Latino Outreach

The Latino community is the fastest growing ethnic group in the U.S., and NWFS is responding to its needs in the Oregon community. Over one-fourth of the families and youth that we serve are Latino and we are committed to continuing to expand our Spanish-language resources and programs.

The Latino community has distinct language and cultural needs which are addressed concretely in our programs. Programs in this outreach include:

• Parenting classes
• English as a learned language
• Community events
• Socio-dramas
• Positive youth development
• Peer leader presentations.

Gangs, drugs, violence, and school retention, as well as early sexual involvement, are issues of particular concern for the Latino community and addressed in this outreach. Culture shock and conflict resolution are also common issues that we cover. Our programs strive to increase an awareness of self-identity and to celebrate the cultures of the students and families we serve.

Our ¡Gritalo…soy Latino! outreach is a year-long program of classes and contests that culminates in a festival each spring. Visit www.gritalo.org for more information.

Spanish language resources and curricula are available through our catalog. We also offer a specific resource website for parents: www.talktothem.org.