El Paso Public Forum

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139

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Jun 2026

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Welcome to El Paso Public forum. A weekly half hour Public affairs presentation of iHeartRadio El Paso for over 20 years. Featuring local news and interviews of interest to our listeners in West Texas and southern New Mexico. All views and opinions expressed on this program are those of the host and guest, and not necessarily those of iHeartRadio management. If you, your organization or event would like to be featured on an upcoming program, please email to EPforum@iHeartmedi.com. This program was pre-recorded at the studios of iHeartRadio El Paso. . El Paso Public Forum airing on all local iHeart radio stations every Sunday morning from 6-6:30am on Power 102.1, Sunny 99.9 and 96.3 KHEY Country, and from 7-7:30am on 93.5 HOT FM, News Radio 690AM and Fox Sports 1380AM.. No radio? No problem! Use the free iHeart app and listen in on Power 102.1, 96.3 KHEY Country, Sunny 99.9, 93.5 HotFM, NewsRadio 690AM or Fox Sports 1380AM anywhere and on the go! . #iheartradio #iheart #elpaso #womeninradio #iheartcountry #elpasostrong #radio #communityprogramming #eppf #elpasopublicforum #elpasocommunities #nonprofit #iheartcommunities

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June 14, 202634 min

EPPF 6-14-26 El Pasoans Fighting Hunger & El Paso Center for Diabetes

Segment 1: El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank, covering El Paso, Culberson and Hudspeth Counties.Did you know that food insecurity in our region is 40%, which is DOUBLE the National average and DOUBLE the amount of any city of comparable size in Texas? Local food insecurity doesn't just affect the homeless, it affects your neighbors, friends, teachers, etc..Amber Banda talks with veteran Kris Yagel, Interim CEO, and Candice MacBlain, Chief Development Officer for the El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank. They talk about the logistics of how the food is acquired, sorted and distributed, how they work with other local organizations, why monetary donations are prefered and how they can help combat food insecurity, when and where you can volunteer and/or obtain food for yourself, and more..They are having their "Reverse Gala" on September 24th and are looking for sponsors and partners. Follow them on social media @El Pasoans Fighting Hunger or visit elpasoansfightinghunger.org.Special thanks again to the kids from ITAV Enrichment centers for asking some pretty amazing questions and being guests at the iHeart station.______________________________________________________________________________________________Segment 2: FREE Diabetes Youth Camp for kids ages 5-12 living with Type 1 Diabetes at the El Paso Center for Diabetes, formerly El Paso Diabetes Association..Amber Banda talks with Sandra Gonzalez, CEO, and Maria Orozco, Nutritionist, for the El Paso Center for Diabetes. Learn how you can get your free HbA1c and glucose testing, and what resources they have available to you including what to do after a diagnosis, cooking classes, Diabetes Self-Management, and more..Nutritionist Maria Orozco will also be hosting their FREE Diabetes Youth Camps July 15-17 for kids ages 5-12 living with Type 1 Diabetes. Register at El Paso Center for Diabetes | Diabetes Now What | Home.Follow them on social media @El Paso Center For Diabetes. NEW EPISODES EVERY SUNDAY AT 8AM! Follow Amber Banda, 96.3 KHEY Country, Power 102.1 or Sunny 99.9 on Instagram and/or Facebook for pictures of our guests and leave a comment. Be a part of the good going on in our community!

June 7, 202631 min

EPPF 6-7-26 El Paso Child Guidance Center & Paso Del Norte Community Foundation

Segment 1: El Paso Child Guidance Center.If you are looking for a place that specializes in therapy, psychiatry and case management for children, listen up! The El Paso Child Guidance Center offers affordable and free support to help children with their mental health..Amber Banda talks with Cathy Gaytan, CEO of the El Paso Child Guidance Center. The center offers many free and income-based support systems for kids and their families. Listen in to learn how to apply for help, the differences between therapy, psychiatry, and case management there, and more. .For more information go to epcgc.org or find them on social media!_______________________________________________________________________________________________Segment 2: Paso Del Norte Community Foundation.The PDN Community Foundation is well known for "El Paso Giving Day," and this year the theme is Lucha Libre! Amber Banda talks with Kellie Burns- Franco, Director of Partnership and Outreach with the Paso Del Norte Community Foundation. they talk about the upcoming dates and deadlines for El Paso Giving Day, including early giving week and all the summer workshops available to help non-profits maximize their fundraising potential..iHeart also had some special student guests from ITAV Enrichment Centers in the building to ask our guests their questions. It's a good one!.For more information go to pdnfoundation.orgorelpasogivingday.orgYou can also find them on social media @PDNCFoundation or El Paso Giving Day NEW EPISODES EVERY SUNDAY AT 8AM! Follow Amber Banda, 96.3 KHEY Country, Power 102.1 or Sunny 99.9 on Instagram and/or Facebook for pictures of our guests and leave a comment. Be a part of the good going on in our community!

June 1, 202635 min

5-31-26 EPPF Ft. Bliss MWR & City of El Paso

Segment 1: For the first time ever, the Sun City brings together Ft. Bliss and Destination El Paso to celebrate the United States of America turning 250 years old this Independence Day! .Amber Banda talks with Roberto Medina, aka "Chico," Director of Ft. Bliss DFM-MWR, and Alexandria Acosta, Strategic Marketing Manager for Destination El Paso..Saturday June 27th: Pop Goes the Fort from 5-10pm at Biggs Park. Bring your own lawn chair and snacks and arrive early to enjoy vendors, games, and live music from a variety of genres including the 1st Armored Division Band, El Paso’s own hip hop artist Krystall Poppin, rock band Hot Chelle Rae, and country music star Chris Young..July 4th: America's 250th Birthday Celebration at San Jacinto Plaza from 5-10pm. FREE and family friendly with family activities, vendors, live entertainment including the Randy Rogers Band and El Paso's own Julian Kalel, and more..This 8-day long celebration is full of family-friendly events for America's birthday celebration in between as well! Go to visitelpaso.com/america250 for a list and schedule of all of the events, information and more. Follow on socials as well on socials. @visitelpaso on Instagram and Facebook, and Ft Bliss MWR on Instagram and facebook..Get your visitor's pass using this link: Pre-Registration | Gvt.US__________________________________________________________________Segment 2: City of El Paso, TX is El Paso's official government account..Did you know our Ascarate Park is a county park, not city park? Do you know the difference between El Paso City and El Paso County? Did you know that Paisano Highway is a state-maintained road? What about ALL of the free events available to you courtesy of the different organizations within the City of El Paso?.Amber Banda interviews Ricardo Isaias, Communications Officer with the City of El Paso, and Diana Cepeda, Sr. Special Events Coordinator for El Paso Parks and Rec..Listen to find out and learn more about our city, especially free events this summer including free Movies in the Park, America's 250th Birthday Celebration at San Jacinto Plaza, and more.Reminder that our city's 10 spray parks are now open 10am-8pm for this summer, including the Pavo Real spray park which is dog-friendly. Bathing suites not required, so go out and cool down and have fun!.For more information go to elpasotexas.govor go to liveactiveep.com..Find them on Facebook at El Paso Texas Municipal Government or Instagram @Iam_elpaso. NEW EPISODES EVERY SUNDAY AT 8AM! Follow Amber Banda, 96.3 KHEY Country, Power 102.1 or Sunny 99.9 on Instagram and/or Facebook for pictures of our guests and leave a comment. Be a part of the good going on in our community!

May 24, 202629 min

EPPF 5-24-26 CASA & El Paso Center for Children

Segment 1: CASA; Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA).Amber Banda interviews Mia Reza, Volunteer Recruitment Training Lead and Anna Carillo, Marketing and Venets Coordinator for CASA of El Paso.You can make a big difference in the life of an abused or neglected child. Listen to learn how you can support these children either by becoming a CASA or donating to their cause. Learn the process of becoming a volunteer, how CASA has helped kids who need courtroom representation, and more..Find them on Instagram and Facebook: CASA of El Paso or visit their website at www.casaofelpaso.org__________________________________________________________________________________________Segment 2: El Paso Center for Children.The El Paso Center for Children has been serving children and families through free services and programs for over 100 years! They offer parent cafes, victims of crime services, young adult rental assistance, counseling and life skills, and so much more. Now, they offer respite care for foster families!.Amber Banda interviews Beatrize Marin-Olivarez, Youth Outreach and Housing Division Director at the El Paso Center for Children. They go over these various free programs, services and resources the center offers for the community with a focus on the new Youth Shelter for Adoptive Family Respite Care. It's a temporary shelter created in collaboration with Heart Galleries of El Paso where kids ages 11-17 in foster care can stay..Find more information or to donate, find them on their Instagram and Facebook @ElPasoCenterforChildren or visit their website at www.epccinc.orgIf you need services, you can also call (915) 330-9513. Address is 2200 N Stevens NEW EPISODES EVERY SUNDAY AT 8AM! Follow Amber Banda, 96.3 KHEY Country, Power 102.1 or Sunny 99.9 on Instagram and/or Facebook for pictures of our guests and leave a comment. Be a part of the good going on in our community!

May 17, 202633 min

EPPF 5-17-26 Rescue Re-Shot Project & Reconnecting with the Disconnected with Reckers Outreach

Segment 1: Rescue Re-Shot Project, helping animals get adopted using professional photography!.Amber Banda talks with Lilian Blanco and her husband Jaime Blanco, co-founders of Rescue Re-Shot Project. Lilian also serves as the president of the organization, and Jaime is not only the treasurer but the actual photographer! They work with local animal welfare agencies to help get the best side of the animals to help get them forever homes. They have special skills under their belts that are specifically for animal photography, and have their own business doing animal portraits..They've done many successful events to help these fur babies, and you can help support by becoming a volunteer or donating. Plus, they may be adding reptiles into their portfolio soon...stay tuned!.Follow them on Instagram @rescuereshotproject to stay updated on some PAWsome upcoming events or call them at 915-704-7922 for more information. _______________________________________________________________________________________________Segment 2: Reconnecting with the Disconnected with Samantha Recker.Amber Banda interviews Samantha Recker, Founder of Reconnecting with the Disconnected, a non-profit empowering youth with second chances. Having been in the system growing up herself, Samantha knows what it is like having an unsteady home life and how that can affect school attendance. She works with schools and truancy courts and has created programs to help kids stay in school, give them opportunities to be active in the community, and see more of their potential. .Her son had the idea for Reckers Outreach, which is also Samantha's organization. They help rebuild the lives of veterans by offering them a place to stay, employment resources, and a supportive environment. Being active military, it is easy to see why she created these two organizations and have Reckers Outreach feed her non-profit to help disconnected youth. .If you'd like more information on getting these programs in your school to help truant and struggling students, if you are an organization that has opportunities for these kids to volunteer, you'd like to support Reckers Outreach through donations, or you'd like more information, you can go to reconnectingwiththedisconnected.comor reckersoutreachllc.comFind them on Instagram @RWTD_2026 or Facebook @ Reconnecting With The Disconnected NEW EPISODES EVERY SUNDAY AT 8AM! Follow Amber Banda, 96.3 KHEY Country, Power 102.1 or Sunny 99.9 on Instagram and/or Facebook for pictures of our guests and leave a comment. Be a part of the good going on in our community!

May 10, 202635 min

EPPF 5-10-26 EP Strive Now & Make A Wish El Paso

Segment 1: Strive Now EP; Empowering the Sun City youth to find their purpose and become leaders in our community.Amber Banda talks with Israel Castro, Executive Director, and Raul Garcia, Program Coordinator, for Strive Now in El Paso. This relatively new non-profit exists to empower young people to build character, clarity and leadership by connecting values to real-life at school, at work, and in their communities..But what exactly does that mean? EP Strive Now uses mentors in their fields to inspire and teach kids what to expect in various careers and jobs. they have classes and seminars to teach kids how to communicate outside of their electronics, the importance of disconnecting from social media and technology, and also how to use it to succeed. They have had presentations and events at various local spots such as La Nube, high schools, and now, UTEP!.Their UTEP Summer Camps begin June 8th and will fill up fast! These camps will be organized into ages and grade levels, and focus on important life skills like how to channel anxious energy, how to speak in public, every day communications skills, meeting new people, and more. Classes will be a week long and food will be provide, limited spots available. Visit www.epstrivenow.org or find them on Instagram @epstrivenow and Facebook @Strive Now_______________________________________________________________________________________________Segment 2: Make A Wish in El Paso-Grab a tissue for this one!.You've heard of Make A Wish and sending kids with oftentimes terminal illnesses to Disney, but did you know that happens right here in El Paso? .Amber Banda interviews Malissa Arras, Senior Development Manager for the El Paso Make-A-Wish Office. Yes, Disney is an often-requested wish, but Malissa opens up about the first wish she helped grant, and how the local car community came together to make one boy's dream come true. Amber also talks with Malissa about how doing this kind of volunteer work has changed her since becoming a new mom. .They are having their 2026 Walk & Run 5K for Wishes May 17th at the Shoppes at Solana. The event is free to attend, the 5K is $30-$35, and the proceeds go to helping make wishes come true for sick children, from Disney to new bedrooms and so much more. Listen to learn how you can make a difference and be a part of their Walk & Run for Wishes event staring at 8am!.For more information visit www.walkforwisheselpaso.org and find them on Instagram @Make A Wish NT or see the event on Facebook @Walk For Wishes El Paso NEW EPISODES EVERY SUNDAY AT 8AM! Follow Amber Banda, 96.3 KHEY Country, Power 102.1 or Sunny 99.9 on Instagram and/or Facebook for pictures of our guests and leave a comment. Be a part of the good going on in our community!

May 3, 202634 min

El Paso Public Forum 5-3-26 Lumbre and Gangsters for Jesus & Paso Del Norte Center for Hope

Segment 1: Lumbre Motorcycle Club partners with "Gangster for Jesus" Ministry to raise funds for the Opportunity Center for the Homeless in El Paso..The Opportunity Center for the Homeless provides emergency and permanent housing options, food and other assistance to over 2,000 individuals on average each year. "Gangster for Jesus" ministry has their Church in the Alley right next to the Opportunity Center for those wanting to find hope and faith, whatever your background. Lumbre MC is a non-profit motorcycle club and a member of the El Paso Motorcycle Coalition and have done various events to support local organizations including chidlren's sports events, child welfare agencies and homeless shelters..Amber Banda talks with Angie "Foxy Rider" Villamil, Original member of Lumbre MC, Aileen Grajales, Lumbre MC Family Member, as well as Robert Ortega and George Loya, pastors for "Gangster for Jesus" ministry..Support their efforts at their Benefit Run on Sunday, June 7th. Registration starts at 11am at The Don Ramen restaurant inside Fox Plaza. Cost is $10 which includes raffle tickets and a meal ticket for the final stop. The 1st stop is at El Ruedo located at 1407 Overland, and final stop at La Havana where they will have raffles, food, music, auctions, and more!.This is a family friendly event, open to the community, no matter if you drive on 2 wheels, 3, 4, or more!.For more information go to Lumbre Castaneda or Gangsters for Jesus on Facebook, or visit gangsterpreacher.com________________________________________________________________________________________________Segment 2: Paso Del Norte Center of Hope.The PDN Center of Hope helps victims of sex trafficking and exploitation HERE in El Paso. Victims are being trafficked in OUR city, by immigrants and Americans alike. Sadly, the average age of victims they are currently seeing is 14. .Amber Banda talks with Nicole Schiff, Executive Director for Paso Del Norte Center of Hope, about their growth, their impact, and the origins of the center. They are still very much looking for supporters, donors, volunteers and help from the community to keep the center functioning and able to provide services and hope to the children and adults that are being or have been trafficked. .Their Phantom of the Opera gala on May 8th is sold out; however they are still accepting sponsors and donations for raffle items to help support the center. They have also teamed up with the non-profit Plant A Seed and will be the recipients of donations from the 5K Run & Walk for Hope. .For more information find them on Instagram and Facebook @PDNCenterofHope and go to pdncoh.org NEW EPISODES EVERY SUNDAY AT 8AM! Follow Amber Banda, 96.3 KHEY Country, Power 102.1 or Sunny 99.9 on Instagram and/or Facebook for pictures of our guests and leave a comment. Be a part of the good going on in our community!

April 27, 202636 min

EPPF 4-26-26 Plant A Seed & Assistance League of El Paso

Segment 1: Plant A Seed.Plant A Seed is no stranger to the El Paso Public Forum. Founded by Wendy Gamillo and her husband Miguel Gamillo, Plant A Seed has done many projects with various organizations and vulnerable populations in the border city. From their "Generations of Kindness" program that connects youth to seniors, their "My Quince" program which gifts a lucky girl a quince she would otherwise not be able to afford, their work with children's hospitals and so much more, Plant A Seed has been progressing quickly in their short time of being founded..Amber Banda talks with Wendy Gamillo, Plant A Seed President and Founder, and Cassandra Tinoco, Director of Operations and sponsor for Plant A Seed, about their current projects while focusing on their upcoming 5K to benefit the Paso Del Norte Center of Hope, their "Race Against Human Trafficking 5K Run & Walk." This event will be May 17th from 8am-11am at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino and have live music, vendor booths, fun activities, and is pet friendly!.Cost is $35 for 18+, $30 for under 18 or military, and the Fun Walk is free. There will also be a "Kids Lollipop Run" for children 10 and under. .Find more information at plantaseed.org_______________________________________________________________________________________________Segment 2: Assistance League of El Paso.The Assistance League of El Paso is a group of volunteers that work with many different organizations through various projects all over the city. The El Paso Chapter is the 50th Chapter out of 95 nationwide and has over 100 volunteers!.Amber Banda talks with Lisa Miertschin, Public Relations Chair for the Assistance League of El Paso, about their 4 main projects; Operation School Bell where they give brand new school clothes to 2,500 local children in grades 1-5, their PASO Bear Program for 1st responders, their ASK Program, (Assault Survivor Kits) to assist the Center Against Sexual and Family Violence, and their WHO Program, where they work with La Posada Home, which also encompasses their HATS program to create decorated caps and beanies for cancer patients, and the SOL Porgram where they make blankets and quilts for those in need..They're having their 2nd Annual "A Taste of 5 Points" 1 mile walk May 2nd. Tickets are $30 and include various food samples from various eateries in the 5 Points Area, where their Thrift Shop is located at 2728 E Yandell. Tickets on sale through Monday 4.27/26 so hurry and get them while you can!.For more information and to purchase tickets or donate, go to assistanceleague.org NEW EPISODES EVERY SUNDAY AT 8AM! Follow Amber Banda, 96.3 KHEY Country, Power 102.1 or Sunny 99.9 on Instagram and/or Facebook for pictures of our guests and leave a comment. Be a part of the good going on in our community!

April 20, 202635 min

EPPF 4-19-26 The Boost Network & Borderland Arts Foundation

Segment 1: El Paso parents: Do you wish there was a place online where you could find all types of out-of-school activities for your kids based on their interests, cost, location within the city, and more? Well THERE IS! .The Paso Del Norte Health Foundation has partnered with The United Way of El Paso County to support their initiative known as "The Boost Network," a free online resource for parents looking for out-of-school activities. It's basically your one-stop-shop for things to do for your kids when they're not in school and with summer coming up, the time is NOW!.Amber Banda talks with Enrique Garcia, Healthy Kids Director for the United Way of El Paso County, and Jana Renner, Senior Program Officer for the Paso Del Norte Health Foundation, about how the organizations within The Boost Network are vetted, why out-of-school activities are important, the "epidemic" occurring right now with youth and how the United Way and the paso Del Norte Health Foundation are helping, how the 2 organizations partnered up, and more..Find The Boost Network on Instagram and Facebook @BoostNTWK and visit THEBOOSTNETWORK.org today!______________________________________________________________________________________________Segment 2: Borderland Arts Foundation.Based out of Las cruces, NM, The Borderland Arts Foundation serves communities in Las Cruces NM, Juarez MX, and El Paso, TX. It "...was created to strengthen the cultural life of the Borderland region through artistic excellence, education, and community connection.".Amber Banda Zooms with Erik Maese, Director of Organizational Strategy, and James Blanchard, Music Director, for the Borderland Arts Foundation, to talk about music as their passion, how they got involved, what they hope to create and give back to the community, and about upcoming events including their Mesilla Valley Music Festival happening May 8-10th..This festival will include orchestra performances, flute solos, and more. They also have a Mother's Day event on May 10th with live performances form the NMSU Jazz Band, and more events coming up throughout the year. Stay up-to-date on their Instagram and Facebook @borderlandartsfoundation and visit their website for more information borderlandartsfoundation.org NEW EPISODES EVERY SUNDAY AT 8AM! Follow Amber Banda, 96.3 KHEY Country, Power 102.1 or Sunny 99.9 on Instagram and/or Facebook for pictures of our guests and leave a comment. Be a part of the good going on in our community!

April 12, 202637 min

EPPF 4-12-26 Child Crisis Center of El Paso Hollywood Gala & EPISD Education Foundation

Segment 1: Get ready to glam up for the Child Crisis Center of El Paso's Hollywood For Hope Gala!.Amber Banda interviews Andrew Castaneda, Executive Director for the Child Crisis Center of El Paso, as well as Crystal Gurrola, Fund Developer for the Child Crisis Center of El Paso. They talk about how the center is an emergency resource for the families of El Paso, what happens when a child is in their care, the goals of the center and the families that it serves, and what items you can donate to help the shelter's children..They are having their annual gala, "Hollywood for Hope," May 8th at the Hacienda Garden Hall, which is a beautiful new indoor/outdoor venue for their event! The theme this year is "Hollywood Glam," and Sponsorships are still available, as are individual tickets. There will be food, dancing, raffles, auctions, live entertainment, and more!.Purchase tickets and get more information at The Child Crisis Center of El Paso and follow them on social media.______________________________________________________________________________________________Segment 2: EPISD Education Foundation .Amber Banda interviews Russel Booth, Director of the EPISD Education Foundation, as well as VJ Smith, Manager of Government and Public Affairs for Marathon Petroleum. Marathon Petroleum recently donated a grant to the EPISD Education Foundation at Jefferson High School to support one of the school's STEM organizations..Russel talks about the role the EPISD Education Foundation plays in providing funds to their schools, why them being a separate non-profit organization is valuable in them being able to raise more money for the schools, how the funds are used, various organizations they partner with to help kids further their education, and much more..Their largest fundraiser, the State of the District, is happening April 15th. They also have a 5K and golf tournament happening later this year, stay posted on their website for more information!.Education Foundation | El Paso ISDMarathon Petroleum Corporation - Providing Energy Solutions NEW EPISODES EVERY SUNDAY AT 8AM! Follow Amber Banda, 96.3 KHEY Country, Power 102.1 or Sunny 99.9 on Instagram and/or Facebook for pictures of our guests and leave a comment. Be a part of the good going on in our community!