Your partners at University of Illinois Extension are working to meet the grass-roots educational needs of Hispanic residents throughout the state. Extension is an outreach branch of the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. From urban neighborhoods to rural farms, we are providing practical, research-based programs that help people improve their lives and address critical issues.

This newsletter highlights some of our new Extension programs developed through partnerships with a variety of community-based organizations. We welcome feedback about our efforts and look forward to working with you to further extend our outreach.

Horticulture Training in Spanish

In Countryside, Extension offers horticulture topics in Spanish. Extension offers workshops on grounds maintenance, problems with perennial flowers and other topics related to Integrated Pest Management in English and Spanish. In fact, in April 2001, 51 Hispanic employees of landscaping companies such as Suburban Landscaping, Mercy Hospital, Christy Webber Landscape and City L. Forest attended a ground maintenance workshop. Extension is also posting horticulture information in English and Spanish on the Internet.

Project HOPE Begins 4-H Club

In South Suburban Cook, Extension has partnered with Project HOPE from Governors State University and Parents Institute. Project HOPE Executive Director José Reyes has become a 4-H leader teaching life skills and leading 30 youth in the first South Suburban 4-H club for Latinos.

In addition to this new 4-H club, Spanish language newsletters are now distributed to 19 agencies and the last Parent Institute Conference (May 2001) offered 10 workshops presented in Spanish. Furthermore, thanks to Olga Calgaro (community leader) a group of 4-H children from 7-11 years started “Booting Up,” a computer class in English and Spanish during the school year 2001-2002.

Immigrant Rights & Responsibilities Shared

In Vermilion County, Extension staff conducted a focus group involving representatives of community organizations such as Head Start, health department, schools and local banks. As a result, Vermilion County Unit with the City of Danville sponsored a workshop entitled “Immigrants: Their Rights and Responsibilities,” on Monday, April 23, 2001. About 55 people attended and 28 wanted to receive more information.

Building Stronger Communities

In Gilman and Onarga, Extension conducted a community study on the “Length of Residence and Development of a Sense of Community among Hispanics in Rural Communities.” Results of the study were presented at a workshop entitled, “Building Community with Immigrants and Newcomers: Challenges and Opportunities for Rural Communities,” which was planned and co-sponsored by Extension. It involved more than 40 persons from organizations working with Hispanics. In August 2001, Kimberly Rahn, Extension educator, Father John Balleff from Our Lady of Guadalupe, Catholic Church, and Patricia Hernández, school aide, partnered to conduct needs assessments involving children, youth and adults. As a result, Hispanic residents of Onarga are being surveyed to determine the kind of programs that better serve their needs. Father John has offered his Church for a community-learning center.

Hispanic Programming in Chicago

In Chicago, Extension has partnered with Centro San Bonifacio, Latino Youth/Heart to Heart, Highland School, and East Village Youth Programs to develop educational programs such as “family relationships” for Spanish-speaking teen mothers, bilingual Internet training sessions, and the formation of 4-H club for youth at Centro San Bonifacio. Extension programs such as Family Nutrition Program (FNP) and Expanded Food and Nutrition Program (EFNEP) have served residents of Austin, Humboldt Park, Lawndale, Little Village, Pilsen, and South Chicago. In the summer, FNP staff has provided food demonstrations at Catholic Charities WIC (Women, Infant and Children) food centers. The centers also receive fresh produce through Extension’s Farmers Market Nutrition Program. The produce is grown in Extension supervised urban gardens, including the Cook County Sheriff’s garden (tended by jail inmates).

Spanish Radio Programs

Extension produces two radio programs. Gonzalo Escobar, Extension educator, produces the program “Sí se Puede (It Can Be Done).” This radio program features interviews with social service providers, community activists and others who serve Latinos. This program airs each Sunday on Loyola University’s 88.7 FM. Ben Mueller, Community Development specialist, produces “New Horizons,” a bi-weekly radio program that focuses on community development and family and nutrition programs. New Horizons has its own web site (www.nuevoshorizontes.org) and is also posted on www.netsource.org. CD’s are distributed to radio stations, Extension offices and agencies working with Hispanics.

Community Needs Assessment Conducted

In Beardstown, Extension has partnered with, Kriss Sallee from Project Success-Regional Superintendent’s Office and Nancy Kyrouac, County Health Department to conduct Hispanics’ needs assessments. In April 2001, Extension conducted two focus groups in Spanish. As a result, a group of community organizations such as St. Alexius Church, Beardstown Public Library, schools, Nazarene Church, Youth Attention Center, Beardstown newspapers and others are creating a Hispanic Center in Beardstown.

Internet Masters Youth Program

In Decatur, Marbella Marsh, statewide coordinator of Hispanic Outreach Rehabilitation Program (HORP), and Extension have partnered to pilot “Internet Masters,” a computer program that will involve Hispanic youth during the school year 2001-2002. HORP and Extension are working to identify what Macon County families see as their most pressing concerns. Two issues involve small business development and training for childcare providers. Once a needs assessment is completed, Extension will supply the educational support.

Community & Economic Development Programs

Community and economic development is a focus of outreach in Extension’s Lake County Unit. The Unit has partnered with Mano a Mano, a new Lake County social service organization to provide clients with 4-H youth programs, the Family Nutrition Program, and other Extension resources. Additionally, the Lake County Unit is a pilot site for Extension’s new Internet Masters program that trains volunteers to teach Internet skills. Spanish-speaking volunteers will help bridge the digital divide with the Hispanic community.