Growing & Learning Together is a family support home-visiting program for pregnant women or mothers of a child under 3 years old. Visits are bi-weekly for approximately 1 hour. We have the vision that all children will grow and develop to reach their full potential. We provide research-based information to support parent-child interactions, provide strength-based parenting support, and serve as partners in the well-being of the entire family. Our program includes monthly group connections to connect with the other families in the program We also offer assistance with diapers, clothes, and books.
Creciendo y Aprendiendo Juntos es un programa de visitas en casa con apoyo familiar para mujeres embarazadas o madres con hijos menores de 3 años. Las visitas son aproximadamente 1 hora cada dos semanas. Tenemos la visión que todos los niños crecerán y se desarrollarán para alcanzar su máximo potencial. Proporcionamos información basada en la investigación para apoyar las interacciones entre padres e hijos, proporcionar apoyo basado en la fortaleza de los padres y servir como socios en el bienestar de toda la familia. Nuestro programa incluye conexiones de grupo mensuales para conectarse con las otras familias en el programa. También ofrecemos asistencia con pañales, ropa y libros.
Ruben, current Seattle Credit Union employee and graduate of Unidos in Finance program at El Centro de la Raza
Ruben never predicted he would start his career at a credit union. In college, he studied international business. While the topic interested him, the experience just was not clicking. “I burned out. I decided to take a break from school and was eager to start working,” he recalls.
Ruben nunca había predicho comenzar su carrera en una cooperativa de ahorro y crédito (credit union). Estudió negocios internacionales en la universidad. A pesar de que el tópico le interesaba, la experiencia no estaba asentándose. “Me cansé, decidí tomar un receso de la escuela y estaba ansioso por comenzar a trabajar”, recuerda.
His mom, who works at El Centro de la Raza, encouraged Ruben to look into Latinos in Finance (L.I.F) program. After auditing a class and learning more about the structure, goals, and potential outcomes of the program, Ruben signed up.
Su madre, que trabaja en El Centro de la Raza, alentó a Ruben a fijarse en el programa del centro “Latinos en Finanzas” (LIF, por sus siglas en inglés). Luego de asistir como oyente a la clase y aprender más sobre la estructura, metas y posibles resultados del programa, Ruben se inscribió.
The L.I.F program provides students with six weeks of rigorous financial sector training along with job readiness, money handling, and customer service skills. The curriculum – taught in both English and Spanish – combines traditional in-class lectures with frequent guest speakers and lessons with professionals from leading organizations in the industry: Key Bank, Bank of America, Seattle Credit Union, among many others.
El programa ILF proporciona a los estudiantes seis semanas de entrenamiento riguroso en el sector financiero, así como preparación para trabajar, manejo de dinero y habilidad en servicio al cliente. El currículo – enseñado tanto en inglés como español – combina lecciones tradicionales en clase con exponentes invitados y lecciones con profesionales de organizaciones líderes en la industria: Key Bank, Banco de América y, Seattle Credit Union, entre muchos otros.
Ruben’s class of 10 was a blend of college students and older adults, native Seattleites, and transplants. Two of his classmates were from Colombia, and one was from Venezuela. This diversity added a valuable perspective and context to an already enriching classroom experience.
La clase de Ruben compuesta de 10, era una mezcla de estudiantes universitarios y adultos mayores, originarios de Seattle y trasplantados. Dos de sus compañeros de clase eran de Colombia y uno de Venezuela. Esta diversidad agregó una perspectiva y contexto valiosos a una experiencia en la clase ya de por sí enriquecedora.
Ruben is proud to point out that every person in his class graduated, and nearly all of them have found meaningful employment in the financial industry.
Ruben orgullosamente señala que todas las personas en su clase se graduaron y que casi todos han encontrado un trabajo significativo en la industria financiera.
For Ruben, the credit union philosophy aligns with his personal values. He is eager to bolster diversity not just among Seattle Credit Union’s staff, but among our membership, too. He is also proud to strengthen his own community by sharing financial education, tips, and resources with each member interaction.
Para Ruben, la filosofía del credit union se alinea con sus valores personales. Su empeño refuerza diversidad no solo entre el personal de Seattle Credit Union sino también en la membrecía. Se siente orgulloso de fortalecer su propia comunidad compartiendo educación financiera, consejos y recursos en cada interacción con socios.
“I know I’m building community every day. I really like the mission and vision here,” he says.
“Se que estoy construyendo mi comunidad día a día. Me encanta la misión y la visión de aquí”, dice.
Ruben’s spirit is a cultural norm at Seattle Credit Union, where Richard Romero is CEO.
El espíritu de Ruben es una norma cultural en Seattle Credit Union, donde Richard Romero es el Oficial Ejecutivo Jefe (CEO, por sus siglas en inglés).
Richard, CEO of Seattle Credit Union
In an industry often regarded as detached and numbers-driven, Richard’s motivation to help the community prosper is deeply personal. He recalls the struggles growing up as an immigrant from Peru, arriving in the United States without knowing a word of English.
En una industria muchas veces mirada como fría y enfocada en números, la motivación de Richard de ayudar a su comunidad a prosperar es profundamente personal. Recuerda los desafíos al crecer como un inmigrante de Perú, llegado a los Estados Unidos sin saber una palabra de inglés.
His introduction to banking came from his mother, who worked at a bank while he was growing up in Peru. As a single mother, she worked hard to make ends meet for herself and two sons. Observing this taught Richard not only the nuances of banking, but also fostered a keen understanding of just how difficult it can be for newcomers to this country.
Su introducción al sector de la banca vino de su madre, quien trabajaba en un banco cuando el estaba creciendo en Perú. Como madre soltera, trabajó arduamente para llegar a fin de mes con sus dos hijos. El observar ésto, enseñó a Richard los matices de la banca, además de fomentar un entendimiento aplicado sobre cuán difícil puede ser para los recién llegado a este país.
This understanding cultivated in him a skillset often underestimated in a leader: empathy.
Este entendimiento, cultivó en él un conjunto de habilidades muchas veces subestimado en un líder: empatía
“Now, as a husband, father, and CEO, I find it important to align my personal values with my work values,” Richard says. “It didn’t take long after I arrived here seven years ago to realize there had to be more than growing deposits and assets to feel fulfilled and make a real difference.”
“Ahora, como esposo, padre y CEO, hallo importante alinear mis valores personales con mis valores laborales”, comenta Richard. “No me tomó mucho tiempo luego de llegar aquí hace siete años para darme cuenta que tenía que haber más que crecer depósitos y activos para sentirme satisfecho y hacer una diferencia real”.
It is work that takes a great deal of time, energy, persistence, and dedication. And we are seeing the results.
Es un trabajo que toma una gran cantidad de tiempo, energía, persistencia y dedicación. Y estamos viendo los resultados.
Over the last two years, Seattle Credit Union has built new branches in neighborhoods that have historically housed underserved populations, including a location here in our own Plaza Roberto Maestas Festival. They have developed new community partnerships and strengthened existing ones. Their recent rebrand emphasizes not only its continued commitment to those it serves but a re-ignition of the motivation that fuels its staff every day. And they have designed products and services – like their Citizenship loans – that cater to frequently marginalized groups.
En los últimos dos años, Seattle Credit Union ha construido sucursales nuevas en vecindarios que han albergado poblaciones históricamente marginadas, incluyendo locales en nuestro propio Festival Plaza Roberto Maestas. Ha forjado alianzas comunitarias nuevas y fortalecido las ya existentes. Su reciente innovación de imagen enfatiza no solo su compromiso continuo a aquellos a quienes presta servicios, sino también un recomienzo a la motivación que alienta a su personal día a día. Y ha diseñado productos y servicios – como los préstamos para Ciudadanía – direccionados a grupos frecuentemente marginales.
Empathy is the key that will continue to inspire Seattle Credit Union on its mission to help all – especially underserved populations – prosper in whatever way they dream.
La empatía es la llave que continúa inspirando a Seattle Credit Union a ayudar a todos – especialmente poblaciones marginales – a prosperar en cualquier sueño que tengan.
Jimena felt initially unsure about her English speaking skills, but progressed through her ESL classes at El Centro de la Raza last quarter. The ESL teacher noticed Jimena’s growing confidence and praised her for being an “excellent student.” Jimena is now so confident that she can go out on her own in the city instead of previously always relying on her husband to be a translator for her.
Recently, she accompanied her son to his doctor’s appointment where she was able to communicate with ease with the doctor in spite of her husband’s absence. She has transitioned to on-site classes this quarter at Seattle Central where is enhancing her English language skills.
Thank you for supporting ESL classes at El Centro de la Raza. If you know anyone who would like to take ESL classes, consider enrolling at our ESL classes. We hold ESL classes every Tuesday night and are currently accepting students. Your support sends the message that everyone, including Jimena, deserves to continue challenging themselves and reach their fullest potential.
For every person at every age, a healthy mouth is vital. Good oral health is essential for your overall health. If you have ever had a severe cavity, you know how painful it can be. Kids in pain from dental problems have difficulty learning, eating and getting a good night’s sleep. They are absent from school more often. Some children are embarrassed to smile because of dental problems.
For adults, there is a link between dental disease and serious health issues like diabetes, heart disease, and pregnancy complications. Poor oral health can make it difficult to get a job, perform well at work and eat healthy foods.
The good news is that cavities and gum disease are preventable. Prevention and early treatment save money by reducing the likelihood of more serious and expensive oral health issues.
Fortunately, Apple Health (Medicaid) covers many dental services. However, only 56 percent of lower-income children in the state, and 23 percent of lower-income adults, actually saw a dentist in the last year.
There is a free online tool available at TheMightyMouth.org to help you find a dentist who accepts your insurance, including Apple Health. You can also call or text 844-888-5465. There are Spanish speakers ready to assist.
All children should have their mouth checked by a dentist or physician by age one. And, every pregnant woman should visit the dentist because cavity-causing germs can be passed from mother to child.
In addition to regular checkups, here are some tips to keep your mouth healthy:
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
Floss daily
Drink water (fluoridated tap water is best)
Avoid sugary beverages including juice, sports drinks, and soda
Choose healthy snacks such as cheese, fruit, and vegetables
Surveys of people in Washington show that oral health problems occur in all communities, but are more common among minorities and people with lower incomes. For example, Hispanic children have a 50 percent higher rate of cavities than Caucasian children.
Everyone should be concerned about these health disparities. We can and must do better. No one should suffer from an easily preventable disease, especially a disease that affects the ability to learn, eat and find a job.
Go to The Mighty Mouth for more tips because ‘You’re healthier with a healthy mouth.’
Note: Thanks to the Arcora Foundation for sharing these tips with us!
The Trump Administration leveraged the migrant caravan as a campaign issue for the midterm elections. In an anti-immigration ad sponsored by the Trump Administration, it attacked those Central American migrants by slandering and labeling them as “invaders and criminals.” Thousands of migrants are traversing across México to reach the United States because they are fleeing from violence, gangs, government corruption, extortion, and unemployment.
The ad goes as far to insinuate that the Central American migrants are responsible for an undocumented immigrant’s actions of killing two law enforcement officials in California. Whether the current administration likes it or not, immigration is an issue self-created by the U.S. government. This country was founded by immigrants and, based on the election results, we are here to stay and affect change. Many generations of immigrants have lived in this country before the government invaded and inherited this land. Immigrants – including their customs, language, tradition, values, culture, food, and communities – are an integral part of this diverse nation, and they help enrich relationships that connect us to one another.
The Community Police Commission and community leaders are urging Seattle City Council to reject its proposed contract with the Seattle Police Officer’s Guild, the City’s largest police union. We believe that if the City were to approve the proposed agreement, then it will undo the progress of the Accountability Reform Legislation unanimously supported and adopted by City Council in June 2017.
The adoption of that legislation was a sign of improvement; that, police reform and accountability are getting better in Seattle, but the proposed contract is a reminder that we have a long way to go. This juncture means life or death. By passing that legislation a year ago yet scheduling a vote to approve the SPOG contract imminently, the City is sending two conflicting messages to the public. In essence, the proposed contract rolls back on accountability measures that inspired trust between police and community members. We have come too far, worked too hard, and lost too many lives for the accountability measures to be stripped away, resulting in the public’s damaged confidence in the police.
We know we need the police, but we also need accountability measures. We are not against police, we are supportive of the City paying them fair wages. We need to bring people from all walks of life together – including those that are no longer with us – and we can do that by implementing the agreements stated in the Accountability Reform Legislation.
As a community in 2012, we brought the Department of Justice to Seattle, where they ruled that our local police uses excessive force. We as a community can stand together again to urge City Council by Tuesday, November 12, to reject the proposed contract between the City and SPOG. In the meantime, please contact your City Council representative to urge them to reject the City’s proposed contract during Tuesday’s vote. We must reopen the dialogue if we want to move forward and set a national example of quality police accountability.
The ‘public charge’ proposed rule applies to people who are seeking to become a lawful permanent resident by applying for a green card through a family-based petition. We, among other nonprofit service providers, see the concern of program participants about accessing our Food Bank or public benefits assistance services. They are afraid that our staff will turn them away or jeopardize their residency status. These are misconceptions, but they are starting to devastate our communities by preventing them from accessing the resources they need. Join us by December 10 in urging the Trump Administration to withdraw its proposal. Otherwise, its adoption will create an adverse ripple effect on health, development, and economic outcomes for generations to come. The Department of Homeland Security must respond to each comment they receive so your opposition will be heard
We send our deepest condolences to the loved ones of Maurice Stallard and Vickie Jones, two African American individuals whose lives were taken too soon on Wednesday, October 24, at a Kroger store in Kentucky. The gunman attempted to enter a predominantly black church before arriving at the grocery store where he opened fire. Stallard was in the store with his young grandson when the gunman shot him.
We also want to offer our heartfelt sympathy to the parishioners whose lives were senselessly taken away at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh on Saturday, October 27. The Jewish community in Pittsburgh continues to mourn. It is deplorable and immoral to target people, much less in a sanctuary and a place of worship, based on faith, religion, and race.
Just last night, 12 people were killed in a bar. Among those people were young patrons, security workers, employees, and Sergeant Ron Helus. Our heavy hearts go out to the young adults with dreams, law enforcement officers that used their body to shield victims, Sgt. Helus who was soon due to retire, and people enjoying a night out in Thousand Oaks, California.
Their families have forever changed because of the horrific hate crimes that the gunmen committed. I am confident that the outrageous gun shootings will only bring together the people of Jeffersontown, the Jewish community, and those affected in Thousand Oaks. We stand with you all in solidarity.
The days, weeks, months, and years leading up to Tuesday’s midterm elections were emotionally and psychologically taxing. After two years of the Trump Administration at work, election results affirm that we helped restore the balance of power. We have brighter days ahead. The last time Democrats flipped the House was in 2006. Many talk about the “blue wave,” but I believe we witnessed a rainbow wave starting with voters who live in the suburbs.
We saw them turn out to vote. With our votes, we made history by electing Native Americans, Muslims, Latinas, and an openly LGBT person to public office. Also, women now hold more than half of the House seats. Women candidates and women voters helped propel the so-called wave. More than half of the House seats are now held by women. Minorities are here to stay. This election does not stop Trump from winning reelection in 2020. This election was not the beginning of the end; rather, the end of the beginning. Let our continued resistance light the way for fairness, justice, and compassion.
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