CALM is a holistic ministry working with families in the Prospect Avenue Neighborhood. Started in 1996 by a local church and community members

Where we work Prospect is a neighborhood of over 400 primarily single- parent, African- American families as well as several Hispanic, African and Asian families who have recently moved to the area. Includes Blue Ridge Commons

About CALM Work to address the needs of whole people and whole families Spiritual, educational, and economic “Almost 140 children and more than 160 volunteers are involved in weekly meetings -- tutoring, mentoring, eating dinners together, learning the Bible, playing basketball, going on field trips, praying, and just hanging out together.”

Current Programs for Latino Youth Grades K-8 th are served in after- school tutoring/mentoring Evening clubs Field Trips Summer Camp K-4

Current Programs for Latino Adults ESL Family Literacy –Johnson Elementary School and the Adult Learning Center –Over 20 families have participated in past year ESL Tutoring –Latino adult works with bilingual volunteer to practice conversation and improve communication.

Assets of the Latino Community Strong family structure Understanding of importance of hard work Members of churches Strong cultural identity Hospitality

Main Challenges Face all the same challenges as other low-income families, more isolated and left out Unfamiliarity with US systems, foreign ways of doing things Cultural barriers- racism and exclusion Language barriers, problems receiving any services Obtaining documentation Isolation, depression for women

How will we overcome these challenges? Building Community Better communication between schools and families Increased partnership with social services –Facilitate consistent and trustworthy connections Creativity Creciendo Juntos