2007
2007-2008
nnual
annual Report
Latin American Coalition
17 years of serving the community…
Resolving emergencies
The Latin American Coalition opens its doors to all who require assistance, providing support
and relief. We turn no one away and seek solutions on behalf of families in crisis facing language,
economic, education and cultural barriers. As Charlotte’s oldest and largest Hispanic service
need.
agency, the Latin American Coalition is the first point of contact for Latino families in need
Empowering Families
offers tino
The Latin American Coalition offer a wide array of programs to Latino families to ensure their
adjustment and integration into the Charlotte community. Whether helping to secure an
level teaching
entry-level job or advance a career, teach English or continuing adult education, assisting in
start-up
the purchase of a first home or the start of a small business, the Latin American Coalition
champions the American dream on behalf of immigrants.
Seeking justice
The Latin American Coalition serves as a liaison for Latinos who are victims of fraud and
help
unscrupulous business practices. We hel Latino families recuperate unpaid wages and
omplaints
personal property, address complaints of discrimination as well as access affordable legal
immigrants
services. Through civil rights education we empower immigrant to protect themselves and
their families.
Building Unity
Build
Through cultural celebrations, sensitivity trainings, and community forums the Latin American
Coalition creates opportunities for people of diverse backgrounds to dialogue together, develop
common bonds and work alongside one another to build a community which embraces,
supports, and respects people of all cultures and backgrounds. Tolerance and strength in
diversity are key values we promote.
Strengthening voices
The Latin American Coalition advances the full participation of Latino families in the greater
Charlotte community and the nation at large. We promote active citizenship, guiding
encouraging
applicants through naturalization, encourag involvement in the political process, and
ultimate
supporting volunteerism and philanthropy. Civic engagement is the ultimat demonstration
of a fully integrated immigrant community.
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Contents
Table of Contents
Resource Center
PAGE 3
Educational Programs
Angeles Ortega-Moore Malcom Nightingale PAGE 4
Executive Director & CEO Board Chair
Advocacy Programs
PAGE 5
Dear AMIGOS,
Community Celebrations
Since our inception in 1990, the Latin American Coalition has shaped
its work around a fundamental belief in diversity, equity and PAGE 6
inclusion- a belief that a community which welcomes and supports
immigrant families will be stronger, safer, and more vibrant as a
result. Volunteerism
We continue to envision a Charlotte-Mecklenburg community that
Mecklenburg PAGE 7
embraces, supports, and respects people of all cultures and
backgrounds. This vision is not simply a dream, but a statement of
values that informs how we treat those we serve with dignity and
serve-
Become an AMIGO
respect that all people deserve. PAGE 8
Our belief in diversity and inclusion is further represented in our
name: Latin American Coalition. The organization was initially 2007-
2007-2008 Financial
named to reflect the coalition of nationalities uniting to provide
services to all Latin Americans, not just those from a particular
hose Report
country. Eighteen years later we are a coalition of services and high- PAGE 9
impact collaborations that seek to meet the most critical needs of
Charlotte’s rapidly growing Latino community.
Individual & Corporate
The following pages provide a snapshot of the di diverse array of
programs we offer, while highlighting just a few of our valuable AMIGOS
partnerships with other community agencies. If what you read here
PAGE 10
inspires you to learn more about the Latin American Coalition’s
and
commitment to making Charlotte a more just an caring community,
please contact us. We invite you to come to our offices, meet our
staff, partner agencies, volunteers, clients and AMIGOs and find out Donors
Leadership Donors &
how you can become a critical part of this powerful vision.
Foundations
Sincerely,
PAGE 11
Angeles & Malcom
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Resource
Center
12,000
In 2007-2008 the Latin American Coalition served more than 12,000
2007- served
Center.
individuals in our Resource Center.
The Latin American Coalition is a primary source for information on many issues
we
affecting daily life. Beyond orientation and referral, w also provide a critical
safety net for newcomers to our community who need additional support
support. hanks
“Thanks to the Latin
Irma, 51, initially came to the Latin American Coalition looking for employment.
Through our job bank she found work that matche her skills and interest. Irma’s
matches American Coalition we
sister Mercedes, 44, then came to the Latin American Coalition to enroll in our
English classes! Like many, Irma and Mercedes were looking for bi-lingual, bi- have a reliable support
o
cultural services that they could trust to help them navigate the Charlotte
community. The Latin American Coalition’s Resource Center provides assistance
system when we need it.”
through information and referral as well as direct support services to help
immigrant families overcome language and cultural b barriers to reach their full Mercedes
-Mercedes and Irma
potential.
What our Partners are saying
know
“The Latin American Coalition serves as a critical resource for families who don’t know where to turn. We are proud to partner with
the Latin American Coalition to ensure that our community’s most vulnerable have access to the services they need to move out of
, CRISIS
crisis.” CAROL HARDISON, EXECUTIVE DIRCTOR OF CRISI ASSISTANCE MINISTRIES
3
Educate
In 2007-2008 the Latin American Coalition served more than 6,000
2007- served
individuals through our Educational Services.
Most immigrant families arrive in our community in pursuit of the American
dream. Felipe, 30, is no different. He came to the Latin American C Coalition
house.
wondering how he could go about buying his own house Felipe participated in our
omebuyers
HUD-certified homebuyers program which equipped him with the industry
information he needed to be able to choose and finance a home of his own. Like
many clients of the Latin American Coalition, Felipe gained skills that will benefit
him and his children for the rest of his life.
Self-sufficiency and economic independence are the hallmarks of our education
sufficiency I
“I bought my own home,
initiatives, empowering immigrant families to move from the difficulties associated
with being newcomers to self-sustaining and productive community life. We
sustaining
thanks to the Latin
provide a variety of educational workshops and classes that covers such topics as Coalition
American Coalition.”
,
career advancement, continuing education, learning English, starting a small
business, financial literacy and more. -Felipe
What our Partners are saying:
language.
“The Latin American Coalition has made an enormous difference in the lives of children who speak English as a Second language
Thanks to their innovative programming, we are able to help kids perform better in school, gain confidence and pass their end of grade
tests.” RUTH PEREZ, CHIEF ACADEMIC OFFICER OF CHARLOTTE MECKLENBURG SCHOOLS
4
Advocate
In 2007-2008 the Latin American Coalition served more than 600 individuals
2007- served
Services.
through our Advocacy & Legal Immigration Services.
check he
When Servando, 52, was refused his last paycheck from his supervisor, h turned
to the Latin American Coalition for help recuperating the money he had earned.
Our workforce development program oriented Servando concerning his rights and
ive paycheck.
the appropriate actions to take to receive his paycheck Ultimately, Servando was
able to recover all of the unpaid money he was due.
“The Latin American
Coalition showed me how
to stand up for my
rights.”
-Servando
The Latin American Coalition serves as a
liaison for hundreds of individuals like
Servando who have been victims of fraud
and discrimination. Beyond protecting
victims’ rights, the Latin American
Coalition also seeks to strengthen
t
immigrant voices through their civic
involvement in our community. To that
end, our advocacy services encompass
Board of Immigration certified
immigration legal assistance, Citizenship
classes and clinics, voter registration
drives, turn out the vote efforts and
leadership development programs to
increase individual and collective civic
engagement.
What our Partners are saying
Through
“The Latin American Coalition’s advocacy work is filling a critical gap in services for Charlotte’s immigrant community. Thro
egal
their legal immigration program and other advocacy initiatives they promote equality and justice.” KEN SCHORR, EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR OF LEGAL SERVICES OF SOUTHERN PIEDMONT & MEMBER OF THE LATIN AMERICAN COALITION BIA
COUNCIL
CERTIFIED IMMIGRANT RIGHTS PROGRAM ADVISORY COUNC
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CELEBRATE
30,000
In 2007-2008 the Latin American Coalition reached over 30,000 people from
2007-
Celebrations.
Charlotte and surrounding areas through our Cultural Celebrations.
a
When Camila and her family moved to Charlotte from Bogotá, Colombia, she
looked for a cultural center where she could share the stories and traditions of her
native country with her three small children. She came to the Latin American
activities,
Coalition and learned of our many cultural activities including the weekly bilingual
Connections Count”),
story hour, Conexiones que Cuentan ("Connections that Count a partnership with
the Mecklenburg County Public Library. Cami and her children enjoyed the
Camila I
“I can share my
program so much that she quickly became a lead volunteer, coordinating and
encouraging other families to attend the family culture and literacy program. Hispanic cultural
The Latin American Coalition’s cultural activities and festivals are extraordinary
heritage and traditions
experiences for all who participate, offering oppo
opportunities for Latino families to with my children.”
celebrate their heritage and share the tastes and traditions of their home countries
with others. Events like our Latin American Festival, Festival of Souls, or any
number of our country-specific tertulias showcase the col
colorful, authentic and richly -Camila
diverse sides of Charlotte for all to enjoy.
What our Partners are saying
Levine Muertos
“Levine Museum of the New South is honored to partner with the Latin American Coalition on the annual Día de los Muertos, Festival
of Souls. This vibrant program brings together people of diverse backgrounds to celebrate, learn about the richness of Latin cultural
other.”
traditions in our community and in the process come to understand and appreciate each other
EMILY ZIMMERN, PRESIDENT & CEO OF LEVINE MUSEUM OF THE NEW SOUTH
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Volunteer
In 2007-2008 Latin American Coalition volunteers donated more than 2500
2007- donated
service.
hours of time and community service.
Leah Diaz, a junior at Winthrop University, was searching for a place where she
could give back to the community as well as gain experience in her major, Public
Relations. As an American of Mexican and Puerto Rican decent, she also hoped to
reconnect with her cultural background and improve her Spanish language skills.
Festival,
By working on PR projects for the annual Latin American Festiv Festival of Souls
and individual fund campaign, Leah has made a meaningful contribution to the
organization and the community while enjoying herself in the process
process.
“I know I have made a
Volunteers of all backgrounds come to the Latin American Coalition to make a
difference in the Charlotte region. A variety of short or long term volunteer
difference through my
opportunities are available for both individuals and groups. Our volunteers
s work at the Coalition.”
rewarding, highly valued and truly
describe their time with us as personally rewar
appreciated.
-Leah
What our Partners are saying
“The partnership with the Coalition’s Volunteer Services is a valuable resource to our students and faculty where our students can put
in practice their language skills and acquire professional experience.”
ROFESSOR LANGUAGES S
CARLOS CORIA-SANCHEZ, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF LANGUAGE AND CULTURE STUDIES DEPARTMENT
UNC CHARLOTTE
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BECOME AN
AMIGO
The Latin American Coalition’s AMIGO giving campaign has increased
individual giving by more than 200%.
“I am an AMIGO
because I believe in the
o
power of strong
immigrant families.”
-Fausta
The Latin American Coalition’s AMIGOS
demonstrate their commitment to a strong
and empowered immigrant community
through financial contributions of all sizes.
res
Fausta, the owner of a Mexican restaurant
neighboring the Coalition’s offices, had
known about the Coalition’s services for a
long time when we launched our AMIGO
campaign. She jumped at the opportunity to
deepen her support for the Coalition by
becoming a financial donor.
ke
Our AMIGOS like Fausta are invested in the
Latin American Coalition and share
responsibility in our work. AMIGOS give back
to the community and increase local control
and ownership of the organization.
What our Partners are saying
community
“AMIGOs make a real and significant investment in the community. Their ownership is the engine that propels justice, communi
change and meaningful empowerment for all.”
RAFAEL PRIETO, EDITOR AND PUBLISHER OF MI GENTE SPANISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER
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Financial Report
Condensed audited Financial Information
SUPPORT & REVENUE Amount % of Total Revenues
Contributions & Sponsorships $642,492 68%
Public Sector $100,000 11%
Program Revenues $153,227 16%
Miscellaneous $45,729 5%
TOTAL $941,448.00 100%
EXPENSES Amount otal
% of Total Expenses
Program Services $798,445 85%
General & Administration $138,000 14.5%
Reserve $5,003 .5%
TOTAL $941,448.00 100%
Revenue Allocated by Program
Economic
Development &
Advocacy Housing
ESL Tutorial Program 8% 10%
Other Programs
5%
13%
Civic Engagement
4%
Resource Center
25%
Cultural Events
35%
Independent Financial Auditor: Bobby T. Martin, CPA
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2007-2008 amigos
individual & corporate donors
LEADERSHIP DONORS William & Bethania
Clemente Acuero Nilda Cauich Canul Heriberto Melendez Anna Ruth
Garcia
Fernando Alvarado Jose Noel Celis Hernan Mena Valentin Salas Martinez
Jess & Aaron George
Mario Alvarado Fernando Cerdeña Robert & Violeta Martin Salazar
Elio Gonzalez
Moser
Luis del Toro Alvarez Alfredo Cevallos Isabel Salgado
Hilda & Alvaro
Marian Neal
Guillermo Andrade Charro Mexicano Gurdian Marciano San Juan
Nunez Malcom Nightingale
Laura Ciudad Dahlberg Estiven Sanz
Ponciano G. Moguel
Guillermo Andrade Cynthia Olesen
Manuel Ciudad Sr. Maribel Sauceda
Judy Hermitte
Horace Andrews Maria Oliva Elias
Laura Francisca Ciudad Gabriel Saucedo
Betty Anzola Jose M. Hernandez Lester Oliva
Julio Colmenares Lloyd Scher
Apartment Finder of Pedro Hernandez Uriel Ortega Ruiz
Metro Charlotte Wayne & Judy Cooper Segundo Silva
Zoraida Hernandez Angeles Ortega-Moore
Santos Delmy Arguieta Antonio & Marina Heather Smith
Corredor Bruce & Carmen Patricia Ortiz
Jose Arriaga Carlos Somarribas
Hilton
Jose Luis Covarruvias Teodoro Palacios
Ruben Arriaga-Tristan Florentino Soto
Carlos Crespo Hit U Off Management Ivan Parra
AutoBell Car Wash, Inc. Nicolas Soto
Carolina Cruz IRM / Roseland Gumesindo Perez Perez
Luz Aveleyra Apartments Gene Stewart
Gloribel Cuellas Ruth Perez
Ebereth Chavez Avila Carlos Juarez Julio Suarez
Charlotte Curry Peyton
Maximino Balderas Adrian Justo Sydnor Thompson
Sanchez Albert& Hilda Diaz Hernandez Lucrecia Porras
Lori Timm
Oscar Nava Bandera Esteban Diaz Dana Kaplan Maria Pozos
Albeiro Toro
Ana Barba Maria Dominguez Kasa Landscaping Adriana Puerto
UNC Charlotte
Dean Barry Olma Echeverri Anonymous Lorena Ramirez Miller
Daniel Valdez
Emy Tree Service & Aida Rascon
Balbina Basilio Alba Lake Mercedes Valencia
Landscaping
Baldwin Mercedes
Batres Realty LLC Anne Lambert Jose Vargas Rodriguez
Arthur Evans Reinoso
Isabel Bayas Georgia Jacquez Lewis Cesar Vargas
Anonymous Daniel Rejon Gamboa
Felisa Bermejo Maria del Pilar File- Angel Lliguicota Antonio Vasquez
Eduardo Rejon Viviana
Kris Boehme Muriel Luis Miguel Lopez H Julio Vasquez
Amado Rejon
Eudelia Cruz Bohorquez Fitzpatrick Francisco Casas Lopez Cesar Velando
Management Jose Resendiz
Sandy Bravo-Boyd Incorporated Javier Lopez Elvys Velasquez
Maria de la Luz Robles
Estela Bustillos Tim Funk Mario Lopez Jose Vences
Sergio Rocha
Giovanna Buyers Owen & Harriet Arnulfo Lozano Olvera Gleny Ventura
Adalberto Ibarra
Raul Moncada Cabrera Furuseth Rodriguez
Rita Lozano Torres Luis Vidal Aquino
Ligia Cadena Maria Gallego Beatriz Rodriguez
Magdalena Maiz-Pena Alexandra Vilchez
Nara Cahua Adriana Galvez-Taylor Dolores Rodriguez
Jose Maldonado Gabriela Villada
Alfonso Campillo Jorge Gamboa Caamal Ernestina Romero
Jose Marcia Teresa Villamarin
Jimy Gamboa Rejon Rodriguez
Pedro Campillo Arturo Martinez Graciela Wall
Manuel Gamboa Rejon Ernestro Rodriguez
Ruben Campillo Mauro Martinez Laura and Ward
Benito Gamboa Fernando Rodriguez Wellman, Jr.
Jose Luis Cano Adolfo Mata B.
Concepcion Gamboa Jesus Rodriguez Brian Whelan
Miguel Cano Vicente Matias Leon
Jose Luis Gamez Jose Rodriguez Alfred & Audrey
Barbara Cantisano Luis Matta
Marisol Garay Campos Josselyn Rodriguez Woods
Irais Casiano Rinco Karen McCarl
Gerardo Garcia Hernesto Rodriguez- Pablo Ybarra Santiago
Angelica Castaneda Jim McEwen & Nelda
Gustavo Garcia Leon Gutierrez Fernanda Zendejas
Ruben Castillo
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4949 ALBEMARLE ROAD, STE B
CHARLOTTE, NC 28205
BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Malcom Nightingale, Olma Echeverri, Diane Frederick, Diana Palacios,
Gamez, Bill Garcia, Sergio Rocha & Cesar Velando
Giovanna Buyers, Dr. Owen Furuseth, Dr. Jose G
LEADERSHIP FOUNDATIONS & COMMUNITY
DONORS ORGANIZATIONS
ADS, LLC AT&T Foundation
Erskine & Crandall Bowles s
Arts & Science Council
Robert E. Bush, Jr. Bank of America Foundation
David Aylward and Cary Caton Catholic Legal Immigration Network
Coca Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated Foundation For The Carolinas
Cocina Latina Hispanics In Philanthropy
ocal
Iron Worker's Local Union 848 MDC, Inc.
Líder Services Merancas Foundation
Norsan Group National Council of La Raza
RT Dooley Construction Company Public Interest Projects
First Choice Management, Inc. United Way Central Carolinas
Casa del Lago Apartments, Vista del Lago Apartments,
Misty Woods Apartments, Pinetree Apartments
ds Wachovia Foundation
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