August 3, 2025 • 32 mins
🚨NEW episode this Sunday of the El Paso Public Forum. Listen on the FREE iHeart radio app!
Segment 1: Amber Banda interviews Wendy Gamillo, Founder and President, and Miguel Gamillo, Cofounder of Plant A Seed in El Paso, Texas. 🍃 .☀️ This non-profit looks to empower various underserved communities in the Sun City. From taking volunteers to nursing homes 👵🏼with their “Generations of Kindness” program, to making a young girl’s dreams come true with the 👗 “My Quinceañera” program, visiting children’s hospitals 🏥, and so much more! They aim to be a resource for all. . 👉🏻Their 3rd Annual Unity Fest is happening August 10th at Bassett Place from 10-4. This event is open to the community and will feature various non-profits from the city. Come learn about what resources are available to you, (many at no cost), and/ or how you can help make a change with one of these causes! . ℹ️ If you would like to attend or be a part of this impactful event, visit plantaseedusa.org for more information.
Segment 2: Amber Banda interviews Daniely Gutierrez, Family Community Engagement & Mental Health Specialist, Special Education Department, for ESC19. ESC19 is 1 of 20 education service centers for Region 19, helping to improve educational outcomes for children in our city. Amber and Daniely talk about what exactly is Region 19, how can parents and educators contact and take advantage of their help, and the role parents and teachers play in student success, and clarify some terminology to help the community better understand what Region 19 does for the community.
.
Region 19 is having their 3rd Annual Health & Career Fair August 6th from 9am-2:30pm at the Head Start Multi-Purpose Center (11670 Chito Samaniego on the eastside). There will be various agencies available to promote healthy living, personal empowerment, health screenings, sports physicals, hands-on activties, employment help, and if you have a child with special needs, there will be people there available to answer your questions!
.
Take advantage of their website at esc19.net for all of your questions about school from special education, different districts, what channels to go through and who to contact with your questions, and more.
Segment 1: Amber Banda interviews Wendy Gamillo, Founder and President, and Miguel Gamillo, Cofounder of Plant A Seed in El Paso, Texas. 🍃 .☀️ This non-profit looks to empower various underserved communities in the Sun City. From taking volunteers to nursing homes 👵🏼with their “Generations of Kindness” program, to making a young girl’s dreams come true with the 👗 “My Quinceañera” program, visiting children’s hospitals 🏥, and so much more! They aim to be a resource for all. . 👉🏻Their 3rd Annual Unity Fest is happening August 10th at Bassett Place from 10-4. This event is open to the community and will feature various non-profits from the city. Come learn about what resources are available to you, (many at no cost), and/ or how you can help make a change with one of these causes! . ℹ️ If you would like to attend or be a part of this impactful event, visit plantaseedusa.org for more information.
Segment 2: Amber Banda interviews Daniely Gutierrez, Family Community Engagement & Mental Health Specialist, Special Education Department, for ESC19. ESC19 is 1 of 20 education service centers for Region 19, helping to improve educational outcomes for children in our city. Amber and Daniely talk about what exactly is Region 19, how can parents and educators contact and take advantage of their help, and the role parents and teachers play in student success, and clarify some terminology to help the community better understand what Region 19 does for the community.
.
Region 19 is having their 3rd Annual Health & Career Fair August 6th from 9am-2:30pm at the Head Start Multi-Purpose Center (11670 Chito Samaniego on the eastside). There will be various agencies available to promote healthy living, personal empowerment, health screenings, sports physicals, hands-on activties, employment help, and if you have a child with special needs, there will be people there available to answer your questions!
.
Take advantage of their website at esc19.net for all of your questions about school from special education, different districts, what channels to go through and who to contact with your questions, and more.
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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 El Paso Public Forum. I am
your host, Amberbanda, and today we have two people from
a nonprofit locally here called Plant a Seed. We have
Wendy Gamio. Welcome back, Wendy. She is the founder and
president of Plant a Seed. Good to have you, Good
to see you again.
Speaker 3 (00:38):
Hi, good morning, Ambert. Thank you for having us, Thank you,
of course.
Speaker 2 (00:41):
And we have Miguel Gamio, co founder of Plant a Seed.
Speaker 4 (00:45):
Miguel, thank you for being here with me today.
Speaker 5 (00:47):
Oh, we're grateful for the opportunity.
Speaker 4 (00:49):
Thank you, of course.
Speaker 2 (00:50):
Yeah, we're in the station. And if you hear my
voice kind of going in nouns because I have to
go on my tippy toes to make sure I make
eye contact, because what you all do is amazing I mean,
you don't just really focus on nonprofit it's you know,
many nonprofits throughout the city. You do great things. So
I'm glad that you're back to talk about Plant to Seed. So, Wendy,
I'm going to start with you since you're the heartbeat,
You're the backbone of Plan to Seed. But you know,
(01:11):
we couldn't fit that all onto the title. But with
Plant to Seed, what does this organization do here for
the community?
Speaker 3 (01:18):
Well, plant to Seed is the community. We're here to empower,
to make sure that the resources that we have are
spread and shared with the community. And so our mission
is to empower the community, especially the underserved Latin community.
So that's what we're here for. We have different programs
and events all catered for our community.
Speaker 2 (01:41):
So, I mean, I've had you on here before and
it's kind of a all there are some events and
organizations that are kind of like a staple that you help,
but then there's it's like a revolving door too. So
can you tell the audience some of the events and
organizations that you've worked with in the past.
Speaker 3 (02:00):
Yeah, So I'm really excited because we're actually we have
an upcoming event and that's called Unity Fest. This Unity
Fest is our third annual that we're having August tenth
at Bassett Place Mall, and it's pretty much to invite
all the nonprofits here in a Passo. It's one of
(02:21):
the events that I'm really really happy about because, you know,
a couple of years ago, I learned that we have
like over a thousand nonprofits here in a Passo. They
might not all be active, but we have like over
a thousand, and I was like, oh my gosh, you know,
this is crazy. I don't think I don't think we
all know about them. And it's a shame because there's
so many nonprofits doing incredible work that really the community
(02:45):
needs to learn about. And so that's what Unity Fest
is about. It's about bringing all the nonprofits together under
one space. We invite you know, other businesses, other organizations
to come as well, so that the community can come
and learn about them. So that's one of the ones
that we have coming at.
Speaker 2 (03:02):
I hear you because doing this show that's all focused
on nonprofits, I go looking and so my radar it's
kind of like when you buy a new car and
then all of a sudden, you see that car everywhere.
When I see the term nonprofit or I think it
looks like a nonprofit. I'm like, ooh, and then I
asked them and they are and you're right. There are
a ton of nonprofits here in al Paso that need
a bigger voice. And Miguel, I assume that you have
(03:23):
participated in the past Unity Fest, what do you think
of this event?
Speaker 4 (03:28):
Yeah?
Speaker 5 (03:28):
Again, my wife being the heartbeat of plant Seed, this
was an event that she visualized and also saw a
need in the community. And as she mentioned, the fact
that there's so many nonprofits providing a different resource for
different reasons and then collectively putting them under one roof
(03:50):
is super powerful. And you know what I like about
it is that it's a mixture of folks that get
to see different needs and they get to see al
Paso's really give back. Yeah, and that's what all pastos
all about, really, and so it's just it's beautiful to
see the community come together. But also between the nonprofits,
the networking, the collaboration, I mean, we have tremendous stories
(04:14):
of empowerment when it comes to that. So we invite
the whole community to come out and really, if you
know a nonprofit or a business that wants to participate.
They can reach out to us directly. Absolutely.
Speaker 2 (04:23):
Now I want you to remember that about the stories
of empowerment because I'm going to ask you later on
to give us an example, because we all know the
power that nonprofits can you know, can do have the
possess to help people. But Miguel, my question too is
you know your wife, you know she started this organization.
Speaker 4 (04:40):
It was her vision.
Speaker 2 (04:42):
And so for myself, my passion for my philanthropy is
child advocacy for yours, it's the underserved Latin community. Wendy,
if I'm if i'm you know, correct me if I'm wrong.
But Miguel, do you have like a certain cause that
you're most passionate about or is it just like I
I whatever, my wife is passionate out, that's what'm passionate
about when it comes to this.
Speaker 4 (05:01):
Or do you have a cause that's near and dear
to your heart?
Speaker 3 (05:03):
Yeah?
Speaker 5 (05:04):
No, that's a great question. You know, I think all
of the causes thus far have been related to the
Latin struggle here in our community, and being that we're
from here, we knew we put emphasis and making sure
that we can try to fill in those gaps. For me,
I'm an entrepreneur. My parents are from Mexico, both of them,
so I got to see the struggles and the lack
(05:26):
of resources in the community, and so I like to
really focus on entrepreneurship and empower the youth. That and
that format let.
Speaker 2 (05:35):
People see that you know, you can come and build
a business, be your own, be your own boss. And
so you know, with Plan to Seed, we'll talk a
little bit more about the specifics of the event and
a little bit you know, it is going to be
at Bassett and we'll talk about the hours and if
you do want to be a part of it and
all of that. But with Plan to Seed, Wendy again,
(05:55):
when you've come in, you've told me about your work
with like the Children's Hospital and all these other organizations.
Can you because a lot of people have not heard
of Plan to Seed, and I know about your credibility,
can you tell the audience, look, these are the organizations that.
Speaker 4 (06:11):
We've worked with.
Speaker 2 (06:12):
Give yourself that you know, that credibility, so that way
more people are more likely to help your cause. What
other organizations can you name? Drop for lack of a
better term.
Speaker 3 (06:21):
Oh my goodness, yes, no, this is a great space
to do it. So we've definitely partnered with Vassel and
North the Center of Hope because we do do the
race against human trafficking. That to me is like super important,
the race itself, I mean, the meaning, the awareness that
needs to be built around that. I mean it just wow,
(06:42):
we can spend the whole day here talking.
Speaker 4 (06:45):
About I just had them on last week.
Speaker 3 (06:46):
Yeah, yeah, no, I mean human trafficking.
Speaker 6 (06:50):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (06:50):
She was telling me that the average age right now
is fourteen years old.
Speaker 3 (06:53):
Yes, sadly so it is. And so you know, we
partner with Ussel and North the Center of Hope to
do that race and to give back to them so
that they can you know, continue to do their work.
We do monthly hospital visits at Providence Children's Hospital, and
the really great thing about that is that, you know,
we were doing that just you know, pantasied going to
(07:16):
go give you know, some snacks and treats and support
to the families that are there, also thanking the nurses,
the staff. But now we have other nonprofits going with
us as well. We've had the Pie Sisters go with us. Uh,
We're going to start having our WV the Red White
and Blue nonprofit go with us and strive now we'll
(07:40):
be joining us as well. Then we also visit elderly
shelters once a month. That's that program is called Generations
of Kindness and it's called Generations of Kindness because we
bring in the youth to come out and do visits
with us. So the thing with that is where bridging
that gap. We're taking young kids to come out and
(08:04):
learned how to empathize sympathize with elderly who don't really
get visited. So it's a win win situation. The kids
go visit the elderly, they earn credit hours, service hours,
and the elderly get that visit that you know, hourly visit,
two hour visits, snacks, games that you know they otherwise
(08:25):
wouldn't get. And so with that, you know, we also
have other nonprofits that were teaming up and they're joining
us on those visits as well. But more than anything,
we also have schools, schools that are going with us.
You know, right now I have a lot of kids
from Eastwood High School that are joining us to do
these visits. And so the community is welcome, always welcome
(08:49):
to come and be a part of everything that we're doing.
Speaker 2 (08:52):
And what is the minimum age if they did want
to participate.
Speaker 3 (08:56):
So for the Generations of Kindness, it's seven years old, okay.
Speaker 2 (09:00):
Oh, and I'm thinking about for my world. And with
those nonprofits that you were naming, I have never heard
of them, so off air. You're gonna have to give
me their contact as well. Miguel, do you have something
to add to that.
Speaker 5 (09:10):
No, I mean, you know, there's been so many people
that we probably haven't named. Grand Gala. The owners and
the management of that company have been so gracious and
partnering up with us and literally lending us their venues
for now that third year in a row. And so
there's a lot of people that we are leaving off.
But you know, we're open to continue to collaborate and
(09:33):
work with other organizations here in Opaso for sure.
Speaker 2 (09:36):
And again, if you're just joining us, we have Wendy Gamillo,
founder and president of Plant to Seed, as well as
Miguel Gamio, co founder of Plant to Seed. And if
you are a nonprofit or your business or you it's
kind of like a one stop shop in a way
of who do I help because we have nonprofits here
and they're focused on their one area or cause, which
is great, but again, what you do is great too
(09:59):
because you bring them all together. So if someone's kind
of shopping around for where do I want to volunteer,
where do I want to earn my hours, where do
I want to spend my money or donate my money?
You are an excellent resource for that. So Wendy, let's
go back to that plant to Seed's third annual Unity Fest.
Myself the nonprofit I'm in guarding to the children, we
were part of I believe, the first one, and they
(10:20):
had nothing but good things to say about that event.
So it's going to be August tenth.
Speaker 3 (10:25):
That's a Sunday, Yes, that is a Sunday context free weekend.
So we're definitely excited about that inviting the community. We
have like over fifty nonprofits and businesses together already registered
and if you know anyone out there would like to
(10:45):
know join us on that day, we welcome them. So
it's August tenth, a Sunday from twelve to four four,
and we have a surprise of performances and so it's
going to be really fun. You know, we'll also have
raffles and just a lot of entertainment and fun for
the community.
Speaker 2 (11:05):
And if a nonprofit wanted to be a part of this.
Is there a cost to setting up a booth?
Speaker 6 (11:10):
So?
Speaker 3 (11:10):
No, it's absolutely free for all nonprofits.
Speaker 4 (11:14):
Awesome.
Speaker 2 (11:15):
And what is it a cost for the people to
attend or be a part of any of these events.
Speaker 3 (11:19):
It's a free event for the audience, for the community.
There is a fifty dollars cost for vendors and businesses,
but otherwise community, it's a free event. Nonprofits, it's free.
We're just we're excited and we're happy to have everyone there.
Speaker 2 (11:37):
Can you between the two of you, can you name
some of the nonprofits or businesses that are going to
be a part of this so that way people can
start looking forward to it.
Speaker 3 (11:45):
Oh my goodness, she's getting her life. I didn't remember
all fifty Hey no, no, and I don't you know,
I'm probably going to leave some out because I don't
think you have everybody, But you know, just no, you
can get an idea excited.
Speaker 4 (11:58):
It's just a singular focus.
Speaker 3 (12:00):
Yes. No, So we're going to have the American Cancer Society,
We're going to have the Big Brother, Big Sister Projectiva Strive. Now,
we're going to have Center Fassal North, the Center of Hope,
We're going to have the Conservation Society. I mean, we
have Hospital Passo, the County El Paso County Attorney's Office
(12:24):
is going to be there, m p HP Salut, the
Mental Health Salut. We're going to have Bookiy and Mommy's helping.
Speaker 4 (12:35):
The show.
Speaker 3 (12:36):
Yes, they were at our first one.
Speaker 2 (12:38):
Yes, he's such an amazing little boy.
Speaker 4 (12:40):
I met him and his mom. What they do moms
on their own is.
Speaker 3 (12:43):
I absolutely love them.
Speaker 1 (12:45):
Yes.
Speaker 3 (12:46):
So no, we have we have a very good nonprofits
out here that are gonna, you know, join us to
to help showcase their work to the community as well,
because that's what it's all about, you know. It's it's
it's about just helping each other and really helping the
community because we can't just hold this to ourselves, you know.
Speaker 2 (13:06):
And I see these a great you know, it's it's
tax free. Go get your shopping done, and then you
don't know what you don't know. So there's nonprofits I
guarantee of that you're going to go to this event
and you're not going to have heard of them. Go
get information, even if it's something that you can't personally have,
you have that information. Take a little bag, get all
the info and then if someone needs it. You know,
(13:28):
it's better to need it or have it and not
need it then to need it and not have that information.
Speaker 3 (13:32):
Absolutely.
Speaker 2 (13:33):
Yeah, you know, I'm going to go back to and
I'm going to start with you, Meghan. You said, you
know that there's a lot of empowerment and life changing
events that have happened because of Plant to Seed. Can
you give us an example or you know, a specific
one or a general one that you like to share
with the listening audience.
Speaker 5 (13:50):
I mean, there's not one specific that comes to my mind,
but what I will say is like we had one
last year where this young lady she had just opened
up her salon for the very first time, and you know,
she was hesitant about doing that. She didn't know about
marketing her business and really just had opened up her
(14:11):
doors and she put she she was one of the
businesses that paid the fifty dollars and she got to
see not only other businesses there, she got new clients
from it, but also she got to see how special
it was for all the nonprofits to serve and give back.
So now she started something in her program in her
salon for the people that can't maybe afford a hair
(14:33):
dye or a haircut. She's she's going to be offering
those services at this upcoming event. This will be her
second year there. So it just it motivates you to
do better when you see the community just going out
there and sharing their resources. So yeah, spoking like.
Speaker 4 (14:47):
A true entrepreneur. Yep, my husband's an entrepreneur.
Speaker 6 (14:50):
True.
Speaker 2 (14:50):
So of course you know you're looking from that aspect
of it. I didn't even think about that part of it.
You know from the actual vendor side that they can
benefit in that way too. And Wenday sa thing of empowerment.
And I know you've seen changes, girl, I know you've
seen great things happen. Can you give the listening audience
an example.
Speaker 3 (15:07):
Oh my goodness, I know there's a lot, you know,
I and my husband will tell you. I think I'm
very not to tune on my home, but I like
to keep things like humble and down to earth. I
don't feel like I'm empowering but serving and helping. But definitely,
you know, I guess if I'm looking at our situation.
(15:30):
And I don't think I touched on the My King
Step program, but that was like my favorite program. And
just so that everybody knows a little bit about it.
That's where we give out a little girl's we make
a little girl's dream come true. And we're rolling into
our third year, right the very first one that we had.
(15:51):
I think the last time I came, my assistant came
with us, and it just so happened that my assistant
was the little turned out after, you know, after we
we found out who our little girl, our winner was,
and we worked with the family. After meeting the family,
her sister in law. I loved how she worked and
(16:14):
just like how she projected everything, how she helped out. Well,
she turned out to be our assistant. I reached out
to her, you know, last year and asked if she
would work with us because she was looking for a job,
you know, and she's our assistant now and she's great
and she's awesome and oh my goodness, like.
Speaker 2 (16:33):
I'm sure because she has that connection, like you know,
it makes it that much better to work with you all.
Speaker 3 (16:38):
Well, and you know, she told me, she was like,
you know what, Wendy, you just you made me believe
in myself, believe that there's like an opportunity for us all.
And I don't you know, I don't let it get
to my head. But you asked if that's in bad
that's a parliament.
Speaker 2 (16:58):
I think a lot of people that do philanthropy they
do have this thing where I don't want to sound
like I'm bragging this, but also you're studying an example
when you do take ownership of that I did that,
it's not arrogance. You know, there's a difference between arrogance
and confidence.
Speaker 4 (17:13):
But it's okay to be.
Speaker 2 (17:14):
Confident like, yes, I did help them, I'm not bragging
about it. But then people look to you and be like,
this is what confidence looks like. This is not arrogance.
This is what a woman empowering another woman looks like.
So you know, that's awesome I do. That's why you
were on last time. So again, thank you Wendy for
what you do. Thank you Miguel for what you do
because you're a big part of it. And thank you
(17:34):
both for being here with me today.
Speaker 3 (17:35):
Thank you for having us, thank you.
Speaker 5 (17:37):
Yeah, thank you for sharing your platform and it was
awesome talking to you this morning.
Speaker 4 (17:42):
Of course.
Speaker 2 (17:48):
Welcome back to the Al Paso Public Forum. I am
your host, Amberbanda, and today we have Danielli Gutierres. She
is the Family, Community Engagement and Mental Health SPECE Specialist
Special Education Department for EESC nineteen, the Education Service Center,
Region nineteen of Alpaso, Texas. That's a mouthful, Daniellie, thank
(18:09):
you for being here with me today.
Speaker 6 (18:10):
Yes, thank you so much for having me today.
Speaker 2 (18:12):
Of course, and you look gorgeous, of course, on so
much power two Sunday ninety nine point nine to ninety
six point three k country, Instagram and Facebook will post
pictures of our guests and all the information that you need.
But Danielli, I want to ask you first. EESC nineteen
is that interchangeable with the term Region nineteen.
Speaker 6 (18:30):
Eese Region eighteen?
Speaker 1 (18:31):
Okay?
Speaker 6 (18:32):
It's the Education Service Center for Region nineteen.
Speaker 2 (18:34):
Okay, the Education Service Center for Region nineteen. So this
is one of twenty service centers across Texas dedicated to
supporting teachers and school leaders. So that's basically the bridge
between local districts and the Texas eight Education Agency.
Speaker 4 (18:51):
So what is the goal for EESC nineteen.
Speaker 6 (18:55):
Beautiful, So that is a really good question. So the
goal for Region eighteen, it's to ensure the success for
all students by providing quality services to all educational partners.
In our region through a continuous improvement process. The focus
is on professional development, offering resources tailored to the needs,
and supporting communities through various services, including healthcare screenings.
Speaker 2 (19:18):
Yes, because healthcare is you know, encompasses everything. It's be
if you don't feel good, you can't learn right or
you can't teach. So Region nineteen is that just a
part of all Passle? Does that include all of all Passo?
Speaker 6 (19:29):
This is all Apostle. So, like you said, in the
whole state of Texas, there is twenty regions and we
are Regent nineteen here in a service center who makes.
Speaker 4 (19:38):
A lot of sense.
Speaker 2 (19:39):
And so what outcomes do you think that you've seen,
you know, being with this organization, What outcomes do you think.
Speaker 4 (19:46):
Need improving or can stand for some improvement.
Speaker 6 (19:50):
I think the fact that we offer that a technical
support to our schools, the fact that we make ourselves available,
you know, I think there's always room for improvement right
into learn. But yes, we provide that information that comes
from the Texas Education Agency, and then we provide that
technical support for our schools, for our districts, and we're
(20:10):
like the hub any help anything that they need. We're
there for our school districts.
Speaker 2 (20:14):
So when you say technical support, do you literally mean
like the computers and the phone. I'm so new to
all that.
Speaker 6 (20:21):
That is a beautiful question. When I'm referring to technical support,
is just basically anything that they need. If they call us,
they have a question, they need training on a specific topic, subject,
or what have you, We'll guide them to the process,
We'll provide that training, will provide those those Yeah, those trainings.
Speaker 2 (20:37):
The trainings and the resources. So I'll pass. So I think.
I mean, I've lived here my whole life, born and
raised thirty nine years. Is so different from the rest
of Texas. Right, do you see any kind of the
you know, the the you know, the the bigger part
of Texas, the educational system. They're like, hey, we want
to do this, and then you see it, well and
I'll pass. So it's a little bit different, or maybe
(20:59):
it would be better because we're such a unique culture
in a unique area. Do you see any of that?
Speaker 6 (21:05):
For the difference that I see, it's that it's beautiful
because we are so close to the border, right that
we everything that we do, for example, in the parent component,
everything that we do in English, we do translate it
into Spanish because we want to make sure that we
are inclusive as much as possible. I know that there
might be like other languages, right, but yeah, the one
of the biggest languages used here in Texas and no passo,
(21:28):
it's Spanish.
Speaker 2 (21:29):
Right exactly. I don't know why that reminds me. I
saw something. It was one of the royals. It was
like Princess cater Or, I don't know, one of their kids.
You know, they were speaking English, but then they were
also learning Italian and it was like mid made news.
You know, this kid is bilingual. I'm like most of
the kids here, like they're bilingual. I used to sub
and you know, I my Spanish is okay, it's not
that it's not the I wouldn't say I'm fluent. If
(21:51):
you feel me in the middle of Mexico, I can
find my way out. But like the kids in like
first second grade, they're just helping me. And you know,
you're right.
Speaker 6 (21:59):
You know.
Speaker 2 (21:59):
That's one of the things is making sure that there's
courses in this help is available in English and Spanish,
and so the parents and community members play an essential
role in student success. Now I have two daughters, ones
no longer in school, she graduated one just went into
fifth grade. So can you elaborate that?
Speaker 4 (22:19):
What does that mean?
Speaker 2 (22:20):
Parents and community members play an essential role in student success?
Speaker 6 (22:24):
Yes, of course, so we all know that when the
parents and the school come together, right, I mean, the power,
it's a lot bigger. Why, because we're supporting, we're on
the same page. We come to a consensus, and we're
there for one and only purpose, which is the success
of the children. Right, we want them to graduate. We
want them to have that support. Right Why the parent,
(22:44):
Because the parent, it's the first teacher. That is where
everything starts. The values, everything, the character building, everything, that's
where it starts. And then that's what we want to
go in and transmit into our schools, right to instill
those values and take them and have that alignment from
the school all the way to the home.
Speaker 3 (23:01):
Right.
Speaker 2 (23:02):
That way, the teachers aren't the one teaching the kids manners.
It's the parents that at home. That way, the teacher
can just focus on Okay, let's learn our ABC's or
our precal or whatever you know grade they're teaching, right.
Speaker 6 (23:12):
Yes, And we can see also a combination of both,
you know, because you know, if we instill those values
in children, but it's going to serve them throughout their
entire life, right, because this is I mean, if we
have children that are well behaved, children that you know,
that get the assistance, for example, throughout this healthware that
we're doing, right, any kind of support of community support
out there, well, they're going to be successful. And at
(23:34):
the end, that's what we want. We want them to
be successful in life. We want them to be of
good community members.
Speaker 2 (23:39):
Right yeah, yeah, what is that a functional member of society?
I guess you could say whatever that is, whether it's
you know, being an entrepreneur or you know going and
working for a larger company, so you know, parents and
community members, I know that region or ESC nineteen, which
is a service center. I'm still like trying to clarify
(24:01):
this in my head so that way I can clarify
it for some of the listeners. So if someone had
a question, what is the path to go? Like do
they directly call?
Speaker 6 (24:11):
Uh?
Speaker 2 (24:12):
You know, I'm comparing it to like the police. Right,
there's the local uh what is it? Non emergency line
and then there's nine to one one? Like what level
would someone reach out to? And who would reach out
to the ESC nineteen or Region nineteen with a question
like what steps would they take?
Speaker 6 (24:27):
Okay, So basically we have Region eighteen, which is a
service center that's like the bigger umbrella, right, and then
under the service center we also have Headstart, which is
our little ones. So you know a lot of the
times when we say Regent eighteen, we immediately think it's
it's Headstart.
Speaker 4 (24:41):
Yeah, but we also have the service.
Speaker 6 (24:42):
Center where all the information it's it's housed right.
Speaker 1 (24:45):
Ok.
Speaker 6 (24:46):
And you know this information, like I said, it comes
from th eight Now if they want to go ahead
and reach out to that parent component, or to that
parent person, or to if they have a question, under
our directory and ese Regent eighteen, they'll be able to see,
you know, the numbers. We also the beauty of this
is that we also recently, all the departments from Region
(25:09):
eighteen we came together to be able to you know,
work as that synergy. You know, we're all doing beautiful things,
but when we come together, it's even bigger. So we
do have a parent tab on our landing page of
Region nineteen. They click on that tab and that is
full of resources. It tells you you know exactly which
(25:29):
department you're looking for. So it's very user friendly, and
I encourage people to go ahead and check it out
and look it up, and you know, there's going to
be a lot of a plethora of resources that they
can access.
Speaker 2 (25:40):
And again this is for all I'm assuming and correct
me if I'm wrong, all public schools and all pass
So they can go to that website, which is ESC
nineteen dot net.
Speaker 6 (25:50):
Yes, e s. They can just google EC region nineteen, Yes,
and then it'll take them to the region eighteen page. Right,
they click on that parent tab and that parent tap
they will that will take them to you know, any
department that they're looking for, any resource, you know, because
we have a lot of that going on, and yes,
anybody can access it. We're talking about the schools, we're
talking about the community. We're talking about anybody who is
(26:13):
in need or has a question, Like my department is
special education, which is beautiful. So if they have a
question in special education or regarding a training that we provided,
then they can most definitely go on there and they'll
get the resources. They'll get the phone number, the email
of the person that they're looking for. So let's say
I need something, and let's say that there's a parent
(26:35):
that needs something in special education, Well they can just
look it up and they'll find my contact information on
that page.
Speaker 2 (26:41):
Okay, perfect, thank you thanking that that that makes everything
a lot clearer and a lot more accessible, a lot
more humanized, if you will.
Speaker 4 (26:48):
Right Like you know, they're right there.
Speaker 2 (26:51):
So again, right now, I'm speaking with Danielle Gutiere is Family,
Community Engagement and Mental Health Specialist, Special Education Department for
EESC nineteen Education Service Center for Region nineteen, al Paso, Texas,
one of twenty service centers across Texas. So you know,
you just kind of helped me, and I'm sure there
(27:11):
was someone else out there listening that you know, it
helped paint a better picture in their mind of what
you know, Region nineteen does for the community. So now
let's talk about an actual event that people can attend
that is for the community. The third annual e SC
Region nineteen Health and Career Fair, hosted by the Parent, Family,
(27:31):
Leadership and Community Engagement or Place Committee. Can you give
us when is it, where is it's what's going.
Speaker 4 (27:38):
To be there, what's good? Yes?
Speaker 6 (27:39):
Absolutely, so we are so excited, Like I was mentioning
that we all in Region eighteen, all the departments. We
came together, you know, for the purpose of like providing
those services for parents and families. Right, And this year
it's going to be our third annual health and Career fair,
and we are excited to invite everybody. So this is
happening on Wednesday, August sixth right, and the place is
(27:59):
going to be a eleven six seventy Chito Samaniego from
nine to two thirty. This is an event for everybody.
It's a dynamic event that brings about fifty community agencies
together so that they can go ahead and provide those
essential services that they provide to our parents, to our teachers,
you know, to our schools.
Speaker 3 (28:18):
Yeah.
Speaker 6 (28:19):
And the other thing that is we're excited because we're
going to we are going to be offering free physicals
fight the University Medical Center. We all know that there's
a cost, right and these physicals are for sports, so
there's always a cost attached to that. But in this
case with this healthcare, within this healthcare, they will be
for free. We will be having a public notary that
is going to be providing services for free as well
(28:41):
on site. So the other thing that I wanted to
mention also is that we are going to also have
agencies that are going to be providing information for those
parents who have children with special needs. So that's beautiful.
Speaker 2 (28:55):
That's one of the departments that has a lot of questions.
I remember at one point I was getting my youngest
test did for something, and you know, I'd never had
so many questions as to when it came to that department.
So that's excellent. What since that is your department, you know,
special the special education department. Are there any common questions
(29:16):
or maybe any anything that you would want to address
to those listening that have a child that needs to
be tested or has special needs.
Speaker 6 (29:25):
Yes, absolutely, I want to invite them to visit our
page because within our page they're going to find, like
I said, a lot of information. We are just putting
together a catalog that helps them understand those acronyms. Right
that it looks like a foreign language when it comes
to the school. So this catalog is designed to help
them understand that language, to help them understand their role
(29:46):
on that iard committee. What's an IEP That information is
that it's something that we are compiling in a little
in a catalog and we are providing that information on
site training we're going to be doing these trainings. So
that catalog is just going to give them the information
as where this training is going to be held, what
the name of the training is, and a description of
(30:09):
what that specific training. And I'm talking about different trainings
for example, what is an IEP. Why is it important
for you to attend an ARD? So this catalog, it
has a lot of information with special education and.
Speaker 2 (30:20):
That catalog is available online or it's yes, okay ATESEESC.
Speaker 4 (30:23):
Nineteen dot net or again just.
Speaker 6 (30:25):
Look up e SC Region eighteen. Remember just google ec
Region eighteen and then look for that parent tab, click
on it and it'll take you.
Speaker 4 (30:32):
To those resources in English and Spanish, English and Spanish.
Speaker 6 (30:34):
Yesam, absolutely yes.
Speaker 2 (30:37):
So again we are talking about the third annual e
SC Region nineteen Health and Career Fair. It's going to
be Wednesday, August sixth, So this Wednesday from nine am
to two thirty at the head Start Multipurpose Center at
eleven six seventy Twitos Manego on the east side. There's
going to be a ton of agencies. There's going to
be free sports physicals. You can ask questions. Even you
(30:58):
know you may you it's better to have that information,
not need it.
Speaker 4 (31:03):
Then you'll need.
Speaker 2 (31:04):
That information and not have it. Absolutely, go get the pamphlets,
ask the questions, you know, let your face be known
within you know, within this area. Danielli, you've provided a
lot of valuable information, You've clarified a lot. Is there
anything else that you would like to tell the listening audience.
Speaker 6 (31:20):
Just for them to go ahead and please show up,
you know, just like support this event so that we
can go ahead and continue having these events on arly
and thank you all so much for you, Thank you
for the support.
Speaker 2 (31:29):
Of course definitely, I mean anything that's gonna help the
parents and the community, you know, help the kids with
their education, help the teachers. So again, Daniellie, thank you
so much for being here.
Speaker 4 (31:39):
With Claire today.
Speaker 6 (31:40):
Of course, thank you so much for having.
Speaker 2 (31:41):
Me, and of course for all you listening. Go to
Sunday ninety nine point nine, ninety six point three k
Hey Country or Pouno two point one on our Instagram
and Facebook. We'll have pictures of our guests. We have
the information that we talked about ESC nineteen Headstart. You
can follow them on Instagram or on Facebook e SC
nineteen headstarter Again, just Google Reagon nineteen, Al Paso, and
(32:04):
thank you for listening to the al Paso Public Forum.
Speaker 1 (32:07):
You've been listening to El Paso Public Forum, a weekly
public affairs presentation of iHeartRadio El Paso. If you, your
organization or event would like to be featured on an
upcoming program, please email to Epforum at iHeartMedia dot com
or call us at nine one five three five one
five four zero zero. Tune in again next week for
(32:27):
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 El Paso Public Forum. I am
your host, Amberbanda, and today we have two people from
a nonprofit locally here called Plant a Seed. We have
Wendy Gamio. Welcome back, Wendy. She is the founder and
president of Plant a Seed. Good to have you, Good
to see you again.
Speaker 3 (00:38):
Hi, good morning, Ambert. Thank you for having us, Thank you,
of course.
Speaker 2 (00:41):
And we have Miguel Gamio, co founder of Plant a Seed.
Speaker 4 (00:45):
Miguel, thank you for being here with me today.
Speaker 5 (00:47):
Oh, we're grateful for the opportunity.
Speaker 4 (00:49):
Thank you, of course.
Speaker 2 (00:50):
Yeah, we're in the station. And if you hear my
voice kind of going in nouns because I have to
go on my tippy toes to make sure I make
eye contact, because what you all do is amazing I mean,
you don't just really focus on nonprofit it's you know,
many nonprofits throughout the city. You do great things. So
I'm glad that you're back to talk about Plant to Seed. So, Wendy,
I'm going to start with you since you're the heartbeat,
You're the backbone of Plan to Seed. But you know,
(01:11):
we couldn't fit that all onto the title. But with
Plant to Seed, what does this organization do here for
the community?
Speaker 3 (01:18):
Well, plant to Seed is the community. We're here to empower,
to make sure that the resources that we have are
spread and shared with the community. And so our mission
is to empower the community, especially the underserved Latin community.
So that's what we're here for. We have different programs
and events all catered for our community.
Speaker 2 (01:41):
So, I mean, I've had you on here before and
it's kind of a all there are some events and
organizations that are kind of like a staple that you help,
but then there's it's like a revolving door too. So
can you tell the audience some of the events and
organizations that you've worked with in the past.
Speaker 3 (02:00):
Yeah, So I'm really excited because we're actually we have
an upcoming event and that's called Unity Fest. This Unity
Fest is our third annual that we're having August tenth
at Bassett Place Mall, and it's pretty much to invite
all the nonprofits here in a Passo. It's one of
(02:21):
the events that I'm really really happy about because, you know,
a couple of years ago, I learned that we have
like over a thousand nonprofits here in a Passo. They
might not all be active, but we have like over
a thousand, and I was like, oh my gosh, you know,
this is crazy. I don't think I don't think we
all know about them. And it's a shame because there's
so many nonprofits doing incredible work that really the community
(02:45):
needs to learn about. And so that's what Unity Fest
is about. It's about bringing all the nonprofits together under
one space. We invite you know, other businesses, other organizations
to come as well, so that the community can come
and learn about them. So that's one of the ones
that we have coming at.
Speaker 2 (03:02):
I hear you because doing this show that's all focused
on nonprofits, I go looking and so my radar it's
kind of like when you buy a new car and
then all of a sudden, you see that car everywhere.
When I see the term nonprofit or I think it
looks like a nonprofit. I'm like, ooh, and then I
asked them and they are and you're right. There are
a ton of nonprofits here in al Paso that need
a bigger voice. And Miguel, I assume that you have
(03:23):
participated in the past Unity Fest, what do you think
of this event?
Speaker 4 (03:28):
Yeah?
Speaker 5 (03:28):
Again, my wife being the heartbeat of plant Seed, this
was an event that she visualized and also saw a
need in the community. And as she mentioned, the fact
that there's so many nonprofits providing a different resource for
different reasons and then collectively putting them under one roof
(03:50):
is super powerful. And you know what I like about
it is that it's a mixture of folks that get
to see different needs and they get to see al
Paso's really give back. Yeah, and that's what all pastos
all about, really, and so it's just it's beautiful to
see the community come together. But also between the nonprofits,
the networking, the collaboration, I mean, we have tremendous stories
(04:14):
of empowerment when it comes to that. So we invite
the whole community to come out and really, if you
know a nonprofit or a business that wants to participate.
They can reach out to us directly. Absolutely.
Speaker 2 (04:23):
Now I want you to remember that about the stories
of empowerment because I'm going to ask you later on
to give us an example, because we all know the
power that nonprofits can you know, can do have the
possess to help people. But Miguel, my question too is
you know your wife, you know she started this organization.
Speaker 4 (04:40):
It was her vision.
Speaker 2 (04:42):
And so for myself, my passion for my philanthropy is
child advocacy for yours, it's the underserved Latin community. Wendy,
if I'm if i'm you know, correct me if I'm wrong.
But Miguel, do you have like a certain cause that
you're most passionate about or is it just like I
I whatever, my wife is passionate out, that's what'm passionate
about when it comes to this.
Speaker 4 (05:01):
Or do you have a cause that's near and dear
to your heart?
Speaker 3 (05:03):
Yeah?
Speaker 5 (05:04):
No, that's a great question. You know, I think all
of the causes thus far have been related to the
Latin struggle here in our community, and being that we're
from here, we knew we put emphasis and making sure
that we can try to fill in those gaps. For me,
I'm an entrepreneur. My parents are from Mexico, both of them,
so I got to see the struggles and the lack
(05:26):
of resources in the community, and so I like to
really focus on entrepreneurship and empower the youth. That and
that format let.
Speaker 2 (05:35):
People see that you know, you can come and build
a business, be your own, be your own boss. And
so you know, with Plan to Seed, we'll talk a
little bit more about the specifics of the event and
a little bit you know, it is going to be
at Bassett and we'll talk about the hours and if
you do want to be a part of it and
all of that. But with Plan to Seed, Wendy again,
(05:55):
when you've come in, you've told me about your work
with like the Children's Hospital and all these other organizations.
Can you because a lot of people have not heard
of Plan to Seed, and I know about your credibility,
can you tell the audience, look, these are the organizations that.
Speaker 4 (06:11):
We've worked with.
Speaker 2 (06:12):
Give yourself that you know, that credibility, so that way
more people are more likely to help your cause. What
other organizations can you name? Drop for lack of a
better term.
Speaker 3 (06:21):
Oh my goodness, yes, no, this is a great space
to do it. So we've definitely partnered with Vassel and
North the Center of Hope because we do do the
race against human trafficking. That to me is like super important,
the race itself, I mean, the meaning, the awareness that
needs to be built around that. I mean it just wow,
(06:42):
we can spend the whole day here talking.
Speaker 4 (06:45):
About I just had them on last week.
Speaker 3 (06:46):
Yeah, yeah, no, I mean human trafficking.
Speaker 6 (06:50):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (06:50):
She was telling me that the average age right now
is fourteen years old.
Speaker 3 (06:53):
Yes, sadly so it is. And so you know, we
partner with Ussel and North the Center of Hope to
do that race and to give back to them so
that they can you know, continue to do their work.
We do monthly hospital visits at Providence Children's Hospital, and
the really great thing about that is that, you know,
we were doing that just you know, pantasied going to
(07:16):
go give you know, some snacks and treats and support
to the families that are there, also thanking the nurses,
the staff. But now we have other nonprofits going with
us as well. We've had the Pie Sisters go with us. Uh,
We're going to start having our WV the Red White
and Blue nonprofit go with us and strive now we'll
(07:40):
be joining us as well. Then we also visit elderly
shelters once a month. That's that program is called Generations
of Kindness and it's called Generations of Kindness because we
bring in the youth to come out and do visits
with us. So the thing with that is where bridging
that gap. We're taking young kids to come out and
(08:04):
learned how to empathize sympathize with elderly who don't really
get visited. So it's a win win situation. The kids
go visit the elderly, they earn credit hours, service hours,
and the elderly get that visit that you know, hourly visit,
two hour visits, snacks, games that you know they otherwise
(08:25):
wouldn't get. And so with that, you know, we also
have other nonprofits that were teaming up and they're joining
us on those visits as well. But more than anything,
we also have schools, schools that are going with us.
You know, right now I have a lot of kids
from Eastwood High School that are joining us to do
these visits. And so the community is welcome, always welcome
(08:49):
to come and be a part of everything that we're doing.
Speaker 2 (08:52):
And what is the minimum age if they did want
to participate.
Speaker 3 (08:56):
So for the Generations of Kindness, it's seven years old, okay.
Speaker 2 (09:00):
Oh, and I'm thinking about for my world. And with
those nonprofits that you were naming, I have never heard
of them, so off air. You're gonna have to give
me their contact as well. Miguel, do you have something
to add to that.
Speaker 5 (09:10):
No, I mean, you know, there's been so many people
that we probably haven't named. Grand Gala. The owners and
the management of that company have been so gracious and
partnering up with us and literally lending us their venues
for now that third year in a row. And so
there's a lot of people that we are leaving off.
But you know, we're open to continue to collaborate and
(09:33):
work with other organizations here in Opaso for sure.
Speaker 2 (09:36):
And again, if you're just joining us, we have Wendy Gamillo,
founder and president of Plant to Seed, as well as
Miguel Gamio, co founder of Plant to Seed. And if
you are a nonprofit or your business or you it's
kind of like a one stop shop in a way
of who do I help because we have nonprofits here
and they're focused on their one area or cause, which
is great, but again, what you do is great too
(09:59):
because you bring them all together. So if someone's kind
of shopping around for where do I want to volunteer,
where do I want to earn my hours, where do
I want to spend my money or donate my money?
You are an excellent resource for that. So Wendy, let's
go back to that plant to Seed's third annual Unity Fest.
Myself the nonprofit I'm in guarding to the children, we
were part of I believe, the first one, and they
(10:20):
had nothing but good things to say about that event.
So it's going to be August tenth.
Speaker 3 (10:25):
That's a Sunday, Yes, that is a Sunday context free weekend.
So we're definitely excited about that inviting the community. We
have like over fifty nonprofits and businesses together already registered
and if you know anyone out there would like to
(10:45):
know join us on that day, we welcome them. So
it's August tenth, a Sunday from twelve to four four,
and we have a surprise of performances and so it's
going to be really fun. You know, we'll also have
raffles and just a lot of entertainment and fun for
the community.
Speaker 2 (11:05):
And if a nonprofit wanted to be a part of this.
Is there a cost to setting up a booth?
Speaker 6 (11:10):
So?
Speaker 3 (11:10):
No, it's absolutely free for all nonprofits.
Speaker 4 (11:14):
Awesome.
Speaker 2 (11:15):
And what is it a cost for the people to
attend or be a part of any of these events.
Speaker 3 (11:19):
It's a free event for the audience, for the community.
There is a fifty dollars cost for vendors and businesses,
but otherwise community, it's a free event. Nonprofits, it's free.
We're just we're excited and we're happy to have everyone there.
Speaker 2 (11:37):
Can you between the two of you, can you name
some of the nonprofits or businesses that are going to
be a part of this so that way people can
start looking forward to it.
Speaker 3 (11:45):
Oh my goodness, she's getting her life. I didn't remember
all fifty Hey no, no, and I don't you know,
I'm probably going to leave some out because I don't
think you have everybody, But you know, just no, you
can get an idea excited.
Speaker 4 (11:58):
It's just a singular focus.
Speaker 3 (12:00):
Yes. No, So we're going to have the American Cancer Society,
We're going to have the Big Brother, Big Sister Projectiva Strive. Now,
we're going to have Center Fassal North, the Center of Hope,
We're going to have the Conservation Society. I mean, we
have Hospital Passo, the County El Paso County Attorney's Office
(12:24):
is going to be there, m p HP Salut, the
Mental Health Salut. We're going to have Bookiy and Mommy's helping.
Speaker 4 (12:35):
The show.
Speaker 3 (12:36):
Yes, they were at our first one.
Speaker 2 (12:38):
Yes, he's such an amazing little boy.
Speaker 4 (12:40):
I met him and his mom. What they do moms
on their own is.
Speaker 3 (12:43):
I absolutely love them.
Speaker 1 (12:45):
Yes.
Speaker 3 (12:46):
So no, we have we have a very good nonprofits
out here that are gonna, you know, join us to
to help showcase their work to the community as well,
because that's what it's all about, you know. It's it's
it's about just helping each other and really helping the
community because we can't just hold this to ourselves, you know.
Speaker 2 (13:06):
And I see these a great you know, it's it's
tax free. Go get your shopping done, and then you
don't know what you don't know. So there's nonprofits I
guarantee of that you're going to go to this event
and you're not going to have heard of them. Go
get information, even if it's something that you can't personally have,
you have that information. Take a little bag, get all
the info and then if someone needs it. You know,
(13:28):
it's better to need it or have it and not
need it then to need it and not have that information.
Speaker 3 (13:32):
Absolutely.
Speaker 2 (13:33):
Yeah, you know, I'm going to go back to and
I'm going to start with you, Meghan. You said, you
know that there's a lot of empowerment and life changing
events that have happened because of Plant to Seed. Can
you give us an example or you know, a specific
one or a general one that you like to share
with the listening audience.
Speaker 5 (13:50):
I mean, there's not one specific that comes to my mind,
but what I will say is like we had one
last year where this young lady she had just opened
up her salon for the very first time, and you know,
she was hesitant about doing that. She didn't know about
marketing her business and really just had opened up her
(14:11):
doors and she put she she was one of the
businesses that paid the fifty dollars and she got to
see not only other businesses there, she got new clients
from it, but also she got to see how special
it was for all the nonprofits to serve and give back.
So now she started something in her program in her
salon for the people that can't maybe afford a hair
(14:33):
dye or a haircut. She's she's going to be offering
those services at this upcoming event. This will be her
second year there. So it just it motivates you to
do better when you see the community just going out
there and sharing their resources. So yeah, spoking like.
Speaker 4 (14:47):
A true entrepreneur. Yep, my husband's an entrepreneur.
Speaker 6 (14:50):
True.
Speaker 2 (14:50):
So of course you know you're looking from that aspect
of it. I didn't even think about that part of it.
You know from the actual vendor side that they can
benefit in that way too. And Wenday sa thing of empowerment.
And I know you've seen changes, girl, I know you've
seen great things happen. Can you give the listening audience
an example.
Speaker 3 (15:07):
Oh my goodness, I know there's a lot, you know,
I and my husband will tell you. I think I'm
very not to tune on my home, but I like
to keep things like humble and down to earth. I
don't feel like I'm empowering but serving and helping. But definitely,
you know, I guess if I'm looking at our situation.
(15:30):
And I don't think I touched on the My King
Step program, but that was like my favorite program. And
just so that everybody knows a little bit about it.
That's where we give out a little girl's we make
a little girl's dream come true. And we're rolling into
our third year, right the very first one that we had.
(15:51):
I think the last time I came, my assistant came
with us, and it just so happened that my assistant
was the little turned out after, you know, after we
we found out who our little girl, our winner was,
and we worked with the family. After meeting the family,
her sister in law. I loved how she worked and
(16:14):
just like how she projected everything, how she helped out. Well,
she turned out to be our assistant. I reached out
to her, you know, last year and asked if she
would work with us because she was looking for a job,
you know, and she's our assistant now and she's great
and she's awesome and oh my goodness, like.
Speaker 2 (16:33):
I'm sure because she has that connection, like you know,
it makes it that much better to work with you all.
Speaker 3 (16:38):
Well, and you know, she told me, she was like,
you know what, Wendy, you just you made me believe
in myself, believe that there's like an opportunity for us all.
And I don't you know, I don't let it get
to my head. But you asked if that's in bad
that's a parliament.
Speaker 2 (16:58):
I think a lot of people that do philanthropy they
do have this thing where I don't want to sound
like I'm bragging this, but also you're studying an example
when you do take ownership of that I did that,
it's not arrogance. You know, there's a difference between arrogance
and confidence.
Speaker 4 (17:13):
But it's okay to be.
Speaker 2 (17:14):
Confident like, yes, I did help them, I'm not bragging
about it. But then people look to you and be like,
this is what confidence looks like. This is not arrogance.
This is what a woman empowering another woman looks like.
So you know, that's awesome I do. That's why you
were on last time. So again, thank you Wendy for
what you do. Thank you Miguel for what you do
because you're a big part of it. And thank you
(17:34):
both for being here with me today.
Speaker 3 (17:35):
Thank you for having us, thank you.
Speaker 5 (17:37):
Yeah, thank you for sharing your platform and it was
awesome talking to you this morning.
Speaker 4 (17:42):
Of course.
Speaker 2 (17:48):
Welcome back to the Al Paso Public Forum. I am
your host, Amberbanda, and today we have Danielli Gutierres. She
is the Family, Community Engagement and Mental Health SPECE Specialist
Special Education Department for EESC nineteen, the Education Service Center,
Region nineteen of Alpaso, Texas. That's a mouthful, Daniellie, thank
(18:09):
you for being here with me today.
Speaker 6 (18:10):
Yes, thank you so much for having me today.
Speaker 2 (18:12):
Of course, and you look gorgeous, of course, on so
much power two Sunday ninety nine point nine to ninety
six point three k country, Instagram and Facebook will post
pictures of our guests and all the information that you need.
But Danielli, I want to ask you first. EESC nineteen
is that interchangeable with the term Region nineteen.
Speaker 6 (18:30):
Eese Region eighteen?
Speaker 1 (18:31):
Okay?
Speaker 6 (18:32):
It's the Education Service Center for Region nineteen.
Speaker 2 (18:34):
Okay, the Education Service Center for Region nineteen. So this
is one of twenty service centers across Texas dedicated to
supporting teachers and school leaders. So that's basically the bridge
between local districts and the Texas eight Education Agency.
Speaker 4 (18:51):
So what is the goal for EESC nineteen.
Speaker 6 (18:55):
Beautiful, So that is a really good question. So the
goal for Region eighteen, it's to ensure the success for
all students by providing quality services to all educational partners.
In our region through a continuous improvement process. The focus
is on professional development, offering resources tailored to the needs,
and supporting communities through various services, including healthcare screenings.
Speaker 2 (19:18):
Yes, because healthcare is you know, encompasses everything. It's be
if you don't feel good, you can't learn right or
you can't teach. So Region nineteen is that just a
part of all Passle? Does that include all of all Passo?
Speaker 6 (19:29):
This is all Apostle. So, like you said, in the
whole state of Texas, there is twenty regions and we
are Regent nineteen here in a service center who makes.
Speaker 4 (19:38):
A lot of sense.
Speaker 2 (19:39):
And so what outcomes do you think that you've seen,
you know, being with this organization, What outcomes do you think.
Speaker 4 (19:46):
Need improving or can stand for some improvement.
Speaker 6 (19:50):
I think the fact that we offer that a technical
support to our schools, the fact that we make ourselves available,
you know, I think there's always room for improvement right
into learn. But yes, we provide that information that comes
from the Texas Education Agency, and then we provide that
technical support for our schools, for our districts, and we're
(20:10):
like the hub any help anything that they need. We're
there for our school districts.
Speaker 2 (20:14):
So when you say technical support, do you literally mean
like the computers and the phone. I'm so new to
all that.
Speaker 6 (20:21):
That is a beautiful question. When I'm referring to technical support,
is just basically anything that they need. If they call us,
they have a question, they need training on a specific topic, subject,
or what have you, We'll guide them to the process,
We'll provide that training, will provide those those Yeah, those trainings.
Speaker 2 (20:37):
The trainings and the resources. So I'll pass. So I think.
I mean, I've lived here my whole life, born and
raised thirty nine years. Is so different from the rest
of Texas. Right, do you see any kind of the
you know, the the you know, the the bigger part
of Texas, the educational system. They're like, hey, we want
to do this, and then you see it, well and
I'll pass. So it's a little bit different, or maybe
(20:59):
it would be better because we're such a unique culture
in a unique area. Do you see any of that?
Speaker 6 (21:05):
For the difference that I see, it's that it's beautiful
because we are so close to the border, right that
we everything that we do, for example, in the parent component,
everything that we do in English, we do translate it
into Spanish because we want to make sure that we
are inclusive as much as possible. I know that there
might be like other languages, right, but yeah, the one
of the biggest languages used here in Texas and no passo,
(21:28):
it's Spanish.
Speaker 2 (21:29):
Right exactly. I don't know why that reminds me. I
saw something. It was one of the royals. It was
like Princess cater Or, I don't know, one of their kids.
You know, they were speaking English, but then they were
also learning Italian and it was like mid made news.
You know, this kid is bilingual. I'm like most of
the kids here, like they're bilingual. I used to sub
and you know, I my Spanish is okay, it's not
that it's not the I wouldn't say I'm fluent. If
(21:51):
you feel me in the middle of Mexico, I can
find my way out. But like the kids in like
first second grade, they're just helping me. And you know,
you're right.
Speaker 6 (21:59):
You know.
Speaker 2 (21:59):
That's one of the things is making sure that there's
courses in this help is available in English and Spanish,
and so the parents and community members play an essential
role in student success. Now I have two daughters, ones
no longer in school, she graduated one just went into
fifth grade. So can you elaborate that?
Speaker 4 (22:19):
What does that mean?
Speaker 2 (22:20):
Parents and community members play an essential role in student success?
Speaker 6 (22:24):
Yes, of course, so we all know that when the
parents and the school come together, right, I mean, the power,
it's a lot bigger. Why, because we're supporting, we're on
the same page. We come to a consensus, and we're
there for one and only purpose, which is the success
of the children. Right, we want them to graduate. We
want them to have that support. Right Why the parent,
(22:44):
Because the parent, it's the first teacher. That is where
everything starts. The values, everything, the character building, everything, that's
where it starts. And then that's what we want to
go in and transmit into our schools, right to instill
those values and take them and have that alignment from
the school all the way to the home.
Speaker 3 (23:01):
Right.
Speaker 2 (23:02):
That way, the teachers aren't the one teaching the kids manners.
It's the parents that at home. That way, the teacher
can just focus on Okay, let's learn our ABC's or
our precal or whatever you know grade they're teaching, right.
Speaker 6 (23:12):
Yes, And we can see also a combination of both,
you know, because you know, if we instill those values
in children, but it's going to serve them throughout their
entire life, right, because this is I mean, if we
have children that are well behaved, children that you know,
that get the assistance, for example, throughout this healthware that
we're doing, right, any kind of support of community support
out there, well, they're going to be successful. And at
(23:34):
the end, that's what we want. We want them to
be successful in life. We want them to be of
good community members.
Speaker 2 (23:39):
Right yeah, yeah, what is that a functional member of society?
I guess you could say whatever that is, whether it's
you know, being an entrepreneur or you know going and
working for a larger company, so you know, parents and
community members, I know that region or ESC nineteen, which
is a service center. I'm still like trying to clarify
(24:01):
this in my head so that way I can clarify
it for some of the listeners. So if someone had
a question, what is the path to go? Like do
they directly call?
Speaker 6 (24:11):
Uh?
Speaker 2 (24:12):
You know, I'm comparing it to like the police. Right,
there's the local uh what is it? Non emergency line
and then there's nine to one one? Like what level
would someone reach out to? And who would reach out
to the ESC nineteen or Region nineteen with a question
like what steps would they take?
Speaker 6 (24:27):
Okay, So basically we have Region eighteen, which is a
service center that's like the bigger umbrella, right, and then
under the service center we also have Headstart, which is
our little ones. So you know a lot of the
times when we say Regent eighteen, we immediately think it's
it's Headstart.
Speaker 4 (24:41):
Yeah, but we also have the service.
Speaker 6 (24:42):
Center where all the information it's it's housed right.
Speaker 1 (24:45):
Ok.
Speaker 6 (24:46):
And you know this information, like I said, it comes
from th eight Now if they want to go ahead
and reach out to that parent component, or to that
parent person, or to if they have a question, under
our directory and ese Regent eighteen, they'll be able to see,
you know, the numbers. We also the beauty of this
is that we also recently, all the departments from Region
(25:09):
eighteen we came together to be able to you know,
work as that synergy. You know, we're all doing beautiful things,
but when we come together, it's even bigger. So we
do have a parent tab on our landing page of
Region nineteen. They click on that tab and that is
full of resources. It tells you you know exactly which
(25:29):
department you're looking for. So it's very user friendly, and
I encourage people to go ahead and check it out
and look it up, and you know, there's going to
be a lot of a plethora of resources that they
can access.
Speaker 2 (25:40):
And again this is for all I'm assuming and correct
me if I'm wrong, all public schools and all pass
So they can go to that website, which is ESC
nineteen dot net.
Speaker 6 (25:50):
Yes, e s. They can just google EC region nineteen, Yes,
and then it'll take them to the region eighteen page. Right,
they click on that parent tab and that parent tap
they will that will take them to you know, any
department that they're looking for, any resource, you know, because
we have a lot of that going on, and yes,
anybody can access it. We're talking about the schools, we're
talking about the community. We're talking about anybody who is
(26:13):
in need or has a question, Like my department is
special education, which is beautiful. So if they have a
question in special education or regarding a training that we provided,
then they can most definitely go on there and they'll
get the resources. They'll get the phone number, the email
of the person that they're looking for. So let's say
I need something, and let's say that there's a parent
(26:35):
that needs something in special education, Well they can just
look it up and they'll find my contact information on
that page.
Speaker 2 (26:41):
Okay, perfect, thank you thanking that that that makes everything
a lot clearer and a lot more accessible, a lot
more humanized, if you will.
Speaker 4 (26:48):
Right Like you know, they're right there.
Speaker 2 (26:51):
So again, right now, I'm speaking with Danielle Gutiere is Family,
Community Engagement and Mental Health Specialist, Special Education Department for
EESC nineteen Education Service Center for Region nineteen, al Paso, Texas,
one of twenty service centers across Texas. So you know,
you just kind of helped me, and I'm sure there
(27:11):
was someone else out there listening that you know, it
helped paint a better picture in their mind of what
you know, Region nineteen does for the community. So now
let's talk about an actual event that people can attend
that is for the community. The third annual e SC
Region nineteen Health and Career Fair, hosted by the Parent, Family,
(27:31):
Leadership and Community Engagement or Place Committee. Can you give
us when is it, where is it's what's going.
Speaker 4 (27:38):
To be there, what's good? Yes?
Speaker 6 (27:39):
Absolutely, so we are so excited, Like I was mentioning
that we all in Region eighteen, all the departments. We
came together, you know, for the purpose of like providing
those services for parents and families. Right, And this year
it's going to be our third annual health and Career fair,
and we are excited to invite everybody. So this is
happening on Wednesday, August sixth right, and the place is
(27:59):
going to be a eleven six seventy Chito Samaniego from
nine to two thirty. This is an event for everybody.
It's a dynamic event that brings about fifty community agencies
together so that they can go ahead and provide those
essential services that they provide to our parents, to our teachers,
you know, to our schools.
Speaker 3 (28:18):
Yeah.
Speaker 6 (28:19):
And the other thing that is we're excited because we're
going to we are going to be offering free physicals
fight the University Medical Center. We all know that there's
a cost, right and these physicals are for sports, so
there's always a cost attached to that. But in this
case with this healthcare, within this healthcare, they will be
for free. We will be having a public notary that
is going to be providing services for free as well
(28:41):
on site. So the other thing that I wanted to
mention also is that we are going to also have
agencies that are going to be providing information for those
parents who have children with special needs. So that's beautiful.
Speaker 2 (28:55):
That's one of the departments that has a lot of questions.
I remember at one point I was getting my youngest
test did for something, and you know, I'd never had
so many questions as to when it came to that department.
So that's excellent. What since that is your department, you know,
special the special education department. Are there any common questions
(29:16):
or maybe any anything that you would want to address
to those listening that have a child that needs to
be tested or has special needs.
Speaker 6 (29:25):
Yes, absolutely, I want to invite them to visit our
page because within our page they're going to find, like
I said, a lot of information. We are just putting
together a catalog that helps them understand those acronyms. Right
that it looks like a foreign language when it comes
to the school. So this catalog is designed to help
them understand that language, to help them understand their role
(29:46):
on that iard committee. What's an IEP That information is
that it's something that we are compiling in a little
in a catalog and we are providing that information on
site training we're going to be doing these trainings. So
that catalog is just going to give them the information
as where this training is going to be held, what
the name of the training is, and a description of
(30:09):
what that specific training. And I'm talking about different trainings
for example, what is an IEP. Why is it important
for you to attend an ARD? So this catalog, it
has a lot of information with special education and.
Speaker 2 (30:20):
That catalog is available online or it's yes, okay ATESEESC.
Speaker 4 (30:23):
Nineteen dot net or again just.
Speaker 6 (30:25):
Look up e SC Region eighteen. Remember just google ec
Region eighteen and then look for that parent tab, click
on it and it'll take you.
Speaker 4 (30:32):
To those resources in English and Spanish, English and Spanish.
Speaker 6 (30:34):
Yesam, absolutely yes.
Speaker 2 (30:37):
So again we are talking about the third annual e
SC Region nineteen Health and Career Fair. It's going to
be Wednesday, August sixth, So this Wednesday from nine am
to two thirty at the head Start Multipurpose Center at
eleven six seventy Twitos Manego on the east side. There's
going to be a ton of agencies. There's going to
be free sports physicals. You can ask questions. Even you
(30:58):
know you may you it's better to have that information,
not need it.
Speaker 4 (31:03):
Then you'll need.
Speaker 2 (31:04):
That information and not have it. Absolutely, go get the pamphlets,
ask the questions, you know, let your face be known
within you know, within this area. Danielli, you've provided a
lot of valuable information, You've clarified a lot. Is there
anything else that you would like to tell the listening audience.
Speaker 6 (31:20):
Just for them to go ahead and please show up,
you know, just like support this event so that we
can go ahead and continue having these events on arly
and thank you all so much for you, Thank you
for the support.
Speaker 2 (31:29):
Of course definitely, I mean anything that's gonna help the
parents and the community, you know, help the kids with
their education, help the teachers. So again, Daniellie, thank you
so much for being here.
Speaker 4 (31:39):
With Claire today.
Speaker 6 (31:40):
Of course, thank you so much for having.
Speaker 2 (31:41):
Me, and of course for all you listening. Go to
Sunday ninety nine point nine, ninety six point three k
Hey Country or Pouno two point one on our Instagram
and Facebook. We'll have pictures of our guests. We have
the information that we talked about ESC nineteen Headstart. You
can follow them on Instagram or on Facebook e SC
nineteen headstarter Again, just Google Reagon nineteen, Al Paso, and
(32:04):
thank you for listening to the al Paso Public Forum.
Speaker 1 (32:07):
You've been listening to El Paso Public Forum, a weekly
public affairs presentation of iHeartRadio El Paso. If you, your
organization or event would like to be featured on an
upcoming program, please email to Epforum at iHeartMedia dot com
or call us at nine one five three five one
five four zero zero. Tune in again next week for
(32:27):
another additional of El Paso Public Forum. The preceding program
was recorded at the studios of iHeartRadio El Paso.
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