Nuestra Casa works on several initiatives, and they seek to improve the lives of low-income immigrant communities in San Mateo County, California. Illustrative programming includes; Immigration Services, Health and Wellness Programs, Housing Support, Community + Civic Engagement, Education, and Career Development.
The Nuestra Casa San Mateo County has its website and social media accounts on various platforms including; Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Additionally, supporters can sign up to receive updates via newsletter directly to their email inbox.
Nuestra Casa San Mateo County relies on public grants, private donations, and fundraising to sustain its work. Their website features a list of their donors, including the Palo Alto Community Fund, Costco, Facebook/Meta Community Fund, PG&E, The Shmidt Family Foundation, and more.
Nuestra Casa San Mateo County is structured as a community-based nonprofit organization that relies on paid staff, volunteer labor, and donor support to carry out its work. A Board of Directors governs Nuestra Casa San Mateo County, comprised of community members and professionals with experience in law, education, nonprofit management, and social services. An Executive Director and a small staff oversee the organization's day-to-day operations. The organization also has a network of volunteers who contribute to its programs and services and help with fundraising and community outreach efforts. Community members interested in supporting the organization's mission can become involved as volunteers or donors.
“We exist to uplift Latino families in East Palo Alto and the mid-peninsula through community education, leadership development, and advocacy”
Problems that arise within the Latinx community of the Bay Area include, Housing, Food Distribution, Water Justice, Environmental Justice, and Promotoras are instrumental to the work that Nuestra Casa conducts. They have been engaged directly in the passage of policy to address these issues and advocate on behalf of the local stakeholders. The Covid-19 Pandemic also significantly impacted the organization’s model, and with the political climate, it also supported immigrant resiliency programs to educate and help undocumented folks within the area.
During the early 2000s, an influx of Latino families moved to the Bay Area. With this growing influx of people, Nuesra Casa was founded to stand with the community and support them in navigating the institutions, build people power, and support the voices of local stakeholders to create a more equitable society. Nuestra Casa is engaged in the local economy, school district, and civic life.
Nuestra Casa San Mateo County (NCSMC) was founded in 2002 to serve the needs of the emerging Latino population in East Pao Alto. Early programming included Parent Academy and English Language Program, today its programming has expanded to Housing and Environmental Justice work too.
What are the organization's future goals, and how does it plan to achieve them?
How does the organization conceptualize and prioritize community engagement and leadership in its work?
What are some of the most pressing environmental justice issues in Orange County, and how is the organization working to address them?
The work by the Orange County Environmental Justice (OCEJ) organization can potentially advance justice and good governance by addressing environmental injustices in Orange County. By educating and empowering communities, OCEJ can increase awareness of the impacts of environmental issues such as air pollution, water contamination, and climate change, leading to more informed and engaged citizens. OCEJ's advocacy efforts can also help hold local government and industry accountable for addressing environmental injustices and promoting more sustainable practices