Sheriff initiates UNIDOS program for Hispanics

Families lined up to get a picture with the Sheriff’s helicopter.
Families lined up to get a picture with the Sheriff’s helicopter.

Kick-off was held at BakerRipley Saturday; Goal is to provide resources and connections

EAST ALDINE – The public was invited to a kick-off party, held by the Sheriff’s office, to introduce a new program called UNIDOS. The event was held last Saturday, at the BakerRipley complex in Town Center. Hundreds of families attended in spite of the intense heat, and the Sheriff’s team displayed a great deal of their equipment and services in various locations around the BakerRipley campus. This included a mounted horse patrol, SWAT vehicles, an Autism intervention unit, and the most exciting of the show, the landing and exhibition of the department’s helicopter.

The event also included a number of exhibits and information tents, by community groups such as Lone Star College — East Aldine, BakerRipley, Houston Police and Fire Departments, health organizations, and Harris County Precinct 2.

Unidos is a new program aimed at providing assistance to Spanish-speaking residents in Harris County through valuable resources and connections to meet the community’s needs.

Deputy Blanco and Chief Deputy Toquica welcome.

Deputy Blanco serves as our Hispanic community liaison and Unidos program coordinator. Unidos will host informational meetings and outreach events to introduce our local Hispanic community to Unidos’ mission and the various ways we serve them. Deputy Blanco will cover a range of topics, including how to report a crime, and address public safety concerns.

The program will help promote safer communities and a better quality of life by establishing meaningful relationships with residents and empowering them through education.

Visitors to the event were able to meet with Deputy Blanco and our community partners at this family-friendly event with children’s activities and snacks. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at Unidos@sheriff.hctx.net.