07.26.05 | Press Realease
La Luz Center: When community effort pays off |
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By La Luz Center - Every day and for various reasons, a lot of people call or visit La Luz Center in Sonoma Valley. La Luz, like many good things started with a good dose of work, love and a little bit of money. Fifteen years ago, Ligia Broker, a Colombian woman decided to support the immigrant workers with blankets and some cans of food. Soon after that, a lot of other people added themselves to such a noble task. Nowadays, the Center offers diverse programs such as computer classes, ESL classes, food distribution, and information and referral services to countless resources to meet the needs which range from assistance in finding a job to filling out MEDICAL applications. The volunteer and unselfish work of community members is still considered an important element that keeps the flame of the spirit of service which started this organization in which both English and Spanish is spoken and now serves the community members no matter what their language, race or immigration status is.
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Thru its community development program, La Luz Center celebrates the important traditions to the Mexican community like the annual celebration of Cinco de Mayo and El Dia Los Muertos (day of the death). La Luz also has an active role in coalitions and local community groups as well as an active relationship with the school district in the search of a greater level of participation in chief positions by the Spanish speaking community in the community life of the Sonoma Valley.
During the year, La Luz schedules events and special classes. This year, they have provided yoga, cooking and sewing classes for two consecutive months. There is also the plan for an informative forum for the month of June which will discuss the driving laws in the state of California.
Thanks to its strategic location in the middle of the valley of Sonoma, La Luz also offers an excellent opportunity to non-profit organization which is out of the area to come and have their do their activities with the people of the community. For instance, Saint Joseph Health System provides health services every Friday to low income families at the center facilities. Catholic Charities distributes fresh food, the WIC program also uses La Luz as their depot once a month to give out food to families with children who are 5 years or older. There is also space available for Spanish classes, GED, Narcotics Anonymous, nutrition and Al-anon reunions for families with alcoholic members.
A lot more space is needed to continue describing all the activities that go on in this organization of only 5 employees who annually help more than 1300 inquires of diverse kinds and who received more than 13,000 visits. Maybe next time you have a question or need some information, La Luz Center can help you or if you wish to contribute and be part of this successful community experience, all you have to do is call (707) 938-5131. |
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