Breaking Barriers (Rompiendo Barreras)

CONTACT:

PO Box 541360
Waltham, MA 02454-1360
781-893-1200
breakingbarriersinc.org

Diane Carazas, Executive Director

DESCRIPTION:

In 1998 Gabriela Canepa, a Peruvian immigrant and community development expert, decided to help Latina women break down barriers to their, and their families’, progress in America. She focused on Waltham, where a rapidly increasing Latino population is now the largest minority group, and is struggling with poverty and children’s difficulties in school. She persuaded the Education Development Center (EDC) in Newton to sponsor a 12-week class for 20 women on job readiness, social skills, health, parenting and self-esteem. It was so successful — life-changing for the students, who became mentors of others, and thus for the community — that it developed rapidly into a network of collaborating institutions, offering classes, tutoring and mentoring, in ESL, GED preparation, computer and living skills, for both men and women. To combat high school dropout rates among Latinos, a parents’ program was created to raise awareness of their learning needs and the values of parental involvement. In 2002 Breaking Barriers was incorpored to help raise funds, including a federal grant, to create the Waltham Family School, where in 2003, 34 low-income families, 85% Latino, participate in literacy and parent training while their children attend preschool. So from Ms. Canepa’s decision in 1998 has arisen a significant and indispensable, institutionalized, support-structure for Latinos in Waltham. It needs and merits your support.

(2004: HUMAN SERVICES: Well-Being)