On Thursday, June 11, 2009, two students, Ms. Rocio Estrada Chavez and Mr. Jaumean L. Oliver, graduated from LARASA Learning Centers and were awarded their high school diplomas from Hope Online Learning Academy. I took as much pride in our students as I did when my two daughters graduated from high school. For my oldest daughter to graduate, she had to overcome learning deficits due to a traumatic brain injury (tbi). It was not easy, but in comparison to the environmental distractions of our students (drugs, gangs, homelessness, domestic violence, fear of deportation/family being split apart, poverty, lack of nourishment, inability to afford a simple bus pass to get to school and more), my daughter had a huge advantage. As I sat with our graduates waiting for their names to be called to receive their diplomas, I listened to Senator Terrance Carrol speak of the obstacles he overcame to receive his education. Observing the students relating their own life experiences to Senator Carrol's with a simple nod of their heads really brought home what an impact LARASA is making in our children's lives. 

 

Two days later, on Saturday, June 13, LARASA participated in the United Families/Familias Unidas Community Meeting featuring Congressman Jared Polis, Congressman Luis Gutierrez and Archbishop Charles Chaput. Numerous faith-based representatives and immigrants from many different countries told their stories to a crowd of more then 1000 people. While all the testimonies were moving, the one given by a twelve year old boy brought tears to my eyes. This child, a U.S. citizen, came home from school one day to find out his father was in detention awaiting the deportation proceedings. While he appears to have a strong character, this type of traumatic event can quickly turn a great young person 180 degrees. LARASA realizes the profound affect of this type of trauma on children. Through our ESL/Citizenship Program and Family Health Program, we offer a variety of support services to help children and their families navigate through institutions and government systems every day. 

 

We need your help to continue providing services to those in need in the Latino community. Please consider making a donation to or volunteering at LARASA. Together we can make a difference. 

 

Thank you!

 
President and CEO

 

P.S. Don't forget to save the date for the 18th Annual Bernie Valdez Awards Luncheon - Friday, October 30, 2009.