 CALM is a holistic ministry working with families in the Prospect Avenue Neighborhood.  Started in 1996 by a local church and community members

Where we work

 Prospect is a neighborhood of over 400 primarily single parent, African American families as well as several Hispanic, African and Asian families who have recently moved to the area.  Includes Blue Ridge Commons

About CALM

 Work to address the needs of whole people and whole families  Spiritual, educational, and economic  “Almost 140 children and more than 160 volunteers are involved in weekly meetings -- tutoring, mentoring, eating dinners together, learning the Bible, playing basketball, going on field trips, praying, and just hanging out together.”

Current Programs for Latino Youth

 Grades K-8 th are served in after school tutoring/mentoring  Evening clubs  Field Trips  Summer Camp K-4

Current Programs for Latino Adults

 ESL Family Literacy – Johnson Elementary School and the Adult Learning Center – Over 20 families have participated in past year  ESL Tutoring – Latino adult works with bilingual volunteer to practice conversation and improve communication.

Assets of the Latino Community

 Strong family structure  Understanding of importance of hard work  Members of churches  Strong cultural identity  Hospitality

Main Challenges

      Face all the same challenges as other low-income families, more isolated and left out Unfamiliarity with US systems, foreign ways of doing things Cultural barriers- racism and exclusion Language barriers, problems receiving any services Obtaining documentation Isolation, depression for women

How will we overcome these challenges?

 Building Community  Better communication between schools and families  Increased partnership with social services – Facilitate consistent and trustworthy connections  Creativity  Creciendo Juntos