February 16, 2025 • 37 mins
Carolina Jacquez and Salome Robles from Burges high School discussing their Student Council event, "Take Back the night" in honor of Teen Dating Violence Awareness month.
Wendy Gamillo and Yadira Lopez from Plant A Seed non profit
Wendy Gamillo and Yadira Lopez from Plant A Seed non profit
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome to El Paso Public Forum, a weekly half hour
public affairs presentation of iHeartRadio El Paso for over twenty years,
featuring local news and interviews of interest to our listeners
in West Texas and southern New Mexico. All views and
opinions expressed on this program are those of the host
and guest, and not necessarily those of iHeartRadio Management and
now El Paso Public Forum.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
Welcome back to the al Paso Public Forum. I am
your host, Amberbanda, and today we have two students from
Burgess High School. I have Carolina Hakis. Carolina, thank you
for being here with me today. Go ahead and introduce yourself.
Speaker 3 (00:34):
Hello, everyone, my name is Carolina Hackes Gonsalez and I
am from Burgess High School. I am a sophomore and
I am the student body Spirit Manager from our student
Council Perfect.
Speaker 2 (00:45):
And I also have here Salome Robles Salove. Go ahead
and introduce yourself. Hello.
Speaker 4 (00:49):
My name is Solome. I'm a sophomore at Burgess High School.
I am the student Body Class so the student the
class Manager Spirit Manager.
Speaker 2 (00:57):
Class of twenty seven Spirit Manager. I can't you guys
are making me feel really over bad, but you guys
speak very well. So today we're going to be talking
about a Burgess High School Student Council event called take
Back the Night. So before we get into that event, Caroline,
I want to ask you what is your role as
(01:17):
Spirit manager for the student council.
Speaker 3 (01:20):
As Spirit manager, it is my job to promote school
spirit amongst our student body. But recently I've moved towards
more projects that mean a lot to me, such as
take Back the Night or Break the Silence where they
all focus on domestic abuse and spirit awareness for sexual violence.
Speaker 2 (01:37):
And salom My same question, what is your role as
a Class of twenty seven spirit manager?
Speaker 4 (01:42):
As Class of twenty seven spirit manager, it is my
job to bring class spirit and joy and really get
the class involved in activities around the school and make
sure that we really have a lot of school spirit.
Speaker 2 (01:55):
Awesome, I mean, and you guys get to miss school
for this, so you know you're welcome. So, but it's
for a very good reason you're going to be talking
about take Back the Night. Godline, I'm going to start
with you. Can you give us the details of when
and where this event will take place?
Speaker 3 (02:10):
Of course, so take Back the Night is going to
happen at Burgess High School on February twentieth from five
to seven thirty pm.
Speaker 2 (02:19):
Okay, And you would say that this is in honor
of teen Dating Violence Awareness Months. So why why the
title take Back the Night?
Speaker 3 (02:28):
So take Back the Night? The title actually stems off
of a national reconities organization called TEA Back the Nights Okay,
where they raise awareness abound sexual violence, support survivors, and
advocate for the rights to feel safe in public spaces,
especially at night. It actually started back in the nineteen
seventies as a part of the movement to create awareness
and change around issues of gender base violence.
Speaker 2 (02:50):
Oh wow, okay, that's interesting. I love that. And so
this event is going to be at Burgess High School. Saloma,
can you tell us a little bit about your involvement
with this event.
Speaker 4 (03:01):
So when Nina first told me about the event, I
was like, okay, awesome, this is cool. She brought me
in to do a lot of the awareness around school.
So we would go from classroom the classroom and have
we had a lot of the school wear purple, and
we pulled kids out the classes and said hey, can
we take a picture with you real quick? And we
did post it on our social media platforms, and it
was to really start spreading the idea of this project
(03:24):
and spread the idea of domestic violence awareness.
Speaker 2 (03:26):
And why the color purple?
Speaker 4 (03:28):
That is the color of domestic violence awareness.
Speaker 2 (03:31):
Oh and February. Why did you choose February?
Speaker 3 (03:34):
Fabu is because it's teen daty Violence Awareness Month and
we in awareness of that. We wear orange.
Speaker 2 (03:40):
Oh okay, so it's orange, okay, orange and purple. So yes,
February is teen dating violence violence Awareness Month. So god
Alina tell us a little bit more about this event.
So how can people get in? Is there a cost
to attend?
Speaker 3 (03:53):
There is no cost, but we are asking participants to
bring a chi donation that consists of feminine bybe wives,
maybe food, formula, diapers, baby accessories like utensils, plastic balls,
stuff like that, and the donation entries that we're going
to be taken in, they're going to be sent to
local domestic violence shelters that consist of the Guiding Star Southwest,
(04:14):
the Reynolds Home, and the Opportunities Center for the Helmeless.
Speaker 2 (04:18):
This is amazing And what else? What other events are
going to be a part of this? What can people
expect when they go to this event, so.
Speaker 3 (04:24):
People can expect it to be a mental health slash
educational fair to raise awareness about teen dating violence. There's
going to be several booths focusing on mental health where
they're going to be managed by student councils from all
over Apasso for example, or Real School Needs doing this
activity where they ask participants to write down what love
means to them on paper hearts, while Cheaping High School
(04:47):
is doing this activity where they ask people to play Jenga,
but with each block has a teen dating statistic. And
many of the organizations that we're going to be invited
is going to support and promote what resources they can
give to people who are going through domestic abuse. Organizations
like the YWCA Transitional Byman Center, who are going to
(05:08):
be giving out information on their sets of case managements.
They're counseling and job search assistance and educational opportunities. As
one of the Guiding Stars Southwest, which is an organizations
that provides new moms with the resources they need to
provide for their newborn babies. And because of the Guiding
Star Southwest dedication and support, they are also going to
(05:28):
be providing us to give our community free ultrasounds, free helps,
and free pregnancy tests, as well as donations that will
help families in need.
Speaker 2 (05:39):
And that is so cool that you're having schools from
all of our pasts will be a part of this. Now.
Who is responsible for going to the other schools like
contacting them?
Speaker 5 (05:47):
Me?
Speaker 2 (05:47):
Yeah, how did that go? Because you know, I don't
know about you, but when I graduated back in two
thousand and four, you know, we didn't talk to those schools.
We're like, we don't talk to you, So, I mean,
I know things are different now. So how was it
going in contact these goals to be a part of this.
How did that go?
Speaker 3 (06:02):
It was honestly incredibly easy because I am part of
a D nine community, which is all the student councils
in a pass and recently we had a conference called
in the beginning of February where we came together to
plan stuff and to make everything aware of the upcoming events.
And one of the events that I informed them on
(06:23):
was take Back the Night, So I got their contact
info what booths interested in hosting we might from there.
Speaker 2 (06:30):
You would be perfect for my job. And Solomon, when
you were going around trying to get the spirit up
the awareness up about this event and Teen Dating Violence
Awareness Month. Were there any stories or anything that the
students talk to that maybe stood out to you at all?
Speaker 4 (06:45):
So I know this, a lot of our campus wasn't
really aware of domestic violence awareness. They obviously, I mean,
we're teenagers. We're going to date people, right, And I
feel like a lot of them didn't really know that
there was domestic violence, especially in our age. So I
think the idea that Lena brought to campus of domestic violence.
Speaker 2 (07:04):
Awareness really opened their.
Speaker 4 (07:06):
Mindset and thought, hey, I need to like look out
for certain things when I am in a relationship so
I can spot the issues before they may start.
Speaker 2 (07:13):
So like, were you, guys, did you look into it
yourselves or were you maybe given like a class or
something on teen dating violence? Like did someone tell you
about the red flags? Or it is just something that
you looked into on your own.
Speaker 4 (07:26):
It was something that we looked into on our own.
Seeing that we do have friends and relationships, I think
that we saw how their relationships may have affected them,
even if they are not in a domestic vialance relationship.
It's just people around us and opening our eyes and seeing, hey,
there could be things that are going around that we
might not have seen before.
Speaker 2 (07:46):
Definitely, and if you're just joining us. We have two
students from Burgess High School, both sophomores. I can't believe it.
Carolina hakkis Spirit manager for Student Council and Salo mel
Robles class of twenty seven spirit manager. We're talking about
the event February twentieth, Take Back the Night from five
to seven thirty PM at Burgess High School in honor
of teen Dating Violence Awareness Months. So they are accepting
(08:09):
donations feminine products, baby wipes, baby food, diapers, baby formula
that are going to help local domestic violent shelters, the
Guiding Star Southwest, the Reynolds Home, the Opportunity Center. If
you want more information, you can go to their instagram
at Burgess Mustangs. You can also go to Facebook Burgess Mustangs,
but I think you're more active on the instagram. Oh
(08:31):
my god, I saw also on the instant on the gram. So, Carolina,
is there anything else that you would like to tell
the listening audience about this event or anything else?
Speaker 3 (08:39):
Yes, of course I would like to expand on what
else we're offering. There's going to be self defense demonstrations
from the Osloto March Martial Arts Academy, that Briggs Academy
of mm how as well as yoga. There's gonna be
food trucks from Craze and Shiro And I want to
just let to know our viewers that if you are
experienced in Mexic abuse, then please reach out to a
(08:59):
trust friend, a family member, a local organization that can
help you, because you deserve to feel safe too. You
deserve to feel safe to walk out on nights, and
this whole event is to raise awareness for that.
Speaker 2 (09:12):
And I'm sure if anyone maybe has a question on
what resources they can go to, they can message you.
I'm more than sure you guys have resources ready to
share with people, So get on Instagram at Burgess, Mustangs
and Gotolina. I want to ask you another question, why
did you feel a strong connection to this event so
much so that you helped organize this event?
Speaker 3 (09:32):
So I wanted to create this event for two reasons.
One is to give my community a chance to breathe,
a chance to forget about everything that's going around them
and to focus on themselves. And two is to educate
my community, especially the younger ones my age, because one
in twelve us high school students experience physical and or
sexual violence in a dating relationship, and that I want
(09:54):
to inform them, inform that small persentage that you're not alone,
that there is resources out there who can help you.
I want to educate them on what unhealthy relationships are,
how to get out of the different types, whether it
be physical, sexual, mental, could have been with a friend,
a family member, a significant other, and I want them
to be aware of that and also TAKEE back the
(10:16):
Night is an event about the relationship that you have
with others, but it's also about the relationship that you
have with yourself because mental health plays a huge part
in having a healthy relationship, and you need to learn
to love yourself before you start to love anybody else.
Speaker 2 (10:32):
That's very well said. And I think these types of
events are important because you know, for me personally growing up,
you know, I was in a very unhealthy household and
I didn't know some things were abuse until someone told me, hey,
that's not right. So to go to these events and
find out, you know, you don't know what you don't know.
So it's very it's amazing that people your age are
putting on these events for other people your age because
(10:54):
I think it makes them want to open up more
as opposed to an adult and the fact that you
are putting this together and the fact that they can
go learn and think, hey, that's a red flag. I
thought that was him just you know her or her
loving me. It's you know, it's more of a controlling
thing or whatever the case is. And Salomon, let me
ask you, why did you want to be a part
of this and if is there anything that you would
(11:17):
want to tell someone maybe that's listening that's like, hey,
I'm in this relationship, but I'm not sure. It doesn't
feel right, but it's not this like what would you
tell them to come to this event and to learn
for themselves.
Speaker 4 (11:31):
So seeing that these issues may have already started, or
we want to stop them before they do start. So
I think the mean idea would be if you see
these hey this might be a small red flag, let's
address it and talk about how you can stop it
and what to do if it does begin. Because the
idea would be stop stop it before it begins. Yeah,
(11:54):
And then that way we can really prevent a lot
of domestic violence in not only just like our community,
but with people our age. I feel that because we
are so young. It's oh they're teenagers. They're so young
and older people they might not have been doing what
we're doing at our age, but I feel that now
it's just oh they're just teenagers in a relationship. It
(12:15):
could really be taken a lot farther and could really
be abusive more than what adults can understand. So I
feel that getting the attention out to teens as well
and saying hey, we're here for you, we see you
could really put a change in our community.
Speaker 2 (12:29):
Not just brushing it under the rug is oh they're young,
Oh they're just you know, he's just doing that because
he likes her, you know, the whole like when they're
in elementary school. Well the little boy hit me, what's
because he likes you? It kind of starts there, right right,
So I think, yeah, no, I think that's a very
good answer. And hopefully there's some people, some parents, some
younger kids listening that it puts the seed in their
mind that Okay, maybe this is something that I need
(12:51):
to look into. And I encourage everyone listening to come
to this event. Take Back the Night, February twenty from
five to seven thirty pm on our Instagram and Facebook
for Power No. Two point one Sunday ninety nine point
nine and ninety six point three k Country. There will
be photos of our guests. There will be this information
in case you missed any of it. There will be
(13:11):
what donations they are accepting. Again, these are going to
help local domestic violent shelters. Gotolina and Salomet, thank you
so much for being here with me today.
Speaker 4 (13:19):
No, thank you.
Speaker 2 (13:26):
Welcome to the Alpaso Public Forum. I am your host, Amberbanda,
And today we have two members from Plant to a Seed.
It's a fairly new nonprofit. We have Wendy Gamio, founder
and president of Plant to Seed. Wendy, thank you for
being here with me today.
Speaker 6 (13:42):
Oh my god, No, thank you. Thank you for having
us here, Honor, thank you of course.
Speaker 2 (13:46):
And we also have Yadira Lopez, administrative assistant for Plant
to Seed, Yadida, thank you for being here with me today.
Speaker 5 (13:53):
Thank you for having us.
Speaker 2 (13:54):
Yeah. So initially when I asked you, Wendy, because this
is not your first time on the Al Pasto Public Forum.
You know, you do a lot of events since you started,
And initially when I asked you to be on the show,
it was about the my gingset program. But after looking
through your Instagram, you are doing a lot for the community.
And that's the whole point of this. You don't really
just focus on one part. It's you know, you're helping
(14:16):
the I'll Pass the community, so hope grow strength and
harvest strength for the local LATINX community and underserved communities
in I'll Pass in various ways.
Speaker 6 (14:26):
Correct, Yes, that is the goal. It's pretty much filling
in the gaps in the community, filling in the need.
That's what Sorry, that's what we're focusing on. So we
don't have like a specific audience or let's say program
or event that we focus on. We pretty much we're building.
You were growing as we're you know, just connecting with
(14:47):
the community and seeing what the need is.
Speaker 2 (14:49):
I mean, last time you were here, you were speaking
about the Unity event, you know, to connect different nonprofits
so they can all network and help each other. And
since then you have done a lot and I'm sure
Yadida has been helping you a lot, you know, administrative system.
I'm sure you're doing a lot of the paperwork and
stuff like that. So you both are doing a lot
of good things for the community. So the first thing
that we're going to focus on. Is my initial reason
(15:10):
that where I reached out to is the twenty twenty
five my king Set program. Now you already chose a
winner and this is in conjunction with the Grand Gala
Gala events EP. Can you talk a little bit about
this program?
Speaker 6 (15:24):
Yes, well, you know this program was created when I
myself was preparing for my daughter's kin signeta. You know,
seeing just how important a kinsignina is to a young girl,
the meaning that it has, you know, as a Hispanic
community number one and then number two. You know, she
always grew up with this dream of having a concignea
(15:46):
the colors just so implanning it all, you know, when
we realized how expensive it is, and two just how
important it is for a young girl bead. That's how
it started.
Speaker 2 (16:00):
And you know with this what you are helping to
serve underserved community. So I'm assuming that the winner of
this kinsa is maybe a little girl whose family could
not afford a kings correct.
Speaker 6 (16:11):
Yes, so we thought, you know, sorry, when we were
making this. This idea of having the program is that
you know what, let's let's make a young girl's dream
come true, that young girl that has always dreamed of
having a continuera. But you know, there's just no way financially,
there's no way, or even perhaps there's like a family
emergency that just came up, and you know, now her
(16:32):
dreams won't come true?
Speaker 2 (16:34):
Right, No, exactly, And Yadida, how long have you been
helping Wendy.
Speaker 5 (16:38):
I'm actually fairly new.
Speaker 2 (16:42):
Were you a part of the king Sina last year? Okay,
that's what I wanted to add.
Speaker 5 (16:46):
I would, But interestingly enough, my sister in last was
last year's winner.
Speaker 2 (16:53):
Oh wow, and as I was.
Speaker 5 (16:56):
As I've told her, she not only gave us that
for her, but she also saw something in me, and
then they decided to invite me to be part of
Plant to Seed. So they don't only you know, give
a party to a girl. They gave her the community,
they gave her the support, They give so much more.
Speaker 2 (17:16):
Tell us more about the process, like it was your
sister in law that won it. Yes, your money, so
you know, I know that there's an application process, so
kind of take us through that and take us through
your experience of her winning that Kincinetta when I met
for your family, Yes.
Speaker 5 (17:29):
So her story. We really wanted to give something to her,
but it wasn't in our means. We didn't have the
money to do it. So somebody in the family gave
us that application. We were able to apply. She was
there with me, we filled it out together, but her
mom passed in a very young age. I am with
her brother, so we knew that we wanted to do
(17:52):
something for her. So growing up she stayed with her
maternal grandparents, and then in twenty twenty two, twenty twenty one,
she lost her her grandfather and then tony twenty one,
she lost her grandmother right after, you know, the other.
So it was a lot of little stress, of stress
for her, just so much stress. So once we were
already planning her king state at that point with her grandmother,
(18:14):
but you know, it didn't happen that way. So once
we were able to take her with us, we found
this application. Somebody sent it and we filled it out
in hopes, you know, hoping that we could get lucky,
and she ended up winning, and she was so happy.
I mean, it gives you a sense of I don't know,
(18:35):
it made her really really happy, just knowing that there
was somebody looking out for her as well besides just us,
you know, because of all this trauma that she already had. Yeah,
it just it just made her incredibly happy.
Speaker 2 (18:47):
It gives you a sense of community.
Speaker 5 (18:49):
Yes, the community that they have behind them and that
they create for you. It's amazing.
Speaker 2 (18:55):
And Wendy, I'm sure that there was a lot of
applications and it's probably a very tough decision to choose one.
But when you saw this little girl's application, like what
was going through your head? Like why did you choose?
If you don't mind me asking, you know, not that
anyone else was it worthy. It's just you have to
make that hard choice.
Speaker 6 (19:11):
No, yes, and believe me, it really is hard. And
you know where they're reading all the applications, crying and
just going through them all, and it's really tough because
I wish that, you know, we can just make a
big old party for a lot of them, right, but
maybe one day yeah, exactly, No, absolutely, we encourage the
community to be a part of this, so hopefully, yeah,
(19:32):
wonder we can do that. But what really touched us
about Ailani? And now I've got to tell you onber
it's not just myself who makes the decision. I include
all of the sponsors that help. I include them in
the decision making process. So we all collectively, you know,
chose Ailani because number one, you know, as a little girl,
(19:55):
she's already gone through a lot of loss. But even
though she's gone through so much, she's excelled, she's succeeded,
she's been resilient. I mean, she is doing the nursing
program already.
Speaker 4 (20:09):
Wow.
Speaker 6 (20:10):
And then she's also in track. So we just saw that,
you know, even though she's she's gone through so much,
she's overcome it, you know. Yeah, so we said, wow, like,
let's let's continue to empower her. Yeah, because that's what
this is also about. You know, it's not just making
a young little girl's dream come true, but it's also
empowering her. Number one, she's Latina. Number two. You know,
(20:34):
you can do it, all right, So we're here to
let a little young girl know that her community is
behind her.
Speaker 2 (20:40):
She's had to work, work, work, you know, obviously she's
working hard at track, she's working hard at school. She's
had to go overcome these losses and it's kind of
nice to kids are resilient. They shouldn't have to be
right what they are, and for her to just be
able to enjoy that and just be able to plan
something along with her schoolwork and everything. That's something that's
just going to be about her. That's awesome. So, like
you said, you know, it's not just giving to the
(21:01):
little girl that wins the Kincinet's actually giving to the family.
And you already chose a winner for this year. It's
going to be announced February twenty third at the Grand Expo. Now,
this expo is at Grand gall Events, and this is
one of the main sponsors, correct for the Kinsinta. They're
the ones that supply the actual event place.
Speaker 6 (21:20):
Yes, Grand Gala. They supply the venue and that comes
with everything. So it's literally a young girl's dream come true.
When you go in there, it's like magical, Yes, it
really is. And then you know, we do have other sponsors.
We have the sponsors for the dress, which is the
House of Fashion. We have Yes, we have glam you Up.
(21:41):
Who I mean this girl right, she glam you up?
Speaker 2 (21:46):
Glam you up?
Speaker 6 (21:47):
Yes, you know, she does your makeup, she does your hair.
And then we also have Alex Diaz who is our
videographer photographer. We also have a florist Black Yes, back
of Flowers, and so you know we're hoping that we
get more more sponsors. Like I tell our sponsors, this
(22:07):
is about everybody helping out and then as helping them
out as well. Yeah, because for us, it's it's a
win win for everybody. You know, you're helping us and
we're going to shout you out all the time, right
exactly like.
Speaker 2 (22:20):
You just did. You know I personally and I know
a lot of listeners, especially if they listen to this program,
like to know about businesses that are giving back to
the community in that way. So that's just one of
the things you're doing. It's a twenty twenty five Miking
sit program. The winner will be announced February twenty third
at the Grand Expo. Now, this is open to the
public eleven am to four pm, free admission at Grand
Gala Events, which is on twelve. It's at one two
(22:43):
seven nine eight Edgember Boulevard. Again, you don't got to
remember this information on Power one O two Sunday ninety
nine point nine and ninety six point three k Hey
Country on our Instagram and Facebook. That information will be
posted there so you can go and see how to
contact plan to see it as well as learn about
this program for the Kinsia for the Kinze. Now you
have another program that we're just gonna or another event
(23:05):
coming up that we're going to quickly mention because it
is a ways a way, but people need to know
about this very important event, Race Against Human Trafficking Sunday,
May eighteenth, you know, Yavida or Wendy if you want
to just go over the details of it real quick
and who it's going to benefit.
Speaker 6 (23:22):
Oh yeah, so that is coming up May eighteenth this
year and it's going to take place at some racetrack
and casino and the reason in human trafficking is going
to We're gonna do the proceeds to benefit Elpasa North,
the Center of Hope. They are our benefactors because they
are the ones that deal with all of the victims
of human trafficking and they are here, they are local,
(23:44):
and you know, not only do they do safe housing,
but they also provide a lot of resources not just
to the victims, but also to the community. You know
right now with all of this, you know, cyberbullying, trafficking online.
I mean, they literally will go out and educate the community,
the high schools and middle schools. I mean even if
(24:05):
you just want, you know, them to go into your
home and maybe give your children a one on one
on you know what's going on online. They they will
do it. I mean they're doing a lot out here
to service the community and inform about, you know, the
things that are going about with human trafficking.
Speaker 2 (24:23):
Now, Nicole Shift, she's the CEO of Center of Hope.
I've had her on the show before. We actually had
a victim of sex trafficking on and she she did
mention about the cy the education, cyber building. I didn't
know they did the one on one stuff, so they
I need to get them back on. But the Paso
del Nortest Center of Hope, that who's that is who
(24:44):
is going to be the beneficiary of this event May eighteenth,
It's a Sunday at Sunland Park Race, truck and Casino
that's on Futurity Drive, Race against Human Trafficking. Just another
thing that plan to see this is organizing for another
community organization. Now when I went on, we're going to
talk about a couple more things. Las Las Casas the
(25:05):
Las Now I've tried to get them on the show.
Hopefully you can give me a contact. But there is
also a space on your Instagram where you can click
the link and donate to Las Casas the Las Alas.
Now what is this organization and why did you choose
them as as someone you wanted to help.
Speaker 6 (25:23):
So the program is called Generations of Kindness, Generations Generations
of Kindness, and we did. We started off the program
with Las Casas and Laitas, which is a shelter that
shelters a lot of you know, elderly women. They have
two classes of women that they service. They service women
who have a job receive you know, some type of
(25:44):
government assistance. And then they have those that are completely
dependent on, you know, on the government because they don't
have family, you know, they might have a mental health
problem and they're homeless. Right, So we chose them because
we said, oh my goodness, you know it's Christmas who
who goes to visit them? So Generations of Kindness what
it is. It's combining, merging. We're merging the elderly with
(26:06):
the youth. You know, nowadays it's so hard to connect them, right,
there's like a huge gap. And we said, oh my god,
who brings the most cheered will children do? So that's
what we're doing. We're inviting the community of children to
come and bring some cheer to the awilitas. And we're
(26:27):
not just doing it at We're also going to different
elderly shelters. But you know they are are I don't
want to say number one, but you know they open
the doors to us, and so we kind of have
a little special spot in our hearts for them and
for the children. It's also a win for them because
you know, our elderly have all the wisdom, you know,
(26:50):
and not just that, we're also going to help them
by giving them community hours. Everybody needs them. The kids
need them, you know, whether it's for church, for school,
especially high school students who need like three hundred credits
to graduate. So yes, so we're offering that to them
for for being kind, for showing kindness to others. There's
(27:11):
a reward for that.
Speaker 2 (27:13):
So for this, is this only during the Christmas time
or is this throughout the year.
Speaker 6 (27:17):
This is throughout the year.
Speaker 2 (27:18):
So if a child or a team wanted to go
and volunteer for the for this program, the Generations of Kindness,
they can contact you on the Instagram or Facebook. And
is it like a thing you do monthly or how
does that work?
Speaker 6 (27:30):
Yes, it is monthly. We're going every month we're going
out to right now, we just did. We went in
December and then we went in January. But this month
we're going to visit another shelter. But we are going
to be going every other month back to CA.
Speaker 2 (27:47):
And what do you do when you go, Like, is
there a different project every month or is it just
visiting them?
Speaker 6 (27:52):
We are visiting them. We are working kind of like
a theme. But when we go, it's we go. We
take them snacks, we play games with them, We interact
with them, whether it's reading or playing Bengal or you know,
amazingly the kids just at first it is kind of
(28:12):
like everybody wants to stick to their side. Yeah, but man,
once you get everybody talking and playing and going, yeah,
it's it's it's beautiful. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (28:21):
Have they ever gone to one of these events?
Speaker 5 (28:22):
Yes? Yes, yes, Oh is it It's very nice. It's
very nice to see the kids. Once they start talking
to them, especially the older ladies, they get very happy.
You know, I mean, it's children. They're going to bring
a smile to your face. And yeah, they're very hypnotaid
in the beginning, especially the children, right, they don't they
stay in their own little circle. Yeah, but once we
(28:44):
get them to socialize, they'll open up right because like
when they said, who else are you going to go
for wisdom?
Speaker 2 (28:50):
Right, and it's older than yeah, the younger kids too.
And if you're just joining us. We have two members
from Plant a Seed. We have Wendy got Me, founder
and president and Yadira Lopez administrative assistant. So again, Plan
to Seed is not just focused on one thing. We
talked about the twenty twenty five My Keen Set program
(29:10):
where you give a keen set to you know, a
little girl that whose family may not have otherwise been
able to afford it. The Race against Human Trafficking this
year May eighteenth to benefit Paso del Northest Center of Hope.
We're just talking right now about l Las Casas, the
Las Avolitas, or generations of kindness where you go and
you have, you know, you combine the younger generation with
the older generation. They help each other. And for more
(29:33):
information you can go to their Instagram and Facebook both
Plant a Seed dot e p t X. Now there's
a whole lot of other stuff you got going on.
But one more thing I want to touch on is
sponsorship packages to be a monthly Hero. And when I
saw this on your on your social media. This was
for Providence Children's Hospital. So a company can actually be
(29:54):
a monthly sponsor or more, and they can sponsor the
childcare for the patient.
Speaker 6 (30:01):
So what they can sponsor is our visit there. Okay,
when we go, we're taking snacks, we're taking gifts, and
we're also taking something for the staff that's there. You know,
they do so much every day and so we want
to just you know, take them a little bit something,
even if it's like a meal, a snack, fruit, even
(30:22):
as selsie as they girl.
Speaker 2 (30:24):
Let me tell you recently, as of the airing of
this a few weeks ago, I had to I made
I don't know how many trips to urging care. I
was just at the er for my daughter and leaving,
even though it's you know, not the best situation ever,
when you're there, I just told them, you know, I'm
so grateful for you guys, thank you, because they're just
you know, they're in the best spirits in spite of
(30:44):
what they're dealing with. So I'm so happy that you're
also including the staff because they're the ones that are
there like soothing you. And I'm sure a lot of
them have kids of their own two. So the monthly sponsorships,
it goes for you all to go and visit the
kids at the hospital and give something to the kids
and give something to the staff. How is this? Have
you done these business before? So tell us how the
hell they go?
Speaker 6 (31:05):
Yes, So we did it all last year. That's why
it's called twelve Months of Giving, because once again when
we started it, we started it on Christmas. And then
you know, everybody, I mean, first of all, the Apostle
community is so beautiful, right, we give, we have a
big heart. But then sometimes when Christmas is over, it's
kind of like, Okay, everybody gets back to their life. Right,
(31:26):
of course that's normal. But I said, oh my goodness,
what about January? What about February?
Speaker 2 (31:32):
So that's what we call the twelve months and give
us sicknesses.
Speaker 6 (31:34):
Yeah, that's probably when the hospitals are the fullest, right,
So we said, let's just continue once a month, So
we go once a month. So all last year we
did it and we're going back again this year. So
we go once a month as well. And we also
when we go, we have a theme. For instance, this
month is Valentine's so we'll be there the day before
(31:56):
Valentine's And our whole thing is to just to kind
of bring some cheer to the kids. A lot of
the kids there are very sick. They Initially what I
wanted to do is go play games with them, draw
do things like that, but they're they're so sick, like
they really don't even want to do anything. So just
going in and letting them know that, you know, we're
(32:17):
praying for them or that we care for them. I mean,
you'll see they smile and they're thankful. The parents too,
you know, giving them a gift card here, here's a
gift card for canes or something or gas I know
goes a long way. So that's that's what we're trying
to do every month.
Speaker 2 (32:35):
And yeah, have you gone to these hospital trips yet?
Speaker 5 (32:38):
Yes, I did. We I was able to join one
day for last months and yeah, it was very it
was very simple, but.
Speaker 2 (32:45):
It it makes a big impact.
Speaker 5 (32:48):
I think that's the important part. Yes, yeah, definitely.
Speaker 2 (32:51):
And so these sponsorships, uh, there's levels to them, correct
and they can find it on your website plant a
ced usa dot org. You guys do a lot, so
you need some spot like you you know, Uh, nonprofits
always need two things volunteers and money, you know, to
be able to help different people. So you guys are
really busy. So I'm going to start with you first, Wendy.
(33:13):
I want you to ask like the sponsors, like you know,
this is where your money is going to go, or
if someone wants to volunteer, this is what you're going
to be doing. If you could just kind of put
that out there and explain that to them.
Speaker 6 (33:23):
Yes, No, Well for you know, any business or anyone
that wants to donate, you know, your money is going
to the community to someone who really truly needs it,
because that's what we're doing. We're servicing those that are underserved,
that are in need. Everything that Pantasy does, it's because
we've either experienced it or we've seen someone go through it,
(33:45):
and so that's what we're trying to do. So you know,
I if I tell you it's it's really reassuring you
that it's going to go to someone you know, Like
you said, you know, nonprofits typically for the first couple
of years are self funded. Yeah, and so right now
it's really you know, we're at a place where we're
really saying please, community help us, but also community because
(34:09):
you're helping us, We're going to help you to this
goes both ways. We want everyone to see you to
know that you care to and so your money is
going to go both ways, to the community and back
to you.
Speaker 2 (34:20):
Definitely. And Yadida, do you have like a case that
you want to plead on your end where just letting
people know like this is what your money or your
time is going to help with.
Speaker 5 (34:32):
Yes, definitely. As someone who has already been helped by
Plant to Seed and Wendy, I would love the sponsorship
of whoever would like to sponsor to help us reach
more people. I think Wendy's kindness needs to be everywhere. Yeah,
(34:52):
because she has a beautiful heart and I love that
I'm able to help her now. So we need sponsors
and that's the best way. Unfortunately, that's the way that
it is, right, but please, I think that's the most
important party.
Speaker 6 (35:06):
But yes, and as for volunteers, you know, we we
cannot grow without the community. So if there's anyone that
wants to volunteer, please reach out to us. The more
the better, right.
Speaker 2 (35:19):
Yes, definitely. So just in case you want more information,
you want to sponsor, you want to donate, you want
to ask questions about these events anything on Instagram and Facebook.
Plan to Seed dot ep t X or plant a
Seed USA dot org. Now, Wendy, before you leave, I
just want to ask you, and you can get as
(35:40):
personal as you'd like, but why did you decide to
start Plant a Seed? I mean, when people get this
involved in a nonprofit, it's because they have some kind
of personal connection. If you wouldn't mind sharing.
Speaker 6 (35:53):
No, absolutely. You know, when I was a little girl,
I remember vividly watching an infomercial on the children in
Africa that are starving, and you know, I said a
little prayer in my heart. I said, God, you know,
if I'm ever able to when I grow up help
people that need help like them, please, you know, give
(36:17):
me that gift. And you know, growing up, I was
just always around kids. I did become a social worker
as well. I worked for the state and I did
that for several years and I absolutely loved it, and
God blessed us, blessed us to the point where you know,
I'm now at home and I still have that yearning
(36:39):
in my heart to want to serve, and so we,
my husband and I started the nonprofit and I'm just
happy and blessed to be able to do to do this.
When I wasn't working anymore and I was at home
being a house mom, a busy house mom. I was like, Wow, God,
I'm here. How dare I not fulfill that little promise
(37:02):
that I had asked of you? I am now blessed.
Now it's my time.
Speaker 2 (37:07):
Your time to hold up your end. Yeah, you're undo
the bargain.
Speaker 6 (37:09):
Mat yes, and so that's that's why we did it.
Speaker 2 (37:12):
That's awesome. Well, I want to thank you both for
being here with me today.
Speaker 6 (37:15):
Thank you so much, Thank you, thank you for having us.
Speaker 1 (37:18):
You've been listening to El Paso Public Forum, a weekly
public affairs presentation of iHeartRadio l Passo. If you, your
organization or event would like to be featured on an
upcoming program, please email to ep Forum at iHeartMedia dot
com or call us at nine one five three five
one five four zero zero. Tune in again next week
(37:38):
for another additional of El Paso Public Forum. The preceding
program was recorded at the studios of iHeartRadio El Paso
Welcome to El Paso Public Forum, a weekly half hour
public affairs presentation of iHeartRadio El Paso for over twenty years,
featuring local news and interviews of interest to our listeners
in West Texas and southern New Mexico. All views and
opinions expressed on this program are those of the host
and guest, and not necessarily those of iHeartRadio Management and
now El Paso Public Forum.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
Welcome back to the al Paso Public Forum. I am
your host, Amberbanda, and today we have two students from
Burgess High School. I have Carolina Hakis. Carolina, thank you
for being here with me today. Go ahead and introduce yourself.
Speaker 3 (00:34):
Hello, everyone, my name is Carolina Hackes Gonsalez and I
am from Burgess High School. I am a sophomore and
I am the student body Spirit Manager from our student
Council Perfect.
Speaker 2 (00:45):
And I also have here Salome Robles Salove. Go ahead
and introduce yourself. Hello.
Speaker 4 (00:49):
My name is Solome. I'm a sophomore at Burgess High School.
I am the student Body Class so the student the
class Manager Spirit Manager.
Speaker 2 (00:57):
Class of twenty seven Spirit Manager. I can't you guys
are making me feel really over bad, but you guys
speak very well. So today we're going to be talking
about a Burgess High School Student Council event called take
Back the Night. So before we get into that event, Caroline,
I want to ask you what is your role as
(01:17):
Spirit manager for the student council.
Speaker 3 (01:20):
As Spirit manager, it is my job to promote school
spirit amongst our student body. But recently I've moved towards
more projects that mean a lot to me, such as
take Back the Night or Break the Silence where they
all focus on domestic abuse and spirit awareness for sexual violence.
Speaker 2 (01:37):
And salom My same question, what is your role as
a Class of twenty seven spirit manager?
Speaker 4 (01:42):
As Class of twenty seven spirit manager, it is my
job to bring class spirit and joy and really get
the class involved in activities around the school and make
sure that we really have a lot of school spirit.
Speaker 2 (01:55):
Awesome, I mean, and you guys get to miss school
for this, so you know you're welcome. So, but it's
for a very good reason you're going to be talking
about take Back the Night. Godline, I'm going to start
with you. Can you give us the details of when
and where this event will take place?
Speaker 3 (02:10):
Of course, so take Back the Night is going to
happen at Burgess High School on February twentieth from five
to seven thirty pm.
Speaker 2 (02:19):
Okay, And you would say that this is in honor
of teen Dating Violence Awareness Months. So why why the
title take Back the Night?
Speaker 3 (02:28):
So take Back the Night? The title actually stems off
of a national reconities organization called TEA Back the Nights Okay,
where they raise awareness abound sexual violence, support survivors, and
advocate for the rights to feel safe in public spaces,
especially at night. It actually started back in the nineteen
seventies as a part of the movement to create awareness
and change around issues of gender base violence.
Speaker 2 (02:50):
Oh wow, okay, that's interesting. I love that. And so
this event is going to be at Burgess High School. Saloma,
can you tell us a little bit about your involvement
with this event.
Speaker 4 (03:01):
So when Nina first told me about the event, I
was like, okay, awesome, this is cool. She brought me
in to do a lot of the awareness around school.
So we would go from classroom the classroom and have
we had a lot of the school wear purple, and
we pulled kids out the classes and said hey, can
we take a picture with you real quick? And we
did post it on our social media platforms, and it
was to really start spreading the idea of this project
(03:24):
and spread the idea of domestic violence awareness.
Speaker 2 (03:26):
And why the color purple?
Speaker 4 (03:28):
That is the color of domestic violence awareness.
Speaker 2 (03:31):
Oh and February. Why did you choose February?
Speaker 3 (03:34):
Fabu is because it's teen daty Violence Awareness Month and
we in awareness of that. We wear orange.
Speaker 2 (03:40):
Oh okay, so it's orange, okay, orange and purple. So yes,
February is teen dating violence violence Awareness Month. So god
Alina tell us a little bit more about this event.
So how can people get in? Is there a cost
to attend?
Speaker 3 (03:53):
There is no cost, but we are asking participants to
bring a chi donation that consists of feminine bybe wives,
maybe food, formula, diapers, baby accessories like utensils, plastic balls,
stuff like that, and the donation entries that we're going
to be taken in, they're going to be sent to
local domestic violence shelters that consist of the Guiding Star Southwest,
(04:14):
the Reynolds Home, and the Opportunities Center for the Helmeless.
Speaker 2 (04:18):
This is amazing And what else? What other events are
going to be a part of this? What can people
expect when they go to this event, so.
Speaker 3 (04:24):
People can expect it to be a mental health slash
educational fair to raise awareness about teen dating violence. There's
going to be several booths focusing on mental health where
they're going to be managed by student councils from all
over Apasso for example, or Real School Needs doing this
activity where they ask participants to write down what love
means to them on paper hearts, while Cheaping High School
(04:47):
is doing this activity where they ask people to play Jenga,
but with each block has a teen dating statistic. And
many of the organizations that we're going to be invited
is going to support and promote what resources they can
give to people who are going through domestic abuse. Organizations
like the YWCA Transitional Byman Center, who are going to
(05:08):
be giving out information on their sets of case managements.
They're counseling and job search assistance and educational opportunities. As
one of the Guiding Stars Southwest, which is an organizations
that provides new moms with the resources they need to
provide for their newborn babies. And because of the Guiding
Star Southwest dedication and support, they are also going to
(05:28):
be providing us to give our community free ultrasounds, free helps,
and free pregnancy tests, as well as donations that will
help families in need.
Speaker 2 (05:39):
And that is so cool that you're having schools from
all of our pasts will be a part of this. Now.
Who is responsible for going to the other schools like
contacting them?
Speaker 5 (05:47):
Me?
Speaker 2 (05:47):
Yeah, how did that go? Because you know, I don't
know about you, but when I graduated back in two
thousand and four, you know, we didn't talk to those schools.
We're like, we don't talk to you, So, I mean,
I know things are different now. So how was it
going in contact these goals to be a part of this.
How did that go?
Speaker 3 (06:02):
It was honestly incredibly easy because I am part of
a D nine community, which is all the student councils
in a pass and recently we had a conference called
in the beginning of February where we came together to
plan stuff and to make everything aware of the upcoming events.
And one of the events that I informed them on
(06:23):
was take Back the Night, So I got their contact
info what booths interested in hosting we might from there.
Speaker 2 (06:30):
You would be perfect for my job. And Solomon, when
you were going around trying to get the spirit up
the awareness up about this event and Teen Dating Violence
Awareness Month. Were there any stories or anything that the
students talk to that maybe stood out to you at all?
Speaker 4 (06:45):
So I know this, a lot of our campus wasn't
really aware of domestic violence awareness. They obviously, I mean,
we're teenagers. We're going to date people, right, And I
feel like a lot of them didn't really know that
there was domestic violence, especially in our age. So I
think the idea that Lena brought to campus of domestic violence.
Speaker 2 (07:04):
Awareness really opened their.
Speaker 4 (07:06):
Mindset and thought, hey, I need to like look out
for certain things when I am in a relationship so
I can spot the issues before they may start.
Speaker 2 (07:13):
So like, were you, guys, did you look into it
yourselves or were you maybe given like a class or
something on teen dating violence? Like did someone tell you
about the red flags? Or it is just something that
you looked into on your own.
Speaker 4 (07:26):
It was something that we looked into on our own.
Seeing that we do have friends and relationships, I think
that we saw how their relationships may have affected them,
even if they are not in a domestic vialance relationship.
It's just people around us and opening our eyes and seeing, hey,
there could be things that are going around that we
might not have seen before.
Speaker 2 (07:46):
Definitely, and if you're just joining us. We have two
students from Burgess High School, both sophomores. I can't believe it.
Carolina hakkis Spirit manager for Student Council and Salo mel
Robles class of twenty seven spirit manager. We're talking about
the event February twentieth, Take Back the Night from five
to seven thirty PM at Burgess High School in honor
of teen Dating Violence Awareness Months. So they are accepting
(08:09):
donations feminine products, baby wipes, baby food, diapers, baby formula
that are going to help local domestic violent shelters, the
Guiding Star Southwest, the Reynolds Home, the Opportunity Center. If
you want more information, you can go to their instagram
at Burgess Mustangs. You can also go to Facebook Burgess Mustangs,
but I think you're more active on the instagram. Oh
(08:31):
my god, I saw also on the instant on the gram. So, Carolina,
is there anything else that you would like to tell
the listening audience about this event or anything else?
Speaker 3 (08:39):
Yes, of course I would like to expand on what
else we're offering. There's going to be self defense demonstrations
from the Osloto March Martial Arts Academy, that Briggs Academy
of mm how as well as yoga. There's gonna be
food trucks from Craze and Shiro And I want to
just let to know our viewers that if you are
experienced in Mexic abuse, then please reach out to a
(08:59):
trust friend, a family member, a local organization that can
help you, because you deserve to feel safe too. You
deserve to feel safe to walk out on nights, and
this whole event is to raise awareness for that.
Speaker 2 (09:12):
And I'm sure if anyone maybe has a question on
what resources they can go to, they can message you.
I'm more than sure you guys have resources ready to
share with people, So get on Instagram at Burgess, Mustangs
and Gotolina. I want to ask you another question, why
did you feel a strong connection to this event so
much so that you helped organize this event?
Speaker 3 (09:32):
So I wanted to create this event for two reasons.
One is to give my community a chance to breathe,
a chance to forget about everything that's going around them
and to focus on themselves. And two is to educate
my community, especially the younger ones my age, because one
in twelve us high school students experience physical and or
sexual violence in a dating relationship, and that I want
(09:54):
to inform them, inform that small persentage that you're not alone,
that there is resources out there who can help you.
I want to educate them on what unhealthy relationships are,
how to get out of the different types, whether it
be physical, sexual, mental, could have been with a friend,
a family member, a significant other, and I want them
to be aware of that and also TAKEE back the
(10:16):
Night is an event about the relationship that you have
with others, but it's also about the relationship that you
have with yourself because mental health plays a huge part
in having a healthy relationship, and you need to learn
to love yourself before you start to love anybody else.
Speaker 2 (10:32):
That's very well said. And I think these types of
events are important because you know, for me personally growing up,
you know, I was in a very unhealthy household and
I didn't know some things were abuse until someone told me, hey,
that's not right. So to go to these events and
find out, you know, you don't know what you don't know.
So it's very it's amazing that people your age are
putting on these events for other people your age because
(10:54):
I think it makes them want to open up more
as opposed to an adult and the fact that you
are putting this together and the fact that they can
go learn and think, hey, that's a red flag. I
thought that was him just you know her or her
loving me. It's you know, it's more of a controlling
thing or whatever the case is. And Salomon, let me
ask you, why did you want to be a part
of this and if is there anything that you would
(11:17):
want to tell someone maybe that's listening that's like, hey,
I'm in this relationship, but I'm not sure. It doesn't
feel right, but it's not this like what would you
tell them to come to this event and to learn
for themselves.
Speaker 4 (11:31):
So seeing that these issues may have already started, or
we want to stop them before they do start. So
I think the mean idea would be if you see
these hey this might be a small red flag, let's
address it and talk about how you can stop it
and what to do if it does begin. Because the
idea would be stop stop it before it begins. Yeah,
(11:54):
And then that way we can really prevent a lot
of domestic violence in not only just like our community,
but with people our age. I feel that because we
are so young. It's oh they're teenagers. They're so young
and older people they might not have been doing what
we're doing at our age, but I feel that now
it's just oh they're just teenagers in a relationship. It
(12:15):
could really be taken a lot farther and could really
be abusive more than what adults can understand. So I
feel that getting the attention out to teens as well
and saying hey, we're here for you, we see you
could really put a change in our community.
Speaker 2 (12:29):
Not just brushing it under the rug is oh they're young,
Oh they're just you know, he's just doing that because
he likes her, you know, the whole like when they're
in elementary school. Well the little boy hit me, what's
because he likes you? It kind of starts there, right right,
So I think, yeah, no, I think that's a very
good answer. And hopefully there's some people, some parents, some
younger kids listening that it puts the seed in their
mind that Okay, maybe this is something that I need
(12:51):
to look into. And I encourage everyone listening to come
to this event. Take Back the Night, February twenty from
five to seven thirty pm on our Instagram and Facebook
for Power No. Two point one Sunday ninety nine point
nine and ninety six point three k Country. There will
be photos of our guests. There will be this information
in case you missed any of it. There will be
(13:11):
what donations they are accepting. Again, these are going to
help local domestic violent shelters. Gotolina and Salomet, thank you
so much for being here with me today.
Speaker 4 (13:19):
No, thank you.
Speaker 2 (13:26):
Welcome to the Alpaso Public Forum. I am your host, Amberbanda,
And today we have two members from Plant to a Seed.
It's a fairly new nonprofit. We have Wendy Gamio, founder
and president of Plant to Seed. Wendy, thank you for
being here with me today.
Speaker 6 (13:42):
Oh my god, No, thank you. Thank you for having
us here, Honor, thank you of course.
Speaker 2 (13:46):
And we also have Yadira Lopez, administrative assistant for Plant
to Seed, Yadida, thank you for being here with me today.
Speaker 5 (13:53):
Thank you for having us.
Speaker 2 (13:54):
Yeah. So initially when I asked you, Wendy, because this
is not your first time on the Al Pasto Public Forum.
You know, you do a lot of events since you started,
And initially when I asked you to be on the show,
it was about the my gingset program. But after looking
through your Instagram, you are doing a lot for the community.
And that's the whole point of this. You don't really
just focus on one part. It's you know, you're helping
(14:16):
the I'll Pass the community, so hope grow strength and
harvest strength for the local LATINX community and underserved communities
in I'll Pass in various ways.
Speaker 6 (14:26):
Correct, Yes, that is the goal. It's pretty much filling
in the gaps in the community, filling in the need.
That's what Sorry, that's what we're focusing on. So we
don't have like a specific audience or let's say program
or event that we focus on. We pretty much we're building.
You were growing as we're you know, just connecting with
(14:47):
the community and seeing what the need is.
Speaker 2 (14:49):
I mean, last time you were here, you were speaking
about the Unity event, you know, to connect different nonprofits
so they can all network and help each other. And
since then you have done a lot and I'm sure
Yadida has been helping you a lot, you know, administrative system.
I'm sure you're doing a lot of the paperwork and
stuff like that. So you both are doing a lot
of good things for the community. So the first thing
that we're going to focus on. Is my initial reason
(15:10):
that where I reached out to is the twenty twenty
five my king Set program. Now you already chose a
winner and this is in conjunction with the Grand Gala
Gala events EP. Can you talk a little bit about
this program?
Speaker 6 (15:24):
Yes, well, you know this program was created when I
myself was preparing for my daughter's kin signeta. You know,
seeing just how important a kinsignina is to a young girl,
the meaning that it has, you know, as a Hispanic
community number one and then number two. You know, she
always grew up with this dream of having a concignea
(15:46):
the colors just so implanning it all, you know, when
we realized how expensive it is, and two just how
important it is for a young girl bead. That's how
it started.
Speaker 2 (16:00):
And you know with this what you are helping to
serve underserved community. So I'm assuming that the winner of
this kinsa is maybe a little girl whose family could
not afford a kings correct.
Speaker 6 (16:11):
Yes, so we thought, you know, sorry, when we were
making this. This idea of having the program is that
you know what, let's let's make a young girl's dream
come true, that young girl that has always dreamed of
having a continuera. But you know, there's just no way financially,
there's no way, or even perhaps there's like a family
emergency that just came up, and you know, now her
(16:32):
dreams won't come true?
Speaker 2 (16:34):
Right, No, exactly, And Yadida, how long have you been
helping Wendy.
Speaker 5 (16:38):
I'm actually fairly new.
Speaker 2 (16:42):
Were you a part of the king Sina last year? Okay,
that's what I wanted to add.
Speaker 5 (16:46):
I would, But interestingly enough, my sister in last was
last year's winner.
Speaker 2 (16:53):
Oh wow, and as I was.
Speaker 5 (16:56):
As I've told her, she not only gave us that
for her, but she also saw something in me, and
then they decided to invite me to be part of
Plant to Seed. So they don't only you know, give
a party to a girl. They gave her the community,
they gave her the support, They give so much more.
Speaker 2 (17:16):
Tell us more about the process, like it was your
sister in law that won it. Yes, your money, so
you know, I know that there's an application process, so
kind of take us through that and take us through
your experience of her winning that Kincinetta when I met
for your family, Yes.
Speaker 5 (17:29):
So her story. We really wanted to give something to her,
but it wasn't in our means. We didn't have the
money to do it. So somebody in the family gave
us that application. We were able to apply. She was
there with me, we filled it out together, but her
mom passed in a very young age. I am with
her brother, so we knew that we wanted to do
(17:52):
something for her. So growing up she stayed with her
maternal grandparents, and then in twenty twenty two, twenty twenty one,
she lost her her grandfather and then tony twenty one,
she lost her grandmother right after, you know, the other.
So it was a lot of little stress, of stress
for her, just so much stress. So once we were
already planning her king state at that point with her grandmother,
(18:14):
but you know, it didn't happen that way. So once
we were able to take her with us, we found
this application. Somebody sent it and we filled it out
in hopes, you know, hoping that we could get lucky,
and she ended up winning, and she was so happy.
I mean, it gives you a sense of I don't know,
(18:35):
it made her really really happy, just knowing that there
was somebody looking out for her as well besides just us,
you know, because of all this trauma that she already had. Yeah,
it just it just made her incredibly happy.
Speaker 2 (18:47):
It gives you a sense of community.
Speaker 5 (18:49):
Yes, the community that they have behind them and that
they create for you. It's amazing.
Speaker 2 (18:55):
And Wendy, I'm sure that there was a lot of
applications and it's probably a very tough decision to choose one.
But when you saw this little girl's application, like what
was going through your head? Like why did you choose?
If you don't mind me asking, you know, not that
anyone else was it worthy. It's just you have to
make that hard choice.
Speaker 6 (19:11):
No, yes, and believe me, it really is hard. And
you know where they're reading all the applications, crying and
just going through them all, and it's really tough because
I wish that, you know, we can just make a
big old party for a lot of them, right, but
maybe one day yeah, exactly, No, absolutely, we encourage the
community to be a part of this, so hopefully, yeah,
(19:32):
wonder we can do that. But what really touched us
about Ailani? And now I've got to tell you onber
it's not just myself who makes the decision. I include
all of the sponsors that help. I include them in
the decision making process. So we all collectively, you know,
chose Ailani because number one, you know, as a little girl,
(19:55):
she's already gone through a lot of loss. But even
though she's gone through so much, she's excelled, she's succeeded,
she's been resilient. I mean, she is doing the nursing
program already.
Speaker 4 (20:09):
Wow.
Speaker 6 (20:10):
And then she's also in track. So we just saw that,
you know, even though she's she's gone through so much,
she's overcome it, you know. Yeah, so we said, wow, like,
let's let's continue to empower her. Yeah, because that's what
this is also about. You know, it's not just making
a young little girl's dream come true, but it's also
empowering her. Number one, she's Latina. Number two. You know,
(20:34):
you can do it, all right, So we're here to
let a little young girl know that her community is
behind her.
Speaker 2 (20:40):
She's had to work, work, work, you know, obviously she's
working hard at track, she's working hard at school. She's
had to go overcome these losses and it's kind of
nice to kids are resilient. They shouldn't have to be
right what they are, and for her to just be
able to enjoy that and just be able to plan
something along with her schoolwork and everything. That's something that's
just going to be about her. That's awesome. So, like
you said, you know, it's not just giving to the
(21:01):
little girl that wins the Kincinet's actually giving to the family.
And you already chose a winner for this year. It's
going to be announced February twenty third at the Grand Expo. Now,
this expo is at Grand gall Events, and this is
one of the main sponsors, correct for the Kinsinta. They're
the ones that supply the actual event place.
Speaker 6 (21:20):
Yes, Grand Gala. They supply the venue and that comes
with everything. So it's literally a young girl's dream come true.
When you go in there, it's like magical, Yes, it
really is. And then you know, we do have other sponsors.
We have the sponsors for the dress, which is the
House of Fashion. We have Yes, we have glam you Up.
(21:41):
Who I mean this girl right, she glam you up?
Speaker 2 (21:46):
Glam you up?
Speaker 6 (21:47):
Yes, you know, she does your makeup, she does your hair.
And then we also have Alex Diaz who is our
videographer photographer. We also have a florist Black Yes, back
of Flowers, and so you know we're hoping that we
get more more sponsors. Like I tell our sponsors, this
(22:07):
is about everybody helping out and then as helping them
out as well. Yeah, because for us, it's it's a
win win for everybody. You know, you're helping us and
we're going to shout you out all the time, right
exactly like.
Speaker 2 (22:20):
You just did. You know I personally and I know
a lot of listeners, especially if they listen to this program,
like to know about businesses that are giving back to
the community in that way. So that's just one of
the things you're doing. It's a twenty twenty five Miking
sit program. The winner will be announced February twenty third
at the Grand Expo. Now, this is open to the
public eleven am to four pm, free admission at Grand
Gala Events, which is on twelve. It's at one two
(22:43):
seven nine eight Edgember Boulevard. Again, you don't got to
remember this information on Power one O two Sunday ninety
nine point nine and ninety six point three k Hey
Country on our Instagram and Facebook. That information will be
posted there so you can go and see how to
contact plan to see it as well as learn about
this program for the Kinsia for the Kinze. Now you
have another program that we're just gonna or another event
(23:05):
coming up that we're going to quickly mention because it
is a ways a way, but people need to know
about this very important event, Race Against Human Trafficking Sunday,
May eighteenth, you know, Yavida or Wendy if you want
to just go over the details of it real quick
and who it's going to benefit.
Speaker 6 (23:22):
Oh yeah, so that is coming up May eighteenth this
year and it's going to take place at some racetrack
and casino and the reason in human trafficking is going
to We're gonna do the proceeds to benefit Elpasa North,
the Center of Hope. They are our benefactors because they
are the ones that deal with all of the victims
of human trafficking and they are here, they are local,
(23:44):
and you know, not only do they do safe housing,
but they also provide a lot of resources not just
to the victims, but also to the community. You know
right now with all of this, you know, cyberbullying, trafficking online.
I mean, they literally will go out and educate the community,
the high schools and middle schools. I mean even if
(24:05):
you just want, you know, them to go into your
home and maybe give your children a one on one
on you know what's going on online. They they will
do it. I mean they're doing a lot out here
to service the community and inform about, you know, the
things that are going about with human trafficking.
Speaker 2 (24:23):
Now, Nicole Shift, she's the CEO of Center of Hope.
I've had her on the show before. We actually had
a victim of sex trafficking on and she she did
mention about the cy the education, cyber building. I didn't
know they did the one on one stuff, so they
I need to get them back on. But the Paso
del Nortest Center of Hope, that who's that is who
(24:44):
is going to be the beneficiary of this event May eighteenth,
It's a Sunday at Sunland Park Race, truck and Casino
that's on Futurity Drive, Race against Human Trafficking. Just another
thing that plan to see this is organizing for another
community organization. Now when I went on, we're going to
talk about a couple more things. Las Las Casas the
(25:05):
Las Now I've tried to get them on the show.
Hopefully you can give me a contact. But there is
also a space on your Instagram where you can click
the link and donate to Las Casas the Las Alas.
Now what is this organization and why did you choose
them as as someone you wanted to help.
Speaker 6 (25:23):
So the program is called Generations of Kindness, Generations Generations
of Kindness, and we did. We started off the program
with Las Casas and Laitas, which is a shelter that
shelters a lot of you know, elderly women. They have
two classes of women that they service. They service women
who have a job receive you know, some type of
(25:44):
government assistance. And then they have those that are completely
dependent on, you know, on the government because they don't
have family, you know, they might have a mental health
problem and they're homeless. Right, So we chose them because
we said, oh my goodness, you know it's Christmas who
who goes to visit them? So Generations of Kindness what
it is. It's combining, merging. We're merging the elderly with
(26:06):
the youth. You know, nowadays it's so hard to connect them, right,
there's like a huge gap. And we said, oh my god,
who brings the most cheered will children do? So that's
what we're doing. We're inviting the community of children to
come and bring some cheer to the awilitas. And we're
(26:27):
not just doing it at We're also going to different
elderly shelters. But you know they are are I don't
want to say number one, but you know they open
the doors to us, and so we kind of have
a little special spot in our hearts for them and
for the children. It's also a win for them because
you know, our elderly have all the wisdom, you know,
(26:50):
and not just that, we're also going to help them
by giving them community hours. Everybody needs them. The kids
need them, you know, whether it's for church, for school,
especially high school students who need like three hundred credits
to graduate. So yes, so we're offering that to them
for for being kind, for showing kindness to others. There's
(27:11):
a reward for that.
Speaker 2 (27:13):
So for this, is this only during the Christmas time
or is this throughout the year.
Speaker 6 (27:17):
This is throughout the year.
Speaker 2 (27:18):
So if a child or a team wanted to go
and volunteer for the for this program, the Generations of Kindness,
they can contact you on the Instagram or Facebook. And
is it like a thing you do monthly or how
does that work?
Speaker 6 (27:30):
Yes, it is monthly. We're going every month we're going
out to right now, we just did. We went in
December and then we went in January. But this month
we're going to visit another shelter. But we are going
to be going every other month back to CA.
Speaker 2 (27:47):
And what do you do when you go, Like, is
there a different project every month or is it just
visiting them?
Speaker 6 (27:52):
We are visiting them. We are working kind of like
a theme. But when we go, it's we go. We
take them snacks, we play games with them, We interact
with them, whether it's reading or playing Bengal or you know,
amazingly the kids just at first it is kind of
(28:12):
like everybody wants to stick to their side. Yeah, but man,
once you get everybody talking and playing and going, yeah,
it's it's it's beautiful. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (28:21):
Have they ever gone to one of these events?
Speaker 5 (28:22):
Yes? Yes, yes, Oh is it It's very nice. It's
very nice to see the kids. Once they start talking
to them, especially the older ladies, they get very happy.
You know, I mean, it's children. They're going to bring
a smile to your face. And yeah, they're very hypnotaid
in the beginning, especially the children, right, they don't they
stay in their own little circle. Yeah, but once we
(28:44):
get them to socialize, they'll open up right because like
when they said, who else are you going to go
for wisdom?
Speaker 2 (28:50):
Right, and it's older than yeah, the younger kids too.
And if you're just joining us. We have two members
from Plant a Seed. We have Wendy got Me, founder
and president and Yadira Lopez administrative assistant. So again, Plan
to Seed is not just focused on one thing. We
talked about the twenty twenty five My Keen Set program
(29:10):
where you give a keen set to you know, a
little girl that whose family may not have otherwise been
able to afford it. The Race against Human Trafficking this
year May eighteenth to benefit Paso del Northest Center of Hope.
We're just talking right now about l Las Casas, the
Las Avolitas, or generations of kindness where you go and
you have, you know, you combine the younger generation with
the older generation. They help each other. And for more
(29:33):
information you can go to their Instagram and Facebook both
Plant a Seed dot e p t X. Now there's
a whole lot of other stuff you got going on.
But one more thing I want to touch on is
sponsorship packages to be a monthly Hero. And when I
saw this on your on your social media. This was
for Providence Children's Hospital. So a company can actually be
(29:54):
a monthly sponsor or more, and they can sponsor the
childcare for the patient.
Speaker 6 (30:01):
So what they can sponsor is our visit there. Okay,
when we go, we're taking snacks, we're taking gifts, and
we're also taking something for the staff that's there. You know,
they do so much every day and so we want
to just you know, take them a little bit something,
even if it's like a meal, a snack, fruit, even
(30:22):
as selsie as they girl.
Speaker 2 (30:24):
Let me tell you recently, as of the airing of
this a few weeks ago, I had to I made
I don't know how many trips to urging care. I
was just at the er for my daughter and leaving,
even though it's you know, not the best situation ever,
when you're there, I just told them, you know, I'm
so grateful for you guys, thank you, because they're just
you know, they're in the best spirits in spite of
(30:44):
what they're dealing with. So I'm so happy that you're
also including the staff because they're the ones that are
there like soothing you. And I'm sure a lot of
them have kids of their own two. So the monthly sponsorships,
it goes for you all to go and visit the
kids at the hospital and give something to the kids
and give something to the staff. How is this? Have
you done these business before? So tell us how the
hell they go?
Speaker 6 (31:05):
Yes, So we did it all last year. That's why
it's called twelve Months of Giving, because once again when
we started it, we started it on Christmas. And then
you know, everybody, I mean, first of all, the Apostle
community is so beautiful, right, we give, we have a
big heart. But then sometimes when Christmas is over, it's
kind of like, Okay, everybody gets back to their life. Right,
(31:26):
of course that's normal. But I said, oh my goodness,
what about January? What about February?
Speaker 2 (31:32):
So that's what we call the twelve months and give
us sicknesses.
Speaker 6 (31:34):
Yeah, that's probably when the hospitals are the fullest, right,
So we said, let's just continue once a month, So
we go once a month. So all last year we
did it and we're going back again this year. So
we go once a month as well. And we also
when we go, we have a theme. For instance, this
month is Valentine's so we'll be there the day before
(31:56):
Valentine's And our whole thing is to just to kind
of bring some cheer to the kids. A lot of
the kids there are very sick. They Initially what I
wanted to do is go play games with them, draw
do things like that, but they're they're so sick, like
they really don't even want to do anything. So just
going in and letting them know that, you know, we're
(32:17):
praying for them or that we care for them. I mean,
you'll see they smile and they're thankful. The parents too,
you know, giving them a gift card here, here's a
gift card for canes or something or gas I know
goes a long way. So that's that's what we're trying
to do every month.
Speaker 2 (32:35):
And yeah, have you gone to these hospital trips yet?
Speaker 5 (32:38):
Yes, I did. We I was able to join one
day for last months and yeah, it was very it
was very simple, but.
Speaker 2 (32:45):
It it makes a big impact.
Speaker 5 (32:48):
I think that's the important part. Yes, yeah, definitely.
Speaker 2 (32:51):
And so these sponsorships, uh, there's levels to them, correct
and they can find it on your website plant a
ced usa dot org. You guys do a lot, so
you need some spot like you you know, Uh, nonprofits
always need two things volunteers and money, you know, to
be able to help different people. So you guys are
really busy. So I'm going to start with you first, Wendy.
(33:13):
I want you to ask like the sponsors, like you know,
this is where your money is going to go, or
if someone wants to volunteer, this is what you're going
to be doing. If you could just kind of put
that out there and explain that to them.
Speaker 6 (33:23):
Yes, No, Well for you know, any business or anyone
that wants to donate, you know, your money is going
to the community to someone who really truly needs it,
because that's what we're doing. We're servicing those that are underserved,
that are in need. Everything that Pantasy does, it's because
we've either experienced it or we've seen someone go through it,
(33:45):
and so that's what we're trying to do. So you know,
I if I tell you it's it's really reassuring you
that it's going to go to someone you know, Like
you said, you know, nonprofits typically for the first couple
of years are self funded. Yeah, and so right now
it's really you know, we're at a place where we're
really saying please, community help us, but also community because
(34:09):
you're helping us, We're going to help you to this
goes both ways. We want everyone to see you to
know that you care to and so your money is
going to go both ways, to the community and back
to you.
Speaker 2 (34:20):
Definitely. And Yadida, do you have like a case that
you want to plead on your end where just letting
people know like this is what your money or your
time is going to help with.
Speaker 5 (34:32):
Yes, definitely. As someone who has already been helped by
Plant to Seed and Wendy, I would love the sponsorship
of whoever would like to sponsor to help us reach
more people. I think Wendy's kindness needs to be everywhere. Yeah,
(34:52):
because she has a beautiful heart and I love that
I'm able to help her now. So we need sponsors
and that's the best way. Unfortunately, that's the way that
it is, right, but please, I think that's the most
important party.
Speaker 6 (35:06):
But yes, and as for volunteers, you know, we we
cannot grow without the community. So if there's anyone that
wants to volunteer, please reach out to us. The more
the better, right.
Speaker 2 (35:19):
Yes, definitely. So just in case you want more information,
you want to sponsor, you want to donate, you want
to ask questions about these events anything on Instagram and Facebook.
Plan to Seed dot ep t X or plant a
Seed USA dot org. Now, Wendy, before you leave, I
just want to ask you, and you can get as
(35:40):
personal as you'd like, but why did you decide to
start Plant a Seed? I mean, when people get this
involved in a nonprofit, it's because they have some kind
of personal connection. If you wouldn't mind sharing.
Speaker 6 (35:53):
No, absolutely. You know, when I was a little girl,
I remember vividly watching an infomercial on the children in
Africa that are starving, and you know, I said a
little prayer in my heart. I said, God, you know,
if I'm ever able to when I grow up help
people that need help like them, please, you know, give
(36:17):
me that gift. And you know, growing up, I was
just always around kids. I did become a social worker
as well. I worked for the state and I did
that for several years and I absolutely loved it, and
God blessed us, blessed us to the point where you know,
I'm now at home and I still have that yearning
(36:39):
in my heart to want to serve, and so we,
my husband and I started the nonprofit and I'm just
happy and blessed to be able to do to do this.
When I wasn't working anymore and I was at home
being a house mom, a busy house mom. I was like, Wow, God,
I'm here. How dare I not fulfill that little promise
(37:02):
that I had asked of you? I am now blessed.
Now it's my time.
Speaker 2 (37:07):
Your time to hold up your end. Yeah, you're undo
the bargain.
Speaker 6 (37:09):
Mat yes, and so that's that's why we did it.
Speaker 2 (37:12):
That's awesome. Well, I want to thank you both for
being here with me today.
Speaker 6 (37:15):
Thank you so much, Thank you, thank you for having us.
Speaker 1 (37:18):
You've been listening to El Paso Public Forum, a weekly
public affairs presentation of iHeartRadio l Passo. If you, your
organization or event would like to be featured on an
upcoming program, please email to ep Forum at iHeartMedia dot
com or call us at nine one five three five
one five four zero zero. Tune in again next week
(37:38):
for another additional of El Paso Public Forum. The preceding
program was recorded at the studios of iHeartRadio El Paso
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