LARASA Programs
LARASA programs, activities and accomplishments include: |
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Language Servicessupport the development of English proficiency for monolingual Spanish-speakers and Spanish proficiency for monolingual English-speakers as well as providing translation services. More than 100 students participated in and benefited from LARASA's Language Services during the past year. |
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Cultural Competency Trainingenhances the ability of people from different backgrounds to better communicate and work more effectively in diverse communities. The training curriculum is based on more than 15 years of experience. About 114 people received this training during the past year. |
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LARASA’s Civic Education Program (CEP)promotes civic responsibility, community involvement, and leadership capacity to address issues of importance to the community and to improve public policies that impact Latinos in Colorado. By monitoring and influencing public policy and through research and analysis, LARASA collaborates with local, state, and national organizations to inform and educate Latinos on issues that affect our community. In addition, LARASA serves as a voice for the Latino community before civic and policymaking bodies on education, health, immigration, civil rights, economic advancement, and other public policy issues. |
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Education and Information Referral Services (EIRS)improve access through linkages to health care, education services, affordable housing and other essential services not currently offered by LARASA. EIRS assists an average of 1,000 Latinos annually, many of whom are monolingual speakers of Spanish. |
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Community Walks©foster civic responsibility and community engagement. Teachers, residents and community volunteers deliver donated school supplies and resource information to public school students and their families at the beginning of each school year. Through this initiative, teachers build relationships with families and community residents, which enhance their understanding of the cultural context in which students live. It is also a key element for outreach and recruitment of LARASA program participants. |
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Multicultural Community Outreach Eventsbuild relationships while honoring LARASA’s founders, donors, and volunteers. The Bernie Valdez Awards (BVA) Luncheon is held each year during Hispanic Heritage month in the fall and is attended by up to 1,000 business representatives, government and elected officials, community leaders, advocates and service providers. In addition, LARASA hosts an annual family-oriented Fiesta and Car Show Competition each year in May, which draws up to 20,000 people of all ages from diverse social, cultural and economic backgrounds. |
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Community Advocacybuilds community capacity and increases access to education, health care and other human services. During the 2006 and 2007 state legislative sessions, LARASA collaborated with other non-profit organizations to educate the public about immigration, education, and health issues that affect Colorado’s Latino community. |
