I recently received a letter from a disgruntled ex-employee of a local meat packing plant.  He was very unhappy with the treatment he received there; he said that the company abused its Latino workers.  He was a legal worker, which he says gives him courage to complain, whereas the illegal immigrants have no choice but to put up with what he termed exploitation for fear of being deported.  This correspondent was injured on the job, and consequently is receiving therapy.  I answered his letter directly rather than through this column.

No matter how you feel about the immigration issue, I’m sure you agree that all people deserve to be treated with dignity and compassion.  We have quite a large Latino population in the Cedar Valley, and many of them could use assistance in finding their way around the community regarding housing, legal help, recreational opportunities, and a host of other things.  To that end:

El Centro Latinoamericano is located in the KWWL building at 500 East 4^th Street in downtown Waterloo.  The phone number is 319-287-6400.  The friendly staff speaks Spanish and English, of course.  Advice is free and confidential.  They help new arrivals fill out various types of documents, assist in housing or job searches, discuss educational opportunities, even find law professionals to advocate on a contingency basis if necessary.  

Nuestra Raza does much of the same good work on an individual basis, person by person.  They offer Spanish/English classes.  Find them at 630 Sycamore Street, Waterloo; phone 319-234-7292.  They are available by appointment only.

The YWCA at 425 Lafayette, Waterloo, offers two programs: Las Chicas for pre-teen and high school girls, and Latino Moms.  Their phone: 319-234-7589.  

Las Chicas offers after school and summer programs to provide entertainment, opportunities for community service, help with employment, and a focus on heritage.  The emphasis, however, is mostly on fun.  There is no charge for the program, and free transportation is provided.  The next session is June 23 – July 28 on Tuesdays from 2:30 – 4:00.

Latino Moms helps women with English, acts as an advocate, discusses wellness and health care, and provides support for new arrivals.  There is no charge for the program, and transportation and childcare is provided free.  They meet Mondays and Thursdays from 5:30 – 7:30.

We should be very proud of the fact that the Cedar Valley welcomes and supports our new arrivals from other countries, and that we appreciate their contributions to our culture … especially the food (personal comment)! 

Por esta columna in espanol, visita a Miss SmartyPants, www.cvsaver.com.