La Voz de MOLA Newsletter - November 27, 2019

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la voz de MOLA

Mayor's Office on Latino Affairs (MOLA) Newsletter

November 27, 2019

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Letter from the Mayor

As we prepare to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, we have a lot to be grateful for in the District of Champions. In just the past two weeks, we have celebrated so many milestones that represent the values of our community and our vision for a DC that gives all Washingtonians a fair shot. 

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A message from the Executive Director

executive director

Querida Comunidad,

We continue our journey to serve the Latino community in DC. As I have said before, the needs of our Latino constituents are our priority, and we want to ensure that, as Mayor Bowser always reminds us, all have a #FairShot. This month, Mayor Muriel Bowser once again made use of her social media platform to show her respect for the DREAMers and encouraged Congress to find a solution for our DACA recipients and support them just as Washington, DC does. She stated: 

“We are #DCproud of our DREAMers and their countless contributions to our city. Regardless of SCOTUS’ decision, our support will be unwavering. Washington, DC, will continue to stand with our nearly 800 DREAMers who call this city home.” Mayor Muriel Bowser 

Mayor Bowser’s support to our Latino community does not go unnoticed. Recently, the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce recognized Mayor Bowser during its annual luncheon for her tireless efforts to support and empower our constituents. I was excited to join leaders and members of the Latino community in this celebration, which reminded us that each member of the community can contribute alongside the government to the betterment of the Latino community. It is up to every one of us to look after each other.

Speaking of progress made by Latinos in the District, El Tamarindo, a family-owned Latino restaurant which throughout the years has become a landmark in Washington, DC, once again led the celebration of Pupusa Day in the District. Mayor Bowser acknowledges that the Salvadoran diaspora is a driving force in the District and that pupusas are part of its great contributions to our city; therefore she proclaimed this past November 10th as “Pupusa Day in DC.”  As a proud Salvadoran, I say to all, “Keep calm and continue eating Pupusas!”  

Equally important, our office on Latino Affairs continues with its open-door policy. This month it was an honor to host Mr. Antonio Vásquez, Mayor of Chirilagua, El Salvador who wants to explore future exchange opportunities about good governance practices. I love seeing how our local and transnational community come together to work towards a common goal. On that note, we also met with Louis Davis, Jr. State Director at the DC American Association of Retired Persons (AARPDC) to discuss initiatives related to the continuous Census 2020 campaign to get all Latinos counted.

As we always do around this time of the year, recently we joined the Department of Public Works for the DC One Fund Fall Harvest Festival. As District government employees, we are giving back to our community, and we are working to meet the goal to raise $1.3 million set by Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Director of the DC Department of Parks and Recreation, Delano Hunter. During this time to give thanks and count our blessings I would like to invite all of my colleagues to take a minute and donate to any organization of your interest. Please visit http://onefund.dc.gov and make your donation. No amount is too small, even $1 dollar can make a difference!  

There are times in our lives when we have to say farewell to our loved ones. We are deeply saddened by the loss of two great Latino leaders in the District of Columbia: Mr. Pedro “Pepe” Luján and Ms. Máxima Adelaida Perez, our “Dominican Mother.” To their families, friends, and all who knew these two outstanding  members of the community I would like to express my most sincere condolences; my prayers, thoughts, and love it is with all of you. Dear Mr. Pepe and Dominican Mother: your legacies will always be in our memories! 

This is our recap for the month. We would like you to stay updated on our news so please visit our website mola.dc.gov for more information, and if you haven’t followed us yet on social media, we encourage you to like us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, and of course we always welcome anyone at our offices in the Reeves Center, our doors are always open to assist you.

Thank you for being so faithful to La Voz de MOLA Newsletter. See you next month! 

Mil Gracias y Feliz Día de Acción de Gracias!

 

Jackie Reyes-Yanes
Executive Director
Mayor's Office on Latino Affairs (MOLA) 

Agency Updates

Day of dead

MOLA* Celebrated Day of the Dead in DC

Team MOLA* joined the Day of the Dead celebration which was organized by members of the local community. The event took place at Lamont Park (Mt. Pleasant St. NW) where our outreach team engaged with Latino constituents to share information about the 2020 Census and the importance of getting counted. Our team also handed interactive coloring books to children who attended the event. Families enjoyed the great music of several artists such as Lilo Gonzalez and Francisco Rigores, cultural activities such as catrina face painting, traditional food, and taking part in making an altar and giving offerings to the dead.

*Mayor's Office on Latino Affairs (MOLA)

hypothermia season

Hypothermia Season is here

Mayor Muriel Bowser together with community members and organizations pledged to help our neighbors experiencing homelessness with welfare checks, warming items, and assistance to get transportation to shelters 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Mayor Bowser also reminded constituents to save the Shelter Hotline number (202) 399-7093 in case they or someone they know needs help. At the same time, Team MOLA visited Ward 1 to create awareness about homelessness and the programs that the District has available during hypothermia season, which can be lifesaving for our vulnerable community members. The office also took the opportunity to talk about the upcoming 2020 Census and the importance of being counted.

Commissioners2019

Meet the new members of the Commission on Latino Community Development

Mayor Muriel Bowser and her Office of Talent and Appointments (MOTA) swore in more than 430 community and government members, which will represent approximately 130 boards in DC Government. The Mayor’s Office on Latino Affairs (MOLA) welcomed the new appointees of the Commission on Latino Community Development, Angelica Mercado, Pamela Cervera, Anniete Cohn-Lois Eusebio, Dora Currea, and Miozotis Florez Ruiz; and the re-appointees Margarita Dilone, Johnny Garcia, and Gustavo Viteri. The commissioners volunteer their time to serve the interests of the Latino community in DC as they work alongside Mayor Bowser to ensure that more Washingtonians get a #FairShot.

Arts2019

A Night Full of Art

Team MOLA* participated in the 34th Annual Mayor’s Arts Awards. The event was hosted by the DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music & Entertainment, and recognized individuals and organizations for their outstanding work in the artistic and humanities disciplines. Guests enjoyed spectacular music and dance performances and had the opportunity to network. MOLA joined in congratulating all the winners of the night.

*Mayor's Office on Latino Affairs (MOLA)

Luncheon gwhcc

The Hispanic Chamber recognized Mayor Muriel Bowser  

The Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GWHCC) held its annual luncheon at the Beacon Hotel and Corporate Quarters and honored the efforts and the extraordinary  work and contributions that Mayor Muriel Bowser has made to the Latino Community. Executive director Jackie Reyes-Yanes was present alongside leaders from the Latino community, business owners, and entrepreneurs.

pupusa day

Happy National Pupusa Day!

On November 10th, National Pupusa Day was celebrated in Washington, DC at El Tamarindo Restaurant. Every year, this restaurant with 37 years of history delights DC residents with delicious pupusas, a traditional Salvadoran dish. Executive Director Jackie Reyes-Yanes and members of the Latino community attended this celebration to honor this signature dish of the Salvadoran gastronomy. Furthermore, Mayor Muriel Bowser proclaimed that day as Pupusa Day in Washington, DC. 

Community chat

 

MOLA* - DC Census Community Chat

MOLA* is hosting weekly Census-themed community chats across all 8 Wards to increase awareness and engage with Latino constituents on the Census count of April 2020. This month, our outreach team popped up at Ward 1 in Mi Casita Bakery and hair salons along 14 street; Immigrant Food Restaurant in Ward 2; Sacred Heart Church and local businesses in Ward 4; and Home Depot in Ward 5. Our team also joined Serve DC at Coolidge High School to chat with students about the Census 2020.

*Mayor's Office on Latino Affairs (MOLA)

workshop

Team MOLA* hosted a citizenship workshop

MOLA* hosted a citizenship workshop, where immigration professionals from the organization CARECEN discussed information about the process and requirements to obtain citizenship in the U.S. Professionals from the National Immigration Forum shared the benefits of Mayor Muriel Bowser’s program which includes fee payment and assistance to applicants. These workshops have the purpose of giving participants who would like to become U.S citizens the skills and knowledge to successfully complete their citizenship process. The workshop was made possible through the partnership between Mayor Muriel Bowser and the National Immigration Forum.

*Mayor's Office on Latino Affairs (MOLA)

police community

MOLA*, DC Metropolitan Police Department, and the DC Public Library join forces to serve the community

Team MOLA keeps doing an awesome job during the monthly Mobile Food Market in Ward 4 and Ward 7, sponsored by Capital Area Food Bank where healthy food is provided to the community. This time, the office counted with the extraordinary support of the Latino Liaison team and 4D Officers of the DC Metropolitan Police Department and community volunteers who sorted and distributed food to the attendees. DC Public Library also participated in promoting family literacy to readers of all ages.

*Mayor's Office on Latino Affairs (MOLA)

Announcements

District Minute 11.27.19

District Minute 11/27/19

This week’s District Minute features stories about Hypothermia Season, the Residences at St. Elizabeths East, and the new Monroe Street Bridge.

Watch video   

 


What's the news in the barrio?

  1. La Prensa Gráfica, Washington D.C. y su apuesta por reunir a familias migrantes en EUA
  2. El Tiempo Latino, Alcaldesa Bowser anuncia plan de celebración para el desfile de los Nats
  3. UNIVISION, Paella con José Andrés y visita a la Casa Blanca después: así celebrarán los Nationals su título de la Serie Mundial
  4. VOA Noticias, Washington celebra tras conquistar la Serie Mundial
  5. Zoom Latino, La alcaldía hará desfile de Celebración para los Nacionales de Washington
  6. El Universo, Vítores llueven a los Nacionales en Washington
  7. La Prensa Gráfica, En Washington DC también se celebró el Día de la Pupusa
  8. Zoom Latino, DC Contrata Veteranos se estará realizando el próximo viernes 15 de noviembre 
  9. El Tiempo Latino, DC: Un mercado trae alimentos a familias necesitadas .
  10. El Tiempo Latino, Recibimiento de héroes para los campeones de la Serie Mundial 
  11. Zoom Latino, Habitantes y Organizaciones ayudarán a proteger a los más necesitados en la temporada invernal 
  12. Zoom Latino, Alcaldesa Bowser realizará evento para garantizar la lucha contra la hipotermia 
  13. El Tiempo Latino, ¡Felicidades a los Nacionales, Campeones de la Serie Mundial! 
  14. Washington Hispanic, Latin Maya Awards 2019 por primera vez en USA 
  15. El Tiempo Latino, Bowser  se compromete a ayudar y proteger a los vecinos sin hogar durante este invierno 
  16. Washington Hispanic Pag.12A, ¡Felicidades a los Nacionales, Campeones de la Serie Mundial!

Do you Want to Learn more about Census 2020?

Census 2020

Learn more here


spotlight
AdrianaBonilla

Adriana Marcela Bonilla, Youth Learning and Emergency Support Specialist, Serve DC- The Mayor's Office on Volunteerism and Partnerships

In this edition of La Voz de MOLA we are highlighting a talented government employee who is very passionate about serving her community, especially young people in the District. 

Adriana Marcela Bonilla is a proud Latina and Washingtonian who for over a year has served as the bilingual Youth Learning and Emergency Support Specialist  with Serve DC- The Mayor's Office on Volunteerism and Partnerships. Previously, she worked with the Latin American Youth Center (LAYC) for over eight years, serving in multiple roles such as the Wilson High School Site Supervisor, Board Liaison and Executive Assistant to the LAYC President & CEO, and prior to that, as an AmeriCorps member. 

She is a graduate of George Mason University, majoring in Government and International Politics with a minor in Spanish. She served as the president of the University’s Hispanic Student Association from 2010-2011. In 2016, Adriana received the Distinguished Latino Alumni Award in recognition of her efforts in carrying out the Association’s mission to unite, educate, and empower the university’s Hispanic community. She also served as the President of the Latino Alumni Chapter from 2016-2018. Adriana continues to serve her community through various roles and organizations.

*** If you would like to nominate a great Latinx working in the public sector, please submit your suggestions to ola.publicrelation@dc.gov

Grantees

Jubilee Housing 

In this hypothermia season, we would like to highlight Jubilee Housing! Jubilee Housing helps seniors remain more stably housed by ensuring that they receive the full federal benefits that they are eligible for. Furthermore, they have a wide array of programs to increase awareness among adults and seniors about better banking options, budgeting skills, money management, and financial literacy skills. Through these programs, the organization is helping to build a supportive community. Jubilee Housing also offers a variety of programs for all ages: college and career preparation for older teens and young adults; eviction-prevention and financial counseling services for adults; and federal benefits “check-ups” and intervention for seniors. Thank you, Jubilee Housing, for being such a great partner!

Learn more about the work of Jubilee Housing 

jubilee housing

Upcoming Events


Latino meeting 12.10.19

Workshop 12.13.19


job adds

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