Board Selects Project Vida for Annual Partnership

Architectural rendering of new facility.

The Public Service Board has selected Project Vida as its 2010 strategic partner. The nonprofit organization provides assistance to low-income families in the south El Paso area. More than 1,500 families are enrolled in Project Vida programs, which include education, health care, housing and economic development.

Staff considered several organizations before selecting this year’s strategic partner. Vice President Christina Montoya, who heads this year’s fundraising campaign, is very impressed with Project Vida’s impact on the community. However, construction scheduled to begin within a few months will displace the organization and its programs for 16 to 18 months.

Montoya explains, “It’s a combination of several small, really old converted houses with poor heating and cooling. It’s really not an adequate facility for everything they do. The good news is that they were awarded a $6 million federal grant to build an improved facility. But they have to move to a temporary location in order to keep giving services during construction, and they requested our help with those expenses.”

El Paso Water Utilities employees will raise funds for Project Vida during lunch, after work and on weekends. Activities include bike and bowling tours, a talent show, softball and basketball tournaments and a fishing derby. Touchstone Golf will sponsor a tournament to benefit Project Vida at Painted Dunes Golf Course.

“I’ve set a goal of $20,000 for our fundraising efforts,” says Montoya. “If we surpass that, it would be great.”