New Horizons Family Community Center, Inc

Do you feel the local human service agencies are being affective to the Latino Community in Holyoke?

WHO IS ADVOCATING FOR THE LATINO COMMUNITY IN HOLYOKE???

Holyoke has a large Latino population with many economic and social disadvantages. There might be many resources available for those in needs; however they are not meeting the specific or particular needs of Latino families. We are noticing that the services the human services agencies offer to the community do not take into account the cultural needs families in Holyoke, the needs of the Latino families’ are not being met. This causes of its Latino citizens. Due to lack of cultural incorporation into the many resources available for the needy problems within the Latino community such as poverty, high teen pregnancy rates, drug use, domestic violence, low academics & technical skills, poor family involvement, and a wide range of other social and economic factors. These adverse effects on the Latino families in the city of Holyoke do not permit the Latino community to prosper and strive effectively to become a strong community that can positively contribute to the overall community of Holyoke.

Acknowledgement and positive reaction of this problem by the human service agencies will greatly benefit the community. An alternative solution to this growing problem I hope would be to develop a cultural center where the needs of this population will be met and the remaining human service agencies would follow their example of cultural awareness and sensitivity to the Latino population of Holyoke allowing them to thrive to their fullest potential.

In 1993, the Tennessee General Assembly recognized the increasing number of children experiencing a combination of high risk environments as a result of poverty families with substance abuse, domestic violence, and dysfunctional families. In order to establish a network of prevention and early interventionprograms, the General Assembly passed Legistlation granting local education agencies (LEAS) the authority to establish Family Centers (FRCs). School cannot solve all the problems alone. However, schools are in the prime position to be the catalyst in networking effective prevention and intervention programs. The FRC work proactively to establish colloborative partnership with parents, communities and bussiness leaders, state and local agencies, public and private organizations. (http://www.tn.gov/)

It’s important to find and contact your local officials about matters that services that impact you and your loved ones. Sending them letters, or setting up an appointment to meet with their staff is one of the most important things you can do to help educate them about the needs in our community. Below is a listing with current contact information for the local Hampden County delegation. If you live outside of Hampden County, you can find your representative on the house website and your senator on the senate website.

Michael F. Kane Representative

D Holyoke

State House

Room 540

Boston, MA 02133

Phone: 617-722-2090

Email: Michael.Kane@mahouse.gov

District Office

250 Westfield Road

Holyoke, MA 01040

Phone: 413-540-9842

Fax: 413-540-9843

Michael R. Knapik Senator

R Westfield

State House

Room 419

Boston, MA 02133

Phone: 617-722-1415

Fax: 617-722-1506

Email: Michael.Knapik@masenate.gov

District Office

57 North Elm St.

Westfield , MA 01085

Phone: 413-562-6454

Congressional Representative John W. Olver

Washington DC Office

1111 Longworth HOB
Washington, DC 20515
ph: (202) 225-5335
fx: (202) 226-1224Holyoke Office

57 Suffolk St. Suite 310
Holyoke, MA 01040
ph: (413) 532-7010
fx: (413) 532-6543