Kim delaPena News


Be the Change Welcomes New Executive Director Haylee McBride

Haylee McBride has been named the new Executive Director at Be the Change, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to teaching leadership and kindness in local school districts. According to McBride, she plans to share her knowledge with junior high and high school students through an adventure-based learning program that emphasizes compassion.


Midland Health Auxiliary donates funds for new birthing simulator

Midland Health's Auxiliary Gift Shop has donated over $84,000 to purchase a new birthing simulator after the previous one expired. The shop donates all profits to Midland Health departments as part of its status as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, according to Director of Auxiliary Services Jackie Geiling.


Midland’s Jax Rental & Equipment Celebrates One-Year Anniversary

Jax Rental & Equipment is marking its first anniversary in Midland. In 2023, Owners Jorge and Jami Juarez purchased a closing equipment rental company where Jorge previously worked as a manager for 13 years, according to Jami Juarez.


Legacy High School Band Unveils Custom Trailer

Legacy High School Band unveiled a new, custom built and wrapped trailer to the public on May 15. The newly designed transport trailer will house all of the band's instruments, uniforms, and gear.


Festival of Trees to Benefit Adult Protective Services in November

The 2nd Annual Festival of Trees to benefit Adult Protective Services of the Permian Basin will be held November 8-9, 2024, at the Bush Convention Center.


Spotlight on Jubilee Center of Midland’s 20 Years Nourishing Local Communities

Jubilee Center of Midland, a nonprofit organization, has provided food assistance for local communities for two decades. During an interview with Midland Times, Executive Director Myranda Pachlhofer explained her organization’s role in the community.


Mariachi Workshop Draws Over 200 Students to Midland County Horseshoe Arena

The sounds of mariachi filled the Midland County Horseshoe Arena on Monday, May 3 as more than 200 students, including participants from as far away as El Paso, gathered for a three day workshop.


Senior Life Midland Opens New Facility for Homebound Seniors

Senior Life Midland's new building has opened, marking a milestone for the organization. Midland Times was given a tour of the new facility.


Meet Midland County Human Resources Director Makayla Lang

Makayla "MK" Lang, a new resident of Midland, joined Midland County as its Human Resources Director.


The Field's Edge–Building Dignity Through Community

The Field's Edge, a non-profit organization in Midland, promotes human dignity by creating homes for the homeless and fostering a service-oriented community. Founded in 2016 by John-Mark and Briana Echols, the organization began with a mission to support the homeless through personal relationships and community building.


Meet Atmos Energy Vice President of Public Affairs Brandi Price

Brandi Price, Vice President of Public Affairs for Atmos Energy, has spent over a decade with the company and believes in empowering women in the workplace. Price focuses on mentorship, fostering a culture of support, and providing guidance to women who pursue leadership roles.


Family Promise of Midland sees rise in needs

Family Promise of Midland, a non-profit established to address family homelessness, has seen an increase in the number of clients who are struggling, according to Case Manager Jerry Villarreal. The organization operates seven duplexes, and provides transitional housing and support services for families in crisis, helping them work toward economic stability.


Sibley Nature Center's Spring Festival Draws Families

Sibley Nature Center held its annual Spring Festival on April 27, drawing families from across Midland for a day of activities and education. The festival included a tour of the garden, ecology and conservation teachings, and children's activities.


American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Holds ‘Out of Darkness’ Campus Walk

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention hosted an “Out of Darkness” Campus Walk at Midland College on April 27. The walk supported survivors of suicide and encouraged students to seek help when needed.


Mission Agape Seeks Funding for New Food Pantry Building

Mission Agape, a food pantry in Midland, announced a capital campaign to fund a new building on Thomason and Midland Drive. The non-profit addresses hunger issues in Midland and surrounding counties.


Texas law protects organ transplant rights for disabled individuals

Individuals with disabilities in Texas faced potential denial of life-saving organ transplants due to their disability. Midlander Kathleen Kirwan-Haynie helped champion Daniel's Law, or House Bill 119, a bill designed to protect the right of disabled individuals to access the organ transplant list. The legislation took effect in January 2022.


Senior Life Midland to open new building for homebound seniors

Senior Life Midland will open a new facility in May at 3301 Sinclar Road. It will continue to provide Meals on Wheels services and 6 other homebound senior programs.


Spectrum of Solutions Announces Basin’s Got Talent Winners

Midland-based Spectrum of Solutions announced the winners of its Basin’s Got Talent competition on April 6. The winners were announced on the organization’s website.


Midland Health holds first employee vendor sale

Midland Health Volunteer Auxiliary department hosted its first employee vendor sale, featuring crafts and decorations sold by hospital staff on Saturday.


Hispanic Cultural Center of Midland sharing culture through children programs

The Hispanic Cultural Center of Midland (HCCM), a children’s nonprofit, shares the culture of Mexico through artistic educational programs. In an interview with Midland Times on April 15, Executive Director of HCCM Cal delaPena discussed what Hispanic culture means to him and how these learning opportunities impact the community.