0ANNUAL

13 REPORT

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2013 ANNUAL REPORT CONTENTS

3  Message from the Board Chair and Executive Director 4  Our Work in 2013 7  Community Teams

8  Education Team 9  Legal Team 10  Health Team 11  Financial Stability Team 12  Our Supporters in 2013 13  Financial Summary

To enrich the quality of life in our community by coordinating initiatives and building collaborations among service providers, the Hispanic members of our community, and the community at large.

OUR MISSION

2013 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ken Baca

Renee Middleton

Wilfredo León

Johanna Pérez

Secretary

Mahler Nuñez

Treasurer

Rebecca Russ-Sellers

Cindy Youssef

Tom Moran

Cindy Brothers

Lissette Treanor

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MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD CHAIR AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

As we reflect on the great work accomplished in 2013, a quote by Margaret Mead comes to mind. “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”

It was precisely a small group of pioneers who began meeting monthly to help each other assist those in need, and by doing so, planted the seeds that are giving life to a blooming, vibrant and inclusive community. The small group that started with a dozen individuals almost ten years ago has grown in numbers to a collaborative network of over 700 members in Greenville alone and has inspired the creation of sister networks around the Upstate.

The establishment of strategic partnerships has created new opportunities for our organization to grow and expand its capacity to serve our community. Through a generous investment from United Way of Greenville County, we were able to hire our first Executive Director in 2012 and a Community Engagement and Strategy Manager in 2013. And, thanks to the continuous support of Greenville Technical College, we have established an office and resource center at McAlister Square where community members and partners can find resources and guidance.

The past two years marked a turning point for the Alliance as we increased our capacity to facilitate access to resources and services for thousands of individuals through community teams in the areas of Legal Assistance, Health, Education, and Financial Stability.

At the core of the work accomplished are the people who gave their time and resources selflessly to change our community for the better, as well as the many individuals who came to us seeking help and found their purpose in helping others. Together, we have opened new doors and have built bridges to opportunity and hope, but there remains much to be accomplished. As the Hispanic Alliance strengthens, grows and continues to better understand and serve the needs faced by the Hispanic population, we encourage you to get involved and to support our work. The road ahead may seem steep for those we seek to serve, but we know that together, we can build a new path forward for future generations.

Thank you for the opportunity to build a welcoming, caring and inclusive community for everybody! Sincerely,

Alex Omar Díaz Chair of the Board

Adela Mendoza Executive Director

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OUR WORK IN 2013

Joana Hernandez AmeriCorps VISTA 2012-2013

Judith Peña AARP Volunteer

Elkin Berrio AARP Volunteer

Cristi Privado AmeriCorps VISTA 2013-2014

The Hispanic population has increased over 1200% in the last 20 years in South Carolina making our state the second in the US with the fastest Hispanic population growth after Alabama. Such rapid growth has challenged service providers and systems to adequately serve this population. Unlike other states, South Carolina is home to many first generation Hispanics who are unfamiliar with American systems and face linguistic and cultural challenges.

The Alliance serves as a convener for the largest collaborative network of partners in the Upstate seeking to serve Hispanic communities. We help educate partners on the needs and assets of the Hispanic community and address the gaps and disparities in information, resources and services available by developing or adapting systems to be more easily accessible to underserved communities. We also act as an intermediary between agencies and communities to help connect individuals with appropriate resources, create trust with institutions, and facilitate dialogue among diverse groups.

But the work conducted at a grassroots level would not be possible without committed volunteers and strong and innovative partnerships. Thanks to our partnership with United Way of Greenville, we have access to a VISTA volunteer to help us build our organizational capacity and coordinate financial stability initiatives. And through the AARP programs, we are able to engage seniors eager to share a wealth of knowledge and experience while gaining the skills needed to re-enter the work force. The Alliance is often described as such a positive and supportive group, and we could not agree more. Thank you for making our network a vehicle of collaboration to empower our community!

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Our Community Teams are the pillars of the Hispanic Alliance. Through meetings, events and projects, community members have an opportunity to join one of the four Community Teams in the in the areas of Legal Assistance, Health, Education, and Financial Stability. These teams and focus areas have emerged from within the network to address the needs in the community. They focus on facilitating collaboration and better coordination of outreach and delivery of services among agencies and service providers.

Legal

Financial Stability

Education

Health

COMMUNITY TEAMS

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The Hispanic Alliance is committed to initiatives that brighten the future and broaden the horizon of our Hispanic children in Greenville. From early childhood to higher education, the team is dedicated to improving the achievement of our youngest community members. The strategic goals of the Education Community Team are to: 1) Increase early childhood development and high school graduation rate, and 2) Build collaborations with local institutions of higher education to increase Hispanic enrollment and secondary graduation. 2013 Highlights: •  Greenville Tech adapted its admissions process for deferred action

students •  Partnering with Public Education Partners – “Make Summer Count” was a

success at San Sebastián •  Over 1000 books were distributed to 300 children

•  Participation in Middle Grades Success and Transition Challenge Team, an initiative of United Way of Greenville

•  Greenville Literacy Association – Book Sharing Program •  Cultural Group at San Sebastián

2013 Team Chair Leslie Gonzalez

Assistant Professor of Higher Education

Clemson University

EDUCATION COMMUNITY TEAM

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LEGAL COMMUNITY TEAM 2013 was a significant year for the Legal Community Team. In addition to continuing to educate the community on legal rights and responsibilities, the Team began facilitating community conversations to increase civic involvement in the Hispanic community. Much was accomplished through partnerships and the hard work of many community volunteers. The goals of the Legal Community Team are to: 1) Increase awareness of legal rights and issues affecting the Hispanic community; 2) Serve as a referral source for Hispanic community members and service providers seeking legal help; and 3) Educate HA board and membership about legal rights and issues affecting the Hispanic community.

2013 Highlights: •  Partnering with Catholic Charities, the Legal Community Team held legal

clinics to meet the demand in our community for support through the deferred action process

•  Nearly 400 kids were able to process their DACA applications

•  Listening session with Rep. Trey Gowdy in collaboration with United Way of Greenville and follow up meeting to discuss Immigration Reform

2013 Team Chair Vanessa Garcia Attorney Catholic Charities

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It’s a fact—people thrive in healthy communities. Through collaboration and partnerships, the Hispanic Alliance Health Community Team attempts to address health care disparities in Greenville, ensuring that community members are informed of the full range of services available in Greenville. A unique collaborative approach—the team is comprised of diverse members from our local health systems, clinics and providers. Its two main goals are to: 1) Increase awareness of resources and access to the healthcare system for the Hispanic community; and 2) Increase cultural competency among healthcare providers.

2013 Highlights: •  Health Fair at Russell Community Church

•  Over 450 screenings were performed •  137 individuals received a physician consultation •  62 volunteers provided vital support

•  50 women received pap tests

•  Volunteer Medical Interpreter Program •  HA is helping bridge a gap in access to language services through an

innovative collaboration among Greenville Tech’s Interpretation Program, the Free Medical Clinic, and bilingual community volunteers.

HEALTH COMMUNITY TEAM

2013 Team Chair Sara Montero-Buria

Community Engagement and Strategy Manager

Hispanic Alliance

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An important milestone was accomplished in 2013 with the support of team members and community volunteers. Many individuals from the community who had not had access to tax assistance services before, benefited from the coordination of these services. The Financial Stability Team is the newest team at the Hispanic Alliance, and its members are individuals, agencies and corporations committed to promoting financial literacy and self-sufficiency within the Hispanic population of Greenville. The two goals of the team are to: 1) Facilitate financial literacy education in the Hispanic community; and 2) Build community collaborations to increase access to services, funds and resources for underserved communities.

2013 Highlights: •  Established first trilingual VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program)

site at San Sebastián in partnership with United Way of Greenville. •  More than 100 families received tax preparation services

•  ITIN workshops were held in November to educate and assist individuals

Board Liaison Mahler Nuñez Board Treasurer Hispanic Alliance

FINANCIAL STABILITY TEAM

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OUR SUPPORTERS IN 2013

Ken Baca

William Brown

Cindy Brothers

Orlando J. Buria

Alex Díaz

Katie Howell

Wilfredo León

Ron Logan

Dr. John McHugh

Adela Mendoza

Renee Middleton

Dr. Keith Miller

Sara Montero

Tom Moran

Debbie Nelson

Mahler Nuñez

Johanna Perez

Joe Perry

Russell Stall

Lissette Treanor

Cindy Youssef

Laney Younts

Dana Younts

Kenneth Breit

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FINANCIAL SUMMARY FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDING ON DECEMBER 31, 2013

TOTAL

INCOME

Public Grants $124,499.00

Corporate and Business Grants $4,061.21

Foundation and Trust Grants $12,250.00

Public Support $3,132.36

Total Income $143,942.57

EXPENSES

Community Outreach and Education $8,953.85

Operation Expenses $84,776.03

Total Expenses $93,729.88

Net Income $50,212.69

FINANCIAL REPORT

BALANCE SHEET TOTAL

ASSETS

Cash $61,619.96

Furniture and Equipment $283.11

Total Assets $61,903.07

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

Total Liabilities $0.00

Net Assets $11,689.42

Net Income $50,213.65

Total Equity $61,903.07

Total Liabilities and Equity $61,903.07

Prepared by: Sara Montero-Buria &

Adela Mendoza January / February 2014

www.HispanicAllianceSC.com