VALLE DEL SOL RECOGNIZED AS FAR WEST AFFILIATE OF THE YEAR REGIONAL HONOREE

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NCLR (National Council of La Raza) recognized Valle del Sol as the 2014 Far West Affiliate of the Year during the NCLR Annual National Conference.

“Valle del Sol received the award because of their deep commitment to providing critical needs and services to Latino families,” said Janet Murguía, NCLR President and CEO. “We are incredibly grateful to have such a strong network of Affiliates; without them, we would not be able to have the impact we need to foster a stronger, smarter, and healthier Latino community.”

“I was honored to accept this award on behalf of Valle del Sol from NCLR,” said Carlos Galindo-Elvira, Valle del Sol’s Chief Development Officer. “It is a testament of the important work our agency provides to the individuals, children, and families in need of our services.”

The Affiliate of the Year Award and the Regional Honoree awards, sponsored by Ford Motor Company Fund, recognize exemplary nonprofit management, service to community, and active engagement in and promotion of NCLR’s programmatic and advocacy initiatives.

VALLE DEL SOL RECEIVES FQHC “LOOK Alike” DESIGNATION

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“Our goal of being recognized as a Federally Qualified Health Center, also known as Community Health Centers, has been achieved. This July Valle del Sol received its designation as an FQHC Look Alike for integrated behavioral health and primary care clinics, something we have strategically been working on for over three years,” said Carmen Heredia, Valle del Sol’s Chief of Arizona Operations

What is a Community Health Center? 

Find out by watching this short video and reading the Q & A with Kurt Sheppard.

Q & A with Kurt Sheppard, President and CEO, Valle del Sol

Q: What is the benefit of getting the designation?

A: The designation opens lots of opportunities for funding to healthcare and enhancement of reimbursement rates to serve underserved community.

Q: Sounds too good to be true, is there a catch?

A: No, there is no catch.  As with all service agreements, certifications, or contracts there are regulations to follow and oversight but we knew that going into this.  There is a lot of reporting and collaboration with the federal government that will be new to us and there are 19 requirements we must have in place in order to keep the designation.  The requirements are good for Valle del Sol and in a lot of ways make us better, for example we are required to have the Board of Directors that governs Valle del Sol be made up of at least 51% patients/clients receiving services from us, we actually have that makeup in our Board and it has enhanced the perspective and decision making of the Board.

Q: What can I expect to see change?

A: Probably several changes over time but mostly around an increased ability to provide whole Total Health services integrating primary care and behavioral healthcare out of our service sites. Also the government just put out the request to submit applications for New Access Points around the country for FQHCs and we will be applying for that.  Right now we are a “Look Alike” which basically means we have to follow all of the 19 requirements but don’t receive some of the funding and perks that “full” FQHCs do.  We are aiming to be in that category next.

CONNECT 2 LEAD YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

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Through two grants awarded by COX Charities and Fiesta Bowl Charities, Valle del Sol started a new Youth Leadership Program, called Connect2Lead. The inaugural class of the program graduated on June 5, 2014 with the next scheduled to start on August 14^th. The youth who depend upon Valle del Sol want nothing more than to bring about positive changes in their own lives. The Connect2Lead Youth Leadership Program is an investment in the lives of those who will be the future participants and leaders of our community.

Connect2Lead helps youth function effectively in their environment; promotes and facilitates constructive dialogue and interactions between youth leadership themselves and with community leaders by way of presentations; to empower participants with life and transition skills with hands-on experiences for personal care, various independent living lessons like budgeting and grocery shopping. Participants do various group exercises to help increase their confidence and self-esteem. They gain a better understanding about how they can become more involved in their community through volunteerism. In addition, the program provides drug resistance skills by teaching participants how to say “NO” to substance abuse through practical, easy-to-remember strategies. Interactive lessons involve youth in cooperative learning, group discussion, problem solving and role playing as they learn, practice and demonstration the real resistance strategies. Youth participants served by Valle del Sol are from high risk families in low-income areas of greater metropolitan Phoenix.

7 LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS TO CHOOSE FROM

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Valle del Sol offers seven leadership development program opportunities statewide. Each of the leadership programs connects participants with Arizona’s foremost business and policy authorities in a continuing dialogue about leadership. The curriculum builds from participants’ experiences, emphasizing personal and professional development with a practical orientation.

Sessions focus on ethics, cultural and personal identity, community issues, public and media relations skills, board/commission service, and meetings and protocol among other topics.

For more information, go to www.valledelsol.com and click on Leadership Development.

 

AFRICAN-AMERICAN LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
A partnership between Valle del Sol, Arizona OIC, and South Mountain Community College.
Session starts: September 2014

HLI-PINAL
A partnership between Valle del Sol, Latino Familia Initiative, and Central Arizona College.
Session starts: September 2014

HLI-WEST
A partner between Valle del Sol, the Hispanic Leadership Forum, and Estrella Mountain Community College.
Session starts: September 2014

HISPANIC LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
A partnership between Valle del Sol and ASU’s College of Public Programs.
Session starts: February 2015

HLI-EAST VALLEY
A partnership between Valle del Sol, Mesa Association of Hispanic Citizens, and Mesa Public Schools.
Session starts: February 2015

HLI-TUCSON
A partnership between Valle del Sol, the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Pima Community College.
Session starts: February 2015

HLI-YUMA COUNTY
A partnership between Valle del Sol, Yuma Private Industry Council, and ASU’s Bob Ramsey Executive Education Program.
Session starts: October 2014

GOING GONZO FOR KIDS

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Girls Resiliency Program Receives Award 

The Arizona Diamondbacks, CenturyLink and Luis Gonzalez share a passion of positively impacting the lives of children in Arizona. Valle del Sol’s Girls Resiliency Program received a $4,000 “Going Gonzo for Kids” in partnership with Century Link Award. Girls Resiliency Group assist in building self-esteem , gaining new life tools  and nutrition education.  

Valle del Sol embraces these young ladies to help them live inspired lives and to believe in themselves, achieve personal goals  and enhance their leadership skills. Valle del Sol helps to make a real change in their lives positively and powerfully. All of the girls referred to the Girls Resiliency Group face unbelievable and unimaginable circumstances in their young lives from poverty, broken families, academic challenges  to the heartache of violence. The staff overseeing this program helps to meet the needs of these special girls by being supportive and committed to elevating their quality of lives through this unique program.

The Girls Resiliency Group assists the girls to regain a feeling of inspiration and self-worth and is tailored to empower them with community guest speakers, a special family night and a graduation ceremony to mark an important milestone in their lives. At the end of their ten week journey  girls leave with a higher sense of understanding and an appreciation for positive communication  self-respect  and diversity appreciation as well as knowing techniques to dispel peer pressure  negative self-talk  and teen violence. They also benefit from having conversations on topics not discussed that impact their young lives like teen drug abuse, abstinence and personal hygiene. The Girls Resiliency Group works and it changes lives of 12-17 year olds that otherwise might be forgotten or left behind.

PROFILES OF SUCCESS: VOICES FOR THE COMMUNITY

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HEY, HEY, GET READY…
IT’S TIME FOR PROFILES OF SUCCESS!

We invite you to join Valle del Sol for its 24^th annual Profiles of Success, kicking off National Hispanic Heritage Month in Arizona. More than 1.300 people are expected to attend the event on September 5, 2014 at the Phoenix Convention Center, the theme for the Profiles of Success Hispanic Leadership Awards Celebration is VOICES FOR THE COMMUNITY to honor special people who lead, advocate and serve to strengthen our state. Please consider supporting this important fundraising event and join Valle del Sol in being a champion, cheerleader, and change-maker for our Arizona Community.

Serving as Valle del Sol’s annual fundraising event, the funds raised directly assist Valle del Sol’s efforts to provide extensive services and programs to thousands of individuals in our community who depend upon our agency to bring about positive changes in their lives.

Ten individuals and one organization will be honored for their service to community and leadership. The funds raised will directly assist Valle del Sol in its efforts to provide extensive services and programs to thousands of individuals in our community who depend upon the agency to bring about positive changes in their lives. Valle del Sol is committed to improving the quality of life for people in need by providing the best possible services.

 In addition to an exciting program, this year’s Event Committee has put together fabulous Silent Auction. Some of the highlights of the auction include:

– Roundtrip Tickets on Southwest Airlines
– Four Course Private Dinner for Eight with the Executive Chef of the Phoenix Convention Center
– Various Theatre Tickets, Vacation Packages, Jewelry, original works of art, and much, much more

2014 Profiles of Success Sponsored in part by: SRP as Premier Sponsor, The Arizona Republic, 12 News, La Voz and azcentral.com as Presenting Media Sponsors, APS as Estrella Sponsor, Southwest Airlines as Official Airline Sponsor, Telemundo Phoenix as Spanish TV Sponsor, 100.3, 105.9 and 106.3 as Hispanic Radio Sponsors, Frontdoors News as Digital Magazine Sponsor, and Arizona Lottery, Arvizu Advertising & Promotions, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, and Cox Communications as Sol Sponsors.

Overview of Profiles of Success

Sponsorship Opportunities or Tickets

#Profiles2014

Lisa Doromal to be honored at Profiles of Success

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On Friday, Sept. 5, eleven awards will be presented at this year’s Profiles of Success, which will be held at the Phoenix Convention Center. This is an event you won’t want to miss. Support the great work Valle del Sol does in the community… Click here for tickets and more information.

The Rosa Carrillo Torres Humanitarian Award will be awarded to Lisa Doromal.
Lisa Doromal is the Founder and Executive Director of the Phoenix affiliate of Dress for Success Worldwide, an organization that promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women. Lisa, who is also a devoted wife and mother of two with a degree in Clothing Textiles and Fashion Merchandising, knew she wanted to find a way to combine her passion for fashion with helping women in her community. Lisa discovered the answer to her dream through a boutique space called Dress for Success Phoenix, which is located in Central Phoenix. There, disadvantaged and unemployed women can come in and work with passionate volunteers, who help the women begin to transform their lives. For the past six years, Lisa has worked diligently on her organization. Her efforts to create an inviting place where vulnerable women can go to get their outer and inner selves fortified to fully prepare for their job interviews—and then continue with additional preparation to go forth and create a path to self-sufficiency—have made an enormous difference for thousands of women. Her passion caught the attention of Chicanos Por La Causa and it was with their initial support that Lisa, through her hard work and dedication, established the first boutique and has been able to grow the endeavor, one woman at a time, to one that now serves more than 1,000 women every year. To help even more women, Lisa is currently working on launching a mobile unit to go out into the community to better serve all women requiring services.

#Profiles2014

Veronica Vital to be honored at Profiles of Success

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On Friday, Sept. 5, eleven awards will be presented at this year’s Profiles of Success, which will be held at the Phoenix Convention Center. This is an event you won’t want to miss. Support the great work Valle del Sol does in the community… Click here for tickets and more information.

The Latino Excellence in Health & Sciences Award will be awarded to Veronica Vital, Ph.D., RN
Dr. Veronica Vital has dedicated a great deal of time, energy and education to addressing the care and health disparities experienced by Latinos with diabetes. For example, she focused her doctoral work on understanding the experiences and perceptions of adults of Mexican origin who had just been told their elevated glucose levels put them in the diabetic range. Through the American Diabetes Association, Dr. Vital has been able to share her expertise, advocating for the needs of newly-diagnosed diabetic patients, including their health, social and learning needs related to the disease. As a result of her expertise and knowledge of working with Latino families with diabetes, Dr. Vital was recently selected as one of 15 leaders in the country who will implement a physical activity and healthy diet program through the National Association of Hispanic Nurses. The program, which is called Muevete, was inspired by First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” campaign, which helps to address childhood obesity. The Muevete program will involve Latino nurses and volunteers working with local school students, teachers, and families to learn healthy behaviors. Since she was a young girl, Dr. Vital has demonstrated leadership by confronting challenges and barriers upfront with professionalism and dedication. Although she currently works full-time and provides care for her family—including as main caregiver to her grandson—she still finds more than 20 hours per week to lead initiatives like the Muevete project, as well as mentoring the young student nurses who are part of it, and dedicating time to serve on important community leadership boards. Dr. Veronica Vital is a graduate of Valle del Sol’s Hispanic Leadership Institute, Class of 2000.

#Profiles2014

CopperPoint Mutual Insurance to be honored at Profiles of Success

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On Friday, Sept. 5, twelve honorees will be recognized for their leadership achievements at Valle del Sol’s Profiles of Success. Receiving The Corazón Award is CopperPoint Mutual Insurance Company. Click here for tickets and more information.

For decades, CopperPoint Mutual Insurance Company has been dedicated to championing Latino issues and causes. The organization is supportive of Valle del Sol, as well as the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Chicanos Por La Causa and Friendly House, to name a few. The company’s dedication to Valle del Sol dates back to the 1970s, when Rick DeGraw served on the board of directors and helped to guide the organization forward. CopperPoint, which was named as one of Arizona’s Most Admired Companies in 2013 by Arizona Business Magazine, giving back to the community is a way of life at CopperPoint and they are especially proud that their employees also feel this sense of responsibility. For example, CopperPoint’s Board of Directors believes its corporate responsibility requires active engagement in the communities it serves through direct sponsorship support, economic development and employee involvement. This commitment to helping others has been developed through the knowledge that as a company, CopperPoint can only be successful when all of Arizona and its communities share in that success. They truly believe that being a community partner means more than providing the highest quality customer service to policyholders. It also means taking ownership of the role they can play in making their state a better place to live for everyone. CopperPoint’s impact on the Latino community is immeasurable. From facilitating new leaders in the community to supporting Latino businesses and development, CopperPoint’s commitment to service is unrivaled.

#Profiles2014

Luis Ávila to be honored at Profiles of Success

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You won’t want to miss Valle del Sol’s Profiles of Success on Friday, Sept. 5, 2014.  Click here for tickets and more information. Among the honorees this year is Luis Ávila, who will receive the Latino Advocacy Champion Award.

As a community organizer, Luis Ávila excels at working effectively. He does this by utilizing his vast experience in organizing and educating, collaborating closely with diverse communities, and dedicating himself to social and economic justice. Because of his skills and passion for helping others, Luis has held leadership roles in many organizations across Arizona and the country. For example, through his work as Public Affairs Specialist for State Farm, Luis created partnerships and identified ways in which to collaborate with nonprofit organizations across various southern states. Luis is dedicated to helping a variety of organizations, including Stand for Children, in any way he can. As those who work with him at Stand for Children can attest, the organization’s positive impact on the community is the direct result of Luis’s hard work and passion. In addition to being a tireless advocate for immigrant rights, Luis does everything he can to help the general community. For example, in 2006 Luis co-founded and began leading the Isac Amaya Foundation, an organization that is focused on raising funds to provide scholarships to students who want to continue their higher education. He also served as Vice President of the Arizona Latino Media Association in 2008. In 2009, Luis received a recipient of one of the “40 Hispanic Leaders Under 40 Awards” for his continuous work in the defense of immigrant rights. In 2011, he served as president of the Somos America Coalition, the largest immigrant-rights coalition in Arizona. No matter what project or organization he is involved with, Luis’ hard work has had a significant impact on the lives of many people.

#Profiles2014