Guardianship Program

Project Amistad is ‘guardian’ of over 350 persons in El Paso County, and the Greater Midland-Odessa area. The agency is appointed ‘guardian’ of individuals after they are found to be ‘incapacitated’ and in need of a guardian. Left alone, these individuals are at-risk of becoming homeless, malnourished, and exploited.

They come to the attention of the public (and eventually the legal system) when they are found living in a home or apartment cluttered in filth, with poor hygiene, no utilities, and without food.

Judge Patricia Chew and Judge Eduardo Gamboa preside over the two Probate Courts of El Paso County. They refer individuals to Project Amistad when they are found to be ‘incapacitated’ and in need of a guardian.

Guardianship staff attended close to 100 court hearings annually throughout the thirty six counties served by Project Amistad. Staff worked closely with the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) and the Department of Adult Protective Services (APS).

Services Provided

• Ensure client has food
• Client does not become homeless
• Medical needs are met
• Assist clients obtain Social Security, Medicaid or Medicare benefits, or food stamps
• Process legal documents
• Manage property
• Residential placement
• Place clients in community social services programs
• Make medical decisions for the clients
• Using the clients assets, ensure client’s financial needs are met
• Pay rent, utilities, bank reconciliation, other bills
  
• Monitor health and welfare
• Ensure there is an end of life plan (funeral arrangements)
• Advocate for clients to obtain entitlement benefits