How you can help:
The grateful spirit of Thanksgiving carries on to Giving Tuesday, as we show gratitude for what we have and give back to those in need. Give Big Pittsburgh is less than a week away!
On Tuesday, November 30, 2021, a gift to Casa San Jose will be matched by a private foundation. When you give $100, you are really giving $200, doubling your impact. Let’s reach our goal of $50,000 sooner rather than later! Watch for emails with the link to make an online donation next Tuesday!
How to take action:
Your Support is Needed!
House Bill 1828 would establish the position of Public Health Advocate in the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office. On November 14, 2021, one of our community members shared testimony advocating for this bill. Here is part of her testimony:
“Before the pandemic, there were language interpreters in my medical clinic … now there are none. Our children depend on us, and without health, we are nothing. It’s for that reason that we need a Public Health Advocate in Pennsylvania.”
If you would like to get involved in this campaign, please email billy@casasanjose.org.
News on what we’re doing:
Our thanks to everyone who supported our Learning Together About Latinx Culture event on November 5 to raise funds for the renovation of our new office building at 1602-1606 Broadway Avenue in Beechview. Our staff and one of our clients made displays to share the diverse Latin American countries represented at Casa San Jose such as Chile, Ecuador, Guatemala, Colombia, Venezuela, Argentina and Brazil. See more photos on our Facebook page here.
Monica Ruiz Featured at Pitt’s Latinx Forum
Monica Ruiz, Executive Director of Casa San Jose, served as a panelist for the Current Latinx Affairs in Pennsylvania Forum last month, presented by the University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Latinx American Studies. Monica emphasized the diversity within the Latinx community and the need for Latino representation in government stating:
“People running for office make a huge mistake in not including the needs of the Latino community and recognizing that we are not all the same. It’s important that Latinos have a seat at the table, especially for decisions affecting our communities.”
Watch the recording here.
Vaccination Update:
Leading the Way for COVID-19 Vaccines for Kids
In partnership with the Allegheny County Health Department, Casa San Jose is now providing COVID-19 vaccines for kids, ages five and above. If you or your kids haven’t been vaccinated yet, you can come to Casa San Jose for our Tuesday vaccination clinic from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Casa San Jose is providing 1st, 2nd, and booster shots of the Pfizer, Moderna, and J&J COVID vaccines. Flu shots are also available the same day. Walk-ins are accepted, but we recommend making an appointment by calling 412-343-3111, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Approximately 3,500 people from the Latinx community have received the COVID-19 vaccine through Casa San Jose’s vaccination clinics.
Our Story
A Safe Place Before School
Casa San Jose’s before-school program recently began in response to several single mothers who weren’t able to take their kids to school when start times changed. The free program creates a safe space for young Latino students in the community to meet and interact. Breakfast and transportation to school are also provided.
“Parents have mentioned that they are really grateful for the program and the patience we have with the kids,” says José Ochoa, Youth Specialist at Casa San Jose.
For more information, contact José at jose@casasanjose.org
Our Volunteers of the Month:
Bringing Enthusiasm to the Classroom
When Casa San Jose Volunteers, Patricia Campbell Bibro and Noel Baker, offered to teach a beginning ESL class on Monday nights in Brookline this fall, the 15 available spots quickly filled. Pat and Noel recognize that it takes determination and perseverance for adult students to work all day and attend evening classes. The enthusiastic duo manages to keep their class engaged through their guidance and positive energy. As one student said:
“I always think I am too tired to go to English class but afterwards, I am not tired at all. I am happy.”
Read the full story and learn more about our volunteer opportunities here.
More news:
- Casa San Jose was a recipient of a Community Living and Support Services (CLASS) Award, honoring organizations for their continued work with diverse communities during the pandemic. Read more about it here.
- Casa San Jose received a 2021 Bank of America Neighborhood Award, one of only three Pittsburgh nonprofits selected for promoting economic opportunities for an underrepresented population. More information here.
- From Mexico to Pittsburgh, follow the story of Horacio and his immigration journey on our website here.
- Our 2020 Annual Report is now available here!
Shop and Support Casa San Jose with AmazonSmile
Remember Casa San Jose when you shop. AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support Casa San Jose every time you shop, at no cost to you. Shop at smile.amazon.com, and Amazon will donate 0.5% of the purchase to Casa San Jose.
Questions? Contact Sister Karen Stoila, Finance and Development Director, at srkaren@casasanjose.org.
