Category Archives: Announcements

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Families First Neighborhood Pantry at Heatherwood

Reminder: Next Monday, 5/15, is the day for the Families First Neighborhood Pantry at Heatherwood,
2 – 4 pm. Come one, come all!

Juneteenth is a Federal Holiday falling on June 19, which is usually a mobile pantry day. That month we will plan to have it on June 12 instead, so please mark your calendars.


El próximo lunes, 5/15, es el día para la despensa Families First del vecindario Heatherwood, de 2 a 4 pm. ¡Venga uno, vengan todos!

Juneteenth es un feriado federal que cae el 19 de junio, que generalmente es un día de despensa móvil. Ese mes planearemos tenerlo el 12 de junio, así que por favor marque sus calendarios.

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Madrigal named chief of staff for Bloomington mayor

Josefa Madrigal will become chief of staff for Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton. (Courtesy of City of Bloomington)

Josefa Madrigal, a former Bloomington police officer and current city employee, will become chief of staff Friday for Mayor John Hamilton.

Madrigal has lived in Bloomington for 20 years and is originally from northwest Indiana. She graduated from Indiana University with a bachelor’s degree and later worked as a police officer for the IU and Bloomington police departments. She has served as a domestic violence survivor’s advocate. For the last six years, Madrigal has served as the Latino Outreach Coordinator for the Department of Community and Family Resources.

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Support for Turkish and Syrian families after earthquake

Many in our community are so impacted by this devastating earthquake that has destroyed so many homes, with a horrible loss of innocent and precious life. 

I suspect many of you, are like me, we struggle with how to help,  what can we do. 

We have many Turkish and Syrian ancestry people in Bloomington, restaurant owners and others.   Many other residents, lived in Turkey after they fled violence in their home countries, and have great affection for this beautiful country.   We have families who live here, but earlier, came from Syria, this war-ravaged country, and are restarting their lives, working to raise their children in safety.  

So, how can we help.   Here are two suggestions.  Both refer to a gofund me site.   

1 –  from the IU faculty

Dear friends of CSME.      We are heartbroken by the tragedy in southern Turkey and northern Syria.  The extent of the devastation and suffering are difficult to comprehend.  It is hard to know how to help from here, but we’d like to urge you to contribute to a local fund-raising effort.      The Turkish student community here in Bloomington has created a GoFundMe page with a goal of raising $50,000.  

The money raised will go to AHBAP, a well-known, trustworthy, and transparent Turkish non-profit organization that has been actively working in the distribution of earthquake relief.  Please click the link below to donate.        Any contribution makes a difference.  So please help if you can.

Fundraiser by Selahattin Akkas : Indiana Aid for Earthquake Relief in Turkey (gofundme.com)

2- From a local restaurant owner:   that refers to the same site. 

You might have heard of the recent devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria. Words fail to adequately describe the pain, suffering, and destruction this earthquake  caused. I just talked to a friend of mine here in Bloomington, he told me that two thirds of his relatives are dead, there are a few who they can not reach, and the survivors are left with nothing and out in the street in freezing temperatures. The rescue efforts and sources are inadequate.       The members of the Turkish Community in Bloomington  are working hard to raise funds for the victims and survivors of this earthquake.   

The name is Indiana Aid for Earthquake Relief in Turkey.      https://gofund.me/55956d8e

There are, of course, many international organizations that are mobilizing support for these desperate families. 

Red cross,  Red Crescent,  International Rescue Committee, Save the Children, etc. 

Please hold up these families in your prayers, and provide support if you can

Thanks and best wishes

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Winter clothes donation for refugees

We are reaching out for help to gather gently used winter coats, hats, scarves and gloves (for adults and children) for a local agency that is helping refugee and asylum seekers in Bloomington. Many are arriving without proper winter wear and thus we are trying to help.

If you have any donations that you can give, please drop them off at Indiana University La Casa between now 11/3/22 and next Thursday 11/10/22 during La Casa’s hours of operation (M-R 9am-9pm andFriday 9am-5pm).

Thank you for your time,

Latinos Unidos (LUIU) Board

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Fiesta de Otoño 2022

The City of Bloomington invites community members and visitors to Fiesta del Otoño (Fall Festival) on Saturday, September 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to commemorate National Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 through October 15. This free, family-friendly celebration will be held in conjunction with the Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market at Showers Plaza in front of City Hall (401 N. Morton St.). Free parking is available in the Morton Street parking garage and in several lots nearby (please see map below).

The theme of Fiesta del Otoño 2019 is “Trabajando juntos por Nuestra Comunidad,” which translates to “Working Together for Our Community.” The event will feature educational opportunities and entertainment that showcase Hispanic cultures, including a performance by Mariachi Zelaya, a stroll by Latinx Greek organizations, and a community performance of “Jarabe Tapatio,” a traditional Mexican dance. Nearby, a dance competition will give visitors the chance to show off their own moves in salsa, merengue, cumbia, bachata, and other genres. In a kids’ zone, children and families can learn how to make traditional Latin American crafts, play loteria (Mexican bingo), and more.

“As a Latina, I know how important it is to strengthen bonds in our community. Working together will make our community and our nation stronger,” said City of Bloomington Latino Outreach Coordinator Josefa Luce. “During National Hispanic Heritage Month we want to recognize the contributions and influence made in our community and country by the important presence of Hispanic and Latino Americans and celebrate our heritage and culture through our commitment to family, our strong work ethic, and service to our community.”

Fiesta del Otoño is a partnership between the City of Bloomington Community and Family Resources Department and Gamma Phi Omega, the first Latina-oriented sorority founded at Indiana University.

A complete list of the City’s Hispanic Heritage Month programming is available here. Information about additional programming is available through IU’s La Casa Latino Cultural Center and El Central Comunal Latino.

For additional information about Fiesta del Otoño, please contact Latino Outreach Coordinator Josefa Luce at lucej@bloomington.in.gov or by phone at 812-349-3860.

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Free Internet for lower income folks / Internet gratis para personas de bajos ingresos

There is a government program Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) that both AT&T and Comcast participate in. For eligible households, this program will give a $30 credit. Plus there is an option for getting an additional line for phone, tablet, etc.
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An even better program is Internet Essentials. Which provides basic cable for at $9.95 or even free $0.00) after providing documentation for SNAP, Medicaid, housing assistance or Free Lunch and book program at MCCSC.

I have helped several families enroll with this program.

It is easier to do this when you start service or at the end of your agreed contract (1-2 years).

I attached a brochure for this program with Comcast Xfinity.

This is NOT TV. But only for cable, to get wireless, so school kids and you can interact with school, etc.

The families are able to watch TV, many different free channels using wireless and Roku (or Amazon Fire, etc).

Internet gratis
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Please join us walking in the 4th of July Parade on behalf of immigrants

Good morning.  
Bloomington Parks and Recreation in partnership with Downtown Bloomington, Inc. is proud to once again present the Bloomington 4th of July Parade.     

The parade will be on Monday July 4th with a kickoff at 10am.  The parade will have a new route this year and will be on College Ave and Walnut St. between Kirkwood Ave. and 10th St. Staging will be in parking lots and along the streets near City Hall on Morton Street between 7th and 10th Streets.

The Immigration Justice Task Force (IJTF) has again signed up for this parade, and traditionally, the Refugee Support Network joins them and several faith communities, in their efforts to publicly welcome and highlight the many wonderful contributions that recent immigrants continue to make in our community. 

This parade is a wonderful way to acknowledge the presence and importance of immigrants in our midst, but it is important to have a bunch of people marching and holding upbeat signs to lift up this message.  
The Immigration Justice Task Force has always included a coalition of groups, ranging from immigrant support entities to non-profits like the Refugee Support Network to support committees at different houses of worship, as well as individuals of good will.  Many of you are active most recently in supporting new refugees and asylum seekers who have come or are coming to our community.
PLEASE contact your faith community and organization members, and friends & family members about joining us to march!!!  By our presence we want to bear witness to a happy & upbeat community that values the richness that our immigrant neighbors bring to us.  I know that I need to do some outreach as well!  In the past participating in the parade with the IJTF has been a joyful experience.
Please reply back and let us know if you would be willing to walk in this parade with your kids.   Perhaps you have some ideas about positive, upbeat signs to carry.  

Support Network (BRSN)
PLNAVY75A@gmail.com

Buenos dias.
 Bloomington Parks and Recreation en asociación con Downtown Bloomington, Inc. se enorgullece de presentar una vez más el Desfile del 4 de julio de Bloomington.  El desfile será el lunes 4 de julio con un inicio a las 10 am.

 El desfile tendrá una nueva ruta este año y estará en College Ave y Walnut St. entre Kirkwood Ave. y 10th St. La puesta en escena se realizará en estacionamientos y a lo largo de las calles cerca de City Hall en Morton Street entre 7th y 10th Street.

 El Grupo de Trabajo de Justicia de Inmigración (IJTF, por sus siglas en inglés) se ha inscrito nuevamente en este desfile, y tradicionalmente, la Red de Apoyo a los Refugiados se une a ellos y a varias comunidades religiosas, en sus esfuerzos por dar la bienvenida públicamente y resaltar las muchas contribuciones maravillosas que los inmigrantes recientes continúan haciendo en nuestro  comunidad.

Este desfile es una forma maravillosa de reconocer la presencia y la importancia de los inmigrantes entre nosotros, pero es importante que haya un grupo de personas marchando y sosteniendo pancartas animadas para elevar este mensaje.

 El Grupo de trabajo de justicia de inmigración siempre ha incluido una coalición de grupos, que van desde entidades de apoyo a inmigrantes hasta organizaciones sin fines de lucro como Refugee Support Network para apoyar comités en diferentes lugares de culto, así como personas de buena voluntad.  Muchos de ustedes están activos más recientemente en el apoyo a nuevos refugiados y solicitantes de asilo que han venido o están viniendo a nuestra comunidad.

 ¡POR FAVOR, comuníquese con los miembros de su comunidad y organización de fe, y con amigos y familiares para unirse a nosotros en la marcha!  Con nuestra presencia queremos dar testimonio de una comunidad feliz y optimista que valora la riqueza que nos traen nuestros vecinos inmigrantes.  ¡Sé que también necesito hacer algo de divulgación!  En el pasado, participar en el desfile con la IJTF ha sido una experiencia alegre.

 Responda y háganos saber si estaría dispuesto a participar en este desfile con sus hijos.  Tal vez tenga algunas ideas sobre signos positivos y optimistas para llevar.
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Support Network (BRSN)
PLNAVY75A@gmail.com

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Doula program at El Centro Comunal Latino

El Centro has a birthing support doula program, designed to help pregnant mothers, deliver their baby with confidence, and a minimum of distress.   

The Refugee Support Network also has volunteer supporters that are experienced doulas. 
_____________________

El Centro tiene un programa de doula de apoyo al parto, diseñado para ayudar a las madres embarazadas, dar a luz a su bebé con confianza y un mínimo de angustia.   

La Red de Apoyo a los Refugiados también tiene voluntarios que son doulas con experiencia. 

Llame al Centro Comunal Latino
812-355-7513 (elcentrocomunal@gmail.com)

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Hoosier Hills Food bank has a wonderful Neighborhood pantry

Hoosier Hills Food bank has a wonderful Neighborhood pantry,
Where: Heatherwood Community Building
3660 South Leonard Springs Road (take bus 4 West)
When: every 3rd Monday, 2-4 pm
Who: all are welcome!

No questions asked, no need to provide

El banco de alimentos Hoosier Hills tiene una maravillosa despensa para la comunidad,
Donde: Edificio Comunitario Heatherwood
3660 South Leonard Springs Road (tomar el autobús 4 West)
Cuando: cada 3er lunes, 2-4 pm
Quién: todos son bienvenidos!

Sin preguntas, no hay que aportar