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
September 2011 Announcement: 107 House services moved under the management of the Yakima
Neighborhood Heath Service
Read the full announcement
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:
| Bethlehem Lutheran Church |
Sisters of Providence of St. Joseph |
| Broadway Christian Church |
Sisters of Providence, Local Community |
| Catholic Diocese of Yakima |
St. Joseph Catholic Church |
| Central Lutheran Church |
St. Paul Cathedral |
| Christ Lutheran Church |
St. Timothy Episcopal Church |
Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter Day Saints |
Terrace Heights Community
Presbyterian |
| East Valley Reformed Church |
Unitarian Universal Church |
| Englewood Christian Church |
United Christian Church of Yakima |
| First Baptist Church |
Unity Church of the Valley |
| First Presbyterian Church |
Wesley United Methodist Church |
| Holy Family Catholic Church |
Westminster Presbyterian Church |
| Mount Olive Lutheran Church |
Yakima Association Faith Communities |
| Naches Presbyterian Church |
|
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
2010 Annual Activity Report
Educational Services
Program |
Hours |
# of
people served |
| Early Learning Center |
4,286 |
389 |
| Youth Programs |
1,197 |
136 |
| Driving |
1,163 |
51 |
| English as a Second Language |
6,109 |
249 |
| Parent Education |
1,409 |
352 |
| Computer Technology |
2,218 |
105 |
| GED |
2,716 |
81 |
| Conevyt |
275 |
61 |
| Personal and Family Health |
454 |
60 |
| Sharing Talents |
494 |
153 |
| citizenship |
1,007 |
75 |
| Civic Engagement |
3,392 |
438 |
| Spanish |
385 |
20 |
| Total Hours |
25,484 |
| Students |
2,221 |
| Adults |
1,684 |
| Youth |
136 |
Emergency Services and Clothing Bank
| Direct Services |
Dollars Provided |
| Housing |
$30,628 |
| Transportation |
$16,261 |
| Utilities |
$10,005 |
| Identification |
$8,237 |
| Prescriptions |
$1,595 |
| Other |
$407 |
| Food |
$233 |
| Total Direct Assistance |
$67,366 |
In 2010, Yakima Interfaith Coalition provided $67,366 in direct assistance:
Total Est. people served: 10,255
Unduplicated count: 3,022
Identified as Homeless: 1,492
Major Gains in Organizational Capacity and Staffing:
- Financial growth of 714% (from $70,000 to over $500,000 ).
- Workforce development increase of 79% (The majority of staff are former program participants.).
- Student class hours increased from 820 to 21,904 students per year.
- Enrollment increased by 48%.
- Housing and emergency services increased from 1,750 to 10,255 services in 2010.
- Measurable results and documented outcomes for early learning and English classes.
Volunteers served in 2010 - 2,966 Hours
Download the complete Annual Report 2010
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