The Latino community is Oregon’s fastest growing population group and with the Latino Partnership Project (LPP) we are strengthening bonds and understanding between the foundation and the Latino community. The goals and focus areas of the LPP include:
- Development of leaders and organizations in the Latino community
- Education and services that encourage Latinos to become more integrated and influential in their communities
- Forging strong ties between Latino and non-Latino leaders
The LPP was established in 2001 by OCF’s North Willamette Valley Leadership Council to serve Marion, Polk and Yamhill counties. Working with a local advisory group, OCF funded training and small grants to Latino-led organizations. Some organizations that received support include:
- Huitzilin Cultural Group — This Polk County organization serves children and youth through after-school cultural activities. It also supports training in leadership development and funding strategies.
- Mujeres Luchadores Progresistas (Women Fighting for Progress) — Based in Woodburn, the group assists women farm workers through economic enterprise and leadership training.
- Salem Keizer Coalition for Equality (SKCE) — The promotion of educational accountability and closing the achievement gap are the concerns of this group. Board training and financial management to build capacity are also areas of activity.
English Language Instruction Grants
Gaining fluency in English is critical to success for immigrants and OCF grants support the development of essential language skills in the Latino community. We award grants to community-based organizations that train and organize volunteer tutors to teach English classes.
For example, St. Joseph’s Church in Salem linked, for the first time, its members attending an English mass with counterparts attending a Spanish mass. The cross-cultural connection was made possible via the Latino Partnership Project English Language Program. In addition, establishing this kind of common ground promotes new ties between our Leadership Councils and Latino leaders.
Expansion of LPP
As a result of continuing need and the success of LPP projects, we are expanding our work in Latino communities. The OCF board made an $840,000, four-year commitment to extend LPP activity to Southern Oregon, Central Oregon and Umatilla County. Plans for projects in the new regions are under development and will align with community needs recently identified:
- Advocacy/Legal Assistance
- Affordable Housing
- English Language Instruction
- Legal Assistance
- Medical Services
- Mentoring/Community Building
- Transportation
For More Information
Danny Santos, LPP Committee Chair, 503.378.5540, danny.santos@das.state.or.us
Kathleen Cornett, OCF VP Programs, 503.227.6846, kcornett@oregoncf.org