calm is a holistic ministry working with families in the prospect avenue neighborhood. started in...
TRANSCRIPT
CALM is a holistic ministry working with families in the Prospect Avenue Neighborhood.
Started in 1996 by a local church and community members
Where we work Prospect is a
neighborhood of over 400 primarily single-parent, African-American families as well as several Hispanic, African and Asian families who have recently moved to the area.
Includes Blue Ridge Commons
About CALM Work to address the needs of whole
people and whole families Spiritual, educational, and economic
“Almost 140 children and more than 160 volunteers are involved in weekly meetings -- tutoring, mentoring, eating dinners together, learning the Bible, playing basketball, going on field trips, praying, and just hanging out together.”
Current Programs for Latino Youth
Grades K-8th are served in after- school tutoring/mentoring
Evening clubs Field Trips Summer Camp K-4
Current Programs for Latino Adults
ESL Family Literacy – Johnson Elementary
School and the Adult Learning Center
– Over 20 families have participated in past year
ESL Tutoring– Latino adult works with
bilingual volunteer to practice conversation and improve communication.
Assets of the Latino Community
Strong family structure
Understanding of importance of hard work
Members of churches
Strong cultural identity
Hospitality
Main Challenges
Face all the same challenges as other low-income families, more isolated and left out
Unfamiliarity with US systems, foreign ways of doing things
Cultural barriers- racism and exclusion Language barriers, problems receiving any services Obtaining documentation Isolation, depression for women
How will we overcome these challenges?
Building Community Better communication
between schools and families
Increased partnership with social services– Facilitate consistent and
trustworthy connections
Creativity Creciendo Juntos