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<P>I'm writing to ask everyone I know to give Casa Latina some support right now. They have endured extensive cuts over the last few years and face more which could endanger some of their important work. </P>
<P>Casa Latina staff provide information and referal for Spanish speaking residents of Hampshire County. Residents often initially call for assistance communicating and negotiating with landlords, housing authorities, schools, service providers, etc. who only speak English. Many times these contacts develop into ongoing relationships, with residents becoming involved with Casa's other activities and programs, as well as staff assisting them with paperwork and more complex issues they face. Lillian Torres also keeps limited office hours in Amherst, where she meets with residents. </P>
<P>Casa also coordinates the medical interpreter services provided by Cooley Dickinson Hospital and offices affliliated with the hospital-- these services are provided to Polish, Cambodian and Portugese-speaking as well as Spanish-speaking patients.</P>
<P>I've been closely affiliated with Casa since 1998 and know that this organization has done important work on a shoe-string budget for many years. Too many people in our communities are shut out of services and systems which are supposed to be available to them, because of language (and other) barriers. Casa has been a bridge between many residents and the larger community and it needs to be able to continue this important work. </P>
<P>Over the last 8 years Casa also has organized popular education gatherings of residents which have addressed a variety of issues. Some of these have culminated in the self publishing of documents-- for example: one about racism faced in the community, another on domestic violence. Another resulted in the formation of an ongoing group of Latina/o parents who are addressing issues within the school system. </P>
<P>Please support Peter Kocot's effort to secure some funding for Casa! The senate will have the opportunity to support this with the line item #4401-2120 of the DTA (see below and attached for more info). Your calls and letters are much appreciated!!! </P>
<P>Thanks for your time and attention! ~Beth<BR></P></DIV>
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<DIV></DIV>From: <I>"Casa Latina, Inc" <casalatina@conversent.net></I><BR><BR>>----- Original Message -----<BR>>From: <hwarner@schoolph.umass.edu><BR>>To: "Casa Latina, Inc" <casalatina@conversent.net><BR>>Sent: Wednesday, May 09, 2007 6:03 PM<BR>>Subject: Re: Casa Latina Important Budget<BR>><BR>><BR>> > Hi All,<BR>> ><BR>> > It looks like there is a chance that we can still get onto the Senate<BR>>budget if<BR>> > we act immediately! (Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon, Tues) The sooner the better!<BR>> ><BR>> > What needs to be done is:<BR>> ><BR>> > 1. for each of the board members to write a letter of support for the Casa<BR>> > Latina to the 4 senators serving Hampshire County--Rosenberg, Knapik,<BR>>Candaras,<BR>> > and Downing (fax # are avail on state gov website)<BR>>
><BR>> > 2.5 Reference the "House consolidated amendment line item #4401-2120 of<BR>>the<BR>> > Department of Transitional Assistance".<BR>> ><BR>> > 2. Fax to both state and local offices<BR>> ><BR>> > 3. Get friends, constituents, etc to call or write and help them fax it.<BR>> > (Mayor, Cooley Dick, city counselors, etc)<BR>> ><BR>> > 4. if we don't get on the budget we will try "plan B" but its MUCH better<BR>>to<BR>> > get on the Senate budget<BR>> ><BR>> > I have attached the initial letter from Casa Latina that will be faxed<BR>>tomarrow<BR>> > along with the fact sheet and budget info for Casa.<BR>> ><BR>> > Call me if you have any questions. 582-7013 (h) or 603-475-7713 (cel)<BR>> ><BR>> > Thanks! Heather<BR>
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