This is the heart of the Yakima Hispanic Community. Step in the door and you are sure to be greeted by a warm 'Hola!'
I had the opportunity to take the language immersion class with both English and Spanish speakers learning from each other. What was so special about it was how many types of people came together to learn a new language but also came to show love for humanity. Being an immigrant in this country isn't easy and to have everyone feel safe and cared for is so important. While all of this was happening downstairs, computer classes were happening upstairs. And lots of laughs. Everyone comes to learn and part of learning is laughing along the way. There are programs and support happening most times of the day. If you find yourself reading this and considering a donation, please donate. They stretch those dollars to serve a big need in the Yakima community.
Want to help the Yakima Valley? No better way to do it than to contribute to this organization. They do ground level and transformation work. Their students play a large public role in shaping the valley through the civic engagement program.
La Casa Hogar is committed to working for a better community. La Casa is formed by a very proactive team with a big heart. La Casa is always looking for ways to innovate and improve and that has not been the exception with COVID-19. One of the strategies La Casa has implemented to keep serving the community is to transition its programs into a virtual modality. La Casa believes education is key to transform our Yakima Valley. This unprecedented time has confirmed the importance of education and connection in the community and La Casa is doing its best on educating and empowering the community to take action and be a part of the solution at all levels of participation.
La Casa Hogar is an incredible organization. They are constantly shifting their work to fill the needs of the community they serve. This type of adaptability is what every non profit should strive for.
I was first a guest at Lunch on Us a few years ago. What I saw that day at La Casa Hogar brought tears of happiness. The women who were and are students in the English as a Second Language class were alive with commitment. The classroom was home to both Moms and infants, and the patient instructor is a gift. These women are thriving on learning English as well as making friends and learning parent skills in the preschool that their children attend while they are in class. Instead of feeling like helpless migrants, La Casa has provided them a safe place to learn, grow and become good citizens in our community. The classes have now expanded to include driving, computer skills, GED classes and soon there will be a citizenship class. I have former students grow into professionals on the staff of La Casa Hogar. I truly know of no better non-profit serving women than La Casa Hogar. Bette Taylor
The women of LaCasa often underestimate themselves and their abilities. Spanish is their first language, but they have a desire to learn English. They have a strong wish for their children to be successful. They relate powerfully to each other and do not hesitate to include others once a trusting bond has been established. LaCasa is the contact place for developing a relationship and bond with these women. None of the women had done anything like a survey. However, they knew the information was important to develop an early learning program for their children, so they volunteered. It was a delight to see the feeling of accomplishment felt by those who participated. Many of the women who took part in that one survey gained enough confidence to become part of the planning teams that developed the perameters for the Gates Foundation (Thrive by Five) Early Learning Project.