EDCOUCH
July 2024
ELSA
LA VILLA
thecommunitypress.org
MONTE ALTO
Valley artist Sherre Adams showcases her vivid imagination in ‘Imagination Shared.’
DONNA
WESLACO
Entrepreneur Creates BBQ ‘Nation’
MERCEDES
Issue 131
ALAMO
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PROGRESO
Permanent food bank opens in Edcouch
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Bringing Hope: How Nueva Luz Foundation supports PTSD survivors and families JOSE OCHOA The Nueva Luz Foundation, located at 902 S Airport Drive, Suite 7, in Weslaco, TX, supports people affected by trauma and PTSD. The foundation was inspired by Gilbert Lopez, a veteran and entrepreneur, who saw many veterans struggling with trauma. “Mr. Lopez saw his fellow veterans struggling with ongoing symptoms of trauma,” says Clinical Director Norma Villanueva, PhD, LCSW-S, DCSW. “He identified the need for affordable services beyond the traditional.” Established in 2012 and officially recognized in 2013, the foundation continues Mr. Lopez’s vision even after his passing in 2022. Addressing PTSD and trauma for veterans and
Inside 7 ways to feel better Page 2 TxDOT replacing bridge in La Feria to address flooding concerns Page 6 Non-profit prepares care packages for senior community Page 8 1970 E-E State Champs Reignite - A Tribute to Lifelong Friendship
(Courtesy: Nueva Luz Foundation)
their families is crucial. “PTSD and trauma affect up to three generations if left unaddressed,” explains Dr. Villanueva. Trauma impacts family interactions and relationships. “Both the family members of the veteran and themselves bene-
fit from their capacity to get assistance through evidence-based interventions,” she adds. The Nueva Luz Foundation offers unique programs for veterans and their families. “Our approach includes an emphasis on psychoed-
ucation, psychophysiology, and family,” says Dr. Villanueva. The foundation holds support groups for everyone, including spouses and significant others, and offers critical incident debriefings for first re-
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New Donna ISD summer camp Wyatt Ranches donates $85,000 helps students sharpen to Hidalgo County Sheriffs Office construction skills
Community Foundation
HIDALGO, Texas — The Hidalgo County Sheriffs Office Community Foundation and Sheriff J.E. Eddie Guerra received an $85,000 grant from Wyatt Ranches this morning. (Courtesy: KRGV)
BRENDA VILLA School was out for summer, but the learning wasn’t done for some Donna Independent School District students. They took part in a unique
summer camp that would hopefully help them find a job later in life.
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Benito Garza Sr., Division Livestock Foreman of the El Ramadero Division of Wyatt Ranches, presented the grant check to support community engagement activities, according to a
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