El Paso Public Forum

Segment 1: Homes For Our Troops is coming to El Paso for the first time!
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Homes For Our Troops builds and donates specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post 9-11 veterans, and they have come to El Paso to build a home for a veteran here in the Sun City!
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Amber Banda has the honor of talking with Bill Ivey, Executive Director for Homes For Our Troops, as well as veteran Army Staff Sargeant Pascual Delgado.
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Listen to learn how this organization works, how homes are built, the support given even after the veteran move in, why veteran Delgado chose El Paso for his forever home, his service, and how this mortgage-free specially adapted house will change his life.
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If you want to be a part of some of the upcoming events for veteran Delgado's house or find out more information about Homes For Our Troops, visit HFOTUSA.org, (click Pascual's page for information on his specific home), and follow them on social media.
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Segment 2: Autism Society of Texas at El Paso
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Amber Banda interviews Maria McCord, Community Engagement Coordinator for the Autism Society of Texas at El Paso. Listen to learn about what is autism, how they help kids and adults, and what resources are available to help autistic families, including caregiver support groups in English and Spanish.
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They are having their El Paso Autism Walk Saturday, April 25th at Ascarate Park starting at 9:30am! Registration is $15, and anyone who registers by April 1st receives a T-shirt! There will also be tables with resources, family activities, and will be located next to the new all-abilities playground.
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For more information go to TexasAutismSociety.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: Mark your calendars; the El Paso Science Festival is back! On April 18th and 19th, the El Paso Convention Center is going to be a place of inspiration, science, and wonder.
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Amber Banda talks with Romelia Acosta, Marketing and Communications Director for the El Paso Science Festival. Get a look ahead into what this year's fair will offer including the return of astronaut Jose Hernandez and a new feature, "Science in the Movies." This means you can learn from a real-life astronaut and learn how science plays a role in the cinema, (think explosions, physics, and more).
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So many interactive booths, presentations, fun, and inspiration in one building, and it's all FREE to the public. No matter your age, come and "Catch the Spark" at this year's El Paso Science Festival.
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For more information go to elpasoscience.org and find them on Instagram and Facebook @elpasosciencefestival
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Segment 2: TX DOT
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Wondering how long those construction projects are going to last and why are the highways closed when there's not even anyone there? Wonder how you can give your input on the highways and roadways, or maybe you think you have a better idea on how to construct the off ramps? Then tune in!
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Amber Banda interviews Lauren Macias-Cervantes, Public Information Officer, and Stephanie Carbajal-Atilana, El Paso Traffic Safety Specialist, for TX DOT. Amber and Lauren talk about upcoming construction projects in and around El Paso, some common misconceptions about construction and barricades, and how you can give your input on them and where to go to see road closures and traffic jams with real-time cameras.
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Amber also talks with their Safety Specialist Stephanie about 2 of their campaigns for Spring Break Safety and the Teen Click It or Ticket. Stephanie talks about the presentations she does, and just how having your seatbelt on can save your life. You can refer to Amber Banda's Instagram Page (@amber_banda915) to see a video of one of these seat belt turnover tools in action, and maybe be able to convince your teenager that their life is ore important than their outfit.
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For more information, you can go to TXDOT.gov. You can refer to the "contact us" part of the site to contact Stephanie about presentations as well. For live cameras and updates on traffic, visit drivetexas.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 MS Community
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Amber Banda interviews Natalie Asencio, Founder and President, and Daniel Valdez, Board Member, for the El Paso MS Community. According to elpasoMScommunity.com, "Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord." 
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Amber, Natalie and Daniel talk about how and why El Paso MSC began, how they provide support, and even go over a list of celebrities with MS including Christina Applegate, Ozzy Osbourne's son Jack Osbourne, and Clay Walker.
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They are having their MS Warrior Walk March 28th at Memorial Park. If you have MS, know someone with MS, or just want to support, you can register at elpasomscommunity.com
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Segment 2: IDEA Public School 5K and Healthy Living Expo
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IDEA Public Schools is a tuition free charter school in El Paso, TX, and did you know a couple of their schools even have their own little farms?!
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Amber Banda talks with Yanira Aguilar Salinas, IDEA El Paso Regional Director of Operations, and Rebecca Sifuentes, Regional RN and Director of Health & Wellness for IDEA EP. They talk about what IDEA schools in El Paso have to offer, how to apply for your child, and more.
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They are having their IDEA 5K and Healthy Living Expo March 7th at Ascarate Park. 1K starts at 8:25am, 5K starts at 8:15am. Join them to learn not only about their schools but about healthy living and wellness. 
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For more information go to ideapublicschools.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: Sober Streets Movement
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Not so fun fact: El Paso has the highest percentage of fatalities involving drunk driving in America, with almost half of traffic deaths in the city involving a drunk driver.
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Amber Banda interviews Lupe Hernandez and Aracely Rascon, co-founders of Sober Streets Movement in El Paso, TX.
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Lupe and Aracely share their stories of how they each lost a loved at the hands of a drunk driver. Lupe talks about the need for change when it comes to legislature to make our streets safer from drunk drivers including penalties for DWI deaths, handling repeat offenders, safeguards to catch impaired drivers, and more. 
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They have a petition you can sign before March 3rd to demand real change. Look for them on Instagram and Facebook for the link to sign.
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They also have a City Council day coming up March 3rd where you can stand up in front of city council to speak your part and demand change. Message them on social media for more information.

Remember: You can drink and dance, drink and send your ex a text at the club, drink and karaoke....DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE. Get an Uber, get a designated driver, but do not get behind the wheel.
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Segment 2: Community Partners of El Paso
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Community Partners of El Paso (CPEP) is a non-profit that directly supports children involved with Child Protective Services, (CPS). Amber Banda interviews Tanja Schouten, President of CPEP along with Ambre Hansen, Rainbow Room Coordinator at CPS and Maritza Hernandez, Faith Based and Community Engagement for CPS.
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The Rainbow Room is the biggest project for Community Partners of El Paso. This where brand new items such as toiletries, clothes, diapers, school supplies and more are stored for CPS case workers to be able to go and utilize for children with CPS cases. 
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Listen to learn about how this Rainbow Room functions, what are the emergency "Blue Blags" and their importance, and how you can help.
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Community Partners is having their "5K Run & Walk To Fill The Room" Sunday, April 19th at 8am at Ascarate Park during Child Abuse Awareness month. You can register at runsignup.com and get more information at communitypartnersep.org
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CPS is also having their Go Blue Week the week of April 6-10. Listen to find out how you and your business or group can participate and join the fight against child abuse.



 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: Desert Rescue 915, helping to restore our desert one cleanup at a time!
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Amber Banda interviews Rick Flores, Executive Director for Desert Rescue 915. They talk about how they conduct their cleanups, where they help clean up, the impact it makes on our city, and some things Rick wishes the public knew about this mission.
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They are participating in an upcoming event called "Plant A Tree' at Estrella Park Saturday Feb 28th from 9-11am. It's a free event open to the community, trees will be provided. Just bring your gloves, sunscreen, and manpower!
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For more information on upcoming events, how to volunteer and other ways to help, find them on Instagram and Facebook @desertrescue915
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Segment 2: Gilbert and Sullivan Company of El Paso
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Did you know that the Gilbert and Sullivan Co. of El Paso has been in the city since 1969?! Amber Banda interviews Artistic Director Brittney M. Williams about their shows, including an upcoming Valentine's Day Fundraiser; Penzance and Romance Dinner and Show! The show will include dinner and/or dessert, love songs, heartbreak songs, and everything inbetween, and will make for a wonderful Valentine's Day event no matter what your relationship status is!
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Show will be in El Paso Friday Feb 13th and 14th and in Las Cruces Feb 15th. Tickets are selling fast and not very many left.Visit gselpaso.org
Grab them before they're gone!
Follow them on social media @gselpaso

 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: Scales and Tails Pet Rescue
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Let's learn about El Paso's only non-profit exotics pet rescue! Scales and Tails Pet Rescue rescues, rehabilitates, rehomes, and educates the public on how to care for animals such as lizards, snakes, turtles, and other exotic and unique pets!
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Amber Banda interviews Erika Pasieczny, (aka Dr. Paz), president of Scales and Tails Pet Rescue and a former principal in Dallas, TX.  They talk about what animals they help, how she finds them homes, some common misconceptions about these animals, (especially snakes), how to care for them, how this organizationbegan in El Paso, and how the community can come volunteer and donate! She also has a veteran program where vets who qualify can get a free snake.
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They are having a really cool Valentine's day fundraiser! Right now, you can donate to name a bug or rat after an ex and have it fed to one of their animals with a personal social media post and video. You can also go the more romantic route and donate a feeding in honor of someone and receive a personalized certificate to print and give as a Valentine!
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You can find out more information and make a donation online at scalesandtailspetrescue.org
Find them on social media @scalesandtailspetrescue on Instagram and Facebook!
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Segment 2: Humane Society of El Paso
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Amber Banda has back Robert Shamy, Executive Director of the Humane Society of El Paso. Amber first interviewed Robert a little over a year ago, when he first became Executive Director, and he has made a lot of great changes to the organization! He talks about how shelter stays are shorter, there are more adoptions, and the community has been very helpful. They even have a new logo!
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They are having a couple upcoming events this month and in April.
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Feb 14th you can "Find your FURever Love." This event lets the doggies pick you. From 5:30-7:30pm at the shelter, you can go see what doggies will be participating in the event, then sit back and wait for the doggie to come into the room and see who he picks as his match.
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Then in April they are having their 37th annual K-9 Classic from 8am-12pm at Memorial Park! Vendors, walking, adoptions, and more. Last year they had 2 adoptions, let's make it 5 or more this year El Paso!
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To register for the Valentine's Day event, and get more info on adoptions, other events, and more, go to hselpaso.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: We Hike Adventure
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Get your hiking boots ready! WE HIKE is a non-profit aimed at educating the community on outdoor and hiking safety and getting people to go outside and hike!
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Amber Banda interviews Lisa Enriquez, President, and Karl Widmer, Outreach Specialist, for WE HIKE Adventure. Lisa came back to El Paso and founded WE HIKE because of her love of the outdoors and to help create a community of hikers. From beginner to experienced, including ADA hikes, WE HIKE is here to get people outside in a safe and fun way.
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They are having a big community event Saturday Feb 7th at Chuck Heinrich Memorial Park in NE El Paso. The event will be free, from 8am-12pm, and family friendly. They also have regular hikes based on skill levels and according to Karl, the Full Moon hikes are the ones to not miss!
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For more information go to wehikeadventure.com or find them on Instagram and Facebook @WeHikeAdventure
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Segment 2: Rescue Runners 915
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Did you know you can volunteer every Sunday to help walk shelter dogs? If your goals are to get healthier, spend more time with family, save money and/or volunteer for a good cause, you want to be a part of Rescue Runners 915!
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Amber Banda interviews Ileene Mendoza, President of Rescue Runners. RR works with Animal Services of El Paso to help get doggies out of their kennels every Sunday using all 3 shelter locations. Volunteers just show up ready to walk dogs, (weighing in from 40-60 pounds), for 1 mile, (running optional haha). Take your friends, family, and some good walking shoes, no training required. 
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Walks/runs happen every Sunday from 9-11am in the winter months and from 8-10 am in the summer months. Stay the whole time or not, it's up to you. Walk as many as you'd like!
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They also have their "Doggy Day Out" event the 3rd Saturday of each month. You can take a doggy home with you for a few hours, even overnight. You can register for this on their website at rescuerunners.org
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For more information on what location they will be walking the dogs, event information, how to volunteer and more, go to rescuerunners.org for their schedule or follow them on Instagram and Facebook @rescuerunners915


 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: Ready One Industries
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In El Paso, have you seen that huge building next to Sam's on Pellicano and wonder what it is? That's where they make military uniforms! From BDUs to other kevlar equipped uniforms, Ready One Industries is a non-profit that makes these uniforms from scratch. The unique thing about Ready One Industries is that a majority of their workforce employes people with disabilities; from vision impairments to veterans returning with severe PTSD, Ready One Industries is looking to hire for more positions.
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Amber Banda interviews Diana Meraz, Communications and Grants Coordinator at Ready One Industries. They are currently hiring for experienced sewing operators, but have many jobs available. From entry level to experienced, from learning to operate a sewing machine to engineering and electrical jobs and more, you can learn to help make uniforms for our men and women in....well uniforms! 
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Learn more and apply at readyone.org/job-openings
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Take a tour or take your application and resume in person at 1414 Ability Drive. You can also follow them on social media to schedule a tour and stay posted on community events and happenings.
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Segment 2: Habitat for Humanity El Paso
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Amber Banda interviews Pete Moody, Executive Director, and Taylor Moreno, Executive Director, Development & Community Outreach, for Habitat for Humanity of El Paso.
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Habitat for Humanity builds houses for those most in need and offers repairs for severely damaged homes for those that may be on a fixed income or are in extreme need.
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Listen to learn how they work with community supporters and sponsors from start to finish, how many homes they would like to build this year, how the future homeowners are involved, how long it takes to build a house from scratch, and how you can be a part of this amazing mission.
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They also have a store called "ReStore" located in the NE of El Paso at 8500 Dyer. There your purchases go towards helping to build houses, and they are always looking for donations in good condition. You need to get rid of your old fridge or housewares? Are you part of an HOA that can collect items? Contact Habitat for Humanity to come pick them up, (no clothing or old mattesses please). 
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They have their "Blueprints and Boots" gala coming up Feb 21st at Epic Railyard, with "Fun Pianos" coming in from Austin, TX! So if you didn't get to experience the dueling pianos when they were here in El Paso, or want to experience it again, grab your tables because they are going fast! To secure your spot contact Taylor Moreno at 915-204-2246 or email at [email protected]
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For more information please follow them on social media or go to habitatelpaso.org 
Instagram and Facebook: habitatelpaso
IG: h_f_h_restore_elpaso

 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: A Home 2 Bark and Purr
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Amber Banda interviews Diana Meraz, President and Community Development for a Home 2 Bark and Purr foster-based rescue.
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Diana and her mother, Theresa, (Director and Founder of A Home 2 Bark and Purr) created this rescue to assist street animals and partner with animal agencies to make sure that these dogs and cats find good homes. Diana and Theresa currently have a network of about 20 foster homes but are in desperate need of more help. 
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A Home 2 Bark & Purr will not only assist in helping you find which animals to foster based on your home and lifestyle, they will also provide all the items necessary for you to keep the animal(s) in your care until they find a loving home! 
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If you would like to foster, adopt, or assist with in-kind or monetary donations, and for more info, find them on Instagram and Faceook @A.Home.2.Bark.and.Purr
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Segment 2: The Road to Succes!
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This relatively new non-profit has already made a huge impact in the Sun City area! Founded by 2 individuals who have a background in early childhood education, The Road To Success looks to fill in gaps when it comes to helping childcare workers, daycares, schools and families.
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Amber Banda interviews Adda Torres, Director, and Jacquelyn Reza, CEO, for The Road to Success. The Road to Success was created to help support childcare professionals, connect families to resources, and give back to the community through various events. If you are a childcare worker or someone who owns a childcare facility, or a parent who needs guidance in finding the right childcare facility for your loved ones, listen in!
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In their short year of existence, this organization has already done a holiday toy drive, turkey drive for the community, had a Dia De Los Ninos event with Vista Markets, done trainings for childcare workers, had back-to-school drives, and so much more!
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If you'd like to assist, get more information, or donate items, such as clothing, toiletries, etc for families in need, contact them at 915-259-7312. Location donation drop-off site is "Flowers in the Garden" located at 331 Idalia Avenue. You can also find them on Instagram @roadtosuccess.assox and on Facebook at The Road To Success Association.


 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:ProAction Emergency Services Institute (Pro EMS)
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Learn to become an EMT in just a few months, how to take CPR classes for adults and kids, how to get into concerts and events for free, (kind of lol), and more.
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Amber Banda interviews Henry Brutus, Executive Director for Pro EMS in El Paso,TX, as well as Paulet Garcia, student and Jill Field Scholarship recipient.They talk about how to apply for this scholarship to help pay for schooling to become an EMT, class schedule and deadlines to apply, how long the classes are, and the benefits of becoming an EMT through ProEMS. Paulet also gives you a first-hand description of how to apply and what to expect, and why she chose ProEMS for herself, her family, and her future. 
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El Paso needs more EMTs! For more information go to pro-action.org
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Segment 2: Mija, Yes You Can
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What began as a t-shirt during a weather forecast, Mija Yes You Can grew into a movement all over El Paso. 
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Founded by Lily Lopez during 2020, (yes, smack dab during Covid), Mija Yes You Can was created to empower women and help give them the tools to succeed. Whether it's workshops for high school graduates to learn soft skills like writing professional emails, or handing out clothes to dress for success, Mija Yes You Can has made an impact all over the Sun City. 
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Amber Banda interviews Diana Meraz, President of Mija Yes You Can. They talk more in-depth about the workshops and events that have happened throughout the year, upcoming events for the community, and much more.
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Mija Yes You Can has also expanded to mijos and caretakers! Learn more about how they help the mijos of El Paso and how you can nominate a caregiver for the Maria Elena Cisneros fund.
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If you'd like to support this organization with their markets, scholarships, donations for their professional closet, team up with them for an event, buy a Mija Yes You Can t-shirt, or even donate to their caregiver fund, visit mijayesyoucan.org and follow them on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

 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!