La Casa Hogar reaches within Latino community for help

YAKIMA, Wash. -- Donations were down. Need was up.

So La Casa Hogar turned somewhere new for help: The very people it strives to serve.

"We've been working with United Way and we get some grants, and we've been working with the non-Hispanic philanthropic community," said Carole Folsom-Hill, executive director of the nonprofit organization for immigrant women. "We get good support. They're very generous.

"But now it's time. What else can we do? Let's ask the people that we're serving, and ask them to ask their families."

Like nonprofits across the country, La Casa Hogar hasn't been immune to the economic downturn. At its annual May fundraiser in Tieton, the organization received about $10,000 less in donations than last year, Folsom-Hill said.

Its newly added focus on finding support from within the Latino community has shown signs of success.

On Sunday, La Casa Hogar -- which offers a variety of programs, such as English, computer and driving classes, to help immigrant women transition to life in the Yakima Valley -- raised an estimated $4,000 in a first-ever "kermés" fundraiser in southeast Yakima.

"People have been generous and wanted to participate once they knew what it is we do," Ceci Gonzalez, who coordinates children's services, said. "The amount of support we've received from businesses has been surprising and much appreciated."

About 300 people attended the traditional Mexican community fundraising event -- with live music, food, vendors, a raffle, games for children and even rides. The event was held Sunday in honor of Mexican Independence Day, which is today.

And about 30 Latino-owned businesses -- as well as area health and educational nonprofit agencies -- set up booths at the kermés. Many made financial or in-kind donations of food, raffle items and even a banner for the event.

"But there were some who donated but didn't go," Gonzalez said. "We're so grateful for their support ... Now we don't just serve Latinos, but we receive from them."

The point, Folsom-Hill said, is to build relationships with Latino businesses, many of which have agreed to put up donation boxes for La Casa Hogar at their cash registers.

Families also contributed to the kermés by donating time, homemade pozole and pony rides. One family donated 240 ears of corn.

La Casa Hogar is also preparing to launch a new "Dollar Makes a Difference" campaign. The idea is to begin by asking for $1 from each individual served by La Casa Hogar, then asking them to make the same request of relatives and friends.

"Everybody can afford a dollar," said program director Luz Munroy. The organization hopes to raise $5,000 through the campaign by November.

* Melissa Sánchez can be reached at 509-577-7675 or msanchez@yakimaherald.com.