AAMA's 2021 Annual Report by aamadevelopment

IT’S A

NEW DAY NNUAL REPO A RT 21 0 2

AAMA

(ah’ ma) noun: A sanctuary; a place where family members, infants to elderly, go to feel safe and be supported, especially during times of crisis, such as a pandemic.

TABLE OF CONTENTS 5

President’s Message

Prevention & Counseling

Anniversaries

Donor Thanks

Better Together

Funding

Work & Learn Center

Financial Highlights

Adelante

Collaborative Partnerships

Early Childhood

Leadership

George I. Sanchez

Programs

CELEBRATING OUR TRIUMPHS! A M E SSAGE FR OM AAM A’S PR E SIDE NT AND CE O

Dear Friends of AAMA: As we look back at last year, I reflect on some of our accomplishments.

The department began participating in a Texas Learning Collaborative

First off, COVID-19 didn’t slow us down in 2021. Last year, we re-

of Change in Minds, funded by the Episcopal Health Foundation and

opened new in-person opportunities for students and began many

Powell Foundation. We are very excited to have launched this initiative

collaborative educational opportunities.

that delves into critical areas of brain science, trauma and diversity,

On the George I. Sanchez Charter Schools front, it was both

equity and inclusion.

invigorating and daunting for our teachers to return to the classroom,

The team also produced two new videos spotlighting the work we

but everybody persevered through the challenges to make the

do every day. They conducted ongoing episodes of a Facebook Live

transition as smooth as possible. Students were excited to be back on

Series and virtual Board tours as well as several hour-long webinars for

campus for in-person classes. We conducted a nationwide search to fill

UnidosUS affiliates featuring the Prevention and Counseling staff.

the vacated superintendent position and are very pleased with our new

Lastly, holding our long-awaited ILLLUMINE GALA was the biggest

school superintendent, Adolfo Melara, who got straight to work helping to meet our educational improvement demands. We are fortunate to attract the best and brightest there is to offer.

highlight of the year. Once again, dignitaries and other important figures were out in full force! This event had to be postponed twice due to COVID upticks. Our eventual success was due to the leadership and

Prevention & Counseling’s Familia Adelante did not skip a beat during

hard work of many. The relationships continued and created will lead to

the pandemic. Sessions were offered virtually during the height of the

contributions into AAMA’s future.

social distancing period, transitioning to a combination of virtual and

I want to thank every member of the AAMA family and its supporters

face-to-face with social distancing. This work increases our outreach into the community.

including our Board members, volunteers, staff, and parents, whose backing and belief in our mission keep us moving forward. We are

Last year the Development Department expanded to include not only

taking on 2022 armed with all of our successes, and the hope and

Marketing and Communications, but also three business development

promise of great opportunities to come.

lines: Adelante, Work & Learn and Early Childhood. We commend

Sincerely,

Adelante and Work & Learn instructors who kept their programs going at a time when our families needed career development training and support the most. We welcomed our new cohorts of Work & Learn “Opportunity Youth” students along with a growing number of Adelante graduating ESL, HSE and certificate students. In addition, our Early Childhood Center successfully re-opened.

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Joe Jimenez, MBA, RRT

President and Chief Executive Officer

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LONG-TERM STAFF ANNIVERSARIES 29

YEARS

Elizabeth Cooner

Prevention & Counseling Office Manager

Jose Luis Manrique

Joe Esquivel

YEARS

Licensed Vocational Nurse, Laredo

AAMA Security and Facilities Manager

22 YEARS

Dinora Esquivel Adelante Program Coordinator

Michael Seuffert

Adriana DiBello, CPS, CHW

YEARS

Recently retired IT Director

Minorities Action Programs (MAP) Manager

15 YEARS

Giselle Easton

Assistant Superintendent, Sanchez Charter Schools

Wendell Webster

Helen Stillman

YEARS

WE’RE IN IT TO WIN IT! B E TTE R TOGE THE R THR OUGH...

Adelante English HSE/GED Instructor

Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, Laredo

Education George I. Sanchez Charter schools serve students in our community, starting with our Pre-K program and then middle school to graduation, preparing them for college and careers. Our teachers, staff and administrators know the importance of understanding the needs of every student. When we all work together, we’re Better Together. Beyond education, our charter school offers extracurricular activities from clubs to sports, which is important in the development of our students and another way we can be Better Together.

Family When students enroll at George I. Sanchez, they become lifelong members of our family. Our AAMA Early Childhood Center accepts children from six weeks old. We work with families in our community, whatever their needs may be, from early childhood and pre-school education to middle school through graduation. We believe education doesn’t stop when a student leaves the building. That’s why our teachers and staff stay closely connected to families, assisting with their needs so that every student can come to the classroom equipped and ready to focus on learning each day. Including families in the entire learning process makes us all Better Together.

Layers of Care Our wraparound services and care are an extension of our organization designed to meet families’ needs. By being a part of George I. Sanchez Charter School, we can assist your family through the many layers of care offered at AAMA. • Prevention and Counseling Services • Adelante - Adult Literacy, GED, ESL • Work and Learn Center for Disconnected Youth

Learning doesn’t stop once we become adults. Our services can help each and every family become Better Together. 6 | AN NUA L RE P ORT 2 0 2 1

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WORK & LEARN CENTER

SUCCE SS STORY

A’LYAH

A’lyah was studying design in college up until this last semester when she had to drop out due to financial and pandemic-related issues. She started to work part-time in the customer service

B R I DGING THE ACH IE V E M E N T G A PS

industry, hoping to return to her studies when she was in a better financial position. She was excited to learn about the Work and Learn Center and decided to join the next cohort so she could continue her education in design while still saving money. She worked very hard

In its second year, AAMA’s Work and Learn Center (WLC),

on projects and pouring their unique skills into assignments

continues to help participants find their place and make a fresh

and surpassing expectations. Even more exceptional than their

start. In an environment of acceptance and encouragement,

technical skills, however, was the passion expressed by each

with strong peer and staff support, engaging curriculum, and

and every student for their art, their desire to grow creatively

She was a strong member of Cohort 8, even developing a small lesson of

acquisition of career readiness skills, young people are able to

and professionally, and their eagerness to collaborate with

her own to teach to the rest of the class some Photoshop skills, the program

evaluate their career paths and determine their own goals.

each other both in and out of class.

she feels most comfortable with.

Part of WLC’s success is the small number of people in each

in the course, not only creating great designs in her projects, but also engaging in discussions and inspiring other students with her excitement.

After the cohort, A’lyah began to work in the Social Enterprise so she can continue

cohort, which allows for individualized attention and deepening

developing her skills while saving for her education. She is currently interviewing for other part-

relationships. This structure assists in building self-esteem

time jobs in the creative fields she feels passionately about.

and connections, something many of our young students need more of when they begin. We applaud and encourage ALL our cohorts. While the Work and Learn program often attracts young people who lean

SUCCE SS STORY

toward creativity, Cohort 8 consisted of eight exceptionally

JAY

gifted and passionate artists, many of whom desired to make creativity their careers. Throughout the two-month program, these students brought their talents and ideas to the WLC in

Jay, who comes from a low-income family, entered the WLC with incredible artistic talent and

an impressive manner, engaging cohesively with each other

72 STUDENTS ENROLLED

62.5% 32

LATINO STUDENTS

31%

BLACK STUDENTS

18 YEARS OLD

AVERAGE AGE OF STUDENTS

live at home with parents

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live in residential housing or are homeless

state they receive government assistance or benefits.

live in households with income under $29,000/year

a motivation to succeed. However, at the age of 16 years, he had very limited experience with career readiness or long-term goal planning. Jay has many goals—joining a

52%

OF STUDENTS WERE UNEMPLOYED

for over 6 months prior to entering the Work and Learn Center program

gym, investing in cryptocurrency, going to college, etc.—but has struggled to get where he wants to be because of the financial constraints of living in a six-member, single-income household. Over the course of the program, Jay displayed an eagerness to learn from his teachers and classmates the skills needed to market himself professionally, manage money responsibly and discover which career path is really the right fit. He was especially excited to write his first-ever resume and cover letter, which he is using to apply for his first formal job so he can save money for a college education in Graphic Arts, Film or Economics after graduating

STUDENTS COMPLETED A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA OR GED PROGRAM

high school.

E D UCATION

ADELANTE

PE R SONAL SUCCE SSE S

BLANCA M. PINEDA

“My name is Blanca Pineda, and in 2002, after getting married and leaving my law studies in the third year, I immigrated

Adelante (meaning to move forward) provides AAMA’s Adult Education and Workforce Readiness and Adult Education Literacy (AEL) programs.

to the United States from El Salvador. My first attempts to study English were at my children’s elementary school. I stopped studying for a while, but never forgot my goal of gettting an education and improving my situation in this country. I have worked as a housekeeper for some years. I like my job, but my dream has always been to study and be certified in something that I like even more. One day, while searching the internet for where I could study for my GED diploma, I found AAMA. I started taking my GED preparation classes in

8 Weeks Workforce Certificate Houston’s demand for qualified bilingual workers is increasing every year. For this reason, Adelante offered two certificate programs this year. In Customer Service and Retail, the participants have the opportunity to take an exam upon completion, and if they pass, they receive a certificate issued by the National Retail Foundation. The other certification class offered was Business Office Technology, a course in which students learned more about the Microsoft Office Suite and improved their general computer skills. Both programs include the components of Job Readiness and Career Readiness, giving students the opportunity to explore new pathways and increase their employability skills.

Job Readiness and Career Readiness Based on the level of English or type of class, Adelante implements activities related to job readiness such as resume writing, job applications, interview skills and job search. Students can also explore career options and certification classes by participating in presentations provided by partners

director who gave me all the support to continue my classes online. During the summer of 2021, I had the opportunity to enroll in a Customer Service and Retail certification course, and I obtained my certificate. In October of the same year, I graduated from the GED program despite many problems with my health, but I never gave up because I had a goal to graduate and get my GED. I am currently studying the advanced level of English at AAMA at the same time that I receive support to find financial aid to pursue a career related to health.”

Community College (HCC).

Comprando Rico y Sano (UnidosUS)

Support Services

in nutrition sessions and Zumba classes. They may become

Adelante empowers our families and community to build a

become nutrition promoters, our students can learn new skills

and inspires them through example and participation.

the pandemic prevented me from continuing to study, thanks to the help of my teachers and the

from Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) and Houston

Through this program, Adelante students could participate

better life for themselves through education and information

January 2021. In April of that same year, I had to have an emergency operation, but neither that nor

promoters and lead the sessions. When they decide to and earn stipends while they are helping our community to change their nutrition habits.

Blanca was undergoing treatment for cancer before, during and after obtaining her certificate. PE R SONAL SUCCE SSE S

DIANA ROSALES

“I am Diana Rosales, mother of four children, immigrant, and aspiring Dreamer. In 2008, at the age of 18, I decided to drop out of high school. I had been told that there were schools where I could finish faster and without going to classes, but unfortunately, I enrolled in a program that was not valid. When filling out my DACA application in 2013, my husband and I realized that we had been defrauded, and the courses that we took separately were not valid for High School Equivalency. From 2013 to 2020, my path was arduous, especially due to a disability in my eyes that was the rationale for various organizations and schools rejecting me. I was very discouraged but determined to support my children’s education while searching for a place to continue my own. In December 2020, nearly losing hope, we found information about AAMA Adelante. My oldest daughter and husband were very persistent and believed in me, so I decided to try one more time. Because of my score, I did not qualify for the HSE classes, but when I talked to the teacher about my vision problem, he accepted me

813 70%

students attended our ESL & HSE Classes

During my classes, my daughter was by my side, taking classes with me, supporting me and helping me review my homework. At the end of 2021, I earned my HSE Diploma.

of students completed a level in our classes of our classes moved to remote learning a week after

100% Covid-19 closures 109

because he understood that my vision was what prevented me from keeping up with everyone else.

students received ther HSE certificate

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I hope DACA eligibility will provide the opportunity to travel to receive the treatment that could return my sight. Then I want to continue my studies in college.”

Diana, who is blind, was assisted during class by her daughter. Both are planning on continuing to college and have been connected with resources to help them on their respective journeys.

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E D UCATION

EARLY CHILDHOOD After one full year of the program being closed,

with George Sanchez Charter Schools to provide care for

doors, but with a new service area. For the first

parents. The new Bridge Program for pre-K students ages 3-5

AAMA’s Early Childhood Center reopened its

time, in addition to serving the teen parents of

Sanchez Charter Schools, we offered childcare to the greater East End community.

years allowed parents who needed to work full time to leave their children at the Center in a safe environment where they transitioned seamlessly between pre-K and after school early learning care. At the end of our 2020-2021 Fiscal Year, we were

Once the doors opened on March 8, 2021, word had gotten back to previously enrolled parents that we were ready to serve them again. Soon we went from having one student on the first day of reopening to 24 students by the start of our fall program. We expanded our program to 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Over the

“

their pre-K students to close a critical gap in care for working

at 78% of our licensing capacity. We were able to maintain our Texas Rising Star status as well as our Accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), with all staff holding their Child Development Associate certification. We are one of 28 childcare centers in

course of the summer, we began to work out a partnership

the City of Houston to participate in the United Way Bright

AAMA is home. It is a part of our support system and community. Aaron first attended AAMA at 12 weeks old. He is now three years old, and not once have his parents regretted their decision to make AAMA the Center of care for their son. In his mom’s own words:

When he was able to return to the Center after spending an

The staff and teachers here truly embody a community of love, nurturing and security. Prior to COVID-19 and the Center’s shutdown due to the pandemic, we did not realize the extent of AAMA’s impact on Aaron. His behavior, social and language skills declined during the time of the shutdown, even though we attempted to keep a structured schedule and incorporated academic activities daily. We struggled with tantrums and potty

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL! This was the first official day of school. Our students had not been in any childcare in the last year. We welcomed everyone back with open arms. Mrs. Garcia and Mrs. Soto worked very hard getting the classrooms ready.

Beginnings program.

entire year at home, readjusting to the school setting and interacting with peers was emotionally challenging for him. However, his teachers and Ms. Raven supported him 100% of the way. I cannot count the number of times Ms. Raven has picked up my phone calls after hours to discuss Aaron’s

LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE DAY! Mrs. Maria Alba and Baby Alicia participated in one of many themed days at our Center.

developmental progress and our challenges parenting him. I cannot thank her enough for each one of those calls. Exactly a week and a half after Aaron started PK3 with Ms. Garcia, he was fully potty trained! His verbal language is really developing in both English and Spanish. He’s enjoying homework time as he is also developing his fine motor skills by coloring, cutting and writing. He has grown such a love for drawing that he is now able to independently draw figures with legs, arms and a full face! I

TUMMY TIME Baby Haven explores the Superstar Bop ‘n Beats Drum Set, that:

am reminded daily of the great choice we have made for Aaron when he comes home and tells our Google Nesthub, “Google, play Gallina Turuleca” because he wants to continue singing and dancing to the songs he is learning with Ms. Garcia. It truly takes a village to raise a child, and we are so grateful that AAMA is the village that helps us raise our son. Thank you for making

training, to

the difference in our lives.”

say the least.

Blessings, Karen M. Beltran

PLAY-BASED LEARNING Our little Gabby shows her leadership skills in the classroom as she instructs the “students” on raising their hands and using inside voices. Gabby is a returning student whose mother is a Sanchez High School Student, set to graduate in May 2022.

•

Fosters problem-solving skills as baby figures out how to activate music.

•

Introduces baby to musical instruments.

•

Stimulates auditory and visual skills with dancing lights, bright colors and friendly faces

•

Encourages developing gross and fine motor skills

•

Motivates Haven to move to the music.

•

Strengthens eye-hand coordination.

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E D UCATION

GEORGE I. SANCHEZ CHARTER SCHOOL DISTRICT

Chromebooks

This past year, our district ESL team implemented a new

In concert with AAMA’s IT Department, our school district

the staff and administrators. Ellevation Strategies provides

distributed 360 chrome books at the North campus and 680 at the South campus to enhance our students’ learning. (IT Department Manager, Trevor Johnson)

District Office Highlights During the 2020-21 School Year, our district joined the COVID Recover Instructional Materials Support Initiative, rolling out new curriculum specifically aimed to reduce COVID related

Our school is named after educator and activist George I. Sanchez, for his contributions to

educational equity, especially for Mexican-

American children.

Charter Renewal After 25 years of George I. Sanchez (GIS) serving students

additional ten years. After a comprehensive process, our application was approved and our charter renewed! George I. Sanchez is proud to be one of the twenty charters in the first generation of charter schools approved by TEA in 1995 that is still in operation to this day.

TCLAS Grant George I. Sanchez received a $800,000 TCLAS grant. Texas COVID Learning Acceleration Supports (TCLAS) is a set of funding and targeted supports available to Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to accelerate student learning in the wake of COVID-19, utilizing state and federal funds. We used these funds to purchase new Math and English Language Arts and Reading (ELAR) curriculum, including textbooks. In addition, we were able to add extra tutoring time on our campuses (Director of School Improvement and Grants, Alex Chavez)

Our district wellness coordinator administered over 100 FREE Covid tests to our students and staff. In addition, the 6th and 7th graders have all been screened for any vision, hearing, and scoliosis issues. Partnering with St. Mary’s, a total of

materials endorsed by TEA, ready for them at their fingertips.

(Wellness Coordinator, Maria Flores)

The Wolf Film Club with Ms. Delgado

Never before has our curriculum been this accessible to

New to 2021! The Wolf Film Club’s primary goal is to explore

and discuss different film genres. The discussions center

students, parents and teachers alike. (Curriculum and Instruction Coordinator, Jesse Carrillo)

around story, symbolism, cinematography, and presentation. (College and Career Advisor, Evelyn Delgado)

New to 2021! Students get to participate in fun labs.

Glam Club with Mrs. Torres

SOUTH CAM PUS HIGHLIGHT

NORTH CAM PUS HIGHL I G HT

CREST Award

First Senior Class

Our South campus counseling team, including Robert

George I. Sanchez Charter School’s North Campus welcomed

interviews (i.e., school, work, scholarships).

Villareal, Matthew Rosas, and Perla Licona, received the 2021

their first senior class in 2021! Their class is made up of

Peer to Peer Club with Ms. Griffin

CREST award from the Texas School Counselor Association.

48 students, and of this group there are some noteworthy

The CREST awards recognize schools across Texas that

accomplishments:

appropriately utilize their Professional School Counselors

Andrea Ibarra, has been admitted to eight of the nine

Students learn how to present themselves in different kinds of

Students play games and hang out as we teach them how to socialize with others.

Robotics Club with Mr. Trejo Students learn how to interact as a team and build robotics.

and demonstrate a continuous commitment to building a campus team and programs based on the Texas Model for Comprehensive School Counseling Programs, endorsed by the Texas Education Agency (TEA).

universities she applied to including Texas A&M, University of Houston, and University of St. Thomas. We eagerly await her admission decision from Rice University.

Andre Wheeler, successfully enlisted in the U.S. Marines.

Sewing Club with Mrs. Altamirano and Mrs. Vasquez

These award-winning campuses engage their Professional

The school principal teaches students to sew pillows, face

guidance, college and career readiness, and social/emotional

through Houston Community College Dual Credit Program.

skills needed to be

David Barrera, Anthony Bonilla, Fabian Mendez, and Ramiro Mendoza are set to complete

masks, and more.

Newspaper Club with Mrs. Vasquez Students get to write about what they want to be included in the school newspaper.

Eagle TV Club with Mrs. Vasquez Same as newspaper, but live. (After School Program Director, Quetzaly Harper)

School Counselors to provide students with the classroom

academically successful and well-prepared for

completing most of the classes through the HCC Dual Credit

Counselors receiving the

Program.

CREST award use datadriven results to show the effectiveness of their comprehensive guidance

Eric Castillo earned a Structural Welding Certificate

their Structural Welding Certificate by Spring 2023, after

life. Professional School

and counseling program.

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Programs, Caroline Laifang)

N O RT H C AMP U S

Science Club with Ms. Delgado

we submitted a charter renewal application to TEA for an

Learners in their language acquisition and content mastery. The full program will roll out in Fall 2022. (Director of Special

32 seniors received free or low-cost vaccines for college.

Texas Education Agency (TEA). We are excited to announce

many years to come. During the 2020- 2021 school year,

every educator develop the capacity to support English

Our Math and ELA courses now have high quality instructional

S O U T H C AMP U S

continue serving Houston’s children and community for

sustained, job-embedded professional development to help

After School Programs

in the Houston area, our charter was up for renewal with the that George I Sanchez Charter Schools are well poised to

learning loss by accelerating learning within our classrooms.

training program called Ellevation which was received well by

(Career and College Advisor, Evelyn Delgado)

CREST

E D UCATION

GEORGE I. SANCHEZ CHARTER SCHOOL DISTRICT

SANCHE Z STUDE NT SWE E T SUCCE SS

NICHOLAS & CECILIA

Wa iti

Nicholas was a surprise to his teenaged mother, Cecilia, growing up in East End

Houston and attending AAMA’s George I. Sanchez High School.

oto

ich

ola

cili

Preoccupied with high school worries and insecurities, suddenly everything was called into question. A baby would change everything. How would she be able to juggle high

New AAMA Sanchez Superintendent

school with a baby? Not the first person to have asked the question of herself, Cecilia is, in fact, an AAMA success story. When baby Nicholas arrived, she

Adolfo Melara didn’t know a soul and couldn’t speak a word

brought him to school and left him in the care of the experienced staff

of English when he arrived in America at the age of 11. But

at the AAMA Early Childhood Center (ECC). Cecilia said, “It never really

now, the new superintendent of AAMA Sanchez Charter

felt like a daycare. It was more like leaving him with an aunt. It felt like

Schools has come a long way since arriving in the U.S. from

family. I never had to worry about leaving him. I knew I could do my

El Salvador.

studies and my child was taken care of.”

“I believe my whole career has been leading up to this great

Thankful for the impact AAMA and her teachers had on her, Cecilia

opportunity,” Melara said as he was been settling into his new

felt cared for and nurtured at Sanchez Charter School. She expressed

role.

heartfelt gratitude for the caregivers at the ECC who informed her about

The former Superintendent of Delhi Unified School District

her child’s day and offered advice and direction about caring for him.

in California spent nearly seven years in that position before

Cecilia went on to become a medical assistant and raise a beautiful

coming to Houston. The majority of his career has been spent

family. When Nicholas came of age, his mom sent him to Sanchez too

educating the next generation of leaders. Although he spent

in the hopes that he would find AAMA to be as warm and nurturing as it

much of his life in California, he’s ready to enjoy the Texas

once was for both of them when they were very young.

experience—especially with AAMA’s rich history of educating students. After getting the go-ahead from his 15- and 22-year-old sons to take the position, everything else fell into place. It’s a dream job that comes once in a lifetime. Melara knows just how he can change the lives of students and their parents. “We are lifelong learners,” Melara said. “I want to work in a community where I believe my experience is needed. I’ve always had a calling for serving children that are new to the system.” Melara is overseeing both the North and South Sanchez campuses. He knew once he applied for the job, and later accepted it, that he was all in. Melara’s hands-on approach and visibility on campus and the greater Houston community has been felt as he’s met with students and staff. Melara says his connection to students, especially those whose English is not at a working level, is an

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“ I believe my whole

career has been leading up to this great opportunity.” advantage that will help the school.

“Ultimately, we want to have very good standings academically. Also, we want to make sure we are a safe haven for students, so their social and emotional needs are taken care of here. Those experiences will help welcome our students,” Melara said.

“ It felt like family. I

knew I could do my studies and my child was taken care of.”

H E ALTH & WELL-B E IN G

PREVENTION & COUNSELING PROGRAM

E R IK A’S STORY

COMING FULL CIRCLE

As a young mother, Erika reached a point where everything felt like a

now graduated with

struggle, and she just wanted life to be easier. Even though she loved

a degree in Business

her children, her addiction to heroin progressed, quickly taking over her

Administration. When she

life and controlling her priorities. If she did not feel well due to using,

saw a posting for a recovery

she did not go to work, and consequently bounced from job to job.

coach at a local nonprofit

She tried numerous 12-step programs, but they were not helping her to

agency, counseling staff

live drug free.

encouraged her to consider the position. Erika now helps other people

Erika researched treatment programs and found very few in the valley

AAMA’s Health and Human Services Division

SERVICES

services to approximately 7,000 clients a year in

Adolescent and Adult Outpatient

(Prevention & Counseling program) provides

its various treatment and outreach programs. AAMA’s adult outpatient program is the largest Hispanic

treatment program in Texas and was recognized as having the highest program completion rate of all state-funded programs in Texas.

AAMA is one of the largest providers of alcohol and substance use prevention and treatment in Texas for adolescents and adults.

CSAP

battling addiction. She feels connected

of South Texas. After being placed on a waiting list for AAMA’s Concilio

to the people who seek her assistance, and they

Hispano in Laredo, her turn came to begin treatment. With treatment,

know she understands their struggles. These relationships help

she began to make the necessary changes to stay heroin free, and

Erika stay dedicated to living clean and sober.

she did everything to commit to her recovery including staying away from people, places, and things that did not support her recovery.

After a decade of active addition, Erika said, “AAMA gave me my life

Her family’s support was a contributing factor that has enhanced

back. It allowed me to be me again.” Erika’s progress is ongoing, and

her current clean lifestyle. She says the counseling she received and

she understands that working in addiction will continue making her

the medication to help her get through withdrawal from heroin was a

strong with her own personal recovery.

winning combination.

The mission of our work through the Substance Abuse and

While in treatment, Erika re-started her university classes with the

Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)’s Center for

encouragement of her Concilio Hispano Laredo counselors and has

“ AAMA gave me my life back.

Substance Abuse Prevention is to improve behavioral health

It allowed me to be me again.”

through evidence-based prevention approaches.

HEI In collaboration with Texas Health and Human Services, our HIV Early Intervention Services provides case management for

R UB E N’S STORY

RISING FROM THE ASHES

people with both HIV and substance use problems.

When he was high and engaging in risky activities, Ruben would never

After a brief relapse after 14 months, Ruben’s been clean and sober for

have imagined becoming part of AAMA and helping change the lives

22 years. His AAMA co-workers became like family.

Familia Adelante

of desperate people. And yet that’s what he is doing now, every day, in

Through our Familia Adelante program, AAMA provides intervention services for the entire family with parents and children receiving services at the same time.

HOPWA The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Program is the only federal program dedicated to the housing needs of people living with HIV/AIDS. It is dedicated to serving low-income persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families.

Laredo.

to help other people because I remember what it was like.” Ruben

Ruben had a problem with alcoholism and drugs. He went from

knows that his experience is what makes him an effective counselor.

functioning to non-working, from weekend binges to using every day;

And that’s quite a demonstration of how

then he started using meth, almost overdosed, and began living on

to rise up out of his former

the street. Being gay and Hispanic did not make him want to open up

existence.

about his problems, but when he found out he was HIV positive, he had to face things. Fortunately, he had already become part of AAMA, and his counselors saw something in him. Ruben was able to admit his circumstances without fear of shame or blame. Because he was among people who could accept him, who were not so different from himself, he walked through his fear and grew to trust and move on.

“ It feels great to help other people because I can remember what it was like.” 1 8 | ANNUA L RE P ORT 2 0 2 1

He is now an Outreach Specialist for AAMA and says “It feels great

R U B E N F I G U E ROA , C U R R E N T A A M A E M PLOY E E

THANK YOU, DONORS!

2 0 2 1 IN R E V IE W

FUNDING

In 2021, AAMA programs were funded through a variety of sources.

Valero contributed $100,000 for Prevention and Counseling’s

Although we rely on funding at all levels, the following grantors

alternative peer group, “The Eagle’s Nest.” Also, the Harris County

contributed major gifts. Among others, we received grants in the

Department of Education awarded the same amount to the Early

amount of $50,000 from Social Current for the Early Childhood Center,

Childhood Center.

Education First NoVo SEL Award for Sanchez, UnidosUS Latinx @Work

The Greater Houston Community Foundation also selected AAMA as a

and Wells Fargo for AAMA Work and Learn, and Blue Cross Blue Shield

$50K – $100K+ Blue Cross Blue Shield Change In Mind Child Care Relief Fund HCDE Child Care NoVo Foundation Trafigura Foundation Valero Benefit for Children Wells Fargo $25K – $49,999 Community Block Development Grant East End District Greater Houston Community Foundation University of Houston CEAL UnidosUS Comiendo Rico y Sano William Stamps Farish Foundation $5,100 – $24,999 ABC13/Disney Alliant Insurance Services Amegy Bank Clayton Fund Dollar General Foundation Goya Foods H-E-B Houston First Corporation Houston Foundation JPMorgan Chase Junior League Community Assistance META Consultants Navarro Insurance Group Raza Development Fund Shell Oil Company Starbucks Strake Foundation Union Pacific $3,500 – $5,000 AHF Pharmacy Cadence Bank Center for Mexican American Studies CenterPoint Energy Froilan Hernandez Harris Health

2 0 | ANNUA L RE P ORT 2 0 2 1

Houston Community College Houston Methodist Hospital Joe Jimenez McMurrey Investments Advisors LLC METRO Morales Memorial Foundation Paulette Gerukos Port Houston Rice University Roland Laurenzo Silver Eagle Distributors Univision $500 – $3,499 Juan and Lisa Alonso Ambassador Services BakerRipley Cynthia Cisneros and Stuart Brown Dr. Dorothy Caram Rueben and Nicole Casarez Chevron Jim and Wanda Dunn Equitable Advisors Carol S. Garza Benjamin and Ana Hernandez Bill and Sara Morgan Harris County DA Kim Ogg Debbie Ortiz United Way $250 – $499 Tristan Almada Charles Askew Michael Brombacher Patrick Chu Carol Dimmett Angelina Hernandez Hillary Jebbitt Christine Martinez Paula Mendoza Camilo E. Rojas, III Matt Rosas Michael Seuffert Barbara S. Willis

$100 – $249 Amanda Samples Andy Canales Ann W. Stanbery Blake VanSickle Brian Hall Carlos Luna Caroline Aspenson Christian F. Diaz Craig Smallbone Daisy Morales Dalton C. DeHart David Rangel Desdamona Rios Didier Flores Graciela Saenz Harriet Wasserstrum Juan D. Morales Julia P. Elizondo Karthik Selvam Keith Leung Lisa Schott Luis R. Torres-Hostos Marcela Segade Marcelle Mir Martha Navarro Mireya Milian Mitchell B. Jacobs Patricia Cabrera Patrick Fitzgibbon Patrick Rocha Rachel San Ramiro Fonseca Rebecca Mir Robert Cardona Sarah A. Dunford Terri Youngs Tracy Janda Veronica Chapa Vicki Luna Yolanda Troshko

for Prevention and Counseling’s work with adolescents.

recipient of two of its Texas Equitable Vaccine Uptake grants for a total of $89,000 to provide education to vulnerable populations regarding

Prevention and Counseling received a significant new grant for the

COVID-19 vaccines and to collaborate with community partners in

Laredo office to support medical-assisted treatment for substance

providing the vaccine.

use. The one-year grant for $525,000 is renewable for five years

Other grants were received from: the Junior League of Houston, Texas

through SAMHSA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Mutual, Union Pacific, Community Health Choice, the William Stamps Farish Foundation, and the Strake Foundation.

ALL. IN. HOUSTON. It was back to the books as AAMA Sanchez Charter Schools kicked

Bank helped prepare families for needs in the kitchen before the return

off the fall 2021 school year with a backpack drive at both North and

to class. The event was also a great opportunity to showcase the many

South Campuses. The Starbucks sponsored event was a big success

resources AAMA provides for families beyond education. At the South

as more than 1,000 book bags were distributed. The Houston Food

Campus, Pfizer COVID vaccinations were offered to all.

ANNUAL R EPO RT 2 0 2 1 |

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

REVENUE GROWTH COMPARISON GROWTH REVENUE COMPARISON $19,000,000

$14,250,000 Educational

$13907833

Health & Human Resources

$2919624

MANAGEMENT & GENERAL

$1035768

$9,500,000

Y E AR ENDED AUG U ST 31, 2021

$4,750,000 FUNDRAISING

$18,933,127

2017 $13,934,174

$6655

Annual Revenue 2017

REVENUE

With an operating budget of

Federal grants

$18,933,127 in fiscal year 2020-2021,

we served the community through a wide array of programs and services.

$7,235,814

State, city, county, & other school grants $11,028,073 Fundraisers

$150,696

Contributions

$16,003

Net assets released from restrictions

AAMA does not turn anyone away for

Other

inability to pay. We help those in need

Total Revenue

through grants and donations.

2021

Table 1 2017 Annual Revenue

6% $13,934,174

2021

EXPENSES

$18,933,127

16%

$502,541

$18,933,127

Educational

Health & Human Services

Management & General

Fundraising Activities <1%

78%

EXPENDITURES

ASSETS Total current assets

$7,148,372

Total noncurrent assets

$7,086,351

Other assets

Total assets

$46,868

$14,281,591

LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS Total current liabilities Total noncurrent liabilities

$5,846,411 -

Total liabilities

$ 5,846,411

Net assets

$8,435,180

Total liabilities & net assets $14,281,591

2 2 | ANNUA L RE P ORT 2 0 2 1

Health and Human Services Educational Management and General Fundraising Activities

Total Expenditures

Change in Net Assets

$2,919,624 $13,907,833 $1,035,768

Educational MANAGEMENT & GENERAL

Health & Human Resources FUNDRAISING

$6,655

$17,869,880

$1,063,247

Net Assets Beginning of Year $7,371,933 Net Assets End of Year

$8,435,180

THANK

YOU!

Your support allows us to make a difference in the lives of youth and their families. We greatly appreciate and ask you to continue ensuring that dreams are within reach of every child and adult who walks through our doors, regardless of their circumstances. Together, we are making an impact in Houston and beyond to Laredo. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for believing in the work we do.

COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS

Memorial Hermann Healthcare System

Santa Maria Hostel

UnidosUS

Mental Health America

Save the Children

United Against Human Trafficking

Mental Health of Greater Houston

SCAN (Serving Children and Adults in Need)

United Way Bright Beginnings

META Consultants METRO

T H A NK YOU TO OU R PA RTN E RS!

Mexican Institute of Greater Houston Mission Dei Anglican Church Molina Healthcare Montrose Center

AHEC (Area Health Education Center)

City of Laredo Health Dept.

The Harris Center

Alley Theatre

Collaborative for Children

Harris County Adult Probation

3 Amigos Paint, Body & Graphics

Comcast Cable Corporation

Ashford United Methodist Church

Communities in Schools

HEART (Heroin Addiction Response Team)

Avenue 360 Health and Wellness

Community Development Block Grant

BakerRipley

Community Family Centers

Bank of America

Conn’s Home Plus

Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation

Council on Recovery

Baylor College of Medicine Bering Omega Community Services Bethany House BioLytical Laboratories Border Region MHMR Broken Walls Ministries California Institute for Integral Studies Catholic Charities Cenikor Change Happens Chase Chick-fil-A

Crime Stoppers of Houston The Cristina Project CVS Health Depelchin Children’s Center Dora B. Lantrip Elementary Dress for Success El Centro de Corazon Elevare International Elim Church Envision 2morrow Exxon Eye Care for Kids/Su Optica Latina

H-E-B Hester House Houston A+ Challenge Houston Astros Baseball Club Houston Center for Literacy Houston Community College Houston Dynamo Charities Houston Food Bank

Nameless Sound New Hope Housing, Inc. Open Door Mission Pillars Planned Parenthood Prairie View A&M University Prevent Blindness Texas Project GRAD Reebok re:MIND Depression and Bipolar Support

Holocaust Museum Houston

Ryan White Program Council Office of Support

Houston Literacy Consortium

San Jacinto Community College

Patrick Schott Southern New Hampshire University Spurs Sports and Entertainment Starbucks Coffee Company Texans Foundation

University of Houston University of Houston – Clear Lake University of Houston – Downtown University of St. Thomas University of Texas Univision

Texas Alcoholism Foundation, Inc.

U.S. District Court Southern District of Texas

Texas A&M Agrilife

UT Health

Texas Charter School Association

UT Health McGovern Medical School

Texas Children’s Hospital

Walgreens

Texas Counseling Association

Webb County Community Coalition

Texas Dept. of Family & Protective Services

2nd Ward Complete Communities

Texas Rising Star Texas Southern University The Texas House Toxicology Association Inc. Trafigura Trading UH Charter School Undies for Everyone

Wells Fargo Wesley Community Center Westcare Women’s Fund The Woods Project YMCA of Greater Houston Youth Lead

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Houston Police Department Houston Rockets Katine and Nechman, LLP Lakewood Church Laredo Food Bank Latino Commission of AIDS

Childcare Council of Greater Houston

Familias Immigrantes y Estudiantes en la Lucha

Children’s Museum of Houston

FitMix

Lenox BBQ

Christ the King Catholic Church

FLAS

Little Free Library

CHRISTUS Health

Gateway Community Health Center

Lone Star Veterans Association

City of Houston

Genesys Works

The Lovett Center

City of Laredo Drug and Alcohol Commission

Gilead

MAXIMUS

Goodwill Industries of Houston

Mayor’s Anti-Gang Task Force

2 4 | ANNUA L RE P ORT 2 0 2 1

NAEYC

SER-Jobs for Progress

Legacy Community Health

ANNUAL R EPO RT 2 0 2 1 |

LEADERSHIP

PROGRAMS George I. Sanchez Charter Schools

2021 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

AAMA SANCHEZ CHARTER 6th - 12th grade 6001 Gulf Freeway, Building E, Houston, TX 77023 (713) 929-2300

BOA RD C H AI R

Benjamin Hernandez Human Age Digital BOA RD C H AI R- E L E CT

BOA R D SE C R E TARY

I MME D I ATE PAST BOA RD CHA IR

Telisa Shead

Daisy Morales

Juan Alonso

Amegy Bank

Community Health Choice

H-E-B

Dr. Pamela A Quiroz

Adrian Morales

Terrance Ransfer

(retired) ABC13

University of Houston

Starbucks

Metroclean

Christian Navarro

Benita Reyes

Christian C. Navarro Law Office

Alfonso Rubio

Sendero Health Plans

LEADERSHIP TEAM Debbie Ortiz

Jim Dunn

Patrick Rocha

President and CEO

Chief Financial Officer

Chief Development Officer

Director of Prevention and Counseling

ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAM 6001 Gulf Freeway, Building C3 Houston, TX 77023 (713) 929-2330

AAMA Prevention and Counseling

Wells Fargo

Joe Jimenez

PRE K-3 AND PRE K-4, EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER 6001 Gulf Freeway, Building C6, Houston, TX 77023 (713) 926-1112

AAMA Adelante

2021 BOARD MEMBERS Cynthia Cisneros

SANCHEZ CHARTER NORTH 6th - 12th grade 215 E. Rittenhouse Street, Houston, TX 77076 (713) 742-0947

Carlos Anguiano

Director of Strategy and Support Services

HOUSTON

LAREDO

Outpatient Services

Concilio Hispano Libre

HIV and STI Prevention and Support Services

Outpatient Services

Youth Prevention Services 204 Clifton St. Houston, TX 77023 (713) 926-9491

Paso Libre 1205 E. Hillside Rd. Laredo, TX 78041 (956) 728-0440

AAMA Work and Learn Center 6001 Gulf Freeway, Building C2 Houston, TX 77023 Telephone: 713-967-6700 Fax: 713-926-8035

AAMA’s mission is to inspire and empower Latinos to pursue their potential and achieve success. Our vision is a community of Latinos who have achieved financial security, well-being, and self-actualization.

W W W. A A MA. ORG

AAMA's 2021 Annual Report

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