La Luz Center

Local Youth Pour their Hearts and Art into Donation Boxes

 La Luz began when community member Ligia Booker started dedicating herself to collect warm coats for agricultural workers living and working in the fields early in the frosty mornings.  She dedicated herself and a large part of her life to helping those in need in our community.  Now, 20 years later Ligia’s vision lives on as La Luz continues to provide assistance to those in need.  Where others say “Sorry, we don’t do that,” La Luz says “Let us see how we can help you.”  La Luz’s vast lists of resources and dedicated staff have always taken the time to help everyone who has come through the front door.

Now, La Luz takes pride as Sonoma’s youth pour their heart into their art by decorating donation boxes for the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta for Education.  

 Like many other non-profits in the community, La Luz Center is suffering from economic hardship and is calling on the community for support in raising funds for this event, and most importantly, in raising funds for the High School Academic Scholarship Program.  

Each box has been thoughtfully decorated by children, young adults and community members who know how important it is to help others.  These wonderfully colorful, fun boxes will be placed in participating stores around Sonoma including El Brinquito, La Morenita 3, and Pharmica.  The donations received in each box will go toward the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta for Education which will take place on May 2nd at the Sonoma Plaza.  

 The Cinco de Mayo Fiesta for Education will provide scholarships to High School Seniors wanting to pursue their higher educational goals.  We also award the top students from each school excelling in acquiring English as a second language.  Finally, La Luz awards young artists whose vision and inspiration interprets the spirit of the fiesta through our art contest.  This worth wild event gives opportunity to the youth of the valley to express themselves creatively and be awarded for their academic excellence.  Be part of this event and give generously where ever you see our donation boxes.

(Artists:  Cameron Taggesell 10, Carter Charsley 7, Alex Sandoral 16, Yesenia Martinez 17, Alondra Dominguez 14, Reese Dobson 7, Breanna Kneirim 9, Anna Taggesell 8)

Popular Workshops Continue

On March 11 La Luz hosted a workshop providing information and legal assistance covering permanent residency, citizenship, family reunification and civic engagement activities. Close to 100 people attended the forum led by Manuel Rivera, a certified immigration adviser for over 15 years.  The program was free, and offered in collaboration with Catholic Charities.