Volar Center for Independent Living has proudly served people with disabilities residing in El Paso, Brewster, Culberson, Hudspeth, Jeff Davis, and Presidio County for 39 years. The organization’s supports and services are designed to obtain, maintain, or enhance a person’s level of independence. To be recognized as a center for independent living, Volar is required to provide five core services: Self and System Advocacy, Independent Living Skills Training, Information and Referral, Peer Counseling, and services that facilitate transition from nursing homes and other institutions to the community, assist those at risk of entering institutions, and facilitate transition of youth to postsecondary life. To positively influence community integration, Volar also assists in securing housing or shelter, transportation referrals, and rehabilitation technology.
Administrative Team
Luis Enrique Chew, Executive Director
Education: Bachelor of Business Administration – University of Texas at El Paso.
Experience: Began as a volunteer Peer Counselor and board member of DARE, now Volar CIL. Was hired by Tom Carter, Executive Director of DARE, as an Employment Consultant for the Supported Employment program in 1988. 31 years involved in the Independent Living Movement and 22 years as Executive Director of DARE/Volar CIL.
Interests: Home Theater Audio & Video, Box Turtles, and Tropical Fish
Disability: C 5 and 6 Spinal Cord Injury
Favorite Quote: “Vote like if your life depends on it…because it does” – Justin Dart Jr.
Danny Monroe, Chief Fiscal Officer
Thelma Dunn, Office Manager
Maria (Nena) Garcia, Records Manager
Martha Chew, Executive Assistant
Experience: Industrial Grupo Bermudez S.A. de C.V. Reception and Secretarial
Five years representing Disabled Ability Resource Environment (D.A.R.E.), now Volar CIL as Assistant to the Independent Living Skills Training, Peer Counseling, Job Development, Housing Programs Coordinator, Presently Assistant to the Executive Director, and Lending Closet Inventory Control
Representing Volar CIL for 27 years and Assisting People with disabilities for 41 years
Interests: Traveling
Disability: Partially Blind, Diabetes, Thyroid
Favorite Quote: Happiness is not the absence of problems but the ability to deal with them – Jack Brown
Veronica Luevanos, Secretary
Education: Ysleta High School Graduate, Office Information Systems Certificate of Completion – El Paso Community College
Experience: Nine years with El Paso Parks and Recreation and five years representing Volar CIL
Interests: Reading and listening to 80’s, Freestyle, and Reggaeton music
Disability: Spina Bifida
Favorite Quote: Never believe you are above or below anyone. Keep a humble spirit – Brendon Burchard
