Latino Oregonians are the fastest growing population group in our state. Latinos have grown from 4 percent to 11 percent of the state’s population since 1990. With the Latino Partnership Program (LPP) we are strengthening bonds and understanding between the foundation and the Latino community through these goals:
(1) Strengthen leaders and organizations in the Latino community
(2) Strengthen education and services that encourage Latinos to become more integrated and influential in their communities
(3) Help forge strong ties between Latino and non-Latino communities and leaders
Some of OCF's Latino Nonprofit Partners
Working with local LPP advisory groups in four specific regions of the state, OCF funds training and small grants to Latino-based organizations such as:
Ballet Folklórico Ritmo Alegre
This Mexican Folkloric Dance group in Medford is building its own capacity to instruct local youth in a wide variety of traditional Mexican folk dances. They are “cultural ambassadors" to their whole community.
Salem/Keizer Coalition for Equality (SKCE)
This ia a multi-racial/ethnic community organization whose mission is to promote equity for children and families in education and in the community. SKCE’s work empowers students, parents, and the community by giving them a voice in the institutions that affect and represent them. SKCE advocates for respect and civil rights, holds administrators, policymakers and public employees accountable, and unites all our communities to speak with one voice for a shared place at the table.
Latino Community Association (LCA)
This Bend-based group in partnership with Central Oregon Community College is expanding its English Language Program in Central Oregon by recruiting and training new volunteer tutors.
Una Voz
This group is helping to unify Latino leadership in Jackson County to advocate for strong participation by Latinos in the greater community and for the whole community to acknowledge and value the benefits of a multicultural community.