La Luz Center

A Word From Our Director

By Stephen Dale — During these very challenging times La Luz Center is holding strong, with the continued support of our community. Education has become our primary vision, with focus on ESL, GED Adult education and computer classes, along with our Parents Speak Up program. We continue to award scholarships to eligible High School students & to young English language achievers.

We saw 40% more clients this year in our Family Service Program--visits for emergencies, such as rental and utility assistance. Legal aid for domestic violence and child abuse is rising, due to loss of work. In collaboration with Catholic Charities food distribution was busier than ever as was the Mobile Health Van. Our nutritional classes are at capacity, promoting better diets to prevent obesity—and diabetes. This year’s Bi-National Health Fair had over 500 people come for flu shots and wellness clinics, and we distributed almost 500 matriculates and passports working with the Mexican Consulate Mobile.

In our isolated Valley, where transportation is less than adequate, the need for our services is greater than ever—as is the need your support. Muchas Gracias and Happy New Year! ❧   

Una Despedida

There is never a great time to leave an organization that you love - one that fills such an important need in our community.  However, after 13 years on the La Luz staff, nine of those as its executive director, I feel that it is time for me to step down and make way for new leadership to take La Luz into the future.  In January I will be taking a position with the Napa Valley Community Foundation as their Manager of Philanthropic Services.

La Luz Grows up

It was a normal day at La Luz, at least as normal as it ever is, when I opened up the mail and found an announcement, “Congratulations! La Luz Center will be 20 years old in 2009!”  It set me back a minute – could that be right? Well, it will be.  We were incorporated in 1990 and 2009 will be our 20th year!