El Reflejo March 2015

RODOLFO “RUDY” RAMIREZ E x e c u t iv e D i r e c t o r

BOARD OF MEMBERS 2015

“ED” GONZALEZ CH AI RMAN

ARMANDO BARRERA VI CE CE-- CH A IRMAN

JOE RODRIGUEZ CO MM IS SI ONE ONER R

CRIS TORRES CO MM IS SI ONER

JUAN GUZMAN RE SI DENT C OMM IS SI ONER

Main Office Ciro Trevino Administration Building 910 S. Sugar Rd. Edinburg, Texas, 78539

Mon.—Thurs.

8 a.m.—5:30 p.m.

Friday 8 a.m.—12 p.m.

Advocating for Change Staff attends the 2015 NAHRO Washington D.C. Conference During this year’s National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) Washington Conference, agency staff went a step further and took the time to advocate the agency’s educational initiatives to various federal departments.

The NAHRO conference was held at the Renaissance Washington, D.C. Downtown Hotel March 15-18. During the event, housing officials from all over the nation attended numerous training sessions and learned about the importance of advocating their work to elected officials of the 114th Congress.

As a result, with the conference’s theme in mind “Building Communities Together: New Leadership and New Opportunities,” the Executive Director Rodolfo “Rudy” Ramirez, his administrative assistant Elizabeth Rodriguez and two other

members of his staff also took the time to advocate for the implementation of educational programs in housing authorities and seek enriching opportunities for EHA residents.

Thanks to Rep. Ruben Hinojosa’s helpful team, in addition to scheduling a meeting with his Chief of Staff Connie Humphrey, EHA was also able to do an outreach with officials from the Department of Education and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI).

According to Congressman Hinojosa, EHA’s initiatives are so inspiring that CHCI wants to provide more opportunities for the students in housing.

During EHA’s first visit to the congressman’s local office, the district director shared that the Edinburg Housing Authority is the first in the Rio Grande Valley to promote educational initiatives for residents and build community partnerships with the University of Texas-Pan American. “...The educational initiatives being directed at the Edinburg Housing Authority definitely should be modeled,” said Garza-Reyes.

Due to the success of EHA’s outreach during the conference, Executive Director Ramirez looks forward to new opportunities for stu“His (Mr. Ramirez’s) Education dents.

Initiative is so impressive that the Congressional Hispanic “We’re very excited that this Caucus Institute is considering process has opened up so providing an internship in many doors,” Ramirez said.

Washington, D.C. for an out- “This is going to bring awestanding student,” shared the some educational opportunities to the kids we serve.” congressman.

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According to Congressman Hinojosa, Mr. Ramirez’s efforts at EHA are motivational and will change the lives of residents.

“Inspiring children to reach for their goals, and to seek their dreams, is a God given talent that Edinburg Housing Authority Executive Director, Rudy Ramirez truly possesses,” said the congressman.

The congressman also believes how they relate to successful that the initiative will bring new careers. “ opportunities for EHA residents.

Due to Congressman Hinojosa’s “His Education Initiative was passion and commitment for formed to open doors, for parents education, he and his staff team and children of the housing com- were glad to hear of EHA’s efmunity, to pathways that lead to forts and help the agency during higher education, STEM field their time in the nation’s capital. studies and financial literacy and

“We’re very happy to have helped schedule those meetings in Washington, D.C.,” said the district director.

“I congratulate Rudy Ramirez and all of the students and parents who are participating in this excelAs a result, the congress- lent program,” Congressman greatly commends the man Hinojosa said. efforts at the Edinburg

Cooking on a Shoestring Budget Residents and members of the Resident Council who attended this month's meeting on March 12 were able to enjoy a healthy homemade gourmet cooked by Chef Rafael Zuniga and four of his students.

cooking was part of the Edinburg Housing Authority’s efforts to promote self-sufficiency, healthy lifestyles and education to residents.

"We may not have had tortillas, but this was so bvxvbxvxAware that healthytechnology and delicious that is revolu-I want totionizing make itand for my kids,” becoming Maldonado an importantsaid part with of oura smile.

She along with world, a group of Edinburg Consuelo Housing Authority Sanchez, students Marilu participated in theGonzalez Hour of Diaz and Edith Code ontheMonday, 29, attended eveningDec. classes 2014.by Chef Zuniga at El taught Jardin previous The the Hour of Code week. is a glob-

f

“We did all this with $30,” shared Chef Zuniga who works as a chef for Cordon's Taste of Chicago. “And we were able to do it by using al movement dedicated to to the great turn-out and On only a shoestring the same ingredients in all of Due reach millions of studies in feedback the food, the budget, the class the dishes.” countries of worldwide. chef shared how several prepared a delicious Although the lunch meal was other Duringresidents the event, expressed EHA stugarden salad, not the typical choice for interest in attending his hummus, baked most residents, for resident cooking classes. zucchini, white Mari Cruz Maldonado the northern beans and new food experience was so “Although it won’t be easy garlic bread for more good that she plans to cook working and teaching, I am than 20 people at the similar dishes for her family. going to make time,” Chef meeting.

Their Zuniga shared.

EL REFLEJO

Housing Authority.

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Volume 3, Issue 3

Making a Difference Janice Montemayor a resident from La Posada was recognized for her excellence during the Hidalgo County Commissioner’s meeting held Tuesday, March 17 at the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce.

The recognition came after a motion was carried to approve a resolution in honor of Ms. Montemayor for being selected as the 2015 Youth of the Year from the Boys & Girl Clubs of South Texas.

During the meeting, the 18-year-old bravely gave a speech to the Hidalgo County Commissioners sharing her struggles, achievements and future goals.

EHA staff and students in the Youth Leadership Association volunteered to sell brisket sandwiches at the 2015 Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show & Rodeo. All of the proceeds of the sales were donated to the HAVE-STR Scholarship to help award scholarships for students in public housing.

Osvaldo Ramirez Santiago, a student and resident of one of EHA’s developments, shared his most recent achievement with Executive Director Rodolfo “Rudy” Ramirez. His love for reading earned him a spot in the elite group Millionaire Readers Club at his school.

EHA Students Visit UTPA During spring break, students in the Youth Leadership Association went on a tour of The University of Texas-Pan American (UTPA) to learn more about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The educational trip was part of our agency’s efforts to emphasize and encourage students to become interested in these fields and pursue a higher education.

Thanks to UTPA’s Center of Excellence in STEM Education, 13 EHA students participated in hands-on activities and learned about Google Lunar XPRIZE during a screening of Back to the Moon for Good, a 24-minute show in the university’s planetarium on Thursday, March 12.

Volume 3, Issue 3

Page 4

Would you like to spend a week in Washington D.C.?

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute is an organization dedicated to develop the next generation of Latino leaders throughout various educational programs.

READY TO LEAD (RDL) PROGRAM: APPLICATION DUE APRIL 17, 2015 CHCI’s R2L NextGen program provides Rio Grande Valley high school students with a chance to spend a week in Washington D.C. during the summer exploring the city and learning about our nation. The program is completely FREE of charge to students. Travel, lodging, meals and activi-

ties are covered through the organization.

Eligibility

To apply

    



Be a current 9th, 10th, or 11th grade student Demonstrate interest in learning about civic engagement Need a copy of your transcript showing your grades No minimum GPA required.

Visit apply.chci.org to complete your profile and Rio Grande Valley application. Deadline is April 17.

Open to DACA students CHCI also offers the following internship programs for undergraduate and graduate students: * Congressional Internship *Public Policy Fellowship * Graduate Fellowship *Scholarship Program To apply, visit www.chci.org

Want a $40,000 scholarship for your son/daughter?

YOUNG SCHOLARS PROGRAM: APPLICATION CLOSES APRIL 14, 2015 The Young Scholars Program is a selective pre-college scholarship for high-performing middle school students with financial need. The program includes academic advising, financial support and a pathway to the foundation’s $40,000 per year College Scholarship.

The application is open to ALL students regardless of immigration status if they meet the criteria: Eligibility  Be a current 7th grader  Mostly A’s and B’s in core subjects  Have a family income under $95,000  Plan to attend high school in the U.S.

Selection Criteria  High Academic ability  Demonstrate financial need  Leadership

To apply  3 letters of recommendation  Financial information of last 3 years

There is no application fee and no social security number required If you would like your child to apply for the program and need help or information you may contact Claudia Lemus at 956-383-3839 or visit the website www.jkcf.org/scholarship-programs/young-scholars.

J o i n t h e Yo u t h L e a d e r s h i p A s s o c i a t i o n Our agency has created the Youth Leadership Association (YLA) to provide students with an opportunity to become involved in their community and learn important leadership skills to help them be successful. Students who join YLA have the chance to learn from educational activities like visiting UTPA and museums and earn community service hours through volunteer events.

EHA welcomes any housing students 13 to 19-years-old to join YLA. If you have a child that would like to be a part of the Youth Leadership Association or learn more, he/she can contact Diego Oros at doros@edinburgha.org or call 956-383-3839.

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CLASSES

S C H O L A R S H I P O P P O RT U N I T I E S The Edinburg Housing Authority is pleased to announce the following scholarships for Public Housing and Section 8 High School seniors graduating June 2015.

Southwest NAHRO Scholarship

TUTORING

Application available Feb. 2015 at EHA

Texas NAHRO Scholarship

Estella Lane Trevino Endowed Scholarship

www.txnahro.org 800-617-2900 txnahrobrazosnet.com

HAVE Scholarship Visit EHA for application.

COMPUTER

Kara Shearer Scholarship

www.swnahro.org 800-617-2900 shelli@brazosnet.com

956-665-5301

PHADA Scholarship www.phada.org

If interested in applying for any of these scholarships, please call your manager at 956-383-3839. Also contact the financial aid counselors at your school.

B E A N I M M I G R A N T TA X PAY E R IRS tax filing deadline is April 15, 2015.

ESL

All wage earners—regardless of their immigration status—are required to pay federal taxes.

Immigrants Can File Taxes With ITIN The IRS provides ITINs to undocumented immigrants who are ineligible for an SSN so they can comply with tax laws. An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a 9-digit tax processing number issued by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

ART

STEM

ITINs are issued by the IRS specifically as a means to pay federal taxes and can sometimes be accepted for other purposes, such as for opening an interest-bearing bank account, in employment dispute settlements, or for obtaining a mortgage.

For more information on how to obtain an ITIN call or visit: IRIS Tax Office 1810 Hale Ave. Harlingen, TX 78550 (956) 365-5185

REMINDERS MUSIC

RENT DEADLINE Due monthly by the 1st, but EHA gives you until the 5th to pay in full.

There is a $15 late fee for late payments.

COMMUNITY SERVICE Residents 18+ years old who are not employed 30 hours or more a week, must comply with the 8 hour HUD’s community service requirement.

RESIDENT COUNCIL MEETINGS Interested in finding out what’s happening at EHA or your development?

Come find out at our next Resident Council Meeting. Meetings are led by the Executive Director Rodolfo “Rudy” Ramirez and residents. Our next meeting will be:

April 16, 2015 @10 a.m at El Jardin (Snacks will be provided)

Contact your property managers for the complete schedule of days and locations of our next meetings.

SERVING FAMILIES SINCE 1949 With more than 65 years of service, the Edinburg Housing Authority takes pride in providing assistance to those who need it most in the Rio Grande Valley.

As a result, throughout the years we have focused our agency’s efforts and resources to ensure struggling low-income families with an equal opportunity to obtain safe, decent and affordable public housing, and thus improve their quality of life.

But even though we help hundreds of families in need, we realize that to truly help impoverished residents rise out of poverty and better themselves our agency has to do much more than providing them with a place to live.

As a result, in addition to providing housing for our residents we have now made it our mission to promote self-sufficiency throughout the agency and do everything in our power to help those we serve develop the necessary work skills and education to succeed and ultimately provide for their loved ones on their own.

With dedication, integrity and compassion we take pride in helping our residents each and every day. We believe and ardently hope that through every family we help we make a difference in the present and someday future of the city of Edinburg and the Rio Grande Valley.

This publication is written and designed by Claudia V. Lemus for the Edinburg Housing Authority.