UNIDOS PA’ PR Supports Those Impacted by Hurricane Fiona

Press Conference Amidst Flooding and Power Outages in Puerto Rico

PHILADELPHIA, PA – September 21, 2022 – UNIDOS PA’ PR, a robust grassroots collaborative,  holds a press conference to announce plans to alleviate yet another devastating nightmare to the people of Puerto Rico as they experience the wrath of torrential down pour caused by Hurricane Fiona.  Just days after the five-year anniversary of Hurricane Maria, we are struck with images and videos of the aftermath caused by Hurricane Fiona.  From its inception and following the unimaginable tragedy Hurricane Maria plagued upon the island, Unidos PA’ PR has committed to uniformity, shared resources, and knowledge with one goal –  To assist those in need during these times of crisis.

Reports reveal that over 700,000 were left without water, 800,000 people lost power, and as the water recedes, officials believe the damage assessment will be overwhelming.  These are devastating facts that slice deep into the open wound Hurricane Maria inflicted on the people who reside in “La Isla Del Encanto”.  UNIDOS PA’ PR leaders aim to coordinate efforts in the days and weeks to come to alleviate the situation. After Hurricane Maria, the Committee worked tirelessly to build statewide support, raise funds, and managed incoming resources to help stabilize life for the people of Puerto Rico.  We are prepared to do same to alleviate those who fall prey to the wrath of Hurricane Fiona.

When: September 21, 2022

Time: 1 PM

Where: 1900 North 9^th Street Philadelphia, PA 19122

About UNIDOS PA’ PR

UNIDOS PA’PR is a group of dignitaries and nonprofit leaders who have come together to form a robust grassroots collaborative.  Its main mission and emphasis is to respond swiftly through strategic planning and assist those in the event of catastrophic events.

Contact: Emily Cordero, Director of Communications

Unidos PA’ PR

1900 N. 9^th St.

Philadelphia, PA 19122

Office: 1-267-296-7350

Cell: 1-267-255-7625

Email: Emily.Cordero@apmphila.org

PHILADELPHIA, PA – Asociación Puertorriqueňos En Marcha, Inc. (APM), a Human Services and Community Development nonprofit, today is deeply saddened by the passing of one of its greatest supporters and cheerleaders, board member Dean Morris, Esq.

Morris was an accomplished hold-no-prisoners type of lawyer. He was highly sought after for his intelligence and persistence to get things accomplished. In addition to his successful career, he was an exemplary community advocate who helped catapult crucial programming and services in the very neighborhood where he grew up.  The executive visibility and humility he triumphantly displayed will forever be etched in the lives of the people he touched.

He was a coach to Nilda Ruiz, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of APM – always pushing for the betterment of our neighborhood, cultural identity, and was a highly engaged member of APM’s board of directors. His work is particularly notable to APM during the planning of Paseo Verde, a Green Transient Oriented Development and the greenest building in Philadelphia with a triple LEED certification.  “This building sits as a beacon of hope in our neighborhood and would have never happened without Dean’s leadership and influence on the PHFA board. He was insistent that the Transient Orient Development was important and made it a part of the point system, which helped bring awareness to transportation as a social determinate of health, and were the points that helped APM win in a very competitive process” said Nilda Ruiz. “I will forever be grateful; he will never be forgotten, may he rest in peace”.

“They only made one Dean Morris”. Said Pelayo Coll, Esq, Board Chair, APM. “He was a mentor to many in the City Of Philadelphia and his work will continue to make an impact in the lives he touched”.

APM sends its deepest condolences to the Morris family.  We are forever grateful to Dean and his unwavering tenacity.

Learn more about Dean Morris’s legacy:

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/inquirer/name/morris-dean-obituary?id=36353433

About APM

APM is a Latino based nonprofit serving the community since the 1970’s. APM serves 40,000 Philadelphians annually, operates on a combined budget of more than $65 million, employs 400 multilingual, skilled and dedicated professionals and offers an extensive range of bilingual and culturally sensitive services at 13 sites throughout North Philadelphia and Montgomery County.  Our programs include affordable housing, food security, employment assistance, early childhood education and daycare, foster care and adoption, substance abuse treatment and behavioral health for adults.

About APM

Contact: Emily Cordero, Director of Communications

Asociación Puertorriquenos En Marcha (APM)

1900 N. 9^th St.

Philadelphia, PA 19122

Office: 1-267-296-7350

Cell: 1-267-255-7625

Email: Emily.Cordero@apmphila.org

Website: https://apmphila.org

PHILADELPHIA, PA – Asociación Puertorriqueňos En Marcha (APM), a Latino community and economic development nonprofit,  announced plans to provide services to Philadelphia residents who meet the MA General Eligibility and income requirements but do not meet the MA identity, Social Security, or Citizenship requirements.  The Children’s Services Pilot program will serve adults and families with incomes at or below 133% of federal Income Poverty Guidelines who are unable to meet the MA Identity, Social Security, or Citizenship requirements.

“We are looking forward to providing assistance to the many people who are in dire need of these services, said Jaithra Jayakrishnan, Program Director of Behavioral Health, APM.  It is our duty to create a space for the patients who do not receive this type of help.”

The program will provide assistance with mental health and drug and alcohol counseling, and other types of services provided at the center. APM administrators identify the project as one where patients will experience a manageable screening process for services.  “We will accept almost anything, including any form of ID or utility bill.  We are going to be lenient, said Manuel Delgado, Chief operating Officer, APM. Our priority is take in these patients and provide them with the help they need.”

Philadelphians who wish to make an appointment for screening and participate in the Pilot Program may call at 1-267-296-7200, or visit the center located at 4301 Rising Sun Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19140.

Below are the Household Income Limits:

About APM

APM is a Latino based nonprofit serving the community since the 1970’s. APM serves 40,000 Philadelphians annually, operates on a combined budget of more than $65 million, employs 400 multilingual, skilled and dedicated professionals and offers an extensive range of bilingual and culturally sensitive services at 13 sites throughout North Philadelphia and Montgomery County.  Our programs include affordable housing, food security, employment assistance, early childhood education and daycare, foster care and adoption, substance abuse treatment and behavioral health for adults.

About APM

Contact: Emily Cordero, Director of Communications

Asociación Puertorriquenos En Marcha (APM)

1900 N. 9^th St.

Philadelphia, PA 19122

Office: 1-267-296-7350

Cell: 1-267-255-7625

Email: Emily.Cordero@apmphila.org

Website: https://apmphila.org

Former Journalist and Communications Leader

PHILADELPHIA, PA – Asociación Puertorriqueňos En Marcha (APM), a Latino community and economic development nonprofit, today announced the appointment of Emily Cordero to the newly created role of Director of Communications. Cordero will oversee APM’s external and internal communications strategy and execution, media relations, executive visibility, industry analyst relations, as well as support financial communications.

“We’re excited to welcome Emily, a stellar communication professional with an expert blend of real-world journalism experience and a proven ability to lead integrated communication campaigns, said Nilda Ruiz Ruiz, Chief Executive Officer, APM. “From reporting about high-profile newsmakers to representing power players, she is uniquely positioned to distinguish key elements that will help execute our vision and mission for the community.”

Cordero is a bilingual communications leader with more than 20 years of transformational oversight in media relations, financial communications, corporate social responsibility, public affairs, and crisis management. She accrued top-tier journalism experience working as an anchor and reporter for Univision 65 and numerous large-market TV stations, where her work has earned Society of Professional Journalists awards.  “I’m honored to join APM, a nonprofit for the people of North Philadelphia with many compelling stories about how it’s reshaping the lives of the most vulnerable,” said Emily Cordero, Director of Communications, APM.

About APM

APM is a Latino based nonprofit serving the community since the 1970’s. APM serves 40,000 Philadelphians annually, operates on a combined budget of more than $65 million, employs 400 multilingual, skilled and dedicated professionals and offers an extensive range of bilingual and culturally sensitive services at 13 sites throughout North Philadelphia and Montgomery County.  Our programs include affordable housing, food security, employment assistance, early childhood education and daycare, foster care and adoption, substance abuse treatment and behavioral health for adults.

Contact: Emily Cordero, Director of Communications

Asociación Puertorriquenos En Marcha (APM)

1900 N. 9^th St.

Philadelphia, PA 19122

Office: 1-267-296-7350

Cell: 1-267-255-7625

Email: Emily.Cordero@apmphila.org

Website: https://apmphila.org

APM Appoints Wanda Amaro New Chief People Officer

Veteran HR Executive to Support Next Stage of Rapidly Growing Community Need

PHILADELPHIA, PA – Asociación Puertorriqueňos En Marcha (APM), a Latino community and economic development nonprofit, today announced the appointment of Wanda Amaro to the newly created role of Chief People Officer.  Amaro brings 30 years of experience in Human Resources Management specializing in all aspects of transformational leadership, financial analytics, mergers and acquisition strategic planning. Amaro will lead people strategy and operations, which includes talent acquisition and development, performance management, and inclusion in the workplace. The veteran executive is a result-focused leader who delivers Human Resources metrics that promotes organizational solutions to achieve success with the most valuable asset, the people.

“Wanda is a great addition to the leadership team, with a proven ability to drive a high performance-based culture within large organizations experiencing growth and transformation,” said Nilda Ruiz, CEO, APM. “Wanda will scale our employee experience designed to continue to attract, retain and develop top talent.”

Amaro brings a vast array of leadership experience as former Vice President, Human Resources Staffing LLC., where she led HR teams to attract, develop, engage and reward diverse talents. As an HR executive, she has proven experience in leading large-scale HR operations, growing organizational capabilities, and driving high-performance cultures while serving as Director of Human Services for several hospitals in the city of Philadelphia.  As a champion of diversity and inclusion, Amaro strives to help teams and individuals reach their full potential.

“I am honored to join APM, a company that truly understands the importance of investing in its people,” said Wanda Amaro, Chief People Officer, APM. “I look forward to developing and executing a people-first strategy that supports the next phase of growth.”

As part of the Leadership executive team of APM, Amaro is responsible for providing strategic guidance and leadership for all aspects of People Operations. She will provide a vision and direction for the full complement of human capital programs and services

About APM

APM is a Latino based nonprofit serving the community since the 1970’s. APM serves 40,000 Philadelphians annually, operates on a combined budget of more than $65 million, employs 400 multilingual, skilled and dedicated professionals and offers an extensive range of bilingual and culturally sensitive services at 13 sites throughout North Philadelphia and Montgomery County.  Our programs include affordable housing, food security, employment assistance, early childhood education and daycare, foster care and adoption, substance abuse treatment and behavioral health for adults.

Contact: Emily Cordero, Director of Communications

Asociación Puertorriquenos En Marcha (APM)

1900 N. 9^th St.

Philadelphia, PA 19122

Office: 1-267-296-7350

Cell: 1-267-255-7625

Email: Emily.Cordero@apmphila.org

Website: https://apmphila.org

APM receives over 1.3 Million in funds for Anti-Violence Program

PHILADELPHIA, PA – Asociación Puertorriqueňos En Marcha (APM), a Latino community and economic development nonprofit, is scheduled to receives $1,335,524 to facilitate the implementation of a sustainable prevention program where highly qualified and trained staff will connect directly with families and individuals.  The goal is to enhance a child’s academic, social and behavioral development, and to create protective community environments. The plan includes the implementation of therapeutic treatments and interventions to lessen the harms of violence exposure and prevention. This new team will engage families in our CUA, Early Childhood Education, and our Two Community School partnerships (Webster and Kensington Health Academy) and grow to cover the 24^th and 26^th Police Districts in its entirety.  The strategies and approaches proposed support multiple levels of the social ecology with efforts intended to impact individual behaviors and also the relationships, families, school, and communities that are known to influence the risk and protective factors for youth violence.

The funds will support the training cost of a program supervisor, trained licensed therapists, 2 case managers, and 4 connectors.  We strive to achieve the following:

• Reduction in fatal and non-fatal physical assaults
• Reduction in violence related injuries among youth
• Reductions in child abuse and neglect, welfare encounters, and out-of-home placements
• Reductions in symptoms of PTSD, depression, and behavioral problems
• Reductions in family conflict
• Reduction in parental depression and stress
• Reductions in substance abuse
• Increases in normative beliefs that violence Is unacceptable
• Increases in school attendance
• Increases in cognitive and language development
• Increases in positive parenting and family engagement practices
• Increases in nurturing and supportive parent-child interactions

By funding the strategies and approaches we anticipate being able to focus on the risk and protective factors associated with youth violence.

About APM

APM is a Latino based nonprofit serving the community since the 1970’s. APM serves 40,000 Philadelphians annually, operates on a combined budget of more than $65 million, employs 400 multilingual, skilled and dedicated professionals and offers an extensive range of bilingual and culturally sensitive services at 13 sites throughout North Philadelphia and Montgomery County.  Our programs include affordable housing, food security, employment assistance, early childhood education and daycare, foster care and adoption, substance abuse treatment and behavioral health for adults.

About APM

Contact: Emily Cordero, Director of Communications

Asociación Puertorriquenos En Marcha (APM)

1900 N. 9^th St.

Philadelphia, PA 19122

Office: 1-267-296-7350

Cell: 1-267-255-7625

Email: Emily.Cordero@apmphila.org

Website: https://apmphila.org

April 26, 2022

PHILADELPHIA, PA – Asociación Puertorriqueňos En Marcha (APM), is saddened to hear about the devastating loss of a father and his three children who tragically passed away during a home fire. We offer our deepest condolences to the family and those closest to them who are grieving this unimaginable loss.

Preliminary reports state that the family did not have working smoke detectors in their home.  As a resident of the City of Philadelphia, you can request a smoke alarm by calling 311 and have it installed in your home. To receive smoke alarms, you must live in Philadelphia in a one or two-family home that is occupied by the owner. If you live in an apartment building, or are renting a house, the landlord must provide smoke alarms for every level of the home.

The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) outlined in their website that cooking fires are the #1 cause of fires and home injuries.  The NFPA encourages families to cook with caution and be on alert.  Stay in the kitchen while frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food.  They further advise to stay away from the kitchen if you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol.  In the event of an emergency call 9-1-1.

At APM we support our community and promote a sustainable environment so that each and every family can achieve their greatest potential.  It is through moments like these that we must embrace unity and create a space where Philadelphians can live in safer environments and have all that is needed for a family to thrive.

One month ago today, the world watched with anger and fear as Russia invaded Ukraine.  Over the last 30 days, we have read and seen horrific stories showing Ukraine citizens losing their lives, homes, communities, schools, historic landmarks and beautiful countryside through inhumane and relentless attacks by the Russian military.  Many of those losing their lives were innocent children, women in maternity hospitals, cancer patients getting treatments, elderly and thousands of other individuals.  Some died in attacks as they were fleeing the country for safety. The United Nations says 3.5 million Ukrainians have fled their homes, including those who have left the country and others who remain on the border.

It’s been difficult to watch the inhumane actions led by Russian leader Vladimir Putin.  Even though the Ukrainian forces – many non-trained civilians – are fiercely fighting back and President Volodymyr Zelensky continues to lead with confidence and verve, the destruction and loss of lives continues. It’s heartbreaking and alarming on many levels.

A month ago, we shared a resource on Twitter that offered guidance to our APM community members if they wanted to make decisions about how to show their support. There are now many ways to give through numerous organizations raising funds and supplies; here is an updated list.  Locally, the Ukrainian Catholic Church is inviting Philadelphians to give to  the Humanitarian Aid Fund – 100% of the proceeds are going directly to support.

At APM, we work towards eliminating these injustices every day, so today we stand with the citizens of Ukraine and send our thoughts and prayers to the families, individuals and those fighting for their country.