Vision Statement

• Education
• Health
• Public Policy
• Community Outreach

Four strategic initiatives work together to achieve LARASA’s mission
to lead and influence change to improve the lives of Latinos in Colorado.

Objective: Reduce the high school dropout rate and close the academic achievement gap for Latino students.

LARASA’s education initiatives offer Online learning centers for students in grades 6-12 and a multi-faceted education program for parents and other adults combine to create a community learning environment. Key components also include English as a Second Language (ESL) classes and Citizenship training.

Objective: Increase access to adequate healthcare and health insurance for Latino children and families, both native-born and immigrant.

LARASA’s health initiatives are aimed at improving the overall health of Latino families. Overall health is defined holistically to incorporate physical, mental, emotional, behavioral and financial health. Through our Family Health Program, we work to inform, educate and build the capacity of community members to make healthy lifestyle choices and to assure their access to adequate and affordable health care.

Objective: Improve public policies that impact Colorado’s Latino community particularly in the areas of health, education and immigrant justice.

LARASA’s public policy initiatives inform and educate Latinos on issues of importance to the community, particularly in the areas of health, education, civil rights and immigrant justice, and provide multicultural leadership development opportunities. Currently, LARASA is partnering with the Census Bureau to help ensure a full and accurate count in 2010 (more about the Census).

Objective: Increase awareness of the Latino community about issues of importance and dispel myths about Latinos and Latino cultures.

LARASA’s multicultural community outreach and development initiatives inform community members about important issues, resources, services and programs; foster unity to celebrate Latino culture and contributions and honor the history of Latinos and LARASA in Colorado. LARASA’s community outreach strategies and language services annually assist an average of 5000 community members.