Kim delaPena News
Teen FLOW spotlights Facilities Manager Zachary Ramirez
By Kim delaPena | Dec 20, 2024
Teen FLOW Youth Ministry, marking its 25th year, is recognizing the contributions of Zachary Ramirez, who joined the organization as Facilities Manager in May 2023. Ramirez is responsible for maintaining the youth center's 17,000 square feet, ensuring the upkeep of facilities and vehicles essential to the ministry's operations, according to Janiah Clark, Executive Director of Teen FLOW.
Christine Foreman Joins Midland College Board of Trustees
By Kim delaPena | Dec 20, 2024
Midland College has announced the appointment of Christine Gentry Foreman to the Board of Trustees. Foreman was sworn in during the Board meeting on December 17 by the Honorable Leah Robertson, filling the seat vacated by retiring Board member Steve Castle, according to a Midland College press release.
City Bank announces $60,000 in community rewards to support Permian Basin nonprofits
By Kim delaPena | Dec 18, 2024
City Bank has announced 30 nonprofit organizations that will receive funds from its $60,000 Community Rewards program, now in its fifth year serving the Permian Basin.
Braden Joplin Foundation Donates $65,000 to Teen FLOW Youth Ministry
By Kim delaPena | Dec 13, 2024
The Braden Joplin Foundation presented a $65,000 donation to Teen FLOW Youth Ministry on December 4. The donation supports the organization’s mission to “make leaders” among Midland teens.
Great Big Spring Cleanup Scheduled for December 7
By Kim delaPena | Dec 6, 2024
The Great Big Spring Vacant Lot Cleanup will take place on Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 6419 TX 349, just north of Chevron and Occidental Parkway.
United Way of Midland breaks ground on new facility
By Kim delaPena | Dec 6, 2024
United Way of Midland to hold a groundbreaking ceremony for its new Training and Conference Center on Dec. 10 at 10 a.m. The event takes place at 1209 W. Wall St.
Midland College Hosted Women's Well-Being Resource Fair
By Kim delaPena | Dec 5, 2024
Midland College hosted a Women's Well-Being Resource Fair on Dec. 3, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Al G. Langford Chaparral Center. The free event was open to the public and provided information and services related to health, wellness, and personal growth.
Midland Homeless Coalition Hosts Warm Hearts Project to Support Homeless and Families in Need
By Kim delaPena | Nov 21, 2024
The Midland Homeless Coalition, in partnership with Breaking Bread Kitchen, will host the Warm Hearts Project during National Homelessness and Hunger Week on November 21. The event will be held from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 pm at Breaking Bread Kitchen, 410 E Florida Ave. The initiative is to provide winter clothing, meals, and support to Midland’s homeless population and families that face financial hardship.
Horseshoe Arena IDD Training Event Focused on Community Understanding
By Kim delaPena | Nov 19, 2024
The Midland County Horseshoe Arena hosted a training event on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) on November 14 and 15. The event was organized by United Way of Midland and Senior Life Midland, in partnership with the Midland County Sheriff’s Office.
Kayla Schear Takes Charge of TLCA Volleyball Program in First Year
By Kim delaPena | Nov 18, 2024
Kayla Schear, the new volleyball and physical education coach at Texas Leadership Charter Academy (TLCA), is stepping into her first year at the school with a vision to build a competitive volleyball program. Previously, Schear spent six years with Trinity School, where she coached at various levels, including junior varsity, and played a key role in developing young athletes.
Permian Basin Unites for The Great Southside Cholla Cleanup
By Kim delaPena | Nov 13, 2024
Community members gathered on Cholla Rd in Midland on November 9 for The Great Southside Cholla Cleanup. The event was organized by Keith Stelter, Vice President of Sales at Maze Environmental and Texas Fabco.
Meet Brighton Mango: 'Servant Leader' at Teen FLOW Youth Center of Midland
By Kim delaPena | Nov 13, 2024
Brighton Mango has emerged as a leader with Teen FLOW Youth Center. A sophomore at Midland High School, Brighton leads Teen FLOW’s “Hype Team,” bringing positivity and energy to youth across Midland.
United Way of Midland Hosts IDD Training for First Responders
By Kim delaPena | Nov 5, 2024
The United Way of Midland, in partnership with Senior Life Midland, is hosting a two-day training on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) for first responders and community members. The event will be held on November 14 and 15 at the Midland County Horseshoe Arena, 2514 Arena Trail.
Second Annual Festival of Trees to Light Up Bush Convention Center
By Kim delaPena | Nov 4, 2024
The Second Annual Festival of Trees will be held at the Bush Convention Center, 105 N. Main Street, on November 8-9. The event raises funds for the Adult Protective Services Advisory Board of the Permian Basin to support elderly and disabled individuals who are victims of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
Basin Dream Center Expands to Provide Housing Support for West Texas Foster Youth
By Kim delaPena | Oct 31, 2024
Basin Dream Center for Orphans (BDCO), founded in 2017 by Tina Gillihan, is expanding through a capital campaign to develop 14 acres of land with 80 tiny homes and apartments. The expansion will provide housing for up to 150 youth by 2025, addressing the needs of an estimated 11,500 at-risk youth across West Texas.
Midland Declares Disability Employment Awareness Month
By Kim delaPena | Oct 24, 2024
At the Midland City Council meeting on October 24, Mayor Lori Blong declared October as “Disability Employment Awareness Month.” The proclamation is intended to emphasize the importance of inclusive hiring practices in Midland.
Meet Coach Tawanna Flowers: Leading Trinity Basketball Teams In ‘More Than Just a Game’
By Kim delaPena | Oct 23, 2024
Tawanna Flowers, a coach at Trinity School of Midland, brings a wealth of experience to her position. She focuses on building athletes and individuals. Now in her third year, Coach Flowers leads both the boys and girls basketball teams for grades 7 through 12, and serves as the basketball coordinator.
Thriving United debunks myths to ensure continuation of public support
By Kim delaPena | Oct 16, 2024
Thriving United in Midland supports individuals in addiction recovery by providing essential resources, housing, and peer-led community support. The non-profit organization led by Jenn and Pat Brown connects locals in need with tools to rebuild their lives, including recovery programs.
Uptown BPW to Host Annual Women of Achievement Dinner Honoring Krista Escamilla
By Kim delaPena | Oct 15, 2024
Uptown Business & Professional Women (BPW) in Midland will host its annual Women of Achievement Dinner on October 22 at the Petroleum Club from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Krista Escamilla will be honored as this year's Woman of Achievement, according to Heather Kruppi, President of the BPW Board of Directors.
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 19 Honored at Midland Ceremony, Along with Kathleen Kirwan-Haynie
By Kim delaPena | Oct 11, 2024
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 19 of Midland was recognized on October 10 during an awards ceremony at Senior Life Midland. U.S. Rep. August Pfluger and Unit 19 President Janie Bennett spoke at the event about the auxiliary's work for veterans and their families across Texas. The Midland Times covered the event.