BORDER FELLOWSHIP ANNUAL REPORT
SUMMARY FOR YEAR TWO
In the Border Fellowship Project, 2151 people were reached with screenings, group
presentations, and one-on-one interventions. Of those 975 people received group
presentations, and 71 received one-one-one interventions. Based on the evaluations
submitted, the various educational presentations were well received. 20 participants rated
the delivery of program services as excellent, 95% of the evaluations returned. 21 rated
the quality of the information imparted as excellent, 100% of the evaluations returned.
Other successes of the Border Fellowship Project in year two are outlined as follows:



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
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1105 people were screened for diabetes in colonias and maquiladoras.
223 clients were unaware they were diabetics until they were screened. (20% of
the total sample screened.)
Of the diabetic clients the average reduction in glucose levels was 11% after the
promotora education on diabetes management and control.
The rate for hypertension was 34% in maquiladoras, compared with 20% of
abnormal glucose levels in colonias, and 15% abnormal glucose levels in
maquiladoras.
50 girls participated in a binational youth encounter held in Nogales, Sonora
where they learned community advocacy and outreach skills.
30 people were trained as promotoras/health educators in specific topics. That
cohort trained another 32 volunteer promotoras.
21 women with high-risk pregnancies were connected to the health care system
and community resources, given emotional support, taught prenatal/postpartum
care, and healthy living.
A written agreement was made and signed with the director of a colonia
community center to open a free clinic for the poor. A second agreement in
another colonia further south is in the works.
Note: The highest rate for glucose levels was found in the colonias at 20%. The lowest
percentage of abnormal glucose levels was found in the maquiladoras at 15%.
Other highlights
Additional organizations recruited to be part of the Border Fellowship network in year
two: 25
Hours spent for each category in the scope of work:
Health fairs: 116
Health screenings: 524
Follow-up for positive screenings: 515
Community events: 233
Group presentations: 382
Community based media: 53.5
One-on-one interventions:
1
Prenatal & postpartum: 318.5
Domestic violence: 141
Depression: 83
Injury & Mental Illness: 30
Substance abuse: 20
Cancer: 15
Menopause: 9
Support group: 89
Staff training: 31
Train the trainer: 86
Meetings with network members: 167
Meetings with subcommittees: 20
Miles traveled to reach clients in Nogales, Sonora: 10,300
2
BORDER FELLOWSHIP PROJECT REPORT
YEAR TWO
June - September: Group presentations, one-on-one interventions, support groups
continue. Health screenings held. Network meets for the fourth time to review success
and challenges of first year of operations. Project Director writes first year report.
Executive Committee appears on radio and television with project participants.
September - December: Network meets for the fourth time. Continuing are health
education encounters with clients, reducing barriers to community resources and
community education. Health screenings held. Second annual training of trainers is held.
January - March: Continuing are encounters with clients, community education, referral
follow-up and support groups. Health screenings held. Activity committee holds
community event. Network meets for the fifth time.
March - June: Prevention education continues for maquiladora, colonia groups and
individuals. Health screenings held. Network meets for the sixth time. Client satisfaction
survey is administered. Second final report with two-year summary is written.
Objective: Recruit network members
The following additional colonias were recruited to be part of the Border Fellowship
Program network in year two.
Brisa
Nuevo Nogales
Bellotas
Yaqui
Lomas de Nogales
Colosio
San Miguel
Del Sol
Alamos
Villa Sonora
Del Rosario
Municipal
Los Tapiros
Lomas de Fatima
Los Olivos
Las Torres
Del Valle
Foviste
Flores Magon
Nuevo Milenio
Privada del Paseo
3
Jardines del Bosque
Objective: Network meets for project review
Meetings were held on 8/8, 9/3, 10/7, and 10/20/03 to review the work of the Border
Fellowship program, and plan for the future. The meetings were held in the
Ayuntamiento del Municipio de Nogales, Sonora with the Executive Committee
members in attendance. The following is a summary of the 4 meetings that were held.
Network members were pleased with the help given to their residents, but would like to
see more staff available to work with the overwhelming need in their city. They requested
The Way of the Heart look for more funds to continue the program, and expand it.
One of the issues that came up in several of the meetings was the way that Mexican
governmental health and social service agencies are accustomed to working on
campaigns where one topic, and one topic only, is covered citywide. These topics are
usually chosen not by the people themselves, but instead serve the organizational
priorities of the organizers and their agencies. For instance, if dysentery is chosen as the
topic area, many agencies will participate in order to cover the whole city from colonias
to maquiladoras, merchants, gas stations, clubs, street corners, restaurants, shops, etc.
A lively discussion ensued about the reason why The Way of the Heart focuses on
individuals and their families first, building a cadre of healthy families who can advocate
with the appropriate authorities for the services they need. The Way of the Heart believes
that change that emerges from the grassroots is powerful, and can create systemic change
if numbers and momentum are sustained over the period of time necessary to implement
the change. It is WHPI’s belief that individuals/families are the cornerstone of these
efforts.
Another issue that came up was the lack of follow-up using the governmental model of
information dissemination. The assumption that information dissemination automatically
translates to behavioral change is a faulty one. There is little data to support this
assumption. A personal relationship with the families and the community, where trust and
respect is earned, is necessary to begin the work, as is the follow–up for sustainability of
said work. This is simply not possible with large campaigns manned by untrained
volunteers who are unlikely to have a consistent vision for a healthier community.
The compromise was to continue to participate in the large health campaigns in
partnership with existing governmental and non-governmental agencies, but spend more
staff time on the clients who are identified as being at risk through these venues. 14
hours
1/13, 2/6, 2/17, 3/22, 4/16, 5/25/04 20 hours
Several meetings were held to discuss the opening of the clinics in Nogales, Sonora, as
well as the plans for the 2 major activities of the Border Fellowship Program, i.e., Pick
4
Your Path to Health Walk, and the Health Fair sponsored by the binational youth health
group.
The Evaluation Committee requested that the promotoras give a satisfaction survey to
clients whom they selected at random from the client list the promotoras provided.
The Executive Committee had several discussions about the training of promotoras in the
colonias as a way to continue the work of the Border Fellowship after the end of the
project period. The ongoing commitment to training was deemed to be very large, but
well worth the effort.
Objective: Network member meetings
6/10, 6/12, 6/17, 7/11, 7/24, 8/8, 9/24, 10/3, 10/7, 10/9, 10/15, 10/20, 10/21, 10/30, 10/31,
11/5, 11/14, 11/26, 12/11, 12/19, 12/29/03 63 hours
Meetings were held to identify the health education needs of the network
members/constituencies defined within the scope of work contained in the Border
Fellowship Program. Topics were identified and classes or interventions scheduled with
clients or their representatives.
1/7, 1/10, 2/4, 2/18, 3/13, 3/15, 3/24, 4/5, 4/20, 5/7, 5/12, 5/20, 5/27, 5/30/04 104 hours
The Activity Committee held several meetings with network members to help organize
both the Binational Pick Your Path to Health Walk, and the Health Fair in Parque
Teyechea.
The Executive and Evaluation Committees worked with network members to get
feedback on the planning of the clinics in Nogales, Sonora. Network members wanted to
look at sociological research that had been done previously in the colonias by the
Universidad Tecnologico, or by other sources. Subsequently, staff did a review of
available data from local sources and decided to develop a needs assessment prior to
opening the first clinic site.
Staff, directed by the Evaluation Committee, asked clients about their major health
problems. The top 5 health problems, in order of importance, were: foot/leg pains,
diabetes, high blood pressure, bone aches, and arthritis (last 2 tied.) Note: The clients
who were surveyed are not representative of the population. They were interviewed over
a period of 2 days, and happened to have scheduled visits on the assigned evaluation
days. The staff’s perception is that each colonia presents different health priorities.
Further study with a larger sample size is necessary to come to any definitive
conclusions. It is expected that the Border Internship program can help with this survey
in the coming year.
Objective: Client Satisfaction Survey
The Evaluation Committee obtained a list of clients and colonia leaders that have been
served by the Border Fellowship Program. 21 people were randomly selected to answer
the satisfaction survey.
5
EL CAMINO AL CORAZON:
EL INSTITUTO DE PROMOTORAS
EN COLABORACION CON LA FUNDACION GLOBALWORKS
Nos gustaria conocer su opinion sobre el programa al que asistio hoy. Por favor, llene
este cuestionario en la forma mas completa posible. Nos ayudara a ser mejores
promotoras en la comunidad. Muchas gracias por su cooperacion!
1. En general como calificaria el programa al que asistio ?
1
2
3
4
excelente
bueno
regular
malo
1
0
0
20
2.
En general como calificaria la calidad de informacion que recibio ?
1
2
3
4
excelente
bueno
regular
malo
0
0
0
21
3. Que fue lo que le impacto mas en la platica ?
Yo no sabia esta informacion, es muy bueno; gracias a personas como uds.
aprendemos cosas que nos sirven; muy bueno (3); deben de tener mas platicas
como esta; yo le dije a mi hermana y una amiga todo lo que aprendi de uds.; el
efecto de los gritos en los ninos ; que tan importante es comer verduras y no tanto
pan; que nos debemos cuidar para no tener consequencias despues ; no darle tanto
dulce a los ninos aunque me lo pidan ; tomar mas agua.
4. Hay algo en particular que cambiaria para mejorar el taller ?
Si
7
No
14
Que cambiaria ?
El horario; quiero que mi esposo me acompane; mucho calor; mas tiempo para
platicar (2); quiero otros talleres; tener esta platica una vez cada mes.
6
Otros comentarios o sugerencias
Que Dios las bendiga por ser tan finas personas; tener mas hombres, ellos tambien
necesitan informacion; muchas gracias (3); todo muy bonito (2); me gusta
aprender; que lastima que no supe estas cosas cuando era mas joven; que sigan
adelante (2).
Objective: Promotoras continue education in Nogales, Sonora
HEALTH FAIRS
Centro de Usos Multiples, 300 people, October 7, 2003. Information was given on
healthy living, tobacco, diet, exercise, and healthy lifestyles. 4 hours x 5 staff. 20 hours
Centro Seguridad Social, “CASA DE LA MISERICORDIA,” 78 people, October 18,
2003. Information was givn on parenting, conflict resolution, family dynamics, alcohol,
tobacco, club drugs, menopause. l3 hours x 2 staff 6 hours.
Instituto Mexicano de Seguro Social, CIMA, 274 people, November 8, 2003. Information
was given on prenatal care, child safety, HIV, domestic violence, tobacco, and alcohol. 4
hours x 2 staff 8 hours
Red Cross, Hispanic Bone Marrow Drive, 800 people, November 17, 2003. Thirty eight
donors were recruited. 4 hours x 4 staff 16 hours
Health Fair, Parque Teyechea, 78 people, 2/28/04. Binational teen health promotoras had
several booths on heart health, a cooking demonstration, and exercise, including races.
6 hours x 8 staff 48 hours
HEALTH SCREENINGS
Health screenings were held in the following colonias as part of a diabetes awareness and
control campaign.
June, 2003
Los Encinos
Brisa
Buenos Aires
Rosarito
4 colonias: 148 colonia members were screened, 26 were positive (18% positive rate)
40 hours
July, 2003
Rastro
Nuevo Nogales
7
Bellotas
Yaqui
Granja
Solidaridad
Lomas de Nogales
Colosio
San Miguel
Del Sol
Alamos
Villa Sonora
Los Encinos
Del Rosario
Municipal
Los Tapiros
Buenos Aires
Heroes
Lomas de Fatima
Los Olivos
Las Torres
Brisa
Del Valle
Foviste
Flores Magon
Nuevo Milenio
Privada del Paseo
Jardines del Bosque
28 colonias: 566 colonia members screened, 117 positives (21% positive rate) 424 hours
HASTAMEX, Maquiladora, 37 workers screened for diabetes, 6 positives (16%
positive rate.) June 13, 2003. 4 hours 45 minutes x 3 staff 14.25 hours
OTIS ELEVADORES, Maquiladora, 47 workers screened for diabetes, 6 positives (13%
positive rate.) July 8, 2003. 5 hours 30 minutes x 3 staff 16.5 hours
HASTAMEX, Maquiladora, 48 workers screened for diabetes, 8 positives (17% positive
rate.) July 11, 2003. 5 hours 20 minutes x 3 staff 16 hours
*HASTAMEX, Maquiladora, 47 workers screened for diabetes, 2 positives (4% positive
rate!) July 24, 2003. 5 hours 30 minutes x 3 staff 16.5 hours.
* This group was retested after their initial screening held on June 13. The groups
are screened and then move onto another staff member who teaches the workers
about what risk factors they can control. Diet and physical activity are covered.
*OTIS ELEVADORES, Maquiladora, 36 people screened, 2 positives (6% positive rate.)
July 31, 2003. 5 hours x 3 staff 15 hours
8
* This group was retested after their initial screening held on July 8. The groups are
screened and then move onto another staff member who teaches the workers about
what risk factors they can control. Diet and physical activity are covered.
*HASTAMEX, Maquiladora, 19 people were screened, 0 positives (0% positive rate.)
July 31, 2003. 1 staff 3 hours
* This group was retested after their initial screening held on July 11. The groups
are screened and then move onto another staff member who teaches the workers
about what risk factors they can control. Diet and physical activity are covered.
CIMA, Seguro Social, 157 people were screened, 31 positives (20% positive rate)
November 8, 2003. 5 hours x 3 staff 15 hours
Follow up for diabetes positives 263 hours
HYPERTENSION
No additional screenings were made for diabetes due, first, to a lack of funding for
supplies, and second, to compare the success of the diabetes screening to a similar
screening program, in this case, hypertension. We returned to the same locations that the
diabetes screenings had occurred in order to reach the same population for comparison
purposes.
256 colonia members screened, 87 positives (34% positive rate) 60 hours
HASTAMEX, Maquiladora, 30 workers screened for hypertension, 12 positives (40%
positive rate.) February 12, 2004. 4 hours x 3 staff 12 hours
OTIS ELEVADORES, Maquiladora, 39 workers screened for hypertension, 15 positives
(39% positive rate.) February 18, 2004. 5 hours x 3 staff 15 hours
HASTAMEX, Maquiladora, 41 workers screened for hypertension, 15 positives (37%
positive rate.) February 19, 2004. 5 hours x 3 staff 15 hours
CIMA, Seguro Social, 146 people were screened, 45 positives (31% positive rate) March
16, 2004. 6 hours x 3 staff 18 hours
Follow-up for 87 hypertensive clients 252 hours. Clients were referred to the
maquiladora nurse, or Seguro Social. Classes were offered either through trained
volunteer promotoras, or The Way of the Heart. There was no time to retest the
clients after the education presentation.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Binational Youth Encounter - 8/28, 9/10, 9/12, 10/27, 10/29, 10/30, 11/3, 11/4, 11/5,
11/7, 11/8, 11/10, 11/12, 11/25, 11/26, 11/28, 12/3, 12/5, 12/6, 12/7, 12/15, 12/16/03
1 staff @71 hours, 6 staff x 24 hours 215 hours
9
See Attachment A for more information on the Binational Youth Encounter
Pick Your Path to Health Walk, 200 people, February 27, 2004. The walk began at The
Way of the Heart’s campus and continued for a mile south towards the US/Mexico
border. At the border we met with Mexican colleagues who had walked from a plaza
south of the border until they reached us at the internacional port of entry. The American
group then crossed the border for a joint binational convocation in a Sonoran community
center. Exercises, sharing of health tips, and simple ways to increase physical activity in
our daily lives were held. Pedometers were given away as prizes. 3 hours x 6 staff 18
hours
GROUP PRESENTATIONS
SUMEX, Maquiladora - 6/5/03
30 workers were given a workshop on domestic violence. 1 staff 3 hours
HASTAMEX, Maquiladora - 6/13/03
31 workers were given a class on diabetes management and control. 3 staff x 2 hours
6 hours
Ayuntamiento del Municipio de Nogales, Sonora, Mayor’s Committee– 6/27/03
Presentation on health education classes, including tobacco, heart health, and various
cancers. 2 staff x 3 hours 6hours
HASTAMEX, Maquiladora – 7/11/03
45 workers were given a class on diabetes management and control. 3 staff x 2.5 hours
7.5 hours
OTIS ELEVADORES, Maquiladora – 7/18/03
23 workers were given a class on diabetes management and control. 1 staff 2 hours
HASTAMEX, Maquiladora – 7/24/03
41 workers were given a class on diabetes management and control. 2 staff x 2.5 hours
5 hours
OTIS ELEVADORES, Maquiladora – 7/31/03
18 people were given a class on diabetes management and control. 1 staff 2 hours
HASTAMEX, Maquiladora – 7/31/03
33 people were given a class on diabetes management and control. 2 staff x 2 hours
4 hours
Grupo Arco Iris – 7/18/03
49 people were given a workshop on youth peer violence. 1 staff 4 Hours
10
Ayuntamiento del Municipio de Nogales, Sonora, Mayor and City Council Executive
Committee– 8/5/03
Presentation on the philosophy of Border Fellowship program, community capacity
building, health education and behavioral health workshops. 2 staff x 3 hours 6 hours
Ayuntamiento del Municipio de Nogales, Sonora – 10/7/03
Information given about “platicas” available to City staff and colonia leaders through the
Border Fellowship program. Gave samples of various curricula. 3 staff x 2 hours 6 hours
Desarollo Integral de la Familia (DIF) – 11/5/03
Presentation on programs, classes, and workshops available through the Border
Fellowship Program. 4 hours
Colonia leaders (Colonia Rosarito) – 11/14/03
Presentation on programs, classes, and trainings available through the Border Fellowship
Program. 3 hours
Fundacion del Empresariado Sonorense, A.C. (FESAC) – 12/11/03
Presentation made to a group of local governmental and non-governmental agencies
regarding the Border Fellowship, its activities and programs. 32 people 7 hours
Ayuntamiento de Nogales Sonora (Nogales City Hall), 1/22/04
Presentation made to City employees on tobacco and stress. 14 people 3 hours
Centro de Usos Multiples (CUM) – 1/28/04
Colonia leaders meeting. Explained programs and services of the Border Fellowship
Project and referral process for their constituency, 44 leaders in attendance. 5 hours
DEIJUVEN (Desarollo Integral de Juventud) – 2/10/04
Substance Abuse Prevention. Tobacco prevention, cessation and control to 15 people.
3 hours
DEIJUVEN (Desarollo Integral de Juventud) – 2/12/04
Substance Abuse Prevention. Alcoholism prevention to 12 people. 3 hours
DEIJUVEN (Desarollo Integral de Juventud) – 2/23/04
Substance Abuse Prevention. How to deal with alcoholism, AA, Al-anon to 9 people.
3 hours
DEIJUVEN (Desarollo Integral de Juventud) – 2/23/04
HIV/STDS. Disease protection and control. Sex education to 8 people. 3 hours
Ayuntamiento de Nogales Sonora (Nogales City Hall), 2/24/04
Presentation made to City employees on the effects of tobacco on pregnancy,
cardiovascular and respiratory function. 16 people 3.5 hours
11
Seguro Social – 2/26/04
Role of cholesterol in heart disease. What the numbers mean and how to lower them to
healthier levels, 18 people. 3 hours
Ayuntamiento de Nogales Sonora (Nogales City Hall), 3/3/04
Presentation made to City employees on tobacco and lung, mouth, esophageal, and
bladder cancer. 14 people 3 hours
Ayuntamiento de Nogales Sonora (Nogales City Hall), 3/17/04
Presentation made to City employees on strategies for tobacco cessation. 9 people
3 hours
DEIJUVEN (Desarollo Integral de Juventud) – 3/22/04
Family planning, birth control methods to 11 people. 4 hours
DEIJUVEN (Desarollo Integral de Juventud) – 3/29/04
Sexually transmitted diseases, types, treatment, prevention to 12 people. 4 hours
Casa Misericordia – 3/31/04
Discussion of possible partnership in opening a second clinic at this site. Explanation of
prevention education programs, hours of service, and protocols. 3 hours x 2 staff
members 6 hours
OTIS ELEVADORES, 4/8/04, Maquiladora, 39 workers were given classes on how to
control hypertension through diet, exercise, and medication. 3 hours x 2 staff 6 hours
HASTAMEX, 4/9/04, Maquiladora, 70 workers were given classes on how to control
hypertension through diet, exercise, and medication. 5 hours x 2 staff 10 hours
CIMA, Seguro Social, 4/13/04, 146 people were given classes on how to control
hypertension through diet, exercise, and medication. 6 hours x 3 staff 18 hours
DEIJUVEN (Desarollo Integral de Juventud) – 4/19/04
Family violence to 20 people. 3.5 hours
Casa Misericordia – 5/11/04
Presentation on prenatal and postpartum services available, including child development
and parenting courses 36 people. 5 hours x 2 staff 10 hours
DEIJUVEN (Desarollo Integral de Juventud) – 5/24/04
Nutrition, heart healthy menus to 17 people. 4 hours
DEIJUVEN (Desarollo Integral de Juventud) – 6/1/04
Eating disorders, anorexia/bulimia, self-esteem to 14 people. 3.5 hours
12
COMMUNITY FOCUSED MEDIA
Objective: Network Media Campaign
9/2, 9/8, 9/16, 9/17, 11/7, 11/10/03
Newspapers Diario de la Frontera, El Diario de Nogales, El Imparcial. Interviewed about
programs available to Nogales, Sonora residents, registration procedures, etc. 14 hours
5/22, 7/10, 9/18, 10/16, 10/23, 11/10, 11/13/03
Radio XENY, Radio Manantial, Radio Maxima, Radio Globo 17.5 hours
11/3/03 FOX 11 News 2 hours
11/6, 11/9/03
Network member spoke to 2 Nogales, Sonora Rotary Clubs 6 hours
1/11, 2/23/04 El Diario de Sonora, Diario de la Frontera, Nogales. Daily papers.
Interviewed about programs available to Nogales, Sonora residents. 4 hours
5/11/04 Nogales International. Dia de los Ninos. Biweekly paper. Invitation to our
Mexican partners to join the Annual Day of the Children event. 2,184 kids from both
sides of the border attended. 1 hour
1/15, 2/12/04 Radio Manantial, 91.1 FM and 102.7 FM to announce and motivate
community members to join The Way of the Heart for the Binational Pick Your Path to
Health Walk held 2/27/04. 3 hours
2/11/04 Binational youth leaders spoke to the Nogales City Council members regarding
their health activities, and upcoming events. 4 hours
3/18/04 Radio Manantial. 3 clients served through the Border Fellowship Program were
interviewed. They spoke to where they were at when staff arrived and what they had
gained by the promotora’s intervention or “platica.” 1 hour
4/15/04 Radio Manantial, 91.1FM. Programs available through the Border Fellowship.
Contact information for registration for programs and home visits. 1 hour
ONE-ON-ONE INTERVENTIONS
One–on-one interventions emerging from presentations and media outreach:
DEPRESSION/SUICIDE
CC – 11/10/03 6 hours
Client had severe depression due, in part, to a dire financial situation.
13
ME – 6/18, 6/19, 10/6, 12/4/03 12 hours
Topics were self-esteem, depression, coping skills, finances, housing, community
resources, referral, family violence, and conflict resolution skills.
MM – 11/6/03 3 hours
Topics were self-esteem, achieving balance in positive and negative attitudes, ways to
increase energy, self-knowledge, self-help strategies, life stages, quality of life, and
communication skills.
MP – 7/15, 7/18/03 6 hours
Topics were depression, violence, conflict resolution, and family dynamics.
NL – 11/7/03 4 hours
Topics were self-esteem, achieving balance in positive and negative attitudes, ten ways to
increase energy, self-knowledge, self-help strategies, life stages, quality of life, and
communication skills.
SR – 12/3/03 3 hours
Topics were self-esteem, achieving balance in positive and negative attitudes, ways to
increase energy, self-knowledge, self-help strategies, life stages, quality of life, and
communication skills.
ZM – 6/23, 8/12, 9/12, 11/12/03 16 hours
Topics were self-esteem, depression, emotional support, finances, housing, community
resources, and referral.
Cerezo Femenil (Women’s Prison) 1/10/04 6 hours x 4 staff 24 hours
Attended family day with inmates. Peer counseling with inmates and their adult family
members.
MR – 4/19, 5/17, 6/1/04 9 hours
Topics were depression, self-esteem, emotional support, the role of stress and violence in
depression, as well as referral.
INJURY & MENTAL ILLNESS
LF – 10/29, 11/5, 11/12, 11/16, 11/26, 12/3, 12/11, 12/19, 12/23/03 30 hours
This 47-year-old Mexican woman, a domestic worker, was hit by a car while in Phoenix.
She was rushed to a local hospital where she received care for her immediate injuries, but
medical staff determined there was not much more they could do for her. LF was sent to
an American hospice to die.
After 5 months in the hospice The Way of the Heart was contacted. To everyone’s
surprise LF began to slowly recover. LF, however, had no money, and no family to
whom hospice could release her. The hospice staff decided they had 2 options. One was
14
to call immigration and have the woman deported. The second was to try to find public
charities to subsidize her continuing need for care. Both options were problematic. In the
first option LF would have ended up on the streets of Nogales, Sonora without food,
money or housing. Her legal resident status impacted on the second option with little
hope that an American charity would take her case, especially if the charity was funded
by State or Federal monies. In the meantime, LF was diagnosed as a paranoid
schizophrenic.
The Way of the Heart, armed with several recent pictures of LF, went to the appropriate
authorities so that her picture could be published in the press and carried on Mexican
national television outlets as a public service. These public service announcements were
widely carried in the Mexican States LF claimed to have been born in. No one came
forward to claim LF.
Staff also made appointments with governmental and non-governmental agencies in
Nogales, Sonora and Hermosillo, Sonora to try to place the client. Problems encountered
were cost of care in private institutions, lack of public institutions that serve as safety nets
for these types of cases, and/or lack of institutional capacity for 24 hour specialized care.
The mental health community on the border is almost non-existent. The case is still
pending.
MENOPAUSE
RF – 7/8, 9/3/03 6 hours
Topics were physical needs, emotional support, depression, menopause, options, pros
and cons of hormone replacement therapy, and coping skills.
IL – 1/14/04 3 hours
Topics were the pros and cons of traditional vs. herbal hormone replacement therapies,
calcium intake, finding trigger foods, depression, and coping skills.
PRENATAL & POSTPARTUM
AG - 7/2, 8/8, 9/2, 10/14, 11/20, 12/3/03 15 hours
Topics were child developmental milestones, nutrition, maternal and infant diet,
breastfeeding, immunizations, and parenting.
CB – 7/16, 8/22, 9/10, 10/14/03 12 hours
Client had trouble paying for prenatal care visits and the delivery. Topics covered were
maternal diet, gestational stages, labor and delivery, and finances. Also included was post
partum bonding for mother, father, and child.
CC - 6/12, 7/3, 8/27, 9/10, 11/6, 12/10/03 17 hours
Topics were family planning, immunizations, child developmental milestones, nutrition,
and finances.
15
CR – 7/9, 8/22, 10/6/03 9 hours
Client has suffered postpartum depression in the past. Topics included child
developmental milestones, post partum depression, immunizations, maternal diet, family
financial issues.
EL – 8/6, 10/6, 12/12/03 10 hours
Topics were finances, community resources, referral, and depression.
IV – 10/6, 11/5, 11/24/03 9 hours
Topics were physical and emotional needs, breastfeeding, nutrition, and family planning.
KF – 6/17, 8/20, 9/5, 11/12/03 9 hours
Topics were child development, security, maternal diet, family planning, and
immunizations.
LC – 6/20, 7/16, 8/12/03 9 hours
Topics were child development, child safety, and family planning. Client is also
experiencing violence during her pregnancy. Stages of violence were covered with the
client, as well as the community resources to help her.
LH – 8/18, 9/5, 10/6, 11/20, 12/12/03 16 hours
Topics were immunizations, emotional support, physical needs, and family planning.
LP - 7/3, 8/8, 9/19, 10/10, 11/6, 12/3/03 18 hours
Topics were child development, financial security, maternal diet, family planning, and
immunizations.
MA – 7/3, 8/26, 10/9, 12/12/03 16 hours
Client was unable to pay for prenatal care and delivery. Topics covered include finances,
community resources, referral, emotional support, and family planning.
MP – 6/6, 7/16, 8/6, 9/5, 10/28/03 14 hours
Topics included were immunizations, child development, housing, community resources,
referral.
PB - 7/3, 9/3, 10/2, 11/13, 12/6/03 16 hours
Topics were child developmental milestones, referral, oral health, nutrition, and
emotional needs.
RC – 9/19, 10/15, 11/4/03 9 hours
Client is unable to pay for prenatal care and delivery. Topics included maternal diet, high
risk signs and symptoms, gestational stages, finances, community resources.
PB – 1/12, 2/10, 3/23, 5/7/04 15 hours
Client has a child with autism. Topics were sign language, community resources, case
management, finances, and emotional support for caregivers.
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AG –1/16, 2/27, 3/29, 5/14/04 12 hours
Client is an older mom with a very difficult pregnancy. Topics were nutrition, dental/oral
health, postpartum depressión, family planning, including tubal ligation and vasectomy,
and emotional support.
AO – 2/11, 4/20, 5/19, 5/20/04 11.5 hours
Client already has 5 children. Topics were life planning, depressión, how to budget, and
family planning.
CC - 1/22, 1/29/04 6 hours
Client is from the interior of Mexico and did not adjust well to the border environment.
Based on the conversations the client had with her promotora, she has decided to return to
her village. Client was suffering from postpartum depressión with little support system to
help her during this emotional period.
ZD – 1/8, 1/15, 2/19, 2/27, 3 /4, 3/23, 4/2, 4/5, 4/6, 4/19, 5/3/04 32 hours
The client is a homeless woman who moves from house to house until she wears out her
welcome. 3 kids have been forcibly removed from her by the State. Topics were life
planning, housing, community resources, public assistance, how to budget and save,
transportation, breastfeeding, prenatal care, family planning, immunizations, and child
development. She was referred to a psychologist who is seeing her for free.
LH – 1/20, 1/27, 2/9, 2/25, 3/1, 3/16, 3/30, 4/6, 4/19, 4/28, 5/3, 5/11, 5/21, 5/28/04
43 hours
At 18 years of age, client is a first time mother. Information was given on prenatal and
postpartum care, including maternal diet and nutrition, gestational stages, the importance
of prenatal care, child development, immunizations, and other topics. Began to bleed in
the 4th month of pregnancy. Bed rest was ordered. Mother of the client had 4
miscarriages. Client is very frightened.
LP – 1/30, 2/24, 3/12, 4/2, 4/25, 5/18/04 20 hours
Client was unhappy with her pregnancy, and even more so when the baby was born.
Topics were adoption, postpartum depressión, family planning, life planning, selfesteem, diet and nutrition, exercise, hygiene, child development milestones, parenting,
and how to handle stress.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
ER - 6/19, 7/25, 8/13, 9/10,11/13, 12/10/03 15 hours
Topics were social isolation, depression, personal development, stages of violence, signs
and symptoms of an abuser, impact of drugs on family violence.
FM - 5/29, 7/2, 8/8,10/7, 11/24/03 13 hours
Topics included personal self-development, self-esteem, filling personal needs, cycles of
depression, finances, community resources and referral.
17
GS - 7/30, 9/12,10/7, 12/2 /03 11 hours
Topics were the effects of violence on children, child emotional development,
educational attainment, and the development of an emotional support system.
IM - 5/29, 6/20, 7/25, 8/7, 9/11,10/22,11/19,12/5/03 18 hours
Topics included personal self-development, depression, healthy lifestyles, disease
prevention, emotional support, finances, community resources and referral.
LM- 6/20, 7/25, 8/26, 10/21, 11/19, 12/11/03 16 hours
Topics included how to emerge from a crisis, preventing the use of drugs in family
members, especially children, defining roles and responsibilities in family members, how
to live with violence, personal physical and emotional needs, community resources, and
referral.
LS - 5/22, 6/20, 7/30, 8/26, 9/12, 10/7, 12/2/03 19 hours
Topics were self-knowledge, self–esteem, diet and exercise, physical and emotional
needs, developing an emotional support system, finances, community resources and
referral.
FM – 3/11, 4/7, 4/15, 5/4/04 12 hours
Topics were how to live in the moment, how to develop a plan for the future, finances,
budgeting and saving. Client was referred to a psychologist because of the possibility of
clinical depression.
IM –2/23/04 3 hours
Topics were self-esteem and sexual dysfunction due to battering. Made a plan to move to
Phoenix where family resides.
LM – 1/16, 2/20, 3/12, 5/7/04 15 hours
Topics were finances, how to budget and save, community resources, developing a life
plan, remembering the good times and joys in life, self-knowledge, and self-care.
ZM – 3/13/04 3 hours
Husband beat client after a drinking binge. Topics were self-esteem, problem solving,
and developing both a short and long-term life plan.
ER – 2/10, 2/26/04 6 hours
Topics were emotional support, developing a life plan and a plan for economic selfsufficiency.
GS – 2/19/04 3 hours
Husband is victim of violence by wife. Topics were self-esteem, coming to terms with
pain, developing a life plan.
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LS – 2/20, 2/21, 2/22/04 7 hours
Wife of battered husband. Topics were anger management, taking responsibility for one’s
actions, developing an internal locus of control, 10 secrets of a happy life, removing
stressors from your life by changing how you perceive them, how to defuse dangerous
situations, and conflict resolution strategies.
CANCER
IM – 9/11, 10/ 22, 11/20, 12/3/03 15 hours
This 35-year-old woman had breast cancer that metastasized to the brain. Information
was given on nutrition to combat fatigue, the side effects of medications, emotional
support, community resources, and referral. Transportation was arranged for the client to
travel to Hermosillo, Mexico for surgery. Food and clothing were gathered for her 4 kids.
She passed away in December, 2003.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE
CG – 3/11, 3/25, 3/30, 4/6, 4/22/04 14 hours
Client is a heroine addict who is trying to kick the habit. Client did not want to go to a
treatment specialist because of the cost, and because he says it doesn’t work anyway.
Topics were self-esteem, addictive personalities, breaking the cycle, childhood and adult
trauma, forgiveness and self-care. At the last meeting the client decided that he would try
a treatment program again. The reason it hadn’t worked in the past, he concluded, was
because he had not put the right kind of effort into completing the program, and did not
change his friends and habits once he was released.
MH – 5/10, 5/19, 5/21/04 6 hours
Client is addicted to cocaine. The client came to us because of chronic sinus problems
and no money to pay for on going treatment. Topics were cause and effect, self-care,
developing an internal locus of control, and a support system. Client decided to go to
church as a way to develop a positive support system. He called on June 4 to tell us he
was doing well. He has found new friends in his church, and has not had any cocaine
since.
SUPPORT GROUP - VIOLENCE DUE TO ALCOHOLISM
NH, EL, CN – 6/4, 6/11, 6/18, 6/25, 7/22, 7/30, 8/6, 8/13, 8/20,8/27,9/3, 9/10, 9/17,
9/24,10/1,10/8,10/15, 10/22,10/29,11/5,11/12, 11/19,11/26,12/3, 12/10/03 51 hours
Topics included releasing resentment, how to learn to live with an alcoholic, how
alcoholism affects us, enabling, coping skills, emotional support, egoism, sexual
intimacy, therapy options, positive family traditions, returning home, and hope for
children of alcoholics.
NH, EL, CN – 1/7, 1/14, 1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25, 3/3, 3/10, 3/24, 3/31, 4/7, 4/14,
4/21, 5/5, 5/12, 5/19, 5/26 38 hours for each
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Topics were finding miracles in your life, forgiveness, maturity, freedom to grow,
practicing hope, self-esteem, self-compassion, communication skills, conflict resolution,
guilt, pain, humility, honesty, obsession, silence, meditation, and solitude.
TRAIN THE TRAINER
The cardiovascular course, Salud Para Su Corazon, was given to 4 teachers who are
training another 32 teachers in Nogales, Sonora. 24 hours
3/12, 3/19, 4/2, 4/23, 4/30, 5/31(2), 6/1(2), 6/2(2), 6/3/04(2)
Trained community members in Nogales, Sonora to be promotoras in their colonias. First
course was cardiovascular health given in Nogales, Sonora. The second was Hermosillo,
the capitol of the State of Sonora. In Hermosillo 2 sets of classes were given to
community members in different areas of the city. One was a morning class. The second
was in the afternoon. 26 people were trained in cardiovascular health. 62 hours
STAFF CONTINUING EDUCATION TRAINING
Prostate Cancer, 8/12/03. 6 staff x 1 hour, 6 hours
U.S. Immigration Policy , “VAWA” (Violence Against Women Act , 9/30/03. 3 staff,
2 hours, 6 hours
Alcoholism in the elderly, 10/14/03. 3 staff, 1 hour, 3 hours
Cholesterol and heart disease, 2/26/04. 4 staff 2 hours, 8 hours
Nutrition, 3/23/04. 4 staff 2 hours, 8 hours
DISTRIBUTION OF ITEMS TO COVER BASIC NEEDS OF RESIDENTS OF
NOGALES, SONORA
Medicines, clothes, toys and food to Colonia Primavera 11/5, 12/22/03 5 hours
Cereso Femenil (Women’s Prison) 12/13, 12/19, 12/23, 12/29/03 12 hours
Toys, blankets, and clothes for the inmates and children of the Women’s Prison in
Nogales, Sonora.
NEW BORDER FELLOWSHIP INITIATIVE
OPENING OF CLINICS THROUGHOUT THE CITY OF NOGALES, SONORA
AND UNINCORPORATED AREAS
6/3, 7/4, 7/11, 8/13, 8/14, 8/15, 8/16, 8/18, 8/20, 8/27, 9/3, 9/9, 9/10, 9/12, 9/16, 9/17,
9/18, 9/22, 9/24, 10/1, 10/8, 10/9, 10/10, 10/12, 10/20, 10/27, 10/29, 10/31, 11/2, 11/4,
11/5, 11/6, 11/26, 12/3, 12/11, 12/16 76 hours
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Meetings were held to develop a partnership with Desarrollo Integral de Juventud
(DEIJUVEN) in Colonia Capilla Fatima, Nogales, Sonora and Neighborhood Health
Ministries in Phoenix, Arizona to secure medical equipment and a location to open our
first clinic. The first clinic will open in February, 2004 at DEIJUVEN. The Border
Fellowship program will also provide health education and parenting classes at the clinic
site.
1/16, 1/20, 1/27, 2/17, 3/2, 3/22, 4/2, 4/8, 4/16, 4/23, 4/27, 5/3, 5/12, 5/20, 5/25, 6/1 x 2
staff, sometimes 3 staff members. 121 hours
The Executive and Evaluation Committees of the Border Fellowship decided that a needs
assessment was necessary in order to adequately plan for the first clinic to be opened in
DEIJUVEN. Thus, the opening has been delayed until late August, 2004. Community
members are being trained in survey protocols in order to go door to door to collect data
in the colonia where DEIJUVEN is situated.
BUDGET
Woman hours: 1,818.25 (Does not include preparation time, collecting and reporting
data, phone conversations with members of the network, or site visits.)
Woman hours: 1106 (Does not include preparation time, collecting and reporting data,
phone conversations with members of the network, or site visits.)
314 trips made @ 20 miles round trip (average) = 6280 miles from June through
December, 2003.
201 trips made @ 20 miles round trip (average) = 4,020 from January through May,
2004.
Total: 10,300 miles for year two.
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ATTACHMENT A
FIRST BINATIONAL YOUTH ENCOUNTER
DECEMBER 5, 6, 7, 2003
HOTEL PLAZA, NOGALES, SONORA
OUTREACH
Bilingual event descriptions and applications for participants were distributed to the
following agencies, schools, and media outlets:
Mexico:
Club Rotario Sur – Presidente Rafael Flores Gonzalez
Club Rotario de Nogales, A.C. – Presidente Lic. Rene Garayzar
FESAC (Fundacion Empresariado Sonorense, A.C.)
DEIJUVEN (Desarrollo Integral Juvenil)
FAI, Sonora (Fundacion de Apoyo Infantil)
CETIS #128
CECYTES
CECATYS
Parroquias de Nogales, Sonora/Padre Osvaldo/Capilla Fatima
Mexican Media :
Diario de la Frontera
Radio XENY
U.S.:
Lourdes Academy
Mexicayotl Charter School
GEAR-UP, Santa Cruz County Schools
Nogales High School, George Thomson
Nogales Unified School District, Mike Scott
Boys and Girls Club
Project HOT teens
Wade Carpenter Middle School
Calabasas Middle School
Nogales Rotary Club
SEABHS (Southeastern Area Behavioral Health System)
U.S. Media:
Nogales International
Fox 11
KNOG 91.1 FM
La Maxima 99.1FM
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SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF EVENT
Girls, ages 13-18, from Arizona and the State of Sonora, Mexico gathered for 2 and half days
to discuss problems faced by youth on the border and develop an action plan to address them.
The opening gala began with brief presentations by law enforcement, educators, students,
professionals, and community activists who shared their knowledge of challenges along the
border, and motivation to the participants for empowerment. Fifty eight girls attended the
opening.
The real work began on Saturday when the girls were randomly assigned work groups to
discuss and choose 3 priority areas each of the teams would present in the afternoon plenary.
The girls provided their voice, point of view, and peer experiences to their team. After lunch
a motivational speaker led the girls through team building exercises that were both fun and
functional. These exercises tested the girl’s ability to trust themselves and their teammates.
They also tested their determination, their talent, and their willingness to give it their all in
unknown circumstances. This helped prepare the way for the discussion at the plenary that
followed.
At the plenary several topics were presented by the work groups and discussed. These topics
included drug addiction, communication, racism, self-esteem, depression and suicide in
youth, anorexia/bulimia, early pregnancy, among others. After each team presented their case
to the group as a whole, a vote was taken by ballot. The results were:
Drug addiction
Self-esteem
Racism
Early pregnancy
Communication
Depression
Anorexia/bulimia
Domestic violence
14
14
8
3
3
2
2
1
Total votes: 47
The girls were reminded that an action plan would be developed the next day. Keeping that
in mind the Encounter staff asked the girls if they wanted to choose 2 topics for the action
plan or only one. The girls elected to vote to break the tie and create a majority decision.
Participants advocated vigorously for their topic. After a lively discussion, a hand vote was
taken and recorded. The result was that self-esteem was chosen by a large margin as the
priority area. The group agreed that self-esteem is both the cause and consequence of the
other areas of concern for youth such as drug addiction, early pregnancy, domestic violence,
anorexia/bulimia, etc. In fact, they reasoned, these conditions are a symptom of a lack of self-
23
esteem and can themselves cause a further decline of self-esteem creating a vicious cycle
difficult to break.
On Sunday morning the girls met again in their work groups to plan how they would address
their priority area, self-esteem. Many emotions bubbled to the surface as a result of the
discussion. One girl admitted that she had begun to use drugs, but the Encounter had opened
her eyes to the root cause of her growing addiction. She vowed to use the knowledge she had
acquired during the Encounter to stop. Another girl described her home life with alcoholic
parents. Yet another lived with domestic violence. Others lived with divorce and/or a lack of
social support. In short, the girls felt that few people listen to them, and few care, except to
scold. They believe parents, teachers, and society as a whole are critical of them and that they
are never good enough. It is this lack of caring, resulting in a profound loneliness and despair
that leads them to look for their soul needs in risky and dangerous alternatives. Yet, these
young minds recognized and accepted responsibility for their actions.
The girls reflected on how they contribute to this dynamic, and on their own personal
barriers. For some those barriers express themselves as aggressiveness, defensiveness,
vengefulness, and deliberately not communicating with parents, teachers, and friends. In
short, each girl recognized how she contributed to and compounded an already difficult
situation. Very brave, indeed, even for more mature human beings.
Many wiped their tears aside as the group moved to create the action plan. The participants
decided to continue to work on their priority issue by meeting together on a regular basis,
writing articles for area newspapers, sharing their experience in schools and on the radio,
establishing a youth support group or groups, and developing a series of skits that can be part
of a tour that travels through the Arizona/Mexico border raising awareness and creating
momentum for solutions.
In closing, the effect the Binational Youth Encounter had on the girls was powerful, but it
also deeply affected the staff and volunteers that helped make this happen. As adults, we
were deeply moved not only by the courage and honesty of these young women, but also by
their vulnerability. The depth of the pain they carry with them on a daily basis is shocking to
all of us. We expect youth to be carefree, to live in a world that is full of innocence and
unvarnished dreams. Perhaps we think this because we remember our own childhood, or a
childhood idealized and tempered by time and distance. But this is not the world these young
women live in. For them it is a dangerous place both physically and emotionally.
Unfortunately these young women believe that few, if any, adults are there to help them
navigate this treacherous landscape. It behooves us as adults to take the time to listen to these
youth, to treat them as distinct human beings with their own set of issues and circumstances,
and not just small reflections of ourselves. Our future depends on it.
24
THE WAY OF THE HEART: THE PROMOTORA INSTITUTE
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS FOR BINATIONAL YOUTH ENCOUNTER DELEGATES
NAME __________________TELEPHONE ___________SCHOOL __________________
SUMMARY: To gather a group of 40 girls, ages 13–17, to discuss, analyze the problems young girls face in
Ambos Nogales, and develop an action plan to solve them.
GENERAL QUESTION (Please write your answer to the general question on the back of this page.)
Why are you interested in participating in this project?
1. What does it mean to be a youth leader? Name a quality or characteristic of a good youth leader. Also,
please tell us if you consider yourself to be a leader and why.
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Suggest an activity that might be part of the action plan to solve the problems girls face along the Nogales,
Arizona/Nogales, Sonora border.
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
3. Name the two most common problems you think that girls face in Nogales, Arizona.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
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EL INSTITUTO DE PROMOTORAS: EL CAMINO AL CORAZON
PREGUNTAS DE ENTREVISTA PARA LAS DELEGADAS DEL ENCUENTRO
BINACIONAL DE JOVENES
NOMBRE ____________________ TELEFONO ____________ ESCUELA________________
RESUMEN : Unir a un grupo de 40 jovencitas entre 13 y 16 anos de edad para discutir y analizar la
problematica para jovenes en Ambos Nogales y crear un plan de accion para solucionarlo.
PREGUNTA GENERAL (Por favor escriba su respuesta a la pregunta general detras de esta pagina.)
Porque estas interesada en participar en este proyecto?
1. Que es para ti ser lider? Dame un ejemplo de un buen lider. Eres un lider ? Porque ?
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
2. Sugiere una actividad de trabajo que podamos realizar como parte del plan de accion para solucionar
la problematica en la frontera Nogales, Sonora y Nogales, Arizona.
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
3. Nombra los dos problemas mas comunes y actuales entre los jovenes en Nogales, Sonora.
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
26