Tag Archives: One Fund El Paso

On Wednesday, officials with WellMed Charitable Foundation (WCF) donated over $575,000 to the El Paso Strong fund, set up to help victims of the August 3 Walmart massacre.

WellMed presented the check to City Representative Henry Rivera and Paso del Norte Community Foundation CEO, Tracy Yellen at WellMed’s new location at 615 Zaragoza.

The gift represents the largest donation from one group to Paso del Norte for One Fund El Paso.  Three of the 22 victims killed in the El Paso shooting were WellMed patients.

Soon after the tragedy, the WCF set up the El Paso Strong fund and asked WellMed employees to donate to help victims and families. WellMed matched donations from WellMed employees. Employees in all WellMed markets contributed to the El Paso Strong fund.

Additionally, WellMed founder Dr. George Rapier and his wife Kym pledged $500,000 to the El Paso Strong fund to help victims of the El Paso shooting and their families.

The Paso del Norte Community Foundation established the El Paso Victims Relief Fund in the hours after the shooting to support victims and their families. The PDN Community Foundation is working with One Fund El Paso to distribute the philanthropic resources to victims and families.

The WellMed Charitable Foundation (WCF) is the philanthropic partner of WellMed Medical Management, Inc., a large health care company that specializes in care of older adults, serving more than 600,000 patients in more than a dozen communities in Florida, New Mexico and Texas, including El Paso.

Officials with One Fund El Paso are reminding residents that the last day to donate to the victims of the August 3 mass shooting in El Paso is Monday, November 25.

More than $10 million has been raised for the victims. Donations have come in from El Pasoans and people around the world since the shooting, which left 22 dead, more than 40 who have sought medical treatment for injuries, and hundreds suffering psychological trauma.

A total of 441 applications has been received from victims of the massacre, according to the National Compassion Fund, a program of the nonprofit National Center for Victims of Crime, which is handling the process.

The month-long application period ended on November 8; however donations may be made at onefundelpaso.org. They are due by 11:59 p.m. on November 25.

Applications were available in four categories — death benefits; individual physical injury for victims requiring overnight hospitalization or long-term care; individual physical injury of victims treated at area hospitals on an emergency outpatient basis; and individuals witnessing the attack and its aftermath who have sought access to mental health support services.

Victims must have been present at the Cielo Vista Walmart, Sam’s Club or their respective parking lots during the attack.

National Compassion Fund staff is working with local law enforcement, the District Attorney’s office, and Walmart to validate applications; and that process should be completed by early December.

The One Fund El Paso Task Force, which is coordinated by Stephanie Karr and chaired by Ruben Vogt, and its board of directors will make the final determination on how the money will be allocated.

One Fund El Paso is a single entity established by the City of El Paso, the El Paso Community Foundation and the Paso del Norte Community Foundation to streamline the process of distributing donated funds to victims of the August 3 mass shooting.

National Compassion Fund staff will be in El Paso November 1-2 to assist with applications for financial assistance from One Fund El Paso in relation to the August 3 mass shooting.

National Compassion Fund staff will assist with applications from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, November 1 and Saturday, November 2 at the El Paso United Community Assistance Center (El Paso County’s Family Youth Services Center) at 6314 Delta.

Email onefundelpaso@nationalcompassionfund.org to request an appointment.

There are four types of applications — death benefits; individual physical injury for victims requiring overnight hospitalization or long-term care; individual physical injury of victims treated at area hospitals on an emergency outpatient basis; and individuals witnessing the attack and its aftermath.

Victims must have been present at the Cielo Vista Walmart, Sam’s Club or their respective parking lots during the attack.

One Fund El Paso is a single entity established by the City of El Paso, the El Paso Community Foundation and the Paso del Norte Community Foundation to streamline the process of distributing donated funds to victims of the August 3 mass shooting.

Those who have registered for assistance may apply at nationalcompassionfund.org. The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. Friday, November 8.

The following agencies are offering application assistance through November 8:

EL PASO

Applicants must call or email ahead to set up an appointment at any of these locations.

• Centro San Vicente Health Center, 8061 Alameda, 915-858-2932

Ask to speak with Outreach and Enrollment Assisters

• County of El Paso General Assistance, 6314 Delta, 915-775-2726

Contact: Maria Lopez, malopez@epcounty.com

• El Paso Center for Children, 2200 N. Stevens, 915-565-8361

Contact: Jacqueline Flores, jflores@epccinc.org

• El Paso Child Guidance Center, 2701 E. Yandell, 915-562-1999, ext. 3000

Contact: Betty Avila, bavila@epcgc.org

• Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center, 1500 Yandell 915-283-4706

Contact: Linda Corchado, lindacorchado@lasamericas.org

• Project BRAVO, 2000 Texas, 915-562-4100

Email casemanagers@projectbravo.org

• Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, Inc., 1331 Texas, 915-585-5115

Contact: Gracie Martinez, gmartinez@trla.org

CIUDAD JUAREZ

No appointment necessary.

• Technology Hub — Edificio GAGA,Ave. Lopez Mateos 924, Col. La Playa, 656-257-0136

Hours: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, November 2.

One Fund El Paso and the National Compassion Fund have joined with agencies in El Paso and Ciudad Juarez to provide help for those applying for direct financial assistance related to the August 3 mass shooting in El Paso.

Applications to One Fund El Paso may be completed online, or with the assistance of the following agencies. The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. Friday, November 8, 2019.

There are four types of applications — death benefits; individual physical injury for victims requiring overnight hospitalization or long-term care; individual physical injury of victims treated at area hospitals on an emergency outpatient basis; and individuals witnessing the attack and its aftermath.

Victims must have been present at the Cielo Vista Walmart, Sam’s Club or their respective parking lots during the attack.

One Fund El Paso is a single entity established by the City of El Paso, the El Paso Community Foundation and the Paso del Norte Community Foundation to streamline the process of distributing donated funds to victims of the August 3 mass shooting.

EL PASO

Applicants must call or email ahead to set up an appointment at any of these locations.

• Centro San Vicente Health Center, 8061 Alameda, 915-858-2932

Ask to speak with Outreach and Enrollment Assisters

• County of El Paso General Assistance, 6314 Delta, 915-775-2726

Contact: Maria Lopez, malopez@epcounty.com

• El Paso Center for Children, 2200 N. Stevens, 915-565-8361

Contact: Jacqueline Flores, jflores@epccinc.org

• El Paso Child Guidance Center, 2701 E. Yandell, 915-562-1999, ext. 3000

Contact: Betty Avila, bavila@epcgc.org

• Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center, 1500 Yandell 915-283-4706

Contact: Linda Corchado, lindacorchado@lasamericas.org

• Project BRAVO, 2000 Texas, 915-562-4100

Email casemanagers@projectbravo.org

• Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, Inc., 1331 Texas, 915-585-5115

Contact: Gracie Martinez, gmartinez@trla.org

CIUDAD JUAREZ

No appointment necessary.

• Centro de Inclusion Digital, Melquiades Alanis 6431, Col. San Lorenzo, 656-257-0136

Hours: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. October 19, October 26, and November 2.

****

One Fund El Paso y el National Compassion Fund están colaborando con agencias de El Paso y Ciudad Juárez para ayudar a llenar la forma para asistencia financiera a los afectados por el tiroteo del 3 de Agosto en El Paso. La forma se puede llenar en linea en nationalcompassionfund.org, o pueden recibir asistencia para el llenado en las agencias aquí abajo enlistadas. Recuerde que la fecha límite para aplicar a los fondos es el 8 de Noviembre del 2019.

Existen 4 tipos de aplicación – para beneficiarios por fallecimiento, para herida física con hospitalización de mas de 24 horas o de cuidados de largo plazo, para herida física con atención ambulatoria en hospitales de la región y para individuos que presenciaron el ataque y/o la escena después del ataque. Las víctimas tuvieron que haber estado presentes en el Walmart o Sam’s Club de Cielo Vista o en sus respectivos estacionamientos durante el ataque. One Fund El Paso es una organización individual establecida por la Ciudad de El Paso, El Paso Community Foundation y Paso del Norte Community Foundation para agilizar el proceso de la distribución de los fondos donados para las víctimas del tiroteo del 3 de Agosto.

Officials with One Fund El Paso announced Wednesday that victims of the August 3 mass shooting in El Paso may begin applying for financial assistance from One Fund El Paso on Thursday, October 10.

To help those who may qualify for donated funds or with other needs, the One Fund El Paso Task Force and United Way of El Paso County will host a free Community Resource Fair from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, October 12 at the new El Paso United Community Assistance Center, 6314 Delta. Various agencies will be present to offer assistance.

Eligible applicants, regardless of nationality, must have been present in the Cielo Vista Walmart, Cielo Vista Sam’s Club or their respective parking lots on August 3.

They include: survivors of those killed in the attack; those who were physically injured and hospitalized inpatient or rehabilitation for one or more nights between August 3 and November 8, 2019; those physically injured and treated at area hospitals on an emergency outpatient basis; and those suffering from trauma from witnessing the attack or its aftermath and sought ongoing licensed mental health treatment with multiple sessions no later than October 15, 2019.

If the victim is under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must apply on the victim’s behalf. Only one application should be submitted by, or on behalf of, each victim.

Eligible victims may apply for funds donated to One Fund El Paso through the National Compassion Fund website . Those who do not have internet access may call 855-4VICTIM (855-484-2846). November 8 is the last day to apply.

The National Compassion Fund is administering One Fund El Paso.

National Compassion Fund staff will be available to meet members of the community October 10-12 at the assistance center. Email onefundelpaso@nationalcompassionfund.org, or call 855-4VICTIM (855-484-2846) to set up an appointment.

Application assistance also will be available in Ciudad Juarez from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. October 12, 19 and 26, and November 2, or by appointment, at Centro de Inclusion Digital, Melquiades Alanes 6431, Col. San Lorenzo, + 52 656 411-1370.

The Community Resource Fair will help people affected by the shooting to connect to immediate support services providing emotional healing and other types of social services.

The following community partners will provide services: El Paso Center for Children; El Paso Child Guidance Center; El Paso County District Attorney’s Office Victim Services; El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Victim Services; El Paso Police Department Victim Services; Emergence Health Network; Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center; Mexican Consulate; Project Bravo; and Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, Inc.

One Fund El Paso is a single entity established by the City of El Paso, the El Paso Community Foundation and the Paso del Norte Community Foundation to streamline the process of distributing donated funds to victims of the August 3 mass shooting, and their families.

To date, the foundations’ victims’ funds have received more than $6 million in donations.

The One Fund El Paso Task Force and the National Compassion Fund will host a public town hall meeting to gather public input on how the funds collected in the wake of the August 3rd mass shooting will be distributed.

The town hall is scheduled for Thursday, September 26 in the Multi-Purpose Room at Bonham Elementary School, located at 7024 Cielo Vista Drive, starting at 5:30 p.m.

One Fund El Paso is a single entity established by the City of El Paso, the El Paso Community Foundation and the Paso del Norte Community Foundation to streamline the process of distributing donated funds to victims of the August 3 mass shooting, and their families.

To date, the El Paso Community Foundation’s El Paso Shooting Victims’ Fund and the Paso del Norte Community Foundation’s El Paso Victims Relief Fund have received more than $6 million in donations.

The Task Force is working with the National Compassion Fund, which will administer One Fund El Paso. The Draft Protocol is posted at online. It includes the categories of victims who may qualify, the application process for the funds, and when the funds will be given out.

Under the Draft Protocol, the application process would begin October 10, with a deadline of November 8. Donations to the El Paso Community Foundation’s El Paso Shooting Victims’ Fund and Paso del Norte Community Foundation’s El Paso Victims Relief Fund would end November 25, with the distribution of the monetary gifts by mid-December.

Those who may qualify are encouraged to go to nationalcompassionfund.org or call 855-4VICTIM to submit their information.

The One Fund El Paso Task Force, which is made up of city, county and nonprofit leaders, will consider the public’s input before making a final decision on the Draft Protocol by early October.

At the town hall, advocates from the 34th Judicial District Attorney’s Office Victims Assistance Program will be available to register those who may qualify.

Emergence Health Network will offer on-site counseling, with quiet rooms available for those who may need to decompress. Texas RioGrande Legal Aid Inc. will provide information about its legal services to victims and their families. Spanish translation services will be available.

Special needs parking is available in the school parking lot on Carolina Way, near Cielo Vista Drive. Ample unpaved parking near the Multi-Purpose Room is accessible from Bellrose Drive, just north of Edgemere Boulevard.

Those who are unable to attend the town hall are encouraged to email their comments to onefundelpaso@nationalcompassionfund.org. The deadline for comments is September 26.

On Wednesday, officials with both the El Paso Community Foundation (EPCF) and Paso del Norte Community Foundation (PDNCF) announced a partnership to create One Fund El Paso.

“One Fund El Paso and the National Compassion Fund are uniquely positioned to best serve the victims of this act of terrorism, and the community at large,” said Eric Pearson, President and CEO of the El Paso Community Foundation.  “NCF has a long track record of fair and equitable processes in tragic situations, and the formation of One Fund El Paso establishes a working collaboration among trusted nonprofit entities who want to do the right thing.”

The new non-profit agency  will be dedicated to developing and implementing a fund distribution plan for donations intended to support victims and survivors of those directly impacted in the August 3rd mass shooting at the El Paso Walmart.

Led by former Executive Director of the Center Against Sexual and Family Violence, Stephanie Karr, One Fund El Paso has contracted with the National Compassion Fund (NCF) and has established a task force to set policies and oversee the distribution of funds in the most fair and transparent manner.

NCF has been instrumental in the logistics of fund distribution associated with mass casualty incidents, including donations for victims and survivors of the September 11th terrorist attacks, as well as the shootings at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Santa Fe High School, and Las Vegas.

Utilizing best practices learned from these past events, the involvement of NCF will assure that the donations received by EPCF and PDNCF are appropriately and equitably distributed.

“Our hearts go out to the entire El Paso community,” said Jeffrey Dion, Executive Director of the National Compassion Fund. “We are honored to join forces with El Paso Community Foundation and Paso Del Norte Community Foundation to increase charitable giving and help meet the overwhelming needs of victims of mass shootings. We stand in solidarity with all of those impacted by gun violence.”

The administrative costs associated with the operation of One Fund El Paso and NCF are being covered entirely by EPCF and PDNCF so that victims and survivors receive 100% of donations.

One Fund El Paso will convene a town hall on September 26, 2019 at 6:00 PM at the Bonham Elementary School Mulitpurpose Center, 7024 Cielo Vista Drive, to discuss the process and obtain input from members of the community.

Victims, survivors and the general public are encouraged to attend this meeting as well as to visit National Compassion Fund (NCF) to sign up for updates regarding the application and distribution process.

To date, $5.6 million has been raised and donations continue to be accepted at the above website, the website of the El Paso Community Foundation, or the website of the Paso del Norte Community Foundation.

As of August 23rd, EPCF and PDNCF have distributed approximately $1,500 to each victim or survivor to assist with basic needs.

“We are grateful to have Stephanie Karr, the National Compassion Fund and the One Fund Task Force help oversee the important task of distributing the philanthropic resources in support of victims and families. It is important that we have the expertise and oversight to ensure an open and transparent process.” said Tracy Yellen, CEO of the Paso del Norte Community Foundation. “We are committed to ensuring that 100% of donations to the relief funds support victims and their families.”

The One Fund El Paso task force consists of the following community members:

Ruben Vogt, former El Paso County Judge (task force chair)
Nicole Ferrini, Chief Resiliency Officer, City of El Paso
Betsy Keller, El Paso County Chief Administrator
Patricia Bylicki, Victim Advocate, El Paso County Sheriff’s Office
Yvonne Whitaker, Supervisor, District Attorney’s Victim Services
Omar Villa, Assistant El Paso County Attorney/Chief Legal Officer, University Medical Center of El Paso
Beto Mesta, Managing Attorney, Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid, Inc., El Paso office
Ricardo Hernandez Lecanda, Deputy Consul General, Mexican Consulate
Rene Hurtado, Chief of Staff, Emergence Health Network
Stancy Stribling, PLLC, estate planning/probate/elder law attorney

Idahli Huizar-Mendoza, Director of Therapy Services, Center Against Sexual and Family Violence
Deborah Zuloaga, CEO, United Way of El Paso County
Eric Pearson, CEO, El Paso Community Foundation
Tracy Yellen, CEO, Paso del Norte Community Foundation