COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
STR0NG PARTNERSHIPS EXPAND OUR SERVICES AND CAPABILITIES
COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT
Engage Sonoma Valley residents in building a resilient and more inclusive community through community-civic activities that strengthen communications and connections between the Latino and non-Latino community.
Due to COVID-19 and to protect you and our staff, we are moving our classes and community events to a virtual setting. For more information and update opportunities you can join us on Facebook, call (707) 938- 5131 or email (respective manager).
CULTURAL EVENTS
La Luz brings special events and vibrant cultural activities to Sonoma Valley. These events promote cross-cultural awareness and are enjoyed by all.
Focus:
• Annual Holiday Events: Cinco de Mayo, Dia de los Muertos, La Posada
• Workshops and Classes for youths and adults
• Special cultural events, forums, speakers series
• Performances, dance, exhibits and concerts
• Collaborative program partnerships and event sponsorships
Impact:
La Luz creates and promotes, free of charge or low-cost cultural events, forums and workshops to connect and strengthen the Sonoma Valley community. These activities highlight and reinforce our unique sense of place, our heritage and our shared experiences.
For more information, contact:
Sandy Sanchez, Director of Programs by calling La Luz Center.
ARTS AND CULTURAL CENTER
La Luz provides an open and vibrant space that is an all-community gathering hub for learning, cultural events, community services and celebrations.
Focus:
Indoor and Outdoor Spaces for:
• Cultural events, holidays or special occasions
• Public meetings
• Forums and speakers series
• Training: Workshops and classes
• Group Meetings and Volunteer activities
• Community Meals
• Relief services during emergencies and community crisis
Impact:
At the La Luz Arts and Cultures Center, the La Luz staff offers an array of community events and activities and a space where community partners or other organizations can come together for trainings, meetings and events. La Luz Arts and Cultures Center offers local residents an opportunity to host activities or convene existing or start up programs in welcoming, inclusive indoor/outdoor spaces in the Springs.
For more information, contact:
Sandy Sanchez, Director of Programs by calling La Luz Center.
SCHOLARSHIPS
The La Luz Center Scholarship program seeks to advance education and career opportunities of Sonoma Valley students by providing financial assistance for higher education. These scholarships are presented at the annual Sonoma Valley High School Awards ceremony in May.
Through partnerships with local organizations and the support of individual community members, La Luz facilitates scholarship opportunities that enable local youth to attend summer camps and to participate in competitive sports.
Focus:
• Recognition and reward for Academic excellence
• Recognition and reward for Community Service
• Advancement of opportunities
• Performance, dance, exhibits and concerts
• Exposure to new experiences and the broader community
Impact:
La Luz Center is committed to the growth and educational success of today's local youth. The high school scholarship program supports and encourages talented and engaged students to pursue their academic passions and continue to make meaningful contributions to their community. Enabling younger students to participate in a special summer camp or to play on a sports team helps them gain new skills and exposure to empowering experiences that broaden their horizons.
For more information, contact:
Sandy Sanchez, Director of Programs by calling La Luz Center.
Natalie Arguello, senior class president of Sonoma Valley High School will be attending Sacramento State University in fall of 2021 to study political science.
Guadalupe Gutierrez is a first generation student from Sonoma Valley High School. She will be attending UC Davis in fall of 2021 to study nursing.
Joseph Silvi is a valedictorian at Sonoma Valley High School.
Stephani Balam Jacuinde is a first generation student from Sonoma Valley. She will be attending UC Berkeley in fall of 2021 to study chemistry and become a pediatrician.
LATINO LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
Providing leadership development for Latino leaders
Each year, La Luz conducts a six-seven month leadership program for emerging Latino Leaders. Fifteen applicants are selected for each class. The program is conducted by leadership training professionals and provides a proven and highly relevant approach to leadership development.
Sonia Mendoza
Latino Leadership Program Graduate
"The Latino Leadership program broadened my horizons not only in the social aspect but also professionally, my participation in this intensive program gave me the opportunity to connect with non-profit organizations such as La Luz Center and Kid Scoop News, here in the Sonoma Valley, and be able to be an active part of them."
Click here to watch the video
Focus:
• One courses/year; 15 students in each course
• Full day workshop and 6 monthly interactive classes with presentations and discussions
• Course material & workbook from “The Leadership Challenge”
• Presentations and discussion with community leaders
• One-one mentorship
• Project work to reinforce the leadership study
• Peer support and teamwork
• Graduation with certificate of accomplishment
Impact:
The Latino Leadership program enables emerging Sonoma Valley leaders to come together to further develop their leadership skills and learn more about leadership opportunities to contribute to the Sonoma Valley community. Following program completion, many graduates have advanced in their careers and/or become members of Sonoma Valley non profit boards. The underlying goal is to bridge the Latino community into the larger community
For more information, contact:
Sandy Sanchez, Director of Programs by calling La Luz Center.
The first class of graduates and their projects
Jose (Tony) Alvarez: Project around financial literacy with La Luz Center
Elizabeth Campos: Project with the Sonoma Valley Educational Foundation on reaching out to the Latino community.
Tony Fernandez: Ecology Center leading hikes/tours in Spanish
Jorge Gillermo: La Luz Center computer literacy classes
Rammie Hencmann: Work with DACA student on a community project
Nick Mendelson: Board member of La Luz Center
Dayanne Mendoza: 20/30 Club in Santa Rosa
Cristina Ruiz: Sonoma Valley Museum teaching art
Lucy Rodriguez: Sonoma Valley Hospital learning about hospital governance
Angie Sanchez: Board member of Sonoma County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Sandy Sanchez: Board member of Sonoma Overnight Support
The 2019-2020 class of graduates worked on Census as a project
Dalia Caballero
Leslie Bustos
Jose Anaya
Emmanuel Savedra Bazan
Anelyn Burquez
Ariana Andrade
Carlos Farias
Elizabeth Hernandez
Yatziry Galvan
Dora Barrera
Manny Benitez
Nelson Lomeli
Sergio Oceguera
IMMIGRATION SUPPORT
Helping Sonoma Valley families with Immigration issues
La Luz Center provides immigration information and assistance to Latino families in Sonoma Valley, especially relevant during this time of change and uncertainty surrounding immigration policy. With enormous community support for those who live in the Springs, La Luz has expanded the outreach and support to many who now have family members in need of assistance.
"With the help of La Luz Center I have became citizen of the United States"
Francisco Lopez
La Luz Center Client
Focus:
• Citizenship Classes* to help prepare eligible residents for their citizenship examination
• DACA and citizenship Information and legal referrals
• “Know Your Rights” workshops to inform residents of the laws their rights when facing
immigration authorities
• "Employer and Employee Rights Forums" that increase awareness and inform Employers
and Employees of current immigration policy and workplace rights
• Rapid Response Hotline
• Legal Counsel—see “Legal Services” in Family Services website section
• Community Outreach: Classes, speakers and timely updates on immigration issues
Impact:
La Luz is located in the Springs with a large Latino population and families that may have one or more family members in need of support with immigration issues. La Luz provides information and resources that are now particularly important as fear of the unknown impacts mental health and overall well being. Understanding policies, one’s rights and how to access resources for assistance helps keep all community members safe and empowered with accurate information.
For more information, contact:
Sandy Sanchez, Director of Programs by calling La Luz Center.
Legal Consultation: La Luz teams up with the International Institute of the Bay Area (IIba) to create direct referrals IIBA legal counsel office at La Luz Center. The IIBA attorney, Lucy Benz-Rogers, provides legal consultation services, assistance with citizenship applications, DACA renewals and current DACA information to our clients and community. Contact her by email or phone.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
La Luz Community Outreach activities help residents become aware of events, programs and civic issues so they can participate and their voice can be heard.
Focus:
• Information: Immigration updates, classes and support
• Participation: Community cultural events
• Education: Vaccination information
• Services: Health, Immigration, Mental Health, Emergency aid
• Opportunities: Jobs, Scholarships, Volunteering, Donating
Impact:
La Luz Center Community Outreach campaigns inform residents about programs that are available and services that are accessible through La Luz Center and community partners. Active participation in community events and awareness of civic issues promotes a well informed, resilient and cohesive community.
For more information, contact:
Sandy Sanchez, Director of Programs or by calling La Luz Center.