Members of La Colectiva who provide programs and services for southern Delaware’s immigrant families with children through age 5 started meeting virtually every month. Members of the Young Immigrant Families (YIF) Affinity Group represent nonprofits and government agencies that provide health and development, early education, mental health, bereavement and family coaching programs.
From the first meeting in April, as members introduced themselves and their programs’ services, opportunities to learn, develop relationships and connect were evident. Many of the bilingual Latino members who provide direct services to the community shared the needs, challenges and strengths they understand. Other members with successful programs in non-Latino communities discussed their efforts – and difficulties — to reach and engage Latino families that might benefit. It is exciting to hear, “Yes, our families need your program. How can I help you bring it to them?”
Currently, member organizations include Delaware Department of Health and Social Services; Delaware Division of Prevention; Delaware Readiness Teams; Parent Information Center; National Alliance on Mental Illness, Delaware; Family Voices (national); Read Aloud Delaware; United Way of Delaware; Autism Delaware; the Rosa Health Center; La Esperanza; Supporting KIDDS; and Sussex County Health Coalition.
La Colectiva de Delaware hosts monthly meetings of affinity groups to exchange information about members’ work in Latino communities and develop relationships between members, their organizations and the communities they serve (or hope to serve).
In the past year, the ESL / Family Literacy Providers Affinity Group worked to adapt its programs during the COVID-19 pandemic and extend its reach virtually. In addition to monthly meetings, the La Colectiva Forum (accessible through our website -www.lacolectivadelaware.org- once you create a password) offers a place to share information, chat and read our meeting notes. Our goal of coordinating efforts and building cooperation among members focuses on improving the quality of life for our Young Immigrant Families — and, ultimately, all Delawareans.
If your organization serves Latino families with young children, consider joining the Young Immigrant Families Affinity Group in the forum to learn more and contact either co-leader Diane Frentzel, Delaware Readiness Teams or Chris Cannon, Arsht-Cannon Fund to join. The next virtual meeting is 10:30 -11:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 8.