by Ileana Martinez | Aug 12, 2024 | Affiliate News
In June 1972, in the urban landscape of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York, a small group of community residents embarked on a remarkable journey of determination and purpose. Faced with the daunting challenges of landlord abandonment, the withdrawal
of vital city services, and the scourge of illegal evictions aimed at reshaping the neighborhood’s ethnic fabric, these individuals rallied together under the banner of Los Sures.
“Much of our community’s resilience stems from a shared struggle to nurture what exists today,” says Juan Ramos, Executive Director. “Puerto Ricans, alongside other communities like Dominicans and Mexicans, opened doors and forged bonds. Despite
our diverse origins, unity became our strength. When faced with challenges, we rallied together, fighting for our identity and representation. In time and through initiatives like our community art gallery, we have come to celebrate our heritage, ensuring our
story endures and inspiring the present and future generations,” adds Ramos.
With only a handful of volunteers and minimal staff, they took on the monumental task of rebuilding their beloved Southside community. Their vision was clear: reclaiming control over their housing and future. It was a fight not just for physical buildings but for the very soul of their neighborhood.
“Growing up in a struggling community, I witnessed firsthand the impact of gentrification and the challenges faced by seniors and victims of violence,” recalls Ramos. “Today, my personal experiences drive my commitment to this work. Our organization stands as a beacon of resistance against displacement. Despite our community’s transformation, we refuse to be priced out. We fight
to preserve our presence and advocate for our right to remain in our neighborhood.”
Fast-forward 51 years, and the landscape
of Williamsburg has undergone a profound transformation. What was once an affordable haven has become a magnet for a burgeoning artistic community, driving up rents and leaving longtime residents struggling to make ends meet. In the face
of this gentrification tsunami, Los Sures is a bastion of hope and support for those in need. Ramos expresses gratitude for the vision and actions of earlier advocates. “History grounds us, anchoring our organization and me in this community’s journey,” he states. “Our predecessors’ resilience birthed our existence, providing a foundation of purpose. As torchbearers, we must advance their legacy, fostering resistance and guiding future leaders. We’re entrusted with empowering others and ensuring our community’s
ongoing evolution. It’s a cycle of resilience and progress, a testament to our collective strength,” he adds.
The organization has evolved to meet the changing needs of its community, offering a diverse array of resources and services. From affordable housing and tenant organizing to senior residential and recreation centers, a hydroponic farm, and a local food pantry, Los Sures is a lifeline for countless individuals and families facing economic hardship. At the core of its mission, the Real Estate
Development Department tirelessly acquires and develops low-income housing, breathing new life into neglected buildings. With over 5,000 units rehabilitated and constructed, they pave the way for affordable living, empowering local families to thrive.
Their funding sources, from governmental entities to financial institutions, underscore their dedication to accessible housing.
“Los Sures faces unique challenges as a nonprofit management and development company. We lack the same opportunities as for-profit developers, and maintaining affordable housing becomes increasingly difficult with rising costs. Balancing affordability while covering expenses requires creativity and accessing subsidies for tenants. We’ve learned that offering affordable housing
isn’t enough; wrap-around services are essential. Residents shouldn’t have to choose between basic
needs and housing.”
Meanwhile, the Tenant and Community Organizing Departments form the backbone of grassroots advocacy, rallying residents
around vital issues. From tenants’ rights to civic engagement, these departments foster solidarity, ensuring that the voices of the South Side are heard. Through education and empowerment, they cultivate a sense of ownership and agency within the community.
In tandem, the Social Services Department offers a lifeline to those in need, employing a holistic, community-based approach. From individual case management to crisis intervention, they provide comprehensive support, guiding formerly homeless tenants toward stability. With its innovative Hydroponic Farm, the bustling Los Sures Food Pantry nourishes over 800 individuals monthly, addressing food insecurity at its root.
Amidst this tapestry of support, the Los Sures “David Santiago” Senior Center stands as a vibrant hub of companionship and care. Here, eighty seniors find nourishment for both body and soul daily, enjoying hearty lunches and engaging in social recreation.
“Being recognized by a national organization of committed Latinos is an honor, acknowledging our agency’s efforts to empower our community. It underscores our unity and the importance of sharing opportunities and camaraderie among Latino leaders and organizations. This exchange of information fosters collective progress and strengthens our bonds.”
United in purpose, the departments of Los Sures exemplify the transformative power of community-driven initiatives. Together, they weave a safety net of support, empowering residents to build brighter futures in the heart of Brooklyn’s South Side.
“Looking ahead, the next phase involves welcoming new community members and ensuring our developments cater to their needs,”
says Ramos. “Completing projects like housing 94 low-income senior units with adequate social services is just the beginning. Our efforts in the next years will shape the legacy of Southside United for the next 51 years. Inspiring young leaders ensures our organization’s continued impact and relevance,” he says.
by Ileana Martinez | Jul 11, 2024 | Affiliate News
In the vibrant heart of Washington, DC, a dynamic spirit of learning and achievement ignites the Multicultural Career Intern Program (MCIP) corridors. More than just a family, MCIP has cultivated an entire community—a tapestry woven from its members’ diverse voices, backgrounds, and experiences. In this bustling hub of ambition and collaboration, individuals unite in a shared pursuit of academic excellence and personal growth.
MCIP is where dreams take flight, barriers are shattered, and lives are transformed for the betterment of oneself and the uplifting of all touched by its profound influence. Welcome to MCIP, where the journey of discovery knows no bounds. “Our focus is on preparing young people to succeed in academics and to be leaders in their community,” says Maria Tukeva, MCIP Founder. “This also means becoming leaders in the quest for social justice, and we do this through providing them with educational experiences that help them become designers of their future,” she adds.
The year was 1979 when a beacon of hope first emerged on the educational horizon – the inception of MCIP. Founded with a noble purpose, MCIP aimed to cater to the overlooked potentials of promising students, many of whom hailed from low-income backgrounds and belonged to linguistic minority groups. “From the beginning, we had a long-standing commitment to college and career success for not only Latino young people but all young people of color and that as a school and its associated foundation, they were and are today our number one priority,” she says. Yet, Tukeva saw that these bright minds were slipping through the crevices of the SER America · Spring 2024 16efficient model where the school does instructional services during the day. MCIP does enhanced and extended instructional services after school through the evening. Our efficiency benefits every student because we have different grants that complement what the school does. It perfectly complements the instructional vision and the idea of 100% college attendance preparation and resilience. If college is not attainable, we endeavor 100% career viability, so no child is left behind.” conventional public schooling system or had already been discarded from its confines. Maria identified many factors contributing to this educational exodus: an absence of cultural and linguistic sensitivity, systemic apathy, and a deficiency in teacher training and support. Moreover, low expectations existed for student achievement, inadequate curricular offerings, and a heavy reliance on punitive measures like suspensions and expulsions.
Maria saw a better way, and so did the community that joined her. To combat this educational injustice, they embarked on a journey over three decades ago, initially welcoming 40 students who had either been pushed out or had willingly dropped out of the District of Columbia public schools. By the close of a decade, in 1989, MCIP had blossomed into a full-fledged alternative school, serving a daily cohort of 600 students. This marked the genesis of BMHS – Bell Multicultural High School – born from the merger of MCIP’s core instructional program with the Bell Career Development Center.
Despite many challenges, MCIP surged forward, adapting its methodologies to meet the evolving needs of the BMHS student body. A significant milestone was reached in 2008 with the merger of BMHS and Lincoln Multicultural Middle School, giving rise to the Columbia Heights Educational Campus (CHEC), a groundbreaking institution spanning grades 6 through 12 – a first in Washington D.C. history.
Along the way, Kapindi Kroma joined MCIP and helped Maria and the leadership team expand services to fulfill the mission. Today, he serves as Executive Director of MCIP. “Our programs are run as an efficient model where the school does instructional services during the day. MCIP does enhanced and extended instructional services after school through the evening. Our efficiency benefits every student because we have different grants that complement what the school does. It perfectly complements the instructional vision and the idea of 100% college attendance preparation and resilience. If college is not attainable, we endeavor 100% career viability, so no child is left behind.”
For Maria and Kapindi today, inclusiveness at MCIP is more than just a word. “One thing that we realized when students returned from the pandemic was that engagement was never what we wanted it to be,” says Maria. “After the pandemic, it was even more challenging, and students had decided to do other things. So, we realized we had to change how we were doing things. We needed to know what they wanted, so we’ve focused on student voice and choice over the past two years. We are incorporating what students wish to do in everything from the cafeteria food to the curriculum to how we do the master schedule for the day.”
Kapindi echoes those sentiments and speaks of the strength that comes from a united effort. “Voice and choice are powerful, and the MCIP board has always had student representation. Our bylaws call for at least three student representatives. Now, the school is incorporating that voice and choice philosophy into its strategies and structures. We instill in all of our students that if they take the work seriously, there is nothing that they can’t do. This belief is why we have a delinquency intervention program plus targeted literacy intervention. During the school day, we ask struggling students to come to one-on-one sessions where they can counsel and instruct so they know we care and we’re here to help them succeed.”
This union has broadened MCIP’s outreach and diversified its efforts to encompass middle school education. Today, MCIP stands as a beacon of educational equity, offering myriad evidence-based instructional and support services to bridge the achievement gap for the 1400 students and families comprising CHEC. MCIP continues to pave the path toward a brighter future for all through unwavering dedication and innovative approaches.
“It is wonderful that SER National recognizes MCIP, but mostly because that’s how we started,” recalls Maria fondly. “We would not be here if it weren’t for SER National. We go back to 1979 when I first worked on the proposal for the school with a team of people from SER National. Seeing how far this initiative has gone and can continue for many years is exciting and personally rewarding to experience,” she adds.
Kapindi speaks of the ambitious opportunities beyond the horizon that MCIP is also working to realize. “We are on a journey to create the nation’s first youth-run community development corporation, or CDC, where students come to school and learn the tools to solve problems within their community. Their education is no longer something that they must wait ten years to start applying. Now, reading makes sense, and math makes sense. So do negotiation debates and understanding contracts. All these types of things are relevant and important right now. When we create the CDC, it will be student led and a component to really refining public education that rarely ever changes.”
What does Maria see ahead? The path is promising for her and closely linked to those who will help shape it. “I see us becoming even more of a youth-oriented agency where we incorporate youth voices, not just like a little committee here and there, but everywhere because they are our future. I see us as an organization incorporating them into everything we do and create for tomorrow. What we can achieve is limitless and exciting.”
by Ileana Martinez | Jul 2, 2024 | News & Updates
At SER National, July 4th holds profound patriotic importance, as it is for all Americans, marking the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Although it only became a federal holiday in 1941, its celebration dates back to the late 18th century. The holiday is known for its vibrant displays of the American flag and fireworks as we honor our founders’ sacrifices for freedom.
“At SER National, we strive to instill in each of the more than one million stakeholders we serve every year that the greatest freedom is the privilege and opportunity to decide for themselves how they will fulfill their purpose in their lives and within society,” says Ignacio Salazar, President and CEO. “Our role is to inspire independence, explore their talents and skills, and help shape those into a new career, profession, trade, or business. The SER Network of Affiliates encourages its staff to celebrate the core values each of them brings to the team. Together, they can achieve greater success. In the same way, July 4th reminds us we are greater together,” he adds.
Another significant aspect of July 4th is the reminder that individual Americans can improve the workplace. Each person is instrumental in shaping the prosperous country we know today. We champion the standard workday, weekends off, paid vacations, and numerous other labor privileges each of us enjoy.
“This workplace landscape is bearing fruit at a record level,” says Salazar. “According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau for Labor Statistics, three of every four women in America are working and earning money for themselves and their families. Meanwhile, the rate of men working is better than before the pandemic, or 86.4%,” he adds.
This trend reflects our country’s resilience and the American spirit of adapting and overcoming challenges, which is as strong as ever. As we celebrate this long weekend, let us recognize our achievements and the blessings they bring to our country. Yet, let us strive for even more workplace equity and equality.
“I would encourage everyone this July 4th to go out and enjoy their time with family and friends, mindful of how fortunate we are to work, live, and play in the USA,” says Salazar. “May this holiday be a time to reach out to neighbors we may not know or make new friends in the spirit of a birthday where each of us plays an important role. SER National will continue to promote that spirit year-round so that every day is a new opportunity to be proud of being an American,” he adds.
Happy Independence Day from SER National and the SER Network of Affiliates!
by Ileana Martinez | Jun 14, 2024 | News & Updates
SER National joins the nation in commemorating Juneteenth, a pivotal moment in our history that marked a new beginning for countless individuals. On this date in 1865, Union Army General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the freedom of more than a quarter-million enslaved people. This proclamation came two and a half years after the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous day was celebrated with jubilant expressions of culture, faith, and community – the very essence of the Juneteenth observances we witness today.
“On Juneteenth, SER National and the SER Network of Affiliates proudly celebrate the diversity of our nation’s workforce,” says Ignacio Salazar, President and CEO. “Also, we acknowledge the individual skills, talents, experiences, and perspectives that we share when we can come together in whatever industry we choose. Yet, we can continue to have our identity and uniqueness as individuals. Yes, America may be a melting pot in many ways because unity of purpose strengthens us. However, having our personal daily preferences in food, music, clothing, and so many other aspects of our lives is also a freedom we enjoy in this country,” he adds.
As Juneteenth festivities expanded beyond Texas, they symbolized resilience and cultural pride and reminded of the ongoing pursuit of racial justice and equality. The designation of Juneteenth as a federal holiday in 2021 was a significant acknowledgment of our nation’s journey and the work that remains.
Despite progress, disparities persist in the American workforce. Research by McKinsey & Company shows that Black employees face systemic challenges, including higher unemployment rates and wage gaps, particularly in transportation, healthcare, retail, and service industries. These findings underscore the importance of Juneteenth’s message in the modern workplace: the call for a society where every individual can thrive in their chosen field without prejudice.
Salazar further emphasizes the broader implications of Juneteenth: “Another important truth of Juneteenth is that we are blessed with another opportunity to reflect upon the promise of America and ask ourselves what else can I do to make sure that every person is included in the fulfillment of that dream. Our workplace every day gives us each a new chance to interact with each other respectfully and with genuine appreciation, making it a safe and welcoming space for all. May Juneteenth 2024 be another step forward toward achieving that goal.”
As we observe Juneteenth, let us honor the past while actively shaping a future where the workplace is a bastion of inclusivity, respect, and equal opportunity for all.
by Ileana Martinez | May 31, 2024 | News & Updates
SER National and the SER Network of Affiliates proudly support Pride Month, celebrated annually in June. The month is filled with colorful parades, festivals, and events that promote inclusivity and celebrate the diversity of sexual orientations and gender identities.
“Pride month is a vibrant and joyous recognition of the LGBTQ+ community and their significant contributions to the nation’s economic strength and our society’s fabric,” says Ignacio Salazar, President and CEO. “It is a time to honor their resilience and to advocate for equality, acceptance, and human rights, especially in our workforce, where we can each make meaningful contributions,” he adds.
One of the best ways to participate in Pride Month is to attend events and encourage conversations in a spirit of learning and appreciation for everyone. These gatherings show solidarity and are an opportunity to be immersed in a supportive and inclusive atmosphere. Americans can celebrate diversity and focus on the positive ways to share in our country’s promise for all.
“Educating ourselves is another important aspect of Pride Month,” says Salazar. “SER National respects the important history and ongoing struggles of the LGBTQ+ community among the more than one million people we serve yearly and in our SER family of team members. We can each foster greater understanding and empathy to help promote safer and more inclusive workplaces. This atmosphere generates more cohesive and productive teams working in harmony,” adds Salazar.
Supporting LGBTQ+ organizations and advocacy are two other meaningful ways to contribute. Donations to organizations that champion equality and provide vital support can make a significant impact. Volunteering our time or skills can also uplift and empower LGBTQ+ individuals. Being an advocate means standing up for what is right in our community and beyond.
“At SER National and the SER Network of Affiliates, we are dedicated to being strong supporters of ALL values of respect and affirmation of all individuals,” says Salazar. “Our programs and services across America and Puerto Rico are extended to people of all identities and within our staff at all levels. This commitment reflects the importance of embracing diversity and fostering a genuinely inclusive environment where everyone can thrive,” he adds.
May we celebrate Pride Month through uplifting messages on social media, amplifying stories, and being beacons of love and respect related to rights and acceptance. Let us help make our country an example for the world as a land of inclusivity founded on the principles that every individual has the God-given right to exist and realize their full potential in safety, peace, and happiness. Happy Pride Month 2024!
