|
|
| |
Opportunities
to Serve Latinos in Columbus:
Beyond the Walls of OSU
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
It is important to realize that the local Latino
community extends far beyond the boundaries of The Ohio State
University. In fact, according to the 2000 Census, over 24,000
Latinos reside in Franklin County alone. The partnership between
the Hispanic Business Student Association and Big Brothers
Big Sisters to mentor and tutor students at Westland High
School, which was highlighted in the Winter issue of ¿Qué
Pasa, OSU?, is a stellar example of such an extension into
the community.
|
|
(L-R) Gabriela Mendez, Case Aide; Mike
Hatch, Career Developer; Imelda Santos, Guadalupe Center Coordinator;
Natalia Bohorquez, Recruiter; Joe Spring, Career Developer
|
|
| |
Catholic Social Services
(CSS) is another agency in the Columbus area that offers programming
and services to the greater Latino community of Columbus. One
such program run by CSS that is serving the Latino population
is JobReach.
JobReach is a comprehensive employment program and is designed
to help Ohio Work Force recipients gain self-sufficiency. The
program participants also include refugee and immigrant populations
(Latino and Somali) who have additional barriers including language
and cultural differences. JobReach assists in employment placement
through programs such as:
• Job Readiness classes to better prepare the individual
on obtaining and maintaining employment.
• Career Training to provide the participant with new skills
and certification.
•Placement to locate appropriate employment based on the
individuals needs and retention.
JobReach follows up with program participants and assists with
barriers including transportation and daycare issues for one
year. The Job Readiness classes offer an ESL component and in
the past, JobReach has provided translation, interpreting and
cultural workshop for employers as well.
In addition, CSS provides services to the Latino community at
Lincoln Park West. In 2000 alone, CSS provided help to over
4,640 individuals of low- income families and continues to work
towards meeting the needs of these communities. CSS offers the
opportunity for students at OSU to become involved in these
programs through volunteering. By becoming involved, one is
offered the opportunity to reach out to the greater Latino community
in Columbus, as well as gain skills in translating, interpreting,
and providing social services to the community. And volunteering
is always a great resume builder! If you would like to volunteer
at CSS, would like to refer someone to any of the services,
or are interested in receiving more information about any of
the programs, please contact Walter Tucker, JobReach Director
at (614) 272-2210 or by email at wtucker@colscss.org Reach out
beyond the walls of Ohio State. Get involved with the Columbus
Latino Community • |
|
| |
|
|
