Projects

A.Y.U.D.A. INC

AYUDA is a bilingual, grassroots, non-profit corporation founded in 1992 for the purpose of advancing and bettering the quality of life of El Paso County's low-income individuals and families. We accomplish this by advocating for self-sufficiency and positive change through the building of stronger, healthier, civically-engaged communities; and providing direct services that are designed to eliminate the many obstacles to safe drinking water, affordable and decent housing, a quality education, a clean environment, and good health and nutrition.

AYUDA brings together organizations and individuals to advance the practice of public health, promote social equity, affordable housing and community development.

AYUDA strengthens working relationships and builds partnership opportunities that contribute to the effective delivery of programs and services that improve the quality of life of underserved populations.

We have an amazing group of people who work as a team to fulfill our organization’s mission and goals.

Olivia has been the Executive Director for A.Y.U.D.A. INC since 2011, but has been with the organization since 1995, when she started as a Promotora/Community Outreach Worker. Olivia was one of the original founders of the organization, and has been key to the growth and success of A.Y.U.D.A. INC. She was the one who secured funding for Colonia residents of El Paso County to provide them with clean and safe septic tanks, potable water and public lighting. She has also been a key player in bringing health related outreach to the county’s low-income families. Besides having been served in A.Y.U.D.A. INC for the past 27 years, she has also been part of the Paso Del Norte Red de Promotoras, where she served as the president between 2011-2017. Here, she was able to organize local and state Community Health Worker (CHW) Membership for all Red De Promotoras El Paso County members. Although no longer serving as the president, she continues to maintain an active member of this group.

Miguel Chacon has been the Fiscal Director and Program Coordinator for A.Y.U.D.A. INC since 2010. Miguel was the key player in the implementation of all of the organization’s HOME Program Projects. Miguel has an extensive experience as Fiscal Director and working with non-profit organizations for over 22 years. Having worked in organizations such as Alliance of Border Collaborative (ABC), Alianza para Colaboraciones Fronterizas, Sun City Insurance Group, and United States-Mexico Border Health Association, he was able to bring all of that expertise and knowledge to A.Y.U.D.A. INC. With his knowledge in non-profit programs, Miguel continues to work alongside Olivia to continue and expand the organization’s future by bringing in needed grants and projects to the El Paso County Colonia Communities, and hiring dedicated team members to assist in the day to day execution of the organization’s goals and programs.

Jose is yet another key player in the organization’s success. As a Special Projects Coordinator, he is in charge of providing Technical Assistance to community members and other community organizations, as part of the organization’s strategic planning. His vast experience and expertise in the field of Social Work, make him an integral part of this organization. Having worked as the lead social worker to assist multiple units at Hospitals of Providence Sierra Campus, as well as providing psychosocial support to individuals and families in need at Dignity Home Health. Jose comes also with his experience in Special Projects Coordinator from Alliance of Border Collaboratives, where he provided technical guidance to all project coordinators and community organizations alike. Has knowledge and experience in working with communities in need on both sides of the border as he was the Project Director for U.S.-Mexico Border Health Association between 2004-2009. He as well has gained experience in budgets and reports preparation, as well as overall implementation and evaluation of projects.

Juan Garcia is a new addition to the A.Y.U.D.A. INC Team, bringing vast experience as a Project Coordinator, Administrative Coordinator, Human Resource Representative and both Military Integrity and Discipline to the organization. Having served 8 years in the U.S. ARMY as a Personnel Administrator and Human Resources Specialist in charge of personnel processing, payroll and benefits for service members. After the military, he became a Human Resources Representative at GC Services, where he was in charge of interviewing and hiring new personnel, as well as of training new personnel in the matters of the company’s processes and policies. After GC Services, Juan became a Program Associate and later a Project Coordinator with El Paso Collaborative for Community & Economic Development where he was in charge of supervising all contractors under the NSP Program, as well as overseeing property inspections and assisting in the write up of the Scope of Work for properties. Finally landing a position as the Administrator Coordinator and HR Liaison at Texas A&M University, where he was in charge of monitoring budget spending, payroll, staff training and technical assistance and support for both staff, community members and community organizations.