Increasingly, area agencies – government, faith based, community, academic, business – and others are organizing outreach activities directed at the Latino community. The ones which have become annual events are listed below.

CHARLOTTESVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT’S DECEMBER POSADA

Charlottesville’s Fire Department organizes wonderfully authentic Posadas in December, as a way to enhance its relationship with Latinos living in the city, gain their trust, provide them an opportunity to practice and enjoy their customs, and increase their knowledge about fire safety and other Fire Department issues. Felipe Mendoza has helped coordinate the Posadas in his role as a member of Fire Corps, a volunteer body assisting the Department with outreach. He and Mary Loose DeViney, Fire Corps director, welcome Latinos and service providers working with them – including elementary teachers, churches, social workers and others - to join in making each year’s Posada better than ever. The Posada is a great way for all Charlottesville residents to interact and learn about a different culture. For more information contact Mary Loose (MLoose@aol.com or 970-3536) or Felipe (felipemendoza@yahoo.com or 301/537-8312).

CJ HELP FAIR – FERIA DE AYUDA

The annual CJ Help Fair – Fería de Ayuda offers outreach and networking opportunities to service providers working in the areas of health, housing, education, employment, legal and social services. Government offices, non-profits, churches, educational institutions, medical providers, businesses and others serving Cville’s Latino community are invited to participate with an information table and/or to donate funds, food, music, dance performance, or a door prize. In addition to these information tables operated by service providers, CJ Help fairs include brief workshops and medical examinations. For the past two years, around 200 Latinos have attended each CJ Help Fair. Click here for information on previous CJ Help Fairs. Those interested in participating in upcoming fairs should contact Martha Trujillo at mtrujillo@unitedwaytja.org