El Paso Public Forum

Segment 1: Rescue Re-Shot Project, helping animals get adopted using professional photography!
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Amber Banda talks with Lilian Blanco and her husband Jaime Blanco, co-founders of Rescue Re-Shot Project. Lilian also serves as the president of the organization, and Jaime is not only the treasurer but the actual photographer! They work with local animal welfare agencies to help get the best side of the animals to help get them forever homes. They have special skills under their belts that are specifically for animal photography, and have their own business doing animal portraits.
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They've done many successful events to help these fur babies, and you can help support by becoming a volunteer or donating. Plus, they may be adding reptiles into their portfolio soon...stay tuned!
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Follow them on Instagram @rescuereshotproject to stay updated on some PAWsome upcoming events or call them at 915-704-7922 for more information. 
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Segment 2: Reconnecting with the Disconnected with Samantha Recker
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Amber Banda interviews Samantha Recker, Founder of Reconnecting with the Disconnected, a non-profit empowering youth with second chances. Having been in the system growing up herself, Samantha knows what it is like having an unsteady home life and how that can affect school attendance. She works with schools and truancy courts and has created programs to help kids stay in school, give them opportunities to be active in the community, and see more of their potential. 
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Her son had the idea for Reckers Outreach, which is also Samantha's organization. They help rebuild the lives of veterans by offering them a place to stay, employment resources, and a supportive environment. Being active military, it is easy to see why she created these two organizations and have Reckers Outreach feed her non-profit to help disconnected youth. 
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If you'd like more information on getting these programs in your school to help truant and struggling students, if you are an organization that has opportunities for these kids to volunteer, you'd like to support Reckers Outreach through donations, or you'd like more information, you can go to reconnectingwiththedisconnected.com
or reckersoutreachllc.com
Find them on Instagram @RWTD_2026 or Facebook @ Reconnecting With The Disconnected

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Segment 1: Strive Now EP; Empowering the Sun City youth to find their purpose and become leaders in our community
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Amber Banda talks with Israel Castro, Executive Director, and Raul Garcia, Program Coordinator, for Strive Now in El Paso. This relatively new non-profit exists to empower young people to build character, clarity and leadership by connecting values to real-life at school, at work, and in their communities.
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But what exactly does that mean? EP Strive Now uses mentors in their fields to inspire and teach kids what to expect in various careers and jobs. they have classes and seminars to teach kids how to communicate outside of their electronics, the importance of disconnecting from social media and technology, and also how to use it to succeed. They have had presentations and events at various local spots such as La Nube, high schools, and now, UTEP!
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Their UTEP Summer Camps begin June 8th and will fill up fast! These camps will be organized into ages and grade levels, and focus on important life skills like how to channel anxious energy, how to speak in public, every day communications skills, meeting new people, and more. Classes will be a week long and food will be provide, limited spots available. Visit www.epstrivenow.org or find them on Instagram @epstrivenow and Facebook @Strive Now
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Segment 2: Make A Wish in El Paso-Grab a tissue for this one!
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You've heard of Make A Wish and sending kids with oftentimes terminal illnesses to Disney, but did you know that happens right here in El Paso? 
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Amber Banda interviews Malissa Arras, Senior Development Manager for the El Paso Make-A-Wish Office. Yes, Disney is an often-requested wish, but Malissa opens up about the first wish she helped grant, and how the local car community came together to make one boy's dream come true. Amber also talks with Malissa about how doing this kind of volunteer work has changed her since becoming a new mom. 
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They are having their 2026 Walk & Run 5K for Wishes May 17th at the Shoppes at Solana. The event is free to attend, the 5K is $30-$35, and the proceeds go to helping make wishes come true for sick children, from Disney to new bedrooms and so much more. Listen to learn how you can make a difference and be a part of their Walk & Run for Wishes event staring at 8am!
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For more information visit www.walkforwisheselpaso.org and find them on Instagram @Make A Wish NT or see the event on Facebook @Walk For Wishes El Paso

 WATCH US ON YOUTUBE! @AmberBanda915 NEW EPISODES EVERY SUNDAY AT 8AM! You can also follow @amberbanda915, 2963KHEY Country, @Power102 and @Sunny999 on Instagram and/or Facebook for pictures of our guests and leave a comment. Be a part of the good going on in our community!

Segment 1: Lumbre Motorcycle Club partners with "Gangster for Jesus" Ministry to raise funds for the Opportunity Center for the Homeless in El Paso.
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The Opportunity Center for the Homeless provides emergency and permanent housing options, food and other assistance to over 2,000 individuals on average each year. "Gangster for Jesus" ministry has their Church in the Alley right next to the Opportunity Center for those wanting to find hope and faith, whatever your background. Lumbre MC is a non-profit motorcycle club and a member of the El Paso Motorcycle Coalition and have done various events to support local organizations including chidlren's sports events, child welfare agencies and homeless shelters.
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Amber Banda talks with Angie "Foxy Rider" Villamil, Original member of Lumbre MC, Aileen Grajales, Lumbre MC Family Member, as well as Robert Ortega and George Loya, pastors for "Gangster for Jesus" ministry.
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Support their efforts at their Benefit Run on Sunday, June 7th. Registration starts at 11am at The Don Ramen restaurant inside Fox Plaza. Cost is $10 which includes raffle tickets and a meal ticket for the final stop. The 1st stop is at El Ruedo located at 1407 Overland, and final stop at La Havana where they will have raffles, food, music, auctions, and more!
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This is a family friendly event, open to the community, no matter if you drive on 2 wheels, 3, 4, or more!
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For more information go to Lumbre Castaneda or Gangsters for Jesus on Facebook, or visit gangsterpreacher.com
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Segment 2: Paso Del Norte Center of Hope
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The PDN Center of Hope helps victims of sex trafficking and exploitation HERE in El Paso. Victims are being trafficked in OUR city, by immigrants and Americans alike. Sadly, the average age of victims they are currently seeing is 14. 
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Amber Banda talks with Nicole Schiff, Executive Director for Paso Del Norte Center of Hope, about their growth, their impact, and the origins of the center. They are still very much looking for supporters, donors, volunteers and help from the community to keep the center functioning and able to provide services and hope to the children and adults that are being or have been trafficked. 
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Their Phantom of the Opera gala on May 8th is sold out; however they are still accepting sponsors and donations for raffle items to help support the center. They have also teamed up with the non-profit Plant A Seed and will be the recipients of donations from the 5K Run & Walk for Hope. 
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For more information find them on Instagram and Facebook @PDNCenterofHope and go to pdncoh.org

 WATCH US ON YOUTUBE! @AmberBanda915 NEW EPISODES EVERY SUNDAY AT 8AM! You can also follow @amberbanda915, 2963KHEY Country, @Power102 and @Sunny999 on Instagram and/or Facebook for pictures of our guests and leave a comment. Be a part of the good going on in our community!

Segment 1: Plant A Seed
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Plant A Seed is no stranger to the El Paso Public Forum. Founded by Wendy Gamillo and her husband Miguel Gamillo, Plant A Seed has done many projects with various organizations and vulnerable populations in the border city. From their "Generations of Kindness" program that connects youth to seniors, their "My Quince" program which gifts a lucky girl a quince she would otherwise not be able to afford, their work with children's hospitals and so much more, Plant A Seed has been progressing quickly in their short time of being founded.
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Amber Banda talks with Wendy Gamillo, Plant A Seed President and Founder, and Cassandra Tinoco, Director of Operations and sponsor for Plant A Seed, about their current projects while focusing on their upcoming 5K to benefit the Paso Del Norte Center of Hope, their "Race Against Human Trafficking 5K Run & Walk." This event will be May 17th from 8am-11am at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino and have live music, vendor booths, fun activities, and is pet friendly!
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Cost is $35 for 18+, $30 for under 18 or military, and the Fun Walk is free. There will also be a "Kids Lollipop Run" for children 10 and under. 
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Find more information at plantaseed.org
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Segment 2: Assistance League of El Paso
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The Assistance League of El Paso is a group of volunteers that work with many different organizations through various projects all over the city. The El Paso Chapter is the 50th Chapter out of 95 nationwide and has over 100 volunteers!
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Amber Banda talks with Lisa Miertschin, Public Relations Chair for the Assistance League of El Paso, about their 4 main projects; Operation School Bell where they give brand new school clothes to 2,500 local children in grades 1-5, their PASO Bear Program for 1st responders, their ASK Program, (Assault Survivor Kits) to assist the Center Against Sexual and Family Violence, and their WHO Program, where they work with La Posada Home, which also encompasses their HATS program to create decorated caps and beanies for cancer patients, and the SOL Porgram where they make blankets and quilts for those in need.
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They're having their 2nd Annual "A Taste of 5 Points" 1 mile walk May 2nd. Tickets are $30 and include various food samples from various eateries in the 5 Points Area, where their Thrift Shop is located at 2728 E Yandell. Tickets on sale through Monday 4.27/26 so hurry and get them while you can!
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For more information and to purchase tickets or donate, go to assistanceleague.org

 WATCH US ON YOUTUBE! @AmberBanda915 NEW EPISODES EVERY SUNDAY AT 8AM! You can also follow @amberbanda915, 2963KHEY Country, @Power102 and @Sunny999 on Instagram and/or Facebook for pictures of our guests and leave a comment. Be a part of the good going on in our community!

Segment 1: El Paso parents: Do you wish there was a place online where you could find all types of out-of-school activities for your kids based on their interests, cost, location within the city, and more? Well THERE IS! 
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The Paso Del Norte Health Foundation has partnered with The United Way of El Paso County to support their initiative known as "The Boost Network," a free online resource for parents looking for out-of-school activities. It's basically your one-stop-shop for things to do for your kids when they're not in school and with summer coming up, the time is NOW!

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Amber Banda talks with Enrique Garcia, Healthy Kids Director for the United Way of El Paso County, and Jana Renner, Senior Program Officer for the Paso Del Norte Health Foundation, about how the organizations within The Boost Network are vetted, why out-of-school activities are important, the "epidemic" occurring right now with youth and how the United Way and the paso Del Norte Health Foundation are helping, how the 2 organizations partnered up, and more.
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Find The Boost Network on Instagram and Facebook @BoostNTWK and visit THEBOOSTNETWORK.org today!
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Segment 2: Borderland Arts Foundation
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Based out of Las cruces, NM, The Borderland Arts Foundation serves communities in Las Cruces NM, Juarez MX, and El Paso, TX. It "...was created to strengthen the cultural life of the Borderland region through artistic excellence, education, and community connection."
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Amber Banda Zooms with Erik Maese, Director of Organizational Strategy, and James Blanchard, Music Director, for the Borderland Arts Foundation, to talk about music as their passion, how they got involved, what they hope to create and give back to the community, and about upcoming events including their Mesilla Valley Music Festival happening May 8-10th.
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This festival will include orchestra performances, flute solos, and more. They also have a Mother's Day event on May 10th with live performances form the NMSU Jazz Band, and more events coming up throughout the year. Stay up-to-date on their Instagram and Facebook @borderlandartsfoundation and visit their website for more information borderlandartsfoundation.org


 WATCH US ON YOUTUBE! @AmberBanda915 NEW EPISODES EVERY SUNDAY AT 8AM! You can also follow @amberbanda915, 2963KHEY Country, @Power102 and @Sunny999 on Instagram and/or Facebook for pictures of our guests and leave a comment. Be a part of the good going on in our community!

Segment 1: Get ready to glam up for the Child Crisis Center of El Paso's Hollywood For Hope Gala!
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Amber Banda interviews Andrew Castaneda, Executive Director for the Child Crisis Center of El Paso, as well as Crystal Gurrola, Fund Developer for the Child Crisis Center of El Paso. They talk about how the center is an emergency resource for the families of El Paso, what happens when a child is in their care, the goals of the center and the families that it serves, and what items you can donate to help the shelter's children.
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They are having their annual gala, "Hollywood for Hope," May 8th at the Hacienda Garden Hall, which is a beautiful new indoor/outdoor venue for their event! The theme this year is "Hollywood Glam," and Sponsorships are still available, as are individual tickets. There will be food, dancing, raffles, auctions, live entertainment, and more!
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Purchase tickets and get more information at The Child Crisis Center of El Paso and follow them on social media
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Segment 2: EPISD Education Foundation 
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Amber Banda interviews Russel Booth, Director of the EPISD Education Foundation, as well as VJ Smith, Manager of Government and Public Affairs for Marathon Petroleum. Marathon Petroleum recently donated a grant to the EPISD Education Foundation at Jefferson High School to support one of the school's STEM organizations.
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Russel talks about the role the EPISD Education Foundation plays in providing funds to their schools, why them being a separate non-profit organization is valuable in them being able to raise more money for the schools, how the funds are used, various organizations they partner with to help kids further their education, and much more.
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Their largest fundraiser, the State of the District, is happening April 15th. They also have a 5K and golf tournament happening later this year, stay posted on their website for more information!
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Education Foundation | El Paso ISD
Marathon Petroleum Corporation - Providing Energy Solutions


 WATCH US ON YOUTUBE! @AmberBanda915 NEW EPISODES EVERY SUNDAY AT 8AM! You can also follow @amberbanda915, 2963KHEY Country, @Power102 and @Sunny999 on Instagram and/or Facebook for pictures of our guests and leave a comment. Be a part of the good going on in our community!

Segment 1: Guardians of the Children, Sun City Chapter
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Amber Banda, (aka Flex in the biker world), talks with Treadz and Rigs, Treasurer and Sgt at Arms, respectively, for Guardians of the Children, Sun City Chapter, (GOC). GOC is an international non-profit biker organization that provides support to kids who have gone through abuse, especially those having to testify in court.They will "adopt" these children into their biker family, be in the court room with them, and provide continued support outside of that not only for the kids but for the families as well through annual activities, celebratory events and more.
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They also work with local schools, child welfare agencies, mental health organizations, the local Motorcycle coalition and other groups to provide community support via fundraising, volunteering for setups, providing info cards on their services, doing anti-bullying presentations and much more.
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Their inaugural CAPA (Child Abuse Prevention Awareness) Event is happening April 18th from 1-3pm at Barnett Harley Davidson. Entrance is free to the public. There will be food trucks where you can purchase food, vendors, crafts and games, and various local agencies providing information. 
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For more information find the GOC Sun City Chapter on Instagram and Facebook, and visit their new website GOCSunCity.com
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Segment 2: The Children's Grief Center of El Paso and the Braden Aboud Memorial Foundation
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The Children's Grief Center of El Paso is dedicated to providing grief support to children and their families that are working through the loss of a loved one. They have had various locations throughout their 30 plus years in El Paso, and now thanks to the Braden Aboud Memorial Foundation, they have a permanent home at Braden's Home of Hope.
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Amber Banda talks with Kathy Revtyak, CEO of the Children's Grief Center of El Paso, and Gary Aboud, Director of the Braden Aboud Memorial Foundation. Gary talks about how Braden's Home of Hope is one of many ways they get to honor their late son's memory, memorializing his giving and caring spirit. Kathy talks about the impact having a permanent place to call home has had on the center, and all the services she wants the El Paso Community to know about.
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For more information on their services, to being a supporter or volunteer, or to book a tour of this beautiful new facility, go to cgcelpaso.org and follow them on Instagram and Facebook!
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For more information on the Braden Aboud Memorial Foundation, including how to donate and to stay posted on their upcoming events, follow them on Instagram and Facebook or email [email protected]

 WATCH US ON YOUTUBE! @AmberBanda915 NEW EPISODES EVERY SUNDAY AT 8AM! You can also follow @amberbanda915, 2963KHEY Country, @Power102 and @Sunny999 on Instagram and/or Facebook for pictures of our guests and leave a comment. Be a part of the good going on in our community!

Segment 1: The Evelyn Solis Foundation
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Amber Banda interview Lorraine Reyes, Executive Director, and Ivan Reyes, Secretary & Member of the Board of Directors for The Evelyn Solis Foundation. 
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This foundation was named in honor of Lorraine's late mother, who did a lot of volunteer work and encouraged her children to do the same. This organization supports women and children in the El Paso community through meaningful events and continued philanthropy.
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Examples of these events include taking families from shelters to the Zoo, doing Mother's day events at these shelters, accepting donations for moms in need and much more.
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Follow them on social media to keep posted on upcoming events, including a Special Mother's Day fundraiser at Kendra Scott in May as well as a Mother's Day celebration!

The Evelyn Solis Foundation
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 Segment 2: American Red Cross is celebrating 15 years in El Paso, TX!
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Amber Banda interviews Anna Apodaca, Executive Director for the West Coast Chapter of the American Red Cross. The American Red Cross provides disaster relief, blood donations, trainings and certifications for health and safety, international services, and assistance to military families, and they need YOU!
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The American Red Cross is in need of volunteers! Listen to learn how you can become a volunteer and make a huge impact on the lives of many. Follow them on social or visit redcross.org for more info. 

 WATCH US ON YOUTUBE! @AmberBanda915 NEW EPISODES EVERY SUNDAY AT 8AM! You can also follow @amberbanda915, 2963KHEY Country, @Power102 and @Sunny999 on Instagram and/or Facebook for pictures of our guests and leave a comment. Be a part of the good going on in our community!

Segment 1: Relentless IQ
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Relentless IQ is a new non-profit created to "break barriers and create opportunities for individuals with intellectual, social, emotional, and/or physical challenges," especially coming out of high school.
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Amber Banda interviews Relentless IQ Founder and President Daisy Godfrey and her husband Bryan Godfrey, Founder as well as Director of Marketing & Outreach. Daisy and Bryan have twin daughters with cerebral palsy and were looking to create a community with other parents where their loved ones would feel included, supported as well as empowered.
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Listen to learn about their story on how this organization came to be, the types of support and groups they offer, and resources they provide to people with all different disabilities.
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They are having their 2nd annual Relentless Open Charity Gold Tournament Monday, April 27th at the Coronado Country Club. Not only can you win a trip to Pebbles Beach, there will also be food served, raffle prizes, and members of Relentless IQ will be there to hand out prizes. Come support this community and have a nice time on the green while you're at it!
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For more information follow them on social media or go to relentlessIQ.org
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Segment 2: The 31st Annual YWCA Women's Luncheon featuring guest speaker Paula Abdul!
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Amber Banda talks with Paola Medina, Women's Luncheon Chair, about the programs the YWCA offers; from summer camps to sports activities, and especially their transitional living center, (TLC). 
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The TLC helps women and their families with childcare, housing, getting work, fostering independence, and much more. Many women who are helped by the TLC have left abusive or toxic situations and have had the courage to reach out. 
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The TLC provides things like their own kitchen to cook meals, a  safe space for their children to be while they work or go to school, even a closet with outfits specifically for women to choose for job interviews and other professional settings.
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They are having their biggest fundraiser of the year, their 31st Annual YWCA Women's Luncheon with guest speaker Paula Abdul on Thursday April 23rd at 11:30 am at the El Paso Convention Center. Tickets on sale now at YWCAElPaso.org



 WATCH US ON YOUTUBE! @AmberBanda915 NEW EPISODES EVERY SUNDAY AT 8AM! You can also follow @amberbanda915, 2963KHEY Country, @Power102 and @Sunny999 on Instagram and/or Facebook for pictures of our guests and leave a comment. Be a part of the good going on in our community!

Segment 1: Crimestoppers of El Paso
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Amber Banda interviews the new board for Crimestoppers of El Paso; Leon Ernest Gluck, President, Adriana Shelton, VP of Administration, and welcomes back Sgt. Sambrano, Law Enforcement Coordinator for CSEP.
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Listen to learn what changes this new board plans to implement, how to report crimes anonymously, how the community makes a huge difference in helping to resolve crimes in our community, and much more.
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They will be having community events throughout the year, including plans to partner with local businesses for their "Crimestoppers Pursuit Partner Program," as well as a golf tournament to help raise funds and have fun whole doing it out on the course! 
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For more information go to cselpaso.org and follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
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REPORT A CRIME ANONYMOUSLY: 915-566-TIPS (8477)
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Segment 2: Communities in Schools (CIS)
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Amber Banda interviews Marcos Herrera, Development and Communications Specialist, and Lupe Anchondo, Mental Health and Wellness Coordinator for Communities in Schools, (CIS).
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CIS is a multi-service dropout prevention program that helps kids in schools who are at-risk due to low attendance. CIS serves schools and families by assessing the student body and seeing who is most at-risk and working with them to address attendance issues from anxiety, bullying, financial reasons, difficulty learning or talking with teachers, etc. 
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Their assistance is free to families and open to all school districts. Even if CIS is not a part of your child's school, you can contact them for help and resources to help your child with attendance.
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For more information visit CISelpaso.org

 WATCH US ON YOUTUBE! @AmberBanda915 NEW EPISODES EVERY SUNDAY AT 8AM! You can also follow @amberbanda915, 2963KHEY Country, @Power102 and @Sunny999 on Instagram and/or Facebook for pictures of our guests and leave a comment. Be a part of the good going on in our community!