The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Grants, scholarships aid equity for minority students, groups
The Hispanic Fund is reaching back into the Latinx community to do necessary work, leaders said at an annual meeting on Aug. 20 at Spectrum Hall in Lorain.
The fund was the first affiliate fund of the Community Foundation of Lorain County established in 1986.
The mission is to improve and promote socioeconomic and educational opportunities within the Hispanic community in Lorain County, they said.
In the past year, leaders administering the fund distributed $20,000 in grants and scholarships.
The 2021 grant recipients include El Centro de Servicios Sociales; Lorain County Free Clinic, Inc.; Lorain Historical Society; Neighborhood Alliance; North Pointe Ballet; Prevent Blindness Northeast Ohio Chapter; and Start w/ Art.
The fund offers two scholarships and 10 grants.
Cynthia Andrews, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Lorain County, says the work they do is only possible through the generosity of the community.
“When we are supporting our community, that’s how we can continue to support those inside of our community,” she said.
During the novel coronavirus pandemic, the Hispanic Fund crafted a COVID-19 response while pushing for racial equity.
Eileen Torres is the president of the Hispanic Fund.
Torres said they held three seminars for racial equity, one of those focusing on latinx communities.
The fund has two objectives: to let the community know they exist and raise money for youth, she said.
Amy Maliza, a Hispanic Fund board member, says the event aids in generating donations toward their initiatives.
“The goal is to recognize recipients and gather our supporters as well as introducing ourselves to others in the community,” she said.
Joel Arredondo, president of Lorain City Council, has been a long time supporter of the Hispanic fund.
“If you believe in education, it can be done,” he said. “We can’t be afraid to fail or give back.”
Arredondo says 2021 marks the 100th year anniversary of Latinos coming to Lorain.
In honor of the migration and National Hispanic Heritage month, there will be a 20-day exhibit at the Historical Society and other events.
“This is the first step in a long process of sharing our history,” said Arredondo.
National Hispanic Heritage month begins on Sept. 15.
The Hispanic Fund will host a Wine & Beer Tasting to benefit the latinx scholarship endowment from 6-11 p.m. on Oct. 2 at the Antlers Ballroom in Lorain.
“We want to raise more funds to continue to reach children in need and provide scholarships on an even larger scale in the Hispanic community,” said Maliza.