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 Mi gente latina,
With August upon us, we enter a month rich with important events for our community. With the return to school on the horizon for our students, we are dedicated to supporting all families, especially Latino families, under the leadership of Mayor Muriel Bowser. Our goal is to ensure that every child has a successful school year, providing essential resources such as vaccination schedules and school supplies. We remain dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for Latino communities in Washington DC, recognizing that education is pivotal to creating a pathway to the middle class.
In exciting cultural news, Franklin Park will host the 3rd Afro-Latino Festival in Washington, DC on August 31. Supported by Mayor Bowser and our community partners, this festival will celebrate the rich diverse cultures of our Afro-Latino communities through dance, music, folklore, and various artistic expressions. I invite everyone to join us and celebrate our DC Afro-Latino community.
I reiterate our commitment to Mayor Bowser's vision of an inclusive, diverse, and equitable Washington, DC. Our office is dedicated to connecting Latinos in DC with resources and opportunities to enhance their quality of life. Please remember, we are here to assist you Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 2000 14th Street NW.
Together, let’s work towards building a prosperous and accessible future for everyone!
Estamos aquí para servirle,
 Eduardo Perdomo
Executive Director
Mayor's Office of Latino Affairs (MOLA)
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Strengthening Community Support: Our Partnership with DHS and DHCF
 We have been closely collaborating with the Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Department of Health Care Financing (DHCF), including its Office of the Health Care Ombudsman and Bill of Rights, to provide support and technical assistance for cases experiencing unusual delays in the Medicaid system. Through this partnership, we have managed to follow up on and advance more than 70 cases for members of our community. Our goal is to improve resolution times for cases that have been pending for several months.
Supporting Families: Helping Families with Emergency Rental Assistance Program Applications
 On July 1, the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) reopened, and our office offered direct support to 142 families in our community applying for this program. This assistance not only alleviates financial strain for the affected families but also enhances the stability and well-being of our entire community.
4th of July Celebration with the Palisades Community
We marked Independence Day by embracing the spirit of freedom and diversity that defines our country. Director Perdomo joined Mayor Bowser in the Palisades parade, underscoring our dedication to unity and inclusion.
Exploring the Cardozo Educational Campus: Celebrating Art, Culture, and Diversity
 On July 9, Director Perdomo visited the Cardozo Education Campus and met with muralist Marlene Soto.
Congratulations to the Cardozo Education Campus for promoting Afro-Latino art, diversity, and inclusion among their students!
Inspiring Resilience and Culture: Meeting Imilla Skate
 On July 10, Director Perdomo had the honor of meeting Imilla Skate, a remarkable group of Bolivian ‘cholitas’ who use skateboarding to celebrate their culture, promote sports, and share a powerful message of resilience and determination with our community.
Their passion beautifully showcases the values of diversity, inclusion, and perseverance.
DC Community Soccer Tournament 2024
 Credits: Marvin Bowser
On July 13, a soccer tournament united teams from the African, Asian and Pacific Islander, Caribbean, and Latino communities, alongside the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). More than just a competition, the event celebrated friendship and mutual respect, showcasing the power of sport to connect our diverse communities.
Public Safety Initiative: Distribution of Dashcams
 As part of efforts to improve public safety, on July 17, Directors Eduardo Perdomo and Salah Czapary, along with participants from MOLA's Summer Employment Program, distributed 120 free dashcams to drivers in Wards 1 and 2. This effort highlights our dedication to improving public safety and fostering a secure community.
Celebrating Colombian Heritage: A Festival of Unity and Culture
 On July 20, we celebrated with the Colombian diaspora at the Colombian Festival. Director Perdomo was present, showcasing Mayor Bowser’s continued support for Latino communities. The event was a lively celebration of Colombian music, dance, and camaraderie.
Celebrating Success: 2024 Summer Youth Employment Program Close-Out Ceremony
 On July 31, we gathered at MOLA to mark an important milestone with the Summer 2024 Youth Employment Program Close-out Ceremony. This event celebrated the accomplishments and hard work of over 100 DC Latino youth, who have spent the summer gaining valuable skills and experiences. It's been a opportunity to see their growth and the positive impact of this program, which continues to offer indispensable opportunities for development and success in our community.
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Grateful Latinos: Connecting Our Community with Solutions Every Day!
 The appreciation from our community is a powerful reminder that MOLA’s mission is to connect people with effective solutions 🤗. This is why Mayor Bowser, through her Office of Latino Affairs, 7works tirelessly every day to fulfil its mission.
 In July, we had the privilege of assisting 1,798 members of the Latino community and their families on various resources, including food stamps (SNAP), Emergency Income Assistance Program (ERAP), health insurance, Energy Assistance Program for Low-Income Homes (LIHEAP), Solar for All, and more.
We are available to help you from Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., until 5 p.m. at our office:
📍2000 14th Street NW. For inquiries, please contact us at ☎️ (202) 671-2825.
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 Keeping our community informed is a priority, which is why Director Eduardo Perdomo has been meeting every Friday with Pedro Biaggi on La Nueva Radio. During the weekly "Update with the Mayor's Office" interview, we talk about Mayor Bowser's agenda for the District, and highlight events hosted by MOLA and its community partners.
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DC afro-Latino Fest 2024
 Come and enjoy us the live music at the 3rd Annual DC AfroLatino Fest at Franklin Park on Saturday, August 31st, at noon. We can’t wait to see you! We have many surprises for you and your family!
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MOLA is Hiring!
Join Mayor Bowser's Office of Latino Affairs: Be Part of Our Dedicated Team!
We are seeking passionate and skilled individuals to join our agency, where we are committed to community service. At MOLA, we value teamwork and a strong dedication to our mission. If you are eager to work in a dynamic environment where every day offers the chance to make a difference, we invite you to explore our current job openings!
Looking for Career Opportunities?
 At Mayor Bowser's Office of Latino Affairs, we connect you with a wealth of career and development possibilities. Through our extensive network, we keep you informed about the latest job vacancies across various organizations, providing direct access to opportunities that align with your skills and career goals. Discover the exciting job opportunities that await you!
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