Washington, DC – The Central American Resource Center (CARECEN) will host its annual Anniversary Reception and Awards Ceremony on October 11, 2012 at the beautiful Josephine Butler Parks Center in Washington, DC. The event celebrates CARECEN’s 31 years of working with and for the Latino community in the Washington, DC area. We anticipate that more than 150 guests will join us for award presentations, hors d’oeuvres and an open bar, a Latin American themed silent auction and live music.
· Assisted families so they can secure decent and affordable housing.
“CARECEN has always provided a touchstone and gathering place for D.C.’s Latino community. We listen to the community and stand with them to address critical issues that affect them. Our immediate response to the DREAMers and their families is just one instance among many when we have provided education, services, and solidarity to seek justice and a decent life for Latinos in the area”, said Barbara Laur, CARECEN’s Interim Executive Director.
During the event, CARECEN will recognize Ana Sol Gutierrez, Maryland State Delegate, for her extraordinary leadership in the Latino community in our region and her tireless efforts to protect civil rights, tuition equity through the Maryland Dream Act, access to healthcare and more. We will also recognize the National Council of La Raza, the largest Latino civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States, for their continued support of our work and for their commitment to Latino families throughout the nation.
Community and business leaders, legislators, advocacy and service organizations and representatives from local and state governments are expected to attend the event. This year’s event is sponsored by: Clark Construction Group, LLC, American Federation of Government Employees-Women's and Fair Practices Departments, The Washington Regional Transplant Community, WilmerHale, Greenberg Traurig, Bryan Cave, LIUNA (Washington/Baltimore Council), Benach Ragland LLP, Identity, Inc., Segovia Interior Construction, Inc., and TACA Airlines.
Since 1981, CARECEN has fostered the comprehensive development of the Latino population in the Washington metropolitan region by providing direct legal services, housing counseling, citizenship education, and community economic development, while promoting grassroots empowerment, civic engagement, and civil rights advocacy. Last year we served nearly 4,500 low and moderate income Latinos and reached thousands more through outreach and education efforts.