Now onto June's cause! I'm proud to be donating $0.50 for every comment during the month of June to La Luz Hispana. I have talked about my community's diversity before and I wanted to show my support and pride for my community by highlighting an organization that is helping our Hispanic population in so many ways, La Luz Hispana. Here is some information on this center provided by Sister Carmen Hernandez:
A brief history of La Luz Hispana
La Luz Hispana is a center
for the Hispanic people, sponsored by the Sisters of the Presentation of
Dubuque, Iowa, is located in downtown Hampton, and serves not only Hampton, but
all of Franklin County, and the surrounding area. It is a result of over four years of study
and experience working with and meeting the Hispanics of the area. The Hispanic people requested the center,
wanted to have a place where they could safely meet, learn English and other
necessary skills, and capitalize on their own cultural values and gifts.
Sisters Carmen and Maura hit
the streets of Hampton to locate the Hispanics, to acquaint themselves with the
service agencies of the area, and to find a location for the center.
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At the end of 2012, a retired
lawyer and his wife offered to refurbish their building, according to the needs
of the new project. The ribbon cutting
ceremony took place on March 27, 2013 and the inauguration the following month
on April 12.
La Luz Hispana's mission is to offer a welcoming spirit and supportive services to all, especially the Hispanic community.
Programs offered
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Since opening their doors in March 2013, La Luz
Hispana has successfully offered a variety of programs and services that have
helped foster relationships, celebrate strengths and personal gifts and educate
the many Hispanics who have visited the center.
Some of the programs offered include: container gardening, English as a
Second Language (ESL), computer education, Spanish for English speakers, Zumba,
crocheting, rosary and scarf making, greeting card creation, health and beauty,
immigration, healthy cooking, nutrition, math tutoring and Exito en el Norte
which focused on finances, banking, renting an apartment and/or house, starting
a new business, personal rights and furthering education. While these are only
a few of the programs initiated, La Luz Hispana continues to have hopes and
dreams to begin other new services and programs.
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The Sisters and volunteers
provide transportation and interpretation services at the court house, banks,
police stations, dentists, and insurance agencies. They assist many families to navigate the
social service systems, and help to fill out forms for assistance programs.
So lets be sure to Comment for a Cause a lot this month to support this great organization that is helping and supporting so many families and individuals in Franklin County! I am so proud that my community provides these resources and support to our community members. My community is what it is today by us taking advantage of our diversity and helping all of our citizens strive. Thank you to Sisters Carmen and Maura and all of the volunteers for all they do to help La Luz Hispana serve so many people.
If you are from Franklin County, what do you love the most about La Luz Hispana and our community? If you are not from my local community, what other services do you see that are needed for communities with a growing diversity?
