Latino Leadership Committee: a voice shaping our community

Tags: Collaborations, Community House

The North Tahoe Family Resource Center (NTFRC) provides an integrated system of comprehensive services to families and individuals in our region. Staying close to the needs of community members, NTFRC provides access to resources and support systems which allow residents to thrive.

Four years ago, NTFRC staff members recognized that cultural stigma, language barriers, and societal disconnect kept Latino community members from seeking mental healthcare. NTFRC provided a Life Leadership workshop to develop participant understanding of mental health and healthful habits, and to build self-esteem. The workshop saw immediate and immense success.

Empowered to take on leadership roles, Latino community members requested a space to learn more, support one another, and support their community. Together with promotoras, bilingual peer educators, the Latino Leadership Committee meets monthly at Community House in Kings Beach to stay informed about regional issues and how they can contribute.

The committee has already stepped into a role of leadership. Based on current community concerns and the interests of the group, NTFRC provides workshops that prepare members to respond to their neighbors’ needs on a daily basis and to create positive change. Members meet monthly for a clean-up day and have also met with policy makers on issues including: the Regional Housing Study, medical care availability, public transportation, Kings Beach community’s development, and the development of the California State Parks.

The group wants the public to know there are Latinos in the community who are aware of what is happening in our area and want to be part of the process. The Latino Leadership Committee invites policy makers and stake holders to meet with them, share dialogue, and come together to make a difference. It also invites other interested Latino community members to join its efforts. To learn more contact Ana Liz at analiz@northtahoefrc.org.

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