A Message from LCA’s Executive Director ~ Un Mensaje de la Directora Ejecutiva de LCA
Honoring the Past, Uplifting the Present, and Building the Future
As we welcome the month of May, I find myself reflecting deeply—on faith, justice, and the journey that brought many of us here.
The recent passing of Pope Francis has touched me profoundly. His final message to world leaders, especially his call to care for immigrants and the most vulnerable, are a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility. I grew up in a Jesuit-rooted family—both my father and uncle were former Jesuits—so values of service, compassion, and justice were central to my upbringing. Later, I attended a Jesuit university, where I was further shaped by the idea that professionals carry a social responsibility to uplift their communities. That foundation continues to guide my motivation to serve and advocate for those in need.
May also brings an important date often overlooked in the U.S.—May 1, International Workers’ Day. Celebrated widely across Latin America, it’s a day to recognize the contributions and rights of workers. On that day, some of us from LCA were in Salem, standing alongside partners to advocate for policies that support our working families.
And while May is a time of reflection and action, it is also a time of great celebration! Later this month, we begin honoring 25 years of the Latino Community Association! Our organization began as El Programa de Ayuda—a simple hotline launched in 1994 to support Spanish-speaking families. In 2000, it became the first nonprofit in Central Oregon dedicated to uplifting Latine immigrants, thanks to the vision of Father Mike Walsh and a few determined madres Latinas whose love for their families sparked a movement. (And happy Mother’s Day, by the way—we wouldn’t be here without the strength and corazón of our community’s mothers!)
This anniversary marks a legacy of community, resilience, and service. And we’re just getting started. For the next year, we’ll be celebrating with special events, stories, and opportunities to support our mission. Be on the lookout for invitations, community activities, and ways to contribute as we dream forward into the next 25 years.
Catalina Sánchez Frank
Honremos el Pasado, Celebremos el Presente y Construyamos el Futuro
Mayo llegó, y con él una oportunidad para reflexionar sobre lo que nos mueve: la fe, la justicia y el camino que nos ha traÃdo hasta aquÃ.
La reciente partida del Papa Francisco me tocó profundamente. Sus últimas palabras a los lÃderes del mundo—sobre todo su llamado a proteger a las personas migrantes y más vulnerables—nos recuerdan la importancia de cuidar unos de otros. Vengo de una familia con raÃces jesuitas—mi papá y mi tÃo fueron jesuitas—y crecà con valores de servicio, compasión y justicia. Más adelante estudié en una universidad jesuita, donde reafirmé que nuestra vocación profesional también es una herramienta para el bien común. Esa base sigue guiando mi compromiso de servir a nuestra comunidad.
Mayo también trae consigo una fecha muy significativa para muchas personas en América Latina: el 1° de mayo, DÃa Internacional del Trabajo. Aunque en EE.UU. no se conmemora como en nuestros paÃses, es una fecha para honrar los derechos y las luchas de quienes sostienen la economÃa con su esfuerzo diario. Ese dÃa, parte del equipo de LCA estuvimos en Salem, alzando la voz junto a nuestros aliades por las familias trabajadoras de Oregón.
Este aniversario es solo el inicio de un año lleno de celebraciones, historias, y oportunidades para seguir apoyando nuestra misión. Estén pendientes de los eventos, las invitaciones especiales y las diferentes formas en que pueden sumarse al sueño de nuestros próximos 25 años.
Catalina Sánchez Frank
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