LCA kicks off Welcoming Week in a virtual celebration of diversity and belonging

The Latino Community Association wanted to throw open the doors at our new office in Bend to kick off the annual Welcoming Week celebration, Sept. 10-19. But because of the surge in COVID-19 cases, the opening celebration will be a virtual event at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 10.

Join Zoom Discussion at 5:55 pm on Friday 9/10: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81556807283
We invite you to join us for the KICKOFF along with several allies who will host events throughout the week. We have a new video to share that will center on the experiences of two Latinos/as - followed by anyone and everyone sharing how you have felt welcome (or not) as a new student, new Bend resident, new on the job, or as an individual with a physical disability, and more.

Monday, 9/13 at 6:30 p.m.
LCA invites you to join our conversation, “Why we need full immigrant inclusion NOW” via Zoom. LCA staff and an immigration attorney will explore how our undocumented neighbors could benefit from legislation, stalled in Congress, to allow them to gain legal status and eventual citizenship.
https://www.bendoregon.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/7400/20

Welcoming Week brings immigrants and native-born residents together to help build strong connections and a thriving community through a series of events and conversations. Here is the full calendar with links. https://www.bendoregon.gov/services/advanced-components/calendar-of-events

Mexican Consulate event offers documents, vaccinations and food boxes

Mexican citizens who make their homes in Central Oregon flocked to the Deschutes County Fairgrounds in Redmond Aug. 14-15 to get passports and IDs. Consulate representatives served 359 people over the weekend. But the event, sponsored by the Latino Community Association, offered much more: free COVID-19 tests and vaccinations, masks and hand sanitizer, and valuable services and tips from local community organizations.

On the way out the door, participants could cart away a free box of non-perishable food, donated by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA). A medical team organized by OHA gave COVID-19 vaccinations to 28 people over the two days. A team from the University of Oregon Preventive Science Institute administered 56 PCR tests to participants who would wait one or two days for their results.

Photos by Denise Holley

LCA donors answer Red Cross appeal for blood

LCA volunteers Maria Romero and Ashley Chávez register a blood donor. LCA joined forces with the Red Cross Cascades chapter once again to host a blood drive at the Redmond office on Aug. 19. Fourteen donors rolled up their sleeves and gave blood to help alleviate a critical shortage in hospitals in Oregon and across the country.

COVID-19 cases explode among unvaccinated Oregonians

Vaccination rates inch up in Central Oregon

Figures compiled by Sarah Kalivoda, MPH, an epidemiologist with the
Crook County Health Department

Our Gala fundraising goal was $75,000.
And we're only $2,500 short.

Please contribute to our mission and help us reach our goal.

SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY
Thanks to our friends at the MJ Murdock Charitable Trust, GIFTS FROM NEW DONORS AND RETURNING DONORS (2 years since you last donated) WILL BE MATCHED
$1 for $1 up to $75,000.

Ways to Contribute
Give online through our Gala fundraising page

Send us a check:
Latino Community Association
2680 NE Twin Knolls Dr., Ste 110
Bend, OR 97701

If you prefer to donate stock or give through your IRA account:
Visit our website
- or -
Contact Northline Wealth Management 888.407.5463
15 SW Colorado Ave #4 in Bend

DONATE NOW

Help draw the new lines for Oregon's districts for Congress and the legislature

The results of the 2020 Census have been released and the Census Bureau is preparing summaries of the data. Look for a report in our October Adelante.

Oregon is moving ahead with its redistricting process. If you want to have a say, please attend a virtual meeting listed at oregonlegislature.gov/redistricting

LCA helps create a memorable outing for local teens

Fourteen youths from Central Oregon experienced the ride of their lives Aug. 22 when they rafted the Deschutes River at Maupin. LCA financed the trip with summer activity funds from the Oregon Community Foundation.

LCA staffers Renee González and Graciela Ruvalcaba thanked Jen Kjellesvik of Bend Youth Paddle Brigade, and Christina Ramsey Cid and Carly Garzón Vargas with the High Desert Museum for making the adventure happen.

Board, Staff & Volunteers Paint n Prep New Office

We are excited to share that we have achieved our goal of establishing a Latino Family Empowerment Center and we want to thank everyone who has helped us get to this point. As the Chinese proverb says, crisis equals opportunity. We are emerging from this horrendous twenty-month pandemic (and counting) stronger and more committed than ever to creating a welcoming Central Oregon. More specifically, we are driven to see full inclusion of our immigrant families and the thriving economy and flourishing culture that this will usher in.

Our sincerest thanks to all the people who volunteered their time to help us move and to paint the new Bend office. We look forward to welcoming our clients, volunteers and community partners to visit once the pandemic subsides.

LCA team members Erika Ortiz and Beatriz Escobedo prepare a wall for painting while volunteer Allan Cruz paints LCA's new office at 2680 NE Twin Knolls Drive, off NE 27th Street in Bend. Because of the surge in COVID-19 cases, the office will be open by appointment only beginning September 13. Call (541) 382-4366. Photos by Denise Holley

Our Mission

Nuestra Misión

Empower our Latino families to thrive by creating opportunities for advancement and building bridges that unite and strengthen us all.

Nuestra misión es capacitar a nuestras familias Latinas para prosperar creando oportunidades para progresar y construir puentes que nos unan y fortalezcan a todos.

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