La Canasta Feedback

I liked everything. For me, I liked the themes and all of the games. I also like the good treatment they give to one and to the children, how they treat everyone that comes here to the school.

For me, I like the class a lot because it served for me to know more about how to play with my kids. I like how the teacher, Enedina, gave the class, and she is a teacher that is very good with us.

This program for me was very good and interesting. I never imagined that with small, unsophisticated things kids could learn so much. For me, it was very interesting because my mom played with me but did not have an idea how to play with me. I want to thank everyone that makes this program possible. To Enedina, for the patience she has to explain words exactly so that everyone understands perfectly. To Eloisa for the patience she has to care for my child and teach me what skills my daughter has.

I liked everything because we had a lot of fun. First in the class we talked about important things like how to play with children and what we need to and don’t need to say to them to them. For me, everything that we did in the class was important. Also, when we played with the kids they were very attentive, telling stories and having fun.

I liked everything. All of the themes were important. Some of the things I already knew, but I never used them. I would really like to learn more about children’s development.

Article on La Casa Hogar

Scaling the language barrier - Spanish classes open up a new world for a Good Fruit Grower employee

Catholic teenagers volunteering at La Casa Hogar

Read the full article "Here to Help"

Marina Serrano, ESL, computers, and GED student

“My goal is to take the GED in English. First, I need to practice my English, and in the future I hope to get a different job.”

So many reasons to Volunteer

"Because my free time is so limited, I want to get the most "bang for my buck" when I volunteer somewhere. There are many worthwhile organizations to get involved with in the community. However, at La Casa Hogar, I not only feel needed and appreciated, but I get and learn so much in return. Walking through the front door of La Casa Hogar is always a humbling experience. I am continually inspired by courageous, committed, hard-working, generous women who at first glance, seem very different from myself. But, of course, we have so much in common - as women, mothers, daughters, students of life. I will be eternally grateful to the women of La Casa Hogar, for so warmly welcoming me in to their "home"."

-La Casa Annual Dinner Committee Chair, Peggy Ludwick

Bruce Willis's message from the annual dinner

To read, click here

Luz Monroy, Technology Coordinator at La Casa

“My volunteer work at La Casa Hogar has been a pleasant experience and has helped my self-esteem a lot. To feel that money is not necessary to share something with others; putting to work the gifts that God has given us and knowing that we can be useful is something priceless.”

Ann & Bruce Willis, Spanish students & volunteers

Ann Willis described our Spanish Immersion experience: "A warm, non-threatening learning experience which melds people of different Spanish abilities together in a fun cooperative educational opportunity of language and cultural enrichment."

Ann Willis appreciated most about the experience "The opportunity to get to know these amazing women!"

"Wonderful environment with caring people to begin my journey into the Spanish language and Mexican culture." Bruce Willis

"The friendliness and enthusiasm of the class leaders. They all contributed so much to make it a great experience." Bruce Willis

James Joyce III, Spanish Student, Yakima Herald Republic Reporter

Before attending Spanish classes at La Casa Hogar I had not a lick of Spanish in my lexicon. I had, however, taken several years of French in both high school and college but never really excelled at learning languages. I started at La Casa with the Spanish immersion class, then the regular class that met for an hour in the morning three times a week.

Although the schedule was, at times, an inconvenience and it became an increasing struggle to stay motivated for the class, the pay off shone like a light in the penultimate week of the class. In that week, while on the job I used my limited Spanish skills that I acquired at La Casa.

While working on a story about the dual language program in some of our local schools, I was in an elementary school observing the program in action. It happened to be Spanish day and all of the instruction was in Spanish. I started in a kindergarten class. The class started by going over the date and proceeded with letter recognition and reading drills. I was able to follow along, and as the teacher gave the students instruction I was able to understand what was going on. At times, when the teachers were speaking to one another I could not grasp everything that they were saying, but hey just a few months prior I would not have understood anything.

I felt a sense of accomplishment that I could now at least blend in during an all Spanish setting, even though it was just kindergarten. But the highlight of the experience came when I actually interviewed students. I interviewed an enchanting girl in first grade. At first she seemed very shy about talking to me, one reason may have been because I towered over her. The other reason may have been the language barrier.

Although English was her primary language, it was Spanish day in school. As the teacher introduced her to me and urged her to read me a story she looked down at her boots and stumbled over the words in the story. Then I got down on her level and attempted some of my broken Spanish.

“Me llamo James. Yo trabajo en la periodical de Yakima Herald.”
The little girls’ demeanor changed almost immediately. We proceeded to interact in Spanglish and I even asked her to teach me some things in Spanish, mostly things I already knew but it didn’t hurt to have them reinforced. As her comfort level grew with me, my comfort level speaking Spanish grew as well.

As we were talking she sat down next to me on the floor in the hallway and began to read her Spanish book to me. As she read each line in Spanish she translated it in English, although I understood most of it in Spanish. It was a great feeling to be able to make that connection with the little girl, a connection that I could not have made without the help and patience of the wonderful women of La Casa Hogar.

Muchas gracias to the little girl and muchas gracias to La Casa Hogar.

Rosa, Student

Thank you for coming to the La Casa Hogar. For this day, we have prepared a delicious lunch especially for you to thank you for the support you bring to our house. But also because we want to obtain the money that we need for our computer classes and to have access to the Internet.

Perhaps Carole, our director can obtain this money in another way, but we students prepare this luncheon because it is our way of thanking you all for the opportunity that you give us to study and to have memorable moments in this house that has become like our own.

When we come here, we forget our problems, we live together and laugh with one another, but the most important thing is that we like how they teach our children to live and play together each day.

In other schools, this kind of support is not available. For the most part, we want to thank you for your help and we want to show you also a little of the Mexican culture through our food, music, and people. Thank you again for your support and may God Bless you.

Luz Monroy, Technology Coordinator

My name is Luz Monroy, I have two children, Francisco, age 3, and Diana, age 1. I have attended English classes at La Casa Hogar for two years because for me, like other mothers, sometimes opportunities for achievement are set aside, prioritizing caring for our kids. Fortunately, thank God, I have found that these necessities can be satisfied at the same time at La Casa Hogar; I learn English while my children do something new and fun in the child care.

Last summer, when I expressed my impatience in wanting to study for my GED, the answer of my English teacher, Terry and her assistant Deborah made me feel that it was not only possible, but also much sooner than I had imagined. They helped me with materials to study at home, they gave me the pre-test, and they have secured me a scholarship so that I can take the tests soon. Thanks to La Casa Hogar, I will have my GED very soon.

At the end of September, Carole asked me to work as a volunteer, giving a math class. This has been a very pleasant experience and has helped my self-esteem a lot, to feel that money is not necessary to share something with others; putting to work the gifts that God has given us and knowing that we can be useful is something priceless.

But only a few days ago, La Casa Hogar acquired a new, larger meaning for me. In spite of all the time that I’ve attended courses and felt comfortable there, finding many friends and people that want to help us overcome personal obstacles, now I feel that in La Casa Hogar, I have found “My Family,” “My Home,” that place that always has open doors, in which we can find refuge and feel safe, where nothing can harm us because among all family members, there is a bond of lover that keeps us united.

I want to publicly thank Carole, Magdalena, and Mireya for all the support that they have provided me to overcome my recent personal problems; they have made me feel that I’m not alone, they have had me know that I’m protected, finally, they have told me through their actions that La Casa Hogar is your family.

Magdalena Serrano, Student

My name is Magdalena Serrano. I am married and have two daughters, 10 and 5 and a son, 8 years old. I would like to tell you a little about how I arrived at La Casa Hogar.

I have lived in the Yakima Valley since 1991. The first 5 years were very difficult, even traumatic, for me. Recently married, expecting a child and in a new country, where unfortunately I was not able to express myself adequately, sometimes could result in a real trauma for me.

But one fine day I met a good friend who told me about La Casa Hogar and the services that were there for the community. I was interested principally in English classes and had to have childcare for these classes.

Here they accepted me as a student, but mainly they accepted me as a member of the family of La Casa Hogar. Little by little my depression disappeared until I began to feel like I had something to offer and that I could repay a little of what I had received.

Now I am a volunteer and after work I go to La Casa Hogar to teach a driving class. Some of the women come with the necessity of learning in a group and with enthusiasm to make changes in their lives by getting a drivers’ license.

At La Casa part of coming and learning is having an open door to friendship. If you need help and for some reason we are not able to help you, perhaps we can refer you to where you can get some help.

If someone that you know or you think might be in a similar situation as I was, tell her, “Come to La Casa Hogar.” I assure you that here she will encounter what she needs. Try coming and you will not be sorry that you came.

Gabriela Rosales, Student

I think that La Casa Hogar is an opportunity, a promise, and a possibility for all of us. We can do anything. We have opportunities which allow all of us to gain the knowledge, skills, and behaviors necessary to live, learn, and achieve success now and in the future. I am thankful for all.

Lourdes Contreras, Student

To me La Casa Hogar is like a visit to my beloved friend’s home, or the home of my loving aunt. Because here at La Casa Hogar, I have found affection, amiability and trust from the staff and sincere answers for all of my questions. Overall, it fills some part of my expectations as a woman and human being. Thanks Casa Hogar for opening your doors to whomever needs a sincere friend. God bless you forever.

Guadalupe Tovar, English Student

It is truly an important place for Hispanic women. It is a great place as a first step in our personal advancement and education. La Casa Hogar offers us educational, emotional, and personal assistance. The increasing number of programs especially for us women, benefit both us and our families. For me personally, it was very important in my life to have begun my education (in the U.S.A.) with the wonderful help of the teacher and persons directing La Casa. For all this, I say to you, Carole, Martha, and my first teacher Sandy, Thank you.

Leone Speece, Current Board Member & Community Volunteer

After retiring at age 65 and catching up on a few hobbies, I decided it was time I did something useful. I knew about Interfaith Coalition because Dan Schnable the minister at my church had been instrumental in its beginning. Having been a sociology major in college and having worked as a caseworker for 15 months many years earlier, I felt this would work for me.

It has been a revelation. I had no idea there was such a need, both financial and educational, in our valley. Financially, for those who are trying to live on the minimum wage, paying rent, raising a family, receiving medical and dental care; and educationally, lack of awareness of programs that already exist that might help them.

We are able to help somewhat financially. But the greatest help that we give them is making them aware of the resources available: There are food bank lists, clothing bank lists (as well as a clothing bank of our own), employment agency lists, services provided by OIC, Salvation Army, St. Vincent de Paul, Neighborhood Health, Farmworkers Clinic, People for People, and many others. We show them how to make arrangements with Pacific Power, and Department of Utilities in order to avoid having their electric and/or water turned off.

The need is great and even with our help we are only skimming the surface. But it has done something special for me. When I go home after my volunteer time, I feel so blessed. I drive home in my late model, air-conditioned car with a full tank of gas, fix a meal using good, tasty food, flick the thermostat and be air-conditioned in the summer and warm in the winter. I no longer think about all those people who have more than I have.

Eladia, Student

Hi. When I was a little girl, I’m to pour. My life is was to sad. I don’t have shoes for eleven years, when I was a child. I’m was start to worker when I was fourteen years old.

When I was little, my dad has a lots worck for me. Long time ago my brother broke my’s shoulder. When I was little my dad burnt my forearms. I was start to cooked when has 8 years old. My dad was kicked and letting alone.

“This is my past story.” Now my life in this time is different. Because I was learning English. I feel good when you talking with me. You’ and Irma are good ladies with me. Thank you for help me in the casa hogar. I’m feel happy with you. God bless you!

Benita Macias, Student

Thank you!!!! To the people in charge of La Casa Hogar for helping us because we need this house. Thanks for everything!

Haria G. Lopez, Student

In my personal opinion; to me La Casa Hogar is an experience and at the same time a big opportunity to learn English like a second language. I hope that in the future we can count with more places like this to give more opportunity to more people. I want to say thank you to the institution and the staff. Because a friend of mine told me about this class and for this reason I came, because to learn and succeed. Thank you!!

Rosa De La O, Student

A place where
you can learn
you can sing, to share
to laugh, be happy.
Come and you
will feel like you are in
your own home.

Sounds of Home: Stories of Mexico by La Casa Students

Jovita Rodriguez

When I lived in Mexico, I liked to follow the frogs to see them open their mouths when they sang.
I remember the sounds of the crickets singing. I liked to see how they moved their mouths.
I remembered when it rained in the night, I listened to the sounds of the water. I slept all night to the sounds.

Mireya Chavez

When I hear the sound of Mexican mariachi music, I remember my family in Mexico. They would celebrate Mother’s Day with all of my sisters and brothers and me. We gave presents to our mother. We heard that Mexican mariachi music. My mother liked this special day.

Cecilia Hernandez

When I think about Mexico, it reminds me of my father and his cows. He milked them every morning.
I remember the birds, too, because my mom gave them food every morning.
The sounds of the frogs remind me of when I played with my friends in Mexico.

Gabriela Rosales

When I hear the sounds of a machine, I remember my home in the city in Mexico. My father and brothers had a leather workshop there.
Popular music also reminds me of the workshop. My father and brothers listened to the popular music while they sewed the leather purses.
Both of these sounds take me home.

Rosa De La O

Rock music in Spanish took me home this morning because when I was in my home in Mexico, my brothers and sisters always listened to this music.
Last night, with the sound of the rain, I remembered my home in Mexico. In Mexico it rains a lot, and when it was raining, all my family was at home together.

Carmen Montes

Sounds of music take me home. The music always reminds me of my family because we listened to music together, especially church music.

Computer requests from La Casa Students

Angelina Bustos C.

I, Angelina, ask your help in order to see if you could please give me a computer. We need this because we are a family with a low income. I would use it to learn more and to prepare myself for a better future and in order to help my daughter, Cristina de Jesus. I hope this is not too much bother.

Esperanza González

Hello sir. If you would like to give us computers to learn on and for our children, we would be very grateful. May God bless you. Thank you.

Olivia Mendoza

I would like to have a computer. One day I would like this dream having a computer to be made a reality because it is difficult to have a computer. It would be very useful to me and to my sisters who go to school because the computer has many programs that are useful in doing homework, investigation, and searching for many thing in the natural and social sciences. One could learn much from a computer because it has a great deal of information and all that could serve us well. So we are grateful to all the people who help in someway that could encourage someone to be able to donate a computer. Having a computer would be of great benefit.

Nubia Salas

It is important to improve oneself as a human being in order to be able to help our children and to be an example of knowledge and understanding to those around us. The computer is an important tool for personal improvement and development. It is important that]we understand what we and others must learn in this modern time of technological advancements so that they technologies help us to live better in these times.

Maria S. Solorio

My name is Maria S. Solorio. I only want to say with the many other letters that the necessity to have a computer is one that makes us seek help from others. And more than that we see the necessity to learn and use the computer in order to help our children and ourselves. We hope that you can help us with this and that now and in the future that your help will serve us well. Already I know that computers will become something indispensable for the community.

Reynalda Díaz

I would like to have a computer because it would be very useful to use the electronic network for being informed about what is happening in the world and to investigate about universities and scholarships for my children. I am a mother of three children who always ask for a computer to do their homework. Because of our low economic resources, I am not able to fulfill their wish. Thus, a computer not only would serve me, but also would be much help in the education of my children. I would like to have a computer in order to learn to write the English language since there are special programs that help one with writing. Too, I would like to investigate the electronic network about the programs for children that would keep them occupied and they would not look to belong to gangs and bad friendships.

It gives me great joy to know that persons like you are disposed to donate computers to persons who have low incomes. They are very useful for those who are fortunate enough to have them. I hope to be one and that my children can have one of the computers.