MIAMI, August 10, 2006.
Adults and
Youth who are
Under-served
Deserve
Attention
a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting underserved and/or at-risk families in Miami-Dade County through education, life-skills training, and programs that support self-sufficiency, grieved the death of one of the dearest Representative Payee clients Septina "Tina" Galetto on July 11, 2006.
AYUDA has been helping Septina since 2002. The Representative Payee services provide clients with management of Social Security benefits. AYUDA receives benefits on behalf of the client and uses the money to pay their housing and utilities, food, medical and dental expenses, personal care items, clothing, and rehabilitation services. The Rep Payee keeps accurate records of payments and how the money is spent.
According to witnesses, Septina was suddenly caught by a truck on a corner while waiting to cross the street; the truck made the turn and the rear tire caught Septina who did not make it to the hospital. Through ID cards, Septina's social worker and friend Niva Joseph was contacted and due to the lack of contact information, Niva would be responsible to make wake and funeral arrangements. However Niva knew Septina's family was in Haiti, so Niva contacted few Haitian radio stations to announce that Septina was in serious condition. The parents heard the news. However, before contacting Niva, the Police Detective found a sister in Pennsylvania. The family including parents, sisters, and nephews was coming to Miami to say goodbye to dear Septina. Since the family did not know anything in Miami, Niva provided useful phone numbers and addresses such as the church Septina used to go, cemetery, and wake place. With Niva's help, Septina's family provided the wake and funeral arrangements on July 21st and 22nd respectively.
Out of empathy and respect to Septina, Niva was present at both the wake and funeral. "Septina was a beautiful, lovable and gentle young woman," said Niva Joseph, "She came to the office regularly to pick up her Social Security check but ,unlike the other clients, she was never demanding for anything. She was very down-to-earth when asking for services or favors. I will miss Septina's great spirit."
About Ayuda Inc
AYUDA (Adults and Young Children with Unmet needs Deserve Attention) is a non profit organization founded in 1977. AYUDA's mission is dedicated to help the lives of children and families who are underserved and/ or at risk in Miami-Dade County through education, life skills training, and programs that support self sufficiency. These programs are designed for children, parents, teenagers and the elderly. AYUDA was founded by Diana Susi, a licensed family therapist educator, rehabilitation service provider, addictions counselor and a member of the National Association of Social Workers. CEO Luis DeJesus has over 25 years of experience in Administration, Budgeting, and Marketing, possesses strong strategies to quickly effect change and improvement. AYUDA is partially funded by: The Alliance for Aging, The Alliance for Human Services, The City of Miami Beach, The Childrens Trust, Dade Community Foundation, The Department of Health, The Department of Housing Authority, The Department of Juvenile Justice, The Miami Beach Police Department, Miami Dade Department of Human Services, North Beach Development Corporation, The Green Family Foundation, The Womens Fund, Hispanics in Philanthropy, individual and corporate donations, private foundations, and diverse grants.
| Ayuda Contacts: |
Mariana Runha, Public Relations Director
E -mail: marianar@ayudamiami.org
Tel: (305).864-6885
Fax:(305).864.1020 |
Luis DeJesus, CEO/ Executive Director
E-mail: ldejesus@ayudamiami.org
Tel:(305)864-6885
Fax:(305)866-5690 |
Website: www.ayudamiami.org
7118 Byron Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33141 |
Traducido por: María E. Anaya, ESOL Teacher & Tutor
E-mail: marua@ayudamiami.org
Tel:(305)864-6885, ext. 210
Fax:(305)864-1020 | |
