Austin Interfaith reported to the Austin American Statesman that the organization teamed up with judges to build a hybrid model that would improve indigent defense.  She lobbied County Commissioners to support the establishment of a defender’s office that would assign lawyers to the cases of poor defendants.  

The first year, Travis County would receive about $700 thousand to establish the new office, which would ensure that indigent defendants would have an opportunity to meet with their lawyers so that they understand their situation before going to trial.

[Photo Credit: Felipa Rodrigues, KUT News]

Travis County Accepts State Funding to Create Private Defender’s Office, Austin American Statesman

"Central Health is building a 70,000-square foot facility called the Southeast Health and Wellness Center. Slated to open in fall 2014, the center will cost Travis County taxpayers about $8 million. It will have exercise classes and nutrition counseling, aimed at combating some of the area’s biggest health challenges.  But one of its strongest critics is Ofelia Zapata..."

[Photo Credit: Felipa Rodriguez for KUT News]

A Tipping Point for Healthcare in Dove Springs?, KUT News

Public Calls for Health Organization To Be More Open, Austin American Statesman (08/07/13)

In a prayer service and press conference organized by Austin Interfaith, Central Texas Bishops and clergy from six religious denominations “pressed Tuesday for reforms centered on keeping families together and allowing unauthorized immigrants to earn legal residency with a path to citizenship….[stating] such principles are key to what they called just and humane immigration reforms.”

Central Texas Religious Leaders: Immigration Change Must be Just, Humane, Austin American Statesman [Printable version]

Lideres de Diversas Iglesias Alzan sus Plegarias por la Reforma Migratoria, Univision 62

“If Oak Creek doesn’t remain affordable housing, [Landin] will have to move in with her mother in Bastrop.  Principal Robertson says continuity is key for low-income families.

‘Constant change is not a friend for Title One families,’ Robertson says. ‘Nor is it for students to jump from school to school. That upheaval — some of our most successful families will be thrown into I don’t know what kind of abyss.’

Members of the Travis Heights community are also concerned the school will lose its diverse student population. Minerva Skeith is a Travis Heights parent and member of the local community group, Austin Interfaith.”

For One Austin School, Funding Hangs on Affordable Housing, KUT News

Presentation and Exchange at City Hall, City of AustinMay 13, 2013

“The Austin-based Workers Defense Project is asking the courts to step into its wage dispute with the developers of the downtown Austin J.W. Marriott hotel under construction....

‘Developers need to keep their promises to taxpayers and workers, and the city must enforce its own rules,’ said Kurt Cadena-Mitchell, a leader of Austin Interfaith, a multi-congregation group pushing the city to establish a standard above minimum wage on construction projects that are granted economic development deals by the city.”  [Photo: Alberto Martinez, Austin American Statesman]

Labor Advocates Ask Court to Step into Marriott Dispute, Austin American Statesman

West / Southwest IAF