There are many types of people who look for opportunities to get to know others in the community. The elderly who have limited access to transportation and may know very few others their age; individuals who would like to learn a language (English or Spanish) and get to know people of another culture; persons struggling with depression who are helped by socializing with others while learning a new skill. Casa ALBA offers a safe environment for people to come together. We also welcome opportunities to share the various cultures of our Spanish-speaking members with the larger community.
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Sister Melanie Maczka and Father Ken DeGroot attend the Ohtli Award Ceremony in Chicago.
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Casa ALBA Melanie has worked with the Green Bay Police Department, and Police Chief Andrew Smith, to build trust between the Hispanic community and local law enforcement. Some of our Hispanic friends, who are victims of crime, may not report the crime in fear of retribution or deportation. Others may not fully understand applicable law or the role of the police. Still others wish to report crimes in an environment and in a language they feel most comfortable. We hope to continue to build our complimentary relationship.
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May our police officers be granted safety, as well as the courage and wisdom to faithfully serve all those in their care. |
2. To work with the Neville Museum on a year long exhibit that will showcase Hispanic history and contributions to Northeast Wisconsin.
The Neville Museum of Green Bay will offer a year-long exhibit, “Estamos Aqui”, which is set to open on May 6, 2017. This exhibit will stay in place until April 2018. Estamos Aqui features personal stories and artifacts from many Latino families living in northeast Wisconsin. Developed in collaboration with Casa ALBA Melanie, this bilingual exhibit celebrates the diverse cultures and traditions that have endured emigration from across Latin America.
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Casa ALBA works with St. Willebrord Parish and the Mexican Consulate in Milwaukee to bring Mobile Consulate events to the Green Bay area. Mobile Consulate events have been scheduled for 2022 on: Saturday, June 25, 2022, and Sunday, June 26, 2022. St. Willebrord Parish is located at 209 S. Adams St, in Green Bay, WI 54301. We plan to distribute fliers and information when clients can begin to enroll on the web or over the phone.
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Mobile Consulate events provide visas, birth certificates and IDs without having to travel to the Mexican Consulate office in Milwaukee. |
4. To work cooperatively with political leaders to promote mutual understanding between the Hispanic community and their representatives.
Casa ALBA hosts political leaders to ensure that the voices of our Hispanic citizens are shared. The organization advocates for issues like: a drivers card for undocumented immigrants and for sensible comprehensive immigration reform.
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5. To provide voter education and registration to Hispanic US citizens.
It is each citizen's right, duty and honor to vote. Voting is each American citizen's ethical and civic responsibility. Ethical is to act in a principled and honorable way. Civic responsibility is to be an active citizen, to be knowledgeable about public affairs, to vote in elections and to be involved in your community. Yet, to often, particularly in the Hispanic community, many choose not to vote. So, Casa ALBA Melanie works with the League of Women Voters to both educate and register voters for this most important civic responsibility.
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In 2016, 47.6% of Hispanic eligible voters turned out to vote, down from 48% in 2012 and 49.9% in 2008. By comparison, the 2016 voter turnout rate among blacks was 59.3% and among whites was 65.3%, both significantly higher than the turnout rate among Hispanics. |
“The vote is the most powerful instrument ever devised by man for breaking down injustice and destroying the terrible walls which imprison men because they are different from other men.” Lyndon B. Johnson, 36th President of the United States