Cameron County honors decade-spanning colonia work and proclaims awareness months as Raul Garcia retires

The Cameron County Commissioners Court opened its June 30 meeting with a series of proclamations and public recognitions, including a formal proclamation naming June 2026 Elder Abuse Awareness Month and a separate proclamation recognizing Responsible Fatherhood Month.

Anna Yitra Vino, supervisor for Adult Protective Services in Brownsville, urged residents to report suspected abuse, saying, “we highly encourage everyone to help us keep our most vulnerable in our community safe by reporting any suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of elderly individuals or individuals with disabilities.” The court read statistics from statewide reporting and emphasized community partnership in prevention and reporting.

The court also adopted a resolution honoring National Salvation Army Week and heard remarks from Velma De Los Santos, president of the local Salvation Army chapter, who described the group’s county-wide services. Faith leaders who had been invited to accept the Responsible Fatherhood Month proclamation thanked the court; Luis Cabrera, who identified himself as Texas faith director for Citizens Defending Freedom, called the action “more than a symbolic gesture,” saying it affirms the importance of fathers and families.

The meeting included an extended recognition of Raul Garcia, retiring director of community services in Planning and Development after 23 years. The proclamation listed that Garcia was instrumental in the completion of 53 colonia projects totaling approximately $65,000,000. Garcia addressed the court: “It’s an honor to be recognized… I accept the proclamation for service for residents of Cameron County,” and said he plans to move into private-sector real estate ventures after June 30.

The court approved the proclamations and the retirement recognition by voice vote.