Community Engagement
Puertas Abiertas Community Resources Center has unique programs to promote leadership and civic participation
Leadership Opportunities and Helping Networks
Using the Latino cultural model of the “extended family”, natural helping networks are created to provide opportunities for the Latino community to come together to build on its own capacity to solve problems, address cultural issues and create a connection to the community as a whole. Natural helping networks are developed around common challenges (such as adolescent involvement with gangs, school dropouts, and generation gap within the Latino community) by bringing together those dealing with difficult issues and those who can share their knowledge and experience on the same issues.
Platicas Informativas
Puertas Abiertas hosts Platicas Informativas (Informative Conversations). These informational meetings focus on different topics related to health, wellness and the community. Partner agencies, local nonprofits and organizations are featured speakers. Topics are investigated in three faces:
- Participants prior knowledge
- Presentation of facts and information
- Acquiring new informational knowledge and applying it to daily living
Subjects of interest for conversations are suggested by participants who are also encouraged and supported in roles as greeters, record keepers and discussion facilitators.
Radio Show
Local KVON 1440 AM offers a two-hours Sunday morning Spanish radio show. Once a month, Puertas Abiertas co-hosts the Primer Contacto (First Contact) Program that offers information regarding services available in the community. The Puertas Abiertas Partners are invited to the radio station to be interviewed by Frances Ortiz-Chavez. Prior to the interview, Frances makes announcements about activities, events for community engagement, and important topics that allows the listeners to stay informed on issues that could have an impact on their health and well-being.
