all five developments, ages “That’s the true meaning 0-12, received a free toy. of Christmas.” It was the
EHA celebrates 4th Annual Toy Drive
Congratulations Mr. Ramirez! We would like to congratulate our very own Executive Director Rodolfo “Rudy” Ramirez on becoming the new president for the Housing Alliance of Valley Employees South Texas Region! Mr. Ramirez was inaugurated on Dec. 16, 2016 by Hidalgo County District Attorney, Ricardo Rodriguez at the annual H.A.V.E Christmas party. Housing employees from the South Texas organization came together
Highlights
first time Southern Justicehelped at an EHA event, but they hope to help out at next year’s toy drive. EHA and Executive Director Rodolfo “Rudy” Ramirez are thankful to the city of Edinburg and our community partners for all the donations. Due to re
H.A.V.E Inaugurates New President
- 3rd Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk, Page 2 - Turkey Distribution, Page 3
A publication by the Edinburg Housing Authority, 2017.
cent funding cuts from HUD, the agency relies on the collaborative efforts of the community. Ramirez said the event was a “great success” thanks to the participation of Edinburg PD, Southern Justice and other partners. As an administrator, the executive director finds events like the toy drive one of the most rewarding parts of his job. Especially when EHA residents benefit. “It was rewarding to see the smiles that we put on our residents to celebrate the inauguration of Mr. Ramirez and the holiday at The Main Event Entertainment center with a buffet, bowling and prizes. The H.A.V.E. S.T.R. is a membership organization consisting of agencies and individuals who administer housing and community development, and it is currently one of the leading advocates for the provision of adequate and affordable housing in the South Texas Region.
faces, specifically the children,” Ramirez said. The children weren’t the only ones to walk away with smiles, as EHA staff and community partners were grateful for the opportunity to carry out the true meaning of Christmas. On behalf of EHA we’d like to wish Mr. Ramirez the best of luck as he takes office. EHA is excited for this new journey and looks forward to working with all H.A.V.E agencies and members.
- Read All About it, Page 2 - EHA & UTRGV Collab, Page 3
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EHA’s 3rd Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk As a part of Edinburg Housing Authority’s (EHA) commitment to raise awareness for Breast Cancer, EHA organized its 3rd Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk and fair on Oct. 19 at La Posada Apartments in Edinburg, TX. The event started at 8:30 a.m. and ended at 10:30 a.m., with an attendance of more than 50 people. La Posada walk/jog
trail was filled with residents, staff, agency representatives and community members wearing pink in order to show their support for breast cancer awareness.
With great efforts from the social work interns Maria Vargas, Kenia Azamar, and Anne Gonzalez from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Department of Social Work this event was a huge success. “Preparing and organizing this event was a bit overwhelming since it was our first grand community project. We were excited to spread awareness and felt it was a unique experience. It was a good opportunity to come together to plan for a successful outcome. This event
required a great deal time and patience when waiting to hear back from each agency. Overall it was a learning experience.” said Maria Vargas when asked how it felt preparing and organizing the breast cancer awareness walk. The fair which took place before the walk involved 12 agencies who came to inform, provide and educate the attendees on different health related topics and services. Along with receiving giveaways and information
by the agencies residents also had the opportunity to sign up with them so that they may receive further information in the future regarding any questions, concerns or thoughts they may have.
We would like to thank LeFleur Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n , Love N’ Care, Mi Casa, Behavior Health Solution of South Texas, Maximus Health & Human services programs, Texas A&M
Working on Wellness, Total Valley Medical Care OBGYN, Rodeo Dental, Funeraria Del Angel Dignity Memorial, Driscoll Health Plan, Cantu’s Pharmacy and DentaQuest for their participation but most importantly for educating our residents, staff and attendees on the importance of maintaining your health and taking early actions to prevent any form of cancer or illness. “It is important to inform residents and EHA staff of health issues so that they are able to help spread the
word and ultimately lower chronic diseases. It is also necessary to honor those who have been affected by this disease, and to never forget their fight. Our agencies help provide not only cancer awareness but
EHA is proud to support such a great cause and will always continue to raise awareness for Breast Cancer. You can learn about self-examination, living a healthy lifestyle, steps to take if you think you might have cancer and so much more by visiting the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org.
other health topics that help with hygiene and prevention of sicknesses. We must keep in mind that a community that comes together moves forward together.” said Vargas.
Read all about it!
Edinburg Housing Authority residents participated in the Jumpstart’s #ReadfortheRecord movement on Oct. 27. Kids from the developments joined the 10 million people who read The Bear Ate Your Sandwich by Julia Sarcone-Roach as a part of the nationwide campaign.
As of November, all five EHA developments had little free libraries. The little libraries are equipped with grade-level reading books. Parents and children are encouraged to bring a book and trade it in for another. It’s
Thank you
for reaching out to our community and providing free flu shots to our uninsured residents. We would like to specially thank Pharmacy Manager, Mike Sanchez for thinking of us.
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recommended for children to read 30 minutes before bedtime every day. Stop by your nearest little library and pick up a book TODAY!
A generous Thanksgiving distribution
A total of 47 turkeys were donated to the Edinburg Housing Authority for the Thanksgiving holiday. Forty-seven families were fortunate to receive a turkey and complimentary sides. EHA would like to thank all the community members and partners for their generous donations. Those include: Rick Villareal from Rick Villareal Insurance Agency, Gus Kennedy from Communities in Schools of Hidalgo County, Mary Vasquez, the City of Edinburg-Government, New Hope Church, Edinburg Chamber of Commerce and H-E-B. On behalf of the EHA families, thank you for making the Thanksgiving holiday a happy time for its residents.
EHA & UTRGV Collaborations
The UTRGV College of Education classes assisted with homework help every week at all five developments on Mondays and Tuesdays from 5 to 7 p.m. Our young residents really enjoyed having college students as their mentors, and will certainly miss having the future teachers at the homework help sessions. Additionally, UTRGV students received training and became certified to teach the RedRover Readers program, a unique community-based learning program that helps develop awareness and empathy as children explore the bond between people and animals through stories and discussion. RedRover Readers classes were held every Wednesday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. where residents got a visit from Bob, a certified therapy dog for children. The UTRGV Bilingual Department had students from Early Childhood classes visit our developments on Thursday from 5 to 6 p.m. University students held a Playing and Learning Camp where they prepared different math, science and reading activities for our young residents. Their activities culminated in a celebration where the organization UT CARES sent their Giving Elves to celebrate with the children while they read “The Polar Express,” ate holiday food, worked on crafts and played Christmas Bingo.
Applebee’s hosted Edinburg Housing Authority’s “Short Stacks for a Tall Cause” pancake fundraiser on Dec. 3, 2016. The fundraiser was carried out to raise money to buy books for the recently established free little libraries at the EHA developments. The EHA Youth Leadership Association and UTRGV BESO volunteered by serving pancakes to all guests and making sure they had a great breakfast, while participating in the educational initiative.
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Announcements INFORMATION ADDRESSING PUBLIC INDECENCY EHA strongly monitors all properties with security cameras for the well-being of all our residents. Infractions caught on surveillance will be reported to the Edinburg Police Department and may lead to legal action. Public indecency on EHA property amongst preteens (9-12) and adolescents (13-19) has been reported to Edinburg Housing Authority personnel. Public indecency is illegal in the state of Texas and refers to acts involving nudity or sexual activity in view of the public. The committing of an unlawful act will be noted as a Lease Agreement Breach. Residents are to report any violations to the property manager upon incident. All parents are responsible to monitor their children after dark. EHA will be taking appropriate measures to address any reported violations. We appreciate your cooperation. Thank you.
Homework Help Sessions: Posada - Albores - El Jardin - Lantana Monday & Tuesday 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
If you know any EHA students that are currently attending college or have attended, as well as any residents that are doing or have accomplished outstanding things, please contact us so we can feature them in the EHA Achievers blog by calling Juan Garcia at 956-383-3839. To view the EHA Achievers Blog please visit http:// mediaha.wix.com/ehablog.
Ramirez Viviendas Monday 3:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
* Computers are available for students to use in the designated time slots and books available to check out. Please assure that your son/ daughter brings their homework and any other materials they may need. If you have any further questions regarding the homework help session, please contact Araceli Porras @ (956) 383-3839. 2017 is here!!!!
Become a great leader! EHA welcomes all housing
Look forward to these upcoming events!
students 13 to 19-years-old to join the Youth Leadership Association! If you have a child that would like to learn more about or be a part of the Youth Leadership Association, he/she can contact Diego Oros at doros@edinburgha.org or call him @ 956-383-3839.
Edinburg 10K - February 4th EHA’s 5K - August 5th Keep up with our social media accounts to receive updates on dates and times!
IMPORTANT REMINDERS Rent deadline Due monthly by the 1st, but EHA gives you
Resident Meeting Interested in finding out what’s happening at EHA or your
Community service Residents 18+ years old who are not exempt
*Please make arrangements to attend to receive one hour of com-
development? Come find out at our next Resident Meeting. Meetings are led by the Executive Director Rodolfo “Rudy” Ramirez and all residents are invited. Please contact your property manager for next meeting location, date and time.
until the 5th to pay in full. There is a $15 fee for late payments.
must volunteer 8 hours a month in order to comply with HUD’s Community Service Requirement.
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