A multifaceted celebration of living, learning, and community

Portland, OR- May 19, 2011- A sunny sky greeted happy families and community members as they gathered at Hacienda CDC’s Ortiz Community Center on the evening of May 19. It was as if nature itself could not help but join in the celebration as Hacienda recognized three major milestones: the rededication of Villa de Sueños, an affordable housing community that underwent a $2.8 million renovation; the graduation of 33 adult learners from our Plaza Comunitaria adult education program; and the launch of Hacienda’s Adopt-a-Learner sponsorship initiative.

This family-friendly celebration saw Portlanders from all walks of life enjoying handmade tamales provided by Hacienda’s own Micro Mercantes microenterprise program. Hacienda residents, business professionals, and city officials all took part in the fun. Commissioner Nick Fish addressed the crowd, thanking the major partners for their work on Villa de Sueños and welcoming its residents to their improved homes. “Too many Portlanders are being turned away from housing because of their race, national origin, disability and family status,” said Commissioner Fish. “I am humbled to be here with you today to celebrate the work of a fantastic organization, Hacienda CDC, working so hard to ensure opportunities for Latino families in Cully.” The Commissioner was joined by Margaret Van Vliet of Portland Housing Bureau and Patrick Quinton of Portland Development Commission, two organizations that were instrumental in bringing about the renovation.

The event also marked the graduation of 33 adults from Hacienda’s Plaza Comunitaria curriculum. Plaza allows Spanish speakers of all nationalities to earn the primary and secondary education certifications they were unable to earn as children in their home countries. Through the Mexican Consulate’s Institue for Adult Education (INEA), participants gain an internationally recognized diploma as well as access to Hacienda’s entire menu of culturally specific development programs. Two graduates shared their inspiring stories of overcoming obstacles and how an education has changed their lives, and all those in attendance celebrated as students received their certificates from the Hon. Enrique A. Romero Cuevas, Consul of Mexico. Hacienda then informed the crowd of a new way they could make the dream of an education possible for these students- by becoming a sponsor. We are happy to report that the event generated our first sponsor, and we hope the program continues inspiring others to support the dreams of these families.