La Casa Hogar is a center for women and children. The center houses a variety of programs essential to the successful transition of new immigrants to life in the Yakima Valley.

Our programs and service empower Hispanic women and children through education. And extending the caring hand of the community in serving anyone in need of emergency service.

Women's Support

La Casa Hogar is a place where women can learn English, driving, computer, but more importantly share as women. It is a place where they can make new friends and find the support of their extended family which they left behind in Mexico. Our programs fall into five categories:

English as a Second Language

The ESL program is our core program — the reason why most women first come to La Casa Hogar. Our ESL program enjoys a 98% retention rate. It is common for our students to enter as non English speakers, then progressing through all available classes. We teach five levels of English using a contextual teaching model. Students are actively involved in choosing content areas. Class work is enhanced through computer instructed ESL. The teaching staff has been with our program for several years. The teachers have a passion for the students they serve and can often be heard saying “My students are the best. They are so committed and such eager learners. I love my job.” Our ESL program is supported through a partnership with Yakima Valley Community College and a grant from ProLiteracy USA.

Spanish Literacy

Research indicates that the ability to learn a second language is greatly enhanced if the learner has reading and writing ability in their native language. We can affirm this from our experience as well. Our Spanish Literacy class provides one-on-one support for learners. Future plans include teaching reading and writing in Spanish through methods used by the Adults Education National Institute in Mexico.

Adult Basic Education

After the priority of learning English has been achieved, our students always express serious interest in acquiring their GED. Current program goals include providing support and GED education preparation, and other pre employment soft skill development.

Parent Education

Our parent education program has two parts:

The Learning Basket™ is designed for mothers who have children under the age of three. It is a 12-session course where mothers learn how to teach their babies and toddlers through play utilizing a variety of simple toys or household items. Mothers learn how to engage their child’s learning through age appropriate tasks and develop an understanding of normal child development. The materials are flexible and designed such that people with limited literacy skills understand them. The groups are facilitated by trained parent leaders.

We are very proud of this unique project which brings hand-made, individualized baskets full of tools designed to assist in early development skills to parents. It is a wonderful example of just how La Casa Hogar is able to connect to its constituency and why this truly grassroots connection makes La Casa Hogar a vital participant in the Eastside Early Learning Initiative.

In our Children’s Learning Center mothers have the opportunity to experience, learn and practice effective ways to engage their preschool aged children in the learning process. Mothers actively participate in the children’s learning center on a regular basis, learning from the modeling of the teacher and other resource people. This environment provides an opportunity for the mothers to practice English with their children and to develop skills and confidence in relating to their child's teacher.

Computer Technology

It is likely that the very first time our computer literacy students have ever touched a computer is at La Casa Hogar. In our community technology center (CTC) students learn basic computer skills beginning with an introduction to the computer, keyboarding, Windows XP, and the Microsoft Office Suite. Other practical computer instructed learning is available such as English as a Second Language, GED preparation, Nova Net online education system, and various project learning opportunities. Peer to peer teaching through mentoring is a basic principle throughout the program. Our CTC is also “home” for AmeriCorps Vista members to contribute to their community. Computer Technology learning is made possible through a Community Access to Technology grant generously given by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Leadership/Self Sufficiency

Growing leaders is an important aspect of all programs at La Casa Hogar/Yakima Interfaith Coalition. Four staff are former program participants; all learned English through our program and several began their computer skill development on the job. They serve as role models for our students. A frequent mantra is “You can do it.” Leadership development begins with naming the attributes and skills of leadership through teaching. Often what students and staff are already doing represents significant marks of leadership abilities and skill. Low confidence and self-perceptions limit their ability to recognize and claim leadership. Topical based classes are provided to support leadership learning activities. Opportunities to practice leadership skills are available in areas such as teaching others, fund development, and coordinating projects.

Our intent is to develop leadership capacity at all levels of the organization — student, staff and Board of Directors. One fourth of our Board members are first generation Mexican immigrants, serving for the first time on a Board of Directors. Giving voice and examining questions of inclusion are critical to successful leadership development in the community. Our work in leadership capacity building is made possible through a grant from the City of Yakima, Community Development Block Grant.

The women enrolled in the program share in the work of the center – volunteering in the clothing bank, helping clean the center, assisting in childcare, selling raffle tickets for the annual fund raising event and teaching classes.

One woman expressed what the center means for her. “Here I met friends and I consider this house what its name says, a home”.

Emergency Services Outreach - 107 House

Yakima Interfaith Coalition Services are delivered at the “107 House” which is in collaboration with the Homeless Network of Yakima County, Central Washington Comprehensive Mental Health PATH outreach, and United Way of Yakima County. The house is located at:

107 So. 6th Street
Yakima, WA 98901
Tel. 509 249-6232
Fax: 509 249-2800
Hours: 9:00-12:00 & 1:00-4:00

Mission

The mission of the “107” House is to provide a safe, respectful, and courteous common location to connect homeless people and anyone in need of emergency assistance with resources or services. We strive to extend the caring hand and warm heart of church and community to those who come to Yakima Interfaith Coalition seeking assistance with emergency needs. Our service grows out of care and respect for the dignity of all people founded in our various religious traditions.

Our goal is to extend the caring hand and warm heart of the church and community to those who come to La Casa Hogar seeking assistance with an urgent need. Our service grows out of respect for the dignity of all people founded in our various religious traditions.

People are assisted, through supportive listening to identify resources available to address their emergency need.  Resources may be provided through information and education, referrals to other organizations, or issuance of a voucher to purchase needed assistance.

Services

Services are provided through a voucher system established with specific vendors.  Vouchers for services are provided only after other available community resources are unable to meet the requested need.  The priorities for provided services are established in conjunction with perceived community need, availability of other community resources, and effective use of limited resources.  Generally limited resources are distributed in small amounts; often providing only a portion of what is needed. This allows for clients to contribute to the solution, which enables more people to be served. People who are homeless and seeking services in the lower Valley will be referred to Northwest Community Action Center in Toppenish.

The following is a list of services provided:

• Utility shut off prevention for electricity, water, heat
• Bus Pass (month)/single tickets
• Prescription medication-acute and/or emergent
• Gasoline-need valid driver’s license
• Food for special needs, when food bank resources are not available
• Propane for heating or cooking
• Diapers-limited emergency supply
• Birth certificate, driver’s license or identification
• Special needs related to homelessness
• Clothing, blankets, personal hygiene items from clothing bank
• Limited rental assistance for the homeless
• Household items through the Red Roof Pantry
• Miscellaneous resource referrals to other community agencies or resources

Hours of Service

Emergency Services are provided Monday through Friday 9:00- 4:00 (closed 12-1:00) at the “107 House 107 South 6th Street, 509-249-6232.  People who seek these services during other times of the day will be asked to return for service during the designated time unless other arrangements have been made.

Eligibility Requirements

Photo identification is requested but not required.  Households may receive services 3 times per calendar year, and within those three times, once per month. Persons moving out of homelessness into housing may be supported with case management services and additional resources.

Referral Process

Frequently people self refer or learn of “107 House” services through the street network system or community agencies. 

For community agencies or faith communities: It is helpful to receive a phone call introducing the person you are referring and confirming that we are able to help with the requested services.

Funding

Funding for services are provided by Yakima Country through the Homeless Network of Yakima County, United Way of Yakima County, individuals and organizations and the follow contributing faith communities:

Clothing Bank

Clothing donations are received Monday through Friday 9-3:30 at 106 So. 6th Street. We request that clothing be in good condition, clean, and in season. The clothes are given to people in need free of charge on Tuesday and Thursday 10:00 am-12:00 noon.

Program Goals

FOR CHILDREN
Prepare children for a successful transition into kindergarten.

FOR YOUTH
Provide programs which academically enrich and support youth to achieve their full educational potential

FOR PARENTS
Assist and education parents so that they are ready to be active participants in support of their children's education.

FOR WOMEN
La Casa graduates are leaders in the community, training others, managing La Casa and replicating the program in other sites.

Strategic Program Goals:

• Expand collaboration and partnerships to more fully serve women and children
• Develop and enhance organizational leadership capacity at all levels: students, staff, and board
• Engage investors in the vision and mission La Casa Hogar Yakima Interfaith Coalition

2008 Annual Activity Report

During 2008 we provided a 15,240 student class hours this represents a 25% increase over 2007. Providing three to four quarters of classes we served 912 students, 85 were children between 1 and 5 years old, 55 were between 6 to 17 years old and 527 were over 18 years old. 65% of these students had been participating in our programs for 3 to 4 years and 35% were new students in 2008. Participants lives in 11 different cities, and 92% lives in Yakima, and people living in Yakima 53% of the participants lives in East Yakima. 5 countries are represented, 97% are from twenty-three state of Mexico, and the majority is from the states of Michoacán 29% and Jalisco 19%.

Educational Services

Emergency Services and Clothing Bank

We provided a $58,082 direct assistance for 4,596 services during this year, 75% more that services provided in 2007 represents a total of 9,418 people benefitting from our services.

Direct Assistance in the last four years

In January we launched “107 House” a five way partnership which allowed for the expansion of services and service hours. During 2008, 1821 people were served, 795 of them were identifyded as homeless, 68% male and 32% female from 13 different locations of the Yakima valley 90% from Yakima.

Major Accomplishments in 2008

• Thirty-seven percent more women and children participated in La Casa Programs;
• Enhancement of Early Learning Center through curriculum conversion  to be consistent with Head Start and Yakima School District;
• Quality and level of parent engagement with their preschool children increased significantly;
• Organization wide outcomes measurement implemented;
• Expansion of mission driven technology;

Volunteers served 1,584 Hours

Download the complete Annual Activity Report January – December 2008