Uniting Parents Newsletter
Connect, Educate, and Communicate
Case Manager Spotlight
My name is Josephine Treviño-Valadez, and I am a Parent Case Manager with Uniting Parents, a program through the Coalition of Health Services.
Since 1999, I have had the absolute privilege of providing case management to families in the upper 32 counties of the Texas Panhandle.
My office is located right here in Dumas, Texas, at 419 E 1st, and you can always reach me directly at 806-420-4098.
On a personal note, I have been happily married to the love of my life for 33 years. I am a mother to five grown children and a proud grandmother to two beautiful boys.
My path to this career started with my own family. When my oldest son was five years old, he was diagnosed with Prader-Willi Syndrome.
Along with that came many other challenging diagnoses, including heart problems, diabetes, and obesity.
Back then, I didn't know anything about his condition, and I felt completely lost searching for answers.
I spent countless hours researching the internet on my own, trying to figure out how to navigate life as a new parent with a child who had a chronic illness and disability.
After many years went by, I became highly knowledgeable about my son's disability—by that time, I was probably an expert at helping him!
That is when I finally discovered Uniting Parents. I applied to work here and instantly fell in love with the mission.
I also raised a son who was diagnosed with ADHD, so I am very familiar with the resources, school support, and help available in that area as well.
My life has also been shaped by deep personal tragedy. Nearly seven years ago, I lost one of my sons to suicide.
Because of this painful journey, I am passionately committed to breaking the stigma around mental health.
I am always here to lend a compassionate, non-judgmental ear to anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts or families weathering a severe crisis.
If you or someone you love is in immediate distress, please remember you can always call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 24/7 at 988.
When I am not working with local families, I love to enjoy the simple things in life. I love to cook, and my home is filled with love from my pet cats, Panther and Truly, and dogs, Prince Felix and Ozzy OzBone.
I recently added two more cats that are my office cats, Sashenka and Mavis.
In my down time, you can usually find me watching a good documentary or listening to '80s hits and Tejano music, as well as my love for Christian music.
I absolutely love the color red, and I never turn down a Sonic run for a Vanilla Crème Dr Pepper!
I am also a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan—I stay faithful win or lose, and I especially love giving my favorite cousin a hard time about his 49ers!
I find that so many parents need assistance finding resources and help for their child, especially when it is their firstborn and everything feels overwhelming.
I truly enjoy helping families in our community and the surrounding areas.
With the help of Uniting Parents, we can assist you in finding the necessary resources and walk with you every single step of the way.
If you have a child with a disability and need help finding resources, or if you just need someone to listen, please call me or any other case manager with Uniting Parents today.
You do not have to walk this path alone.
Pumpkins with a Purpose: Spreading Awareness One Color at a Time
Making Halloween a Little More Inclusive for Every Child
Halloween is a time filled with excitement, costumes, candy, and the joy of trick-or-treating. But did you know that pumpkins and candy buckets can also help spread awareness and understanding?
For many children, especially those with special needs, disabilities, food allergies, or sensory sensitivities, trick-or-treating can present unique challenges. Something as simple as saying “trick or treat,” wearing a costume, or approaching a stranger's door may not be easy for every child.
I think using different colored pumpkins and candy buckets to promote awareness is a wonderful idea. Although not everyone is familiar with what these colors may represent, sharing their meanings can help build understanding, encourage kindness, and make Halloween a little less stressful for children and their families.
🩵 Teal Pumpkins – Food Allergy Awareness
Teal pumpkins are associated with the Teal Pumpkin Project, which promotes a safer and more inclusive Halloween for children with food allergies.
A teal pumpkin displayed outside a home indicates that non-food treats, such as stickers, small toys, pencils, or glow sticks, are available as alternatives to candy.
Some children may also carry teal-colored buckets to communicate that they have food allergies. However, a bucket's color should never be the only indication of a child's dietary needs.
💙 Blue Pumpkins – Autism and Sensory Awareness
Blue pumpkins and candy buckets have become an informal symbol of autism awareness and sensory differences.
A child carrying a blue bucket may be nonverbal, have difficulty communicating, or experience sensory sensitivities. They may not say “trick or treat,” make eye contact, or respond in the way someone might expect.
Loud noises, flashing lights, crowded sidewalks, and elaborate costumes can also be overwhelming for some children.
Remember, a child does not have to say “trick or treat” to deserve a treat. A welcoming smile, a little patience, and a kind gesture can make a meaningful difference.
💜 Purple Pumpkins – Epilepsy Awareness
Purple pumpkins are associated with the Purple Pumpkin Project, an initiative created to raise awareness about epilepsy.
Displaying a purple pumpkin can show support for individuals and families affected by epilepsy. Some families may also choose purple candy buckets as a way to encourage awareness.
For individuals with photosensitive epilepsy, flashing lights and strobe effects can trigger seizures. While not everyone with epilepsy is sensitive to flashing lights, being mindful of Halloween decorations can help create a safer environment
💚 Green Pumpkins – Sensory Sensitivities and Anxiety Awareness
Green pumpkins and candy buckets can be used to promote awareness and understanding for children who experience sensory sensitivities, anxiety, or difficulty navigating unfamiliar social situations.
🩷 Pink Pumpkins – Breast Cancer Awareness
Pink pumpkins represent breast cancer awareness and are often displayed to honor survivors, support those currently undergoing treatment, and remember loved ones who have lost their battle with the disease.
Although pink pumpkins are not specifically associated with trick-or-treating accommodations, they serve as a meaningful reminder of the importance of compassion, support, and community awareness.
🎃 A Little Awareness Can Make a Big Difference
It is important to remember that these pumpkin colors are not universally recognized, and not every child carrying a colored bucket has a disability or medical condition. Likewise, many children with special needs may carry traditional orange buckets.
The purpose of sharing these colors is not to label children or expect them to explain their differences. It is simply to encourage greater awareness, understanding, and acceptance.
As families prepare for Halloween, I encourage everyone to remember that not all disabilities are visible, not every child can communicate verbally, and not every child experiences Halloween in the same way.
Some children may need extra time to approach your door. Others may be uncomfortable wearing costumes, struggle to say thank you, or become overwhelmed by the excitement around them.
And that is perfectly okay.
Halloween should be about creating happy memories, enjoying the excitement of the season, and making sure every child feels welcome and included.
A little patience, a little kindness, and a little understanding can go a long way.
By spreading awareness, we can help make trick-or-treating a safer, happier, and more inclusive experience for all children, especially those with special needs.
This Halloween, let's look beyond the costumes and candy buckets and remember the child behind them. Every child deserves the opportunity to experience the magic of Halloween!
Wishing everyone a Happy Halloween
-Fallon Garcia, PCM
Uniting Parent's Family Experience Survey
Family Experience Survey
Please take a moment to complete the Family Experience Survey using the attached QR code—Your feedback helps us meet our state requirements and better serve you.
Sign up for Emergency Alerts
If you’re a resident of Potter or Randall counties, please sign up for our emergency alerts system. These alerts will share important information related to public safety, inclement weather and more.
It’s easy to sign up for these alerts, and you’ll get useful information direct to your phone. You can even download the Everbridge app on your iPhone or Android to get alerts through the app.
Types of Alerts
About LBKAlert - Emergency Notification System
Receive alerts about emergencies and other important community news. The City of Lubbock invites you to sign up for LBKAlert, our Emergency Notification System.
This system enables us to provide you with critical information quickly in a variety of situations, such as severe weather, unexpected road closures, missing persons and evacuations of buildings or neighborhoods.
You will receive time-sensitive messages wherever you specify, such as to your mobile, home or business phones, email addresses, and text messages.
The Amarillo office covers the following counties: Randall, Potter, Deaf Smith, Parmer, Castro, Swisher and Briscoe
P.O. Box 149
Dumas, TX 79029
The Dumas office covers the following counties: Dallam, Donley, Gray, Hale, Hansford, Hartley, Hemphill, Hutchinson, Lipscomb, Lubbock, Moore, Ochiltree, Potter, Randall, Roberts, and Sherman.
The Lubbock office covers the following counties: Lubbock, Bailey, Lamb, Hale, Floyd, Motley, Hall, Childress, Armstrong, Donley, Collingsworth, Oldham, Potter, Randall, Carson, Wheeler and Hutchinson.
Lubbock Office
Servicing Lubbock and northern counties. We are a home-based office
