Since the founding of our Hispanic Federation, the Latino community has never faced so many challenges, attacks and abuses as those that affect us today. Every material aid program eliminated; Every health, education, economic promotion or art initiative that is taken away from us causes serious harm to Latino individuals or families in particular, and to our entire community in general. Many of our people need opportunities, support and help, and we hope that they will eventually receive them again from governments. Meanwhile, the Hispanic Federation will redouble its efforts to provide support to those who need it. But, in order to help, we also need help.
“In our 35 years of existence,” says Christian Rodríguez, Director of Development for the Hispanic Federation, “we have grown from an association of a dozen local community organizations into a vast network of nearly 800 member and allied agencies serving 43 states and territories across the country. In that time, we have contributed more than $125 million to support those agencies and their programs. But we did much more than supply funds. For example, we also helped nearly 380,000 immigrants, and contacted more than two million voters and potential voters.”
Those who read this column, or listen to our radio programs, or follow us on Facebook o Instagramknow that, among many other things, the federation helps with enrollment in affordable health plans, assists and counsels victims of domestic violence, provides services to our seniors, and offers after-school programs and summer camps. And there is much more, such as help with the payment of your rent and basic services, food pantries or food delivery, the training of Latino leaders, support for the artistic activities of our little boys, legal representation, schools charterhealth clinics… The list is almost endless.
“As you can imagine,” adds Christian, “all that support and all that help costs money, and that’s why we need you, to the best of your ability, to help us help. The easiest and most effective way to do this is through the donation page of our website”.
On that page you can choose between the Spanish or English version. You can also decide how much you want to donate, from $25 to $500, or a different amount. And they can indicate whether it is a one-time or recurring donation.
“Each donor,” our Development Director concludes, “can indicate whether they want their money to go to a particular cause, such as “Where our community needs it most,” “Civic engagement activities,” “CREATE Futures Initiative,” and several more.”
Additionally, there you can purchase tickets to our annual Gala Party, where we raise funds and celebrate the work of the Hispanic Federation. Or they can organize fundraising campaigns in their neighborhoods, their workplaces or their places of study. Or you can volunteer, because many member organizations need people to help, especially people who speak Spanish.
Finally, if you need more information on this topic, do not hesitate to call us at (212) 233-8955 or (866) 432-9832.
Frankie Miranda is the president of the Hispanic Federation