United

we can do more!

Centralia, WA – A Circle of immigrant mothers who reside in Centralia organized a series of workshops to raise educational awareness, in Spanish, on key community issues that affect Latinos. Workshops take place on the third Friday of each month, from 6-7:30pm at Villa Los Milagros, an affordable housing apartment community operated by Catholic Community Services. Topics include: financial literacy, taxes, investments, and loans; mental health awareness; violence prevention in schools; running start enrollment for high schoolers and civic engagement; and several others.

The Circle organized themselves into groups to select topics and potential speakers to invite. They drafted and distributed letters of invitation to secure speakers and then proceeded to design a flyer and conduct outreach in libraries, churches, local stores, and apartment buildings. The group chose to name themselves The Latina Voice for a Cause, since participants are perceiving themselves as a united front. Fernanda says, “I love that we are part of a united group where all support each other.” Gabriela adds, “I feel useful. It makes me happy to learn and organize workshops that will benefit our community.” The Circle has conducted two successful workshops so far and are eager to continue their work.

Don’t miss Justice Rising podcast episode

Seattle, WA – Last September, the Intercommunity Peace & Justice Center launched the third season of its podcast Justice Rising. In celebration of Latinx Heritage Month, our host Cecilia Flores interviewed Giselle Cárcamo, our Justice for Women Coordinator.

In this episode, Giselle shares stories from her life in Peru and how these moments influence the way she lives into her calling as an agent of change. She discusses her justice origin story, describes how her cultural identity informs her justice work, gives an honest account of the tensions she experiences in her justice work, and the ways she addresses those tensions. She gives a powerful statement of her understanding of community and some useful advice to the listeners to get involved in justice work. You can listen to Giselle’s story on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts . Search: https://ipjc.org/justice-rising-podcast/.

¡Unidas podemos más!

Centralia, WA – Las madres inmigrantes de un Círculo en Centralia organizaron una serie de talleres en español para informar sobre temas clave que afectan a los latinos. Los talleres se realizan el tercer viernes de mes de 6-7:30pm en Villa Los Milagros, una comunidad de vivienda de bajo costo administrada por Catholic Community Services. Los temas incluyen: información esencial sobre manejo de dinero, impuestos, inversiones y préstamos; salud mental, prevención de la violencia en las escuelas, el programa Running Start para alumnos de secundaria y participación cívica; entre otros.

El Círculo se organizó en grupos para seleccionar temas e invitar a expertos potenciales. Redactaron y distribuyeron cartas de invitación a fin de concretar ponentes y luego procedieron a diseñar un volante y publicitar el evento en bibliotecas, iglesias, tiendas locales y complejos de apartamentos. El grupo se autodenominó La voz latina por una causa ya que las participantes se perciben a sí mismas como un frente unido. Fernanda dijo que “le encanta ser parte de un grupo donde todas nos apoyamos unas a otras”. Gabriela agregó que “se siente útil y que le hace feliz aprender y organizar talleres que van a beneficiar a nuestra comunidad”. El Círculo ha realizado dos exitosos talleres hasta ahora y las participantes tienen muchos deseos de seguir su labor.

No se pierdan la entrevista

Seattle, WA – En setiembre pasado, Intercommunity Peace & Justice Center lanzó la tercera temporada de su podcast “Justice Rising”. Para celebrar el Mes de la Hispanidad, nuestra anfitriona Cecilia Flores entrevistó a Giselle Cárcamo, nuestra Coordinadora de Justicia para la Mujer.

En este episodio, Giselle contó sobre su vida en el Perú y cómo estos momentos influyeron en la manera que vive el llamado para ser agente de cambio. Habló del origen de su historia de justicia, y cómo su identidad cultural es un factor en su trabajo de justicia. También conversó sobre las tensiones que experimenta en su labor y lo que hace para resolverlas. Explicó su definición de comunidad y dio consejos para que los oyentes participen en misiones de justicia. Pueden escuchar la historia de Giselle en Spotify, Apple Podcasts o Google Podcasts. Busquen: https://ipjc.org/justice-rising-podcast/.

A beautiful ongoing collaboration to serve the undocumented community

Aberdeen, WA – As many of you know, the state’s immigrant communities, particularly undocumented immigrants, were especially vulnerable to the health and economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, yet they were excluded from federal relief funds and many other formal relief efforts. In July 2022, the Aberdeen Women’s Justice Circle was awarded a $30,000 grant to do outreach with directly impacted communities, especially in rural areas, and reach as many immigrants as possible to invite them to apply for the latest round of payments distributed from the Washington COVID-19 Immigrant Relief Fund. Circle members received training in outreach planning and application assistance and conducted outreach in their community. During an eight-week process, they hosted a total of 24 in-person events to build trust, distribute information about the fund, and guide residents of Grays Harbor, Mason, Clallam, Jefferson, Lewis, and Cowlitz counties through the application process. IPJC has been honored to serve as the fiscal sponsor of this project and is grateful to be able to offer administrative support and supervision. This is indeed a beautiful ongoing collaboration.

Overcoming health stigma in the Latino community

Lake Stevens, WA – Through lived experience the Lake Stevens Justice Circle identified mental health stigma as an overwhelming challenge in their community. In general, there is a perception in some Latino communities that it is inappropriate, embarrassing, or shameful to discuss mental health problems. Potential stigmatization may cause people to try to conceal symptoms of depression due to a fear of ostracization or consequences such as loss of work, status, or desirability. The Circle sought to create a space for the community to learn and share their concerns about depression and organized a forum in Spanish led by a mental health professional. The forum was held January 22nd at St. Michael’s Church in Snohomish. Attendees listened to two moving testimonials and learned about depression symptoms and treatment. Participants expressed desire to join support groups for people who have family members experiencing mental illness. The Circle was very proud of their work and the interest they ignited!