Hispanic Women's Organization Gathers To Laud Clients, Supporters
Last updated Saturday, December 8, 2007 9:35 PM CST in Our Town
By Bettina Lehovec
THE MORNING NEWS
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SPRINGDALE -- The mission of the Hispanic Women's Organization of Arkansas is to celebrate education, culture and community.
The group did all three at its annual Holiday Dinner and Open House on Tuesday. Held in the lobby outside its new offices at the Family Resource Center in Springdale, the party attracted about 150 clients, supporters and members.
They heard about organization programs, lauded graduates of a recent computer class and watched entertainment by singer Flor Morena and dance group Ritmo Latino. A buffet dinner of steak and chicken fajitas was provided by Acambero Mexican Restaurant.
"We had a wonderful audience, and we were happy with the accomplishments during the year," said Margarita Solorzano, director of the nonprofit organization. She spoke in both English and Spanish at the event to reach the mixed abilities of her audience.
A ribbon cutting ceremony celebrated the organization's move from a much smaller office on the second floor of the Family Resource Center. The center houses a network of nonprofit organizations, courtesy of the late Harvey and Bernice Jones.
The new office suite features five separate offices and a central space with a bank of new computers. The computers were purchased with a grant from the CommunityCare Foundation to train women and men in the GEM program.
GEM stands for Guiding, Empowering and Mentoring. The program offers personal development workshops, parenting classes and computer training. Graduates of a recent computer class rose proudly to receive their certificates.
"I'm very thankful for what the organization has done for me," said Mercedes Perez, a single mother of three children. "Now I feel that I can work on a computer, I can help my daughter (with homework), I can look for a job."
Another focus is providing scholarship aid to Hispanic students, Solorzano said. Nearly 120 scholarships have been awarded since 2000. Many recipients have graduated and are working in the community and throughout the state.
Other programs include citizenship classes and voter registration drives. A bilingual newcomer's guide to Springdale helps Spanish-speaking residents find the services they need. The organization also serves as a clearinghouse, referring clients to a wide range of social service agencies.
"The work that they do is fantastic," said Roger Guzman of Wal-Mart Stores. The Wal-Mart Foundation is a leading corporate sponsor of HWOA programs. "Scholarships for kids and the work they do with women is very needed in the community. They provide a great service. It's very easy for us to support them."
Other supporters include Cox Communications, Tyson Foods, Arvest Bank, the Arkansas Department of Health and the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation. Such support enables the organization to touch lives, Solorzano said.
"It's a way that we can keep providing services to the community free of charge."
Maria Pena and Maria Mota were honored as volunteers of the year.
Cynthia Nance, dean of the University of Arkansas School of Law, was lauded for her role in starting immigration law classes. Such classes are necessary for lawyers assisting an immigrant population, Solorzano said.
At A Glance
Hispanic Women's Organization of Arkansas
Mission: To advance educational opportunities for Hispanic women and their families, to celebrate and teach others about Hispanic culture and to become active participants in the community.
Information: 751-9494, www.hwoa.org
Source: Staff report
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Deacon wrote on Dec 13, 2007 1:34 PM:
flamingo79 wrote on Dec 13, 2007 2:28 PM:
Not already registered?
sovereignty wrote on Dec 12, 2007 6:19 PM: