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Uvalde Together Resiliency Center, Resources Available For Entire Community

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Uvalde Together Resiliency Center, Resources Available For Entire Community
Governor Greg Abbott announced Uvalde County officials are opening a temporary facility for the newly created Uvalde Together Resiliency Center (UTRC) on Monday, June 6th. Image for illustration purposes
Governor Greg Abbott announced Uvalde County officials are opening a temporary facility for the newly created Uvalde Together Resiliency Center (UTRC) on Monday, June 6th. Image for illustration purposes

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AUSTIN, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott announced Uvalde County officials are opening a temporary facility for the newly created Uvalde Together Resiliency Center (UTRC) on Monday, June 6 to begin providing long-term support services for the community. Operated initially by the local district attorney’s office, the Center will offer ongoing mental health resources and other assistance provided by state agencies and local organizations for members of the Uvalde community impacted by last week’s tragic shooting at Robb Elementary School.

“As the Uvalde community works to piece their lives back together, we must come together as Texans to provide the ongoing, comprehensive support needed to move forward from this terrible tragedy,” said Governor Abbott. “I commend County Judge Bill Mitchell, District Attorney Christina Mitchell, Mayor Don McLaughlin, and Superintendent Dr. Hal Harrell for establishing the Uvalde Together Resiliency Center as a single location to meet the needs of the community and provide easily accessible resources and support. Whether it’s counseling or assistance with insurance claims, the Uvalde Together Resiliency Center will be able to serve the community as it heals. Texans are a uniquely resilient people, but that doesn’t mean coping with grief and trauma alone. The State of Texas and local organizations will continue to offer the support the Uvalde community needs going forward.”

View the full list of comprehensive resources available to the Uvalde community here.

Earlier this week, the Governor’s Public Safety Office (PSO) made an initial $5 million investment to establish the long-term UTRC, which will serve as a hub for services, such as crisis counseling and behavioral health care for survivors, first responders, and those in the community seeking ongoing support. Services currently available at the Family Assistance Center will transition over the weekend to the new UTRC and will be unavailable until the UTRC opens on Monday. However, the 24/7 hotline that connects callers with mental health assistance will maintain operations over the weekend for anyone seeking support: 888-690-0799.    

The UTRC will be initially overseen by the office of District Attorney Christina Mitchell and will operate through coordinated efforts between local support organizations and state agencies. The Hill Country Mental Health and Development Disabilities Centers is partnered with other regional mental health authorities to connect members of the community to mental health services through the 24/7 hotline. A partnership between Communities in Schools of Texas and the Region 20 Education Service Center will provide mental health support for students enrolled in summer school in the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District. Students not enrolled in summer school this year can still receive counseling at the Benson Center.

The UTRC is opening in a temporary facility until a permanent location is established in Uvalde. Support services offered at the UTRC will be adjusted as the needs of the community are determined on a local basis.

Governor Abbott has taken significant action to provide all available resources to support the Uvalde community following the tragic shooting at Robb Elementary School. Those actions include:

  • Initiating the State of Texas’ comprehensive plan to assist and support members of the community, including co-locating state agency representatives to the Family Assistance Center for on-hand assistance in finding benefits.
  • Issuing a disaster declaration at the request of local leaders to accelerate all available state and local resources to assist the Uvalde community.
  • Requesting Texas legislative leaders convene special legislative committees to begin examining and developing legislative recommendations on school safety, mental health, social media, police training, firearm safety, and more. 
  • Directing the Texas School Safety Center (TxSSC) to begin immediately conducting comprehensive school safety reviews to ensure all Texas public schools are following the appropriate procedures to maximize school safety.
  • Directing the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to provide strategies to make Texas public schools safer through heightened safety standards.
  • Investing an initial $5 million into establishing a long-term Family Resiliency Center (FRC) in Uvalde County to serve as a hub for community services, including access to the critical mental health resources.

Working with the OneStar Foundation to create a one-stop webpage for donations to support the victims’ families, teachers, and the Uvalde community.

Senator Hinojosa Appointed to the Senate Special Committee to Protect All Texans

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Senator Hinojosa Appointed to the Senate Special Committee to Protect All Texans
The committee is charged with studying five areas: school safety, mental health, social media, police training, and firearm safety. Senator Hinojosa Image by Roberto H. Gonzalez, Background image for illustration purposes
The committee is charged with studying five areas: school safety, mental health, social media, police training, and firearm safety. Senator Hinojosa Image by Roberto H. Gonzalez, Background image for illustration purposes

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Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa was appointed to the Senate Special Committee to Protect All Texans. The committee is charged with studying five areas: school safety, mental health, social media, police training, and firearm safety. Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“I want to thank the Lt. Governor for appointing me to this committee to do the critical work of ensuring all Texans can safely live their daily lives. The most important responsibility of government is to keep its citizens safe. Sadly, the recent mass shootings have shown that we have work to do to meet this responsibility, and I am ready to get to work to find real solutions that make our schools, churches, grocery stores, and neighborhoods safe for everyone.

Every issue identified as a focus for this committee is an important area that merits a robust discussion on what more we can do to prevent future mass shootings. We must make schools safer. We must do more for mental healthcare, not just when someone is in crisis, but to prevent crises altogether. We must ensure social media is being used responsibly and that police have the proper training to quickly respond if a shooting takes place. And we must implement policies to prevent firearms from falling into the hands of those who would use them as tools of unthinkable destruction instead of personal protection.

I recognize that this is a process that will invite intense discussion from many viewpoints. However, it is my hope that we can arrive at thoughtful solutions to keep our communities safe and mitigate mass shootings.” 

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa proudly represents the counties of Nueces, Jim Wells, Brooks, and Hidalgo (part). Senator Hinojosa currently serves as Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Senate Committee on Jurisprudence, and the Senate Committee on Redistricting, and serves on the Senate Committees on Border Security; Criminal Justice; Natural Resources & Economic Development; Transportation, and Special Committee to Protect All Texans.

Summer Programs at McAllen Parks & Recreation

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Summer Programs at McAllen Parks & Recreation
YouTube Image
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Looking for summer fun activities to do for the summer for the entire family? Check out McAllen Parks and Recreation for their Summer Programs www.mcallenparks.net .

Non-Match Grant to Improve Public Transit

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Non-Match Grant to Improve Public Transit
The City of Brownsville has been awarded a $300,000, non-match required grant, to help improve public transit in our community. Image for illustration purposes
The City of Brownsville has been awarded a $300,000, non-match required grant, to help improve public transit in our community. Image for illustration purposes

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BROWNSVILLE, Texas – The City of Brownsville has been awarded a $300,000, non-match required grant, to help improve public transit in our community. The Federal Transit Administration awarded this funding to conduct a MicroTransit Implementation Study. The study focuses on MicroTransit, a new innovative solution aimed at improving the transit rider’s experience by operating small-scale, on-demand transit services. 

“We are excited to accept this grant, and to focus on ways to improve transit experiences for our citizens. Public transportation is essential for communities and with the funding assistance from the Federal Transit Administration we look forward to providing an innovative solution for the community,” said Mayor Trey Mendez. 

MicroTransit is comparable to “Uber” or “Lyft,” but with the intention of enhancing public transportation, by using smaller vehicles to transport passengers through zones within its service area. Passengers would be connected to existing routes, or transfer stations, by using an app. Multimodal Transportation – Brownsville Metro will leverage this study to strategically implement MicroTransit in areas throughout Brownsville, in which bus routes are not currently available. 

“This an amazing opportunity for our city. We are thrilled to launch this study, and work with The Federal Transit Administration on innovative ways to improve the lives of our families in Brownsville,” said Joel Garza Jr, CPM, Director of Multimodal Transportation. 

RGV Agents Arrest Criminal Migrant and Gang Members

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RGV Agents Arrest Criminal Migrant and Gang Members
Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) agents arrested a registered sex offender migrant and 11 gang members this week preventing them from infiltrating our communities. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) agents arrested a registered sex offender migrant and 11 gang members this week preventing them from infiltrating our communities. USCBP Image for illustration purposes

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EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) agents arrested a registered sex offender migrant and 11 gang members this week preventing them from infiltrating our communities.

Edin Jeovanny Rodriguez
USCBP Image

On June 3, Fort Brown Border Patrol Station agents apprehended Edin Jeovanny Rodriguez, a Honduran national. He was convicted in 2018, in Virginia, for carnal knowledge of child 13-14 years of age and received a five year sentence. 

On June 1, McAllen Border Patrol Station (MCS) agents apprehended a Salvadoran Mara–Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang member near Mission. The MS-13’s record checks revealed he was arrested for homicide in his home country.

Additionally, over the last five days, RGV agents arrested two 18th Street and eight MS-13 gang members from El Salvador.

All subjects were processed accordingly.

Edinburg Police Send Second Group of Officers to Uvalde

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Edinburg Police Send Second Group of Officers to Uvalde
Sgt. Rodriguez and four additional police officers headed back to the mourning community of Uvalde to lend a helping hand and to provide support for victims’ families. Image courtesy of th City of Edinburg.
Sgt. Rodriguez and four additional police officers headed back to the mourning community of Uvalde to lend a helping hand and to provide support for victims’ families. Image courtesy of th City of Edinburg.

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As Texas peace officers, we continue our commitment to serving, protecting, and assisting local communities in need. Last week, a group of Edinburg Police officers returned home after nearly a week in Uvalde, Texas. Sgt. Rodriguez and four additional police officers headed back to the mourning community of Uvalde to lend a helping hand and to provide support for victims’ families. 

#WeStandWithUvalde 

#ProudToServe

Expulsions of children from the United States UP

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Expulsions of children from the United States UP
In the first quarter of 2022, the United States Government has returned to Mexico 7 thousand 63 minors, which represents an increase of 29 percent compared to the same period of the previous year. Image for illustration puirposes
In the first quarter of 2022, the United States Government has returned to Mexico 7 thousand 63 minors, which represents an increase of 29 percent compared to the same period of the previous year. Image for illustration puirposes

Secretaría de Gobernacíon

MEXICO – In the first quarter of 2022, the United States Government has returned to Mexico 7 thousand 63 minors, which represents an increase of 29 percent compared to the same period of the previous year.

This is according to the publication ‘Migrant children and adolescents in an irregular migratory situation, from and in transit through Mexico’, a report published at the end of May by the Mexican Ministry of the Interior (Segob).

According to data from the Unit for Immigration Policy, Registration and Identity of Persons (UPMRIP) of this unit, from January to March a total of 7,063 children and adolescents were returned from the United States for their irregular stay in that nation.

While in the same quarter, but in 2021, they added 5,476. So, the difference between one year and another was 1,587.

The information published this year indicates that the majority, 78 percent of the more than 7,000 minors returned to Mexico, did so without the company of an adult.

Source:  https://www.gob.mx/segob

Register to Vote Now

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Register to Vote Now
As election time nears, we should all exercise our right to vote, but before we vote, we must register. Image for illustration purposes
As election time nears, we should all exercise our right to vote, but before we vote, we must register. Image for illustration purposes

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Follow the Three steps below and you will be ready to vote in the upcoming elections. It’s Simple. It’s Fast. It’s your right

1. Check If You Are Eligible

Below are the Voter Registration Eligibility Requirements

  • Be a United States Citizen
  • Be a resident of the Texas county or political subdivision
  • Be at least 18 years of age on Election Day
  • Not been finally convicted of a felony (if convicted must have fully discharged the sentence or been pardoned or otherwise released from the disability to vote.)
  • Not been determined by a court as being mentally incapacitated or partially mentally incapacitated without the right to vote.

2. Register to Vote

Request A Registration Card by Mail

REQUEST ON TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE WEBSITE

To register to vote online please visit the link below:

Register to Vote

3. What Happens Next

After you fill out and submit your registration card, here’s what happens next.

  • 1. After you apply and submit your application, a voter registration certificate will be mailed to you within 30 days. If you do not receive it, check with your county elections office to verify that there was nothing wrong with your application.
  • 2. When you receive it, make sure that all the information is correct. If there are mistakes, contact your elections office immediately.
  • 3. If you lose your certificate, you can request a replacement by filling out a voter registration card and selecting the option of “Request for a Replacement Card” found in the form. You can also request it in writing to the county elections office.
  • 4. Every two years you will be issued a new certificate, if you have not moved from the address you provided in the form.

LEARN MORE AT OUR VOTER FAQ

Take Your ID

Now that you’re registered it’s important to know your next steps. When you go vote the following are acceptable forms of identification you need*:

  • Texas Election Identification Certificate
  • Texas Driver License
  • Texas Personal Identification Card
  • Texas Concealed Handgun License
  • US. Passport
  • US Military Identification Cards (CAC)
  • Uniformed Services ID Cards
  • Veterans Affairs ID Cards
  • U.S. Certificate of Naturalization
  • U.S. Certificate of Citizenship

Unable to obtain one of these IDs? Fill out a declaration at the polls explaining why and bring one of the following supporting documents:

  • Valid Voter Registration Certificate
  • Certified Birth Certificate (Must Be Original) 
  • Copy of/Original Current Utility Bill
  • Copy of/Original Bank Statement
  • Copy of/Original Government Check
  • Copy of/Original Paycheck
  • Copy of/Original Government Document With Your Name and an Address (Original Required if it Contains a Photograph)

To register to vote online please visit the link below:

Register to Vote

FIND MORE INFORMATION AT VOTETEXAS.ORG

CONTACT INFORMATION:
OFFICE ADDRESS:

*With the exception of the U.S. citizenship certificate, the identification must be current or have expired no more than 4 years before being presented for voter qualification at the polling place. 


Exceptions:

Voters with a disability may apply with the county voter registrar for a permanent exemption to showing ID at the polls. Voters with a religious objection to being photographed or voters who do not have a ID due to certain natural disasters may apply for a temporary exemption to showing ID at the polls. Please contact your voter registrar for more details.

Uvalde Relief Fund, Texans United with Uvalde

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Uvalde Relief Fund, Texans United with Uvalde

Texas Border Business

We have all been truly devastated by the loss of life, with the tragic events in Uvalde, Texas, Lone Star National Bank in partnership with ARB Energy, LLC, RGV FC, and the RGV Vipers and Toros Foundation have launched the Uvalde Relief Fund.

You can make a charitable donation by visiting any Lone Star National Bank location across the Rio Grande Valley and San Antonio.

Uvalde families need your help. These funds will help the families with their unexpected expenses. Let’s help our neighbors and donate to the UVALDE Relief Fund.

Mexico’s First Judicial Bench Book for New Accusatory Criminal Justice System

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Mexico’s First Judicial Bench Book for New Accusatory Criminal Justice System
This judicial bench book is the first designed specifically for Mexico’s accusatory criminal justice system, which was fully implemented in 2016. Image for illustration purposes
This judicial bench book is the first designed specifically for Mexico’s accusatory criminal justice system, which was fully implemented in 2016. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Borer Business

MEXICO CITY – The Mexican federal judiciary, the Mexico City state judiciary, the Puebla state judiciary, and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (OPDAT) launched their Bench Book for Criminal Hearings and Trials, which is designed to increase judicial economy, decrease caseloads, and standardize judicial practices across Mexico.  With funding from the Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), this resource will serve as an effective and practical tool for justice sector actors including criminal judges, prosecutors, and defense counsel across the country.

This judicial bench book is the first designed specifically for Mexico’s accusatory criminal justice system, which was fully implemented in 2016.  They will build national capacity in the system and encourage the sustainable standardization of best practices.  With standardized procedures for criminal hearings thanks to the Bench Book, criminal justice actors will efficiently establish all required elements within their respective hearings, resulting in sturdier convictions, fewer successful appeals, and less criminal impunity.

Over the past three years, OPDAT, 25 Mexican judges, and three Colombian judges with bench book experience worked tirelessly to compose standards for a Mexican Bench Book. Then, multiple institutions, to include the federal Attorney General’s Office and Public Defender’s Office, took part in the revision of the Bench Book, which ensured the final product is a true collaborative effort by multiple Mexican institutions.

Officials from state and federal judiciaries, state attorney general offices, and other institutions that helped create and revise the guide attended the launch.  

U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar, who delivered opening remarks, stated, “As a former state attorney general I know just how important bench books can be.  And what a great collaboration between the U.S. government and all sorts of Mexican officials.  This is the Seguridad Compartida we’re continually talking about, in action.” 

Mexican Supreme Court of Justice, Alfredo Gutierrez Ortiz Mena, also participated in the inauguration and stated, “These guidelines not only define the nature and timing of roles, but also support said roles in jurisprudence, allowing to strategize.”

After the bench books’ dissemination, OPDAT and the federal judiciary will implement a monitoring and evaluation plan to show how effective the book is at reducing average hearing durations, and minimizing unnecessary delays and appeals.

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