In 2006, Hacienda’s Plaza Los Robles, a thriving farmworker community, opened its doors in Molalla, OR. Seventeen years later at 415 Toliver Rd., Plaza Los Robles has evolved into a central location where families come together and connect through Hacienda programming. Read on to learn more about this community and the Hacienda staff that impact the Plaza Los Robles community every day.  

The Molalla team stands alongside City Manager Dann Huff, Mayor Scott Keyser, and Risk Manager Andy Oliva during a 2023 community event.

Farmworkers are the backbone of Oregon’s agricultural economy, yet these workers are some of the lowest paid in the state. Low wages and an overall lack of adequate housing created barriers for families whose primary language is Spanish, who don’t speak English, and who often experience challenges assimilating to a new and sometimes unwelcoming culture. 

In 2006 Hacienda, in partnership with Casa of Oregon, confronted this issue by developing Plaza Los Robles, a 24-unit affordable housing community in the countryside of rural Molalla, to provide housing for farm workers and their families. Located in beautiful countryside, Plaza Los Robles provides affordable housing near the farms where many of its residents work. What sets this community apart outside of its location is the intentionality placed behind the programming and support systems that address the concerns of families. 

At Plaza Los Robles, residents and local neighbors have access to a range of programs offered by Hacienda, including Expresiones, an after-school program designed to support the children of Plaza Los Robles residents. This support has proven to be crucial for families navigating the challenges of assimilation and integration into a new community. Santa Avila, a longtime Plaza Los Robles resident who now serves as a Senior Community Organizer at Hacienda, recalls how as families moved in, it also sparked a sense of belonging among all residents.

Santa, alongside other founding community advocates, saw the needs of families, many of whom are Latino, and began to seek more resources to support community members. In April 2013, after years of being a volunteer, Santa led advocacy work and supported children in the community as the Plaza Los Robles After-School Coordinator. Over time, Santa's tireless advocacy work resulted in the establishment of culturally specific services and partnerships that directly benefit Plaza Los Robles residents. From tax preparation assistance provided by El Program Hispano to instrumental help from partners like the Ford Family Foundation for programs such as Expresiones, these collaborative efforts have significantly enriched the lives of Plaza Los Robles residents.

“My younger siblings and my nephews and nieces were in the program, so I know how much impact Expresiones had to the community of Molalla and Plaza Los Robles…”

Bianca Delgado Mendoza, who embodies the values and legacy of Plaza Los Robles, excitedly joined Hacienda as the newest Program Coordinator for Plaza Los Robles in 2023. Bianca’s family was one of the first to live at Plaza Los Robles and she has seen generations grow up there. “My younger siblings and my nephews and nieces were in the program, so I know how much impact Expresiones had to the community of Molalla and Plaza Los Robles… I wanted to work here because I knew some of these kids since they were very young.”

Bianca believes that Expresiones is an important space for students to access opportunities, such as joining the Lobos and Lobitos soccer team, that otherwise wouldn’t be possible for them. Bianca excitedly mentions “these teams are led by volunteers, and they are known here in Molalla because they are so good!” Los Lobos and Los Lobitos have taken people by surprise and have quickly become a gem in the community after winning many games and tournaments!

Given the demanding workdays of farmworkers, parents frequently depend on after-school programs like Expresiones to provide their children with not only a safe but also a welcoming environment. Bianca says, “I have students who don’t live in Los Robles but are still part of the program. They attend every day even if they don’t live here.”  

As Molalla’s Latino community continued to grow it became apparent that additional help was needed to meet these needs. “Families knew they had after-school help for their kids, but there wasn’t any support for their babies… there was a need there” says April Arellano, a Sembrando Semillitas Early-Childhood Educator.

In mid-2023, the Sembrando Semillitas program launched, and April became Molalla’s first Sembrando Semillitas Coordinator. For April, this was more than a job, it was a way she could help parents gain understanding and feel encouraged, something she needed during her motherhood journey with her four-year-old son. “My son has development challenges… I get to help families, but I am also learning more about how to be a mom for my son.” April’s passion for serving Latino parents stems from her desire to see more culturally responsive resources that reflect the community and people she serves. According to April, there are things that she would never have understood had she not had help during her initial years of parenting. She hopes she can shed some light the same way it was granted to her.    

Plaza Los Robles has become an important place for the Latino community in Molalla, offering opportunities and pride. The community center in Plaza Los Robles is the preferred location for City Council meetings, where community opinions and ideas are regularly voiced. And from this place stems incredibly passionate individuals. For Santa, breaking ground as the first Latina to collaborate with Oregon Health and Science University serves as a powerful platform to advocate for her community and extend outreach to the Latino population in Molalla. Meanwhile, Bianca is nurturing mentoring connections with students who share a similar background, fostering a sense of solidarity and support. Additionally, April is actively searching for new networks to meet the needs of Latino parents, enhancing access to vital resources and services.

"Queremos ser una voz para la comunidad Latina... we want to be a voice for the Latino community," says Santa. "Plaza Los Robles means a lot to many people in Molalla," adds Bianca. We look forward to seeing what is next for Plaza Los Robles as they continue to advocate for and with the community they serve.

Muchas gracias to the Molalla team for pioneering Hacienda programming. We know Plaza Los Robles will continue to demonstrate its community strength for years to come.

Click here to learn more about Hacienda’s Youth and Family Services. 

Vanesa Mendoza-Cruz shares how her desire to SERVE Our community is a direct reflection OF her personal journey. Read more about Vanesa’s story as A hacienda resident to chief of staff to the ceo.

Vanesa Mendoza-Cruz is an example of what it means to exude tenacity, determination, and passion for her community. Most recently named Hacienda’s Chief of Staff, Vanesa has inspired our team and community through her engagement and community advocacy. Throughout her life, Vanesa has demonstrated the importance of elevating voices and stories that speak the truth of our community’s spirit. Read more about Vanesa’s story.   

Vanesa’s journey with Hacienda began twenty-four years ago upon her arrival from Oaxaca, Mexico to NE Portland at age eight. Like many immigrants, her family’s arrival in the United States signified a moment of hope and change. Her childhood was shaped by Portland’s Cully neighborhood. She grew up attending neighboring schools, and lived in Hacienda’s Clara Vista community in apartment thirty-nine; Vanesa’s first home during a time that gave her a place of belonging. “A lot of my memories since I arrived in the United States here happened there in that apartment …” 

As her journey into adulthood began, Vanesa found herself feeling a desire to serve and give back to the community that supported her. After three years of working in the banking industry, she felt compelled to fulfill this passion by finding opportunities to directly engage with community. It was during this waiting period that a temporary three-month Data Entry position opened for the then-Portland Niños program, now Sembrando Semillitas. It wasn’t before long that her passion for our work and community was noticed, and Vanesa transitioned into the role of interim Executive Assistant to the CEO. Yet, due to the role’s short-term nature, she became an Administrative Assistant within the Hacienda’s Real Estate Development program. “I pretty much have worked in every department except Economic Opportunity…”  

As fate would have it, the full-time Executive Assistant position became available and she was offered the opportunity given her natural skillset. For Vanesa, it was both exciting and nerve-wracking; “It was intimidating but I gave it a shot and said yes.” Little did she know her yes to the challenge would result in a six-year career as our CEO’s executive assistant. 

What’s next for Vanesa? She has proudly accepted a recent promotion as Chief of Staff to the CEO.  

“It’s the ‘Hacienda Effect’, everyone who’s worked or been part of Hacienda ends up returning somehow regardless of where they go…”

Vanesa strives to serve her community, and as she explains it, “…meet our communities where they are at.” Meeting communities where they are at means understanding their needs and goals and creating awareness of the various opportunities accessible to them. It means creating a seat at the table but making sure you’re also heard at the table once you’re there.”  

Raising awareness for the needs of our Latino and low-income communities is one of the primary ways Vanesa believes change can occur. Often, community members don’t know the resources they can access, such as schools or after-school programs, so Vanesa makes it a point to inform others and advocate for them.  

Time and time again she has seen Hacienda’s impact and its commitment to uplifting our communities. “It’s the ‘Hacienda Effect’, everyone who’s worked or been part of a Hacienda ends up returning somehow regardless of where they go… Our residents are the main example of this.” For Vanesa, her journey is a clear example of this “Hacienda effect” as her experience as a Hacienda resident led her to return to make a difference and be a leader in her community.  

When looking to the future, Vanesa is excited to continue her work at Hacienda and use her wisdom as well as her personal story to help the organization meet communities where they are. As the new Chief of Staff to the CEO, she aims to foster an environment of hospitality and promote the needs of community members. “I’m looking forward to what’s to come and to continue this work and find ways to meet other community needs. We can work on mental health and see the youth in our programs fulfill their dreams from beginning to end.”  

Vanesa’s story is an example of resilience and passion. Her impact continues to bring unity and hope to many. Let’s celebrate her newest role as Chief of Staff to the CEO and her continued efforts to raise individuals within our communities! Felicidades, Vanesa! 

Hacienda CDC programs encompass our values. Learn more about Hacienda’s mission by clicking here.  

Hacienda CDC’s latest Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), built in partnership with Community Vision, will offer Christin a supportive, on-site, affordable housing solution for her adult sons with disabilities.

Hacienda’s Small Homes Northwest initiative aims to identify new housing solutions to our state’s affordable housing crisis by building and demonstrating the use of ADU’s as affordable housing and offer a unique housing model in dense residential urban areas. Recognizing the urgent need for such housing options, Hacienda CDC embarked on this project and has once again partnered with Community Vision to make a positive difference in the lives of families like Christin and her sons, KeLani and KeJon in Gresham, Oregon.

Christin and her family experienced numerous challenges due to the lack of stable and affordable housing options for adults with differing abilities. Christin, who became a homeowner by purchasing a land trust home with Proud Ground, looked for supportive housing for her oldest son, but only found long waitlists and high costs that her family could not afford. The chance to have an ADU in her backyard offers her sons the opportunity to achieve independence. Her oldest son will move in first, and when her younger son is ready, the second bedroom will be his. Once they are ready to move out on their own, Christin will be able to rent her home to a future low-income tenant, providing a modest stream of income.

The benefits of an accessory dwelling unit are particularly advantageous for individuals needing to stay close to home. Joe WykowskI, Community Vision’s Strategic Housing Outreach Consultant explains, “ADU’s provide an anchor to neighborhoods and the opportunity to live a more self-determined life for individuals experiencing disabilities.” And though still in the final stages of construction, Christin and her family are already hopeful for the future.

“There is no way I could have done this alone,” says Christin, “my family is so grateful for this new space. My boys can now have the independence they crave while also being close to the support they need. This level of independence would never have been possible without this project.”

Christin finalizes her ownership of her family’s new ADU

Hacienda brought multiple partners together to make Christin’s ADU possible including Community Vision, Hampton Lumber, the Kuni Foundation, and Meyer Memorial Trust. The partnership leveraged additional funding and in-kind donations which paired with Christin’s investment to build the ADU. Designed by Mitch Snyder and built by Roost LLC, the ADU will belong to Christin with the requirement that the home be affordable to tenants earning 60% AMI and below for a minimum of 10 years.

By partnering with Community Vision, Hacienda’s Small Homes Northwest initiative provides housing solutions that allow adults with disabilities and their families a new option.

The construction of the ADU was possible thanks to a generous lumber and financial donation from Portland-Based Hampton Lumber, who were inspired to be part of this solution and contacted Hacienda after learning about Small Homes Northwest last year.

“The affordable housing crisis is affecting urban and rural areas throughout the state,” said Kristin Rasmussen of Hampton Lumber.  “We’re proud to be able to grow, harvest, and manufacture sustainable building materials right here in Oregon and to be part of this innovative effort to create more affordable housing opportunities in our communities.”

Community Vision, Hacienda CDC, and Hampton Lumber join Christin and her son in celebrating this milestone

The new ADU, which will be complete this summer, will provide both of Christin’s sons a private and safe living space, fostering a sense of independence while still being connected to family and their support network.

For this family of three, the Small Homes Northwest initiative has been truly life-changing. With a stable living situation, the mother can rest at ease knowing her sons have a safe, nurturing environment that they can call their own.

The success of the Small Homes Northwest initiative in Gresham serves as a beacon of hope for other families facing housing challenges. The program's model highlights the potential of community-driven initiatives in addressing the housing crisis, emphasizing the importance of unique housing options.

“Every ADU we develop with Small Homes Northwest tells a different chapter of our work to combat the housing crisis in Oregon. We wish Christin and her family great joy with their new casita and appreciate the opportunity to pair innovation and partnership to make it possible,” said Ernesto Fonseca, CEO of Hacienda CDC.

This family in Gresham has found a place to call home, enabling them with the new possibility of living independently with dignity and stability. Together, we celebrate their inspiring journey, and are reminded of the profound impact that thoughtful initiatives can have on transforming lives and building a brighter future for all!

Hacienda CDC is proud to announce the grand opening celebration of Las Adelitas, a new community in the heart of Portland’s Cully neighborhood. The community was brought to life on the site of a once-neglected piece of land has now blossomed into a community designed for families and individuals looking for safe and affordable homes. Built with community in mind, Las Adelitas is now a place where residents can thrive and grow and access additional support through Hacienda’s holistic programming and services. 

Attendees at the Grand Opening celebration were able to witness firsthand how Hacienda CDC’s commitment to creating affordable and accessible housing for families and individuals has most recently transformed the Sugar Shack into Las Adelitas, a community named after Female Mexican Revolutionaries, which aims to prioritizes the well-being of its residents and provides a platform for growth and opportunity. 

The program started at 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 9th, with opening remarks by Ernesto Fonseca, CEO of Hacienda CDC, who shared his vision for the project and spoke about Hacienda’s mission to support its existing and growing community. Also in attendance were Governor Tina Kotek, Director Andrea Bell of Oregon Housing and Community Services, Commissioner Carmen Rubio of Multnomah County, Councilor Mary Nolan of Oregon Metro, Bryan Guiney of United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Molly Rogers of the Portland Housing Bureau, Cat Vielma of Red Stone Equity, Alex Salazar of Salazar Architect, Jaclyn Sarna of Hacienda CDC, and Vanesa Mendoza, a long-time Cully community member and Hacienda CDC staff. 

 “We are thrilled to celebrate the grand opening of Las Adelitas and to see this community come to life,” said Ernesto Fonseca, CEO of Hacienda CDC. “Our commitment to creating affordable and accessible housing for families and individuals has transformed the Sugar Shack into a community that prioritizes the well-being of its residents and provides a place for stability, growth, and opportunity. People thought it couldn’t be done, but here we are in the heart of this beautiful space celebrating together. 

 “When we all work together and we’re bold, and tenacious, we get stuff done… This is a community triumph. This project, this community, this home is going to transform this community… and it wasn’t easy but should be easier for communities to put resources together to get people homes in a place like this.” says Governor Tina Kotek  

 “We talk about change and today we are actualizing turning a vision into a force of action. And for me, from my seat, that is what hope looks like, that is what optimism looks like… This is not about numbers or abstracts, but how people are doing. How are the people we serve? And what we are seeing today is the manifestation of that course of action,” says Director Andrea Bell, Oregon Housing and Community Services.  

 The grand opening celebration concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, tours of the community, a dance performance by Peru Baila Asi, and musical performance by Freddy Vilches.  

Ernesto Fonseca, speakers from the grand opening event, and a resident from Las Adelitas are available for interviews by request. 

For more information about Las Adelitas, visit lasadelitas.org 

We are proud to announce Chalise Fiol has been named a 2023 NACLAB Pete Garcia Community Economic Development Fellow!

The Pete Garcia Community Economic Development Fellowship is a year-long leadership training program for Latino leaders from around the country. This year, 18 professionals were selected for this prestigious program that aims to cultivate future Latino leaders.

Established in 2010, the Fellowship was developed to ensure that the next generation of Latinx leaders build practical, personal and professional skills needed to fill the increasing leadership gap in the community development field. It provides mid-career Latinx practitioners with specialized professional development training, preparing them to become strong executive director candidates at non-profits that serve Latino communities.

Chalise currently serves as Hacienda's Economic Opportunity Program Manager. Over the course of 11 years, Chalise has served communities and staff alike, sharing her expertise and dedication to creating economic opportunities for everyone. We celebrate this outstanding accomplishment. We appreciate Chalise’s dedication, passion and leadership and are grateful for her impact in our organization and community!

This year’s title program sponsor is the JPMorgan Chase Foundation with additional support from Capital One.

About NALCAB

The National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders (NALCAB) is the hub of a national network of 200 member organizations that are anchor institutions in geographically and ethnically diverse Latino communities in 45 states, Washington DC and Puerto Rico. NALCAB supports its member institutions through funding, training, research and advocacy, enabling them to invest in their communities by building affordable housing, ensuring equitable neighborhood development, supporting small business growth, and providing financial counseling on issues including credit building and homeownership. As a grantmaker and US Treasury certified CDFI lender with offices in San Antonio and Washington DC, the NALCAB Network serves hundreds of thousands of low- and moderate-income people, advancing economic equity and inclusivity in the communities we serve.

Portland, OR - Hacienda Community Development Corporation (CDC) is pleased to announce that the first residents have moved into Las Adelitas, the organization's newest affordable housing development.

Located at the corner of Killingsworth Street and Cully Boulevard in Portland’s Cully neighborhood, Las Adelitas includes 142 affordable rental apartments and a community event space. The development is designed to meet the needs of low-income families and individuals, with a mix of efficiency, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments as well as amenities such as a playground, bike storage, electric vehicle car-sharing, and a solar buyback program. The complex was designed with community in mind through various community-led workshops that spoke to the needs of families and individuals.

Applications opened September 2022 and are open on a rolling basis for individuals and families that fall below 60% of the area median income.

Las Adelitas is the outcome of a 5+ year community-driven process to transform a former vacated lot that was negatively impacting the vitality of Cully. After a grassroots effort from community and various supporters, in 2015, Hacienda, Verde, and Habitat for Humanity came together to form the coalition, Living Cully to buy the property with the support of CRAFT3, Prosper Portland, Oregon Community Fund, Meyer Memorial Trust, over $50,000 donated directly from community members, and many others. In 2017 Hacienda purchased the entire property to create affordable housing that is so desperately needed.

Aptly named after feminist Mexican revolutionaries, the building brings deep social, economic and environmental benefits to the Cully community. Inspired by community design in every detail, the community also features a large-scale mural by notable artist Michelle Angela Ortiz which features Cully community members and a poem written by a local neighbor.

First resident to Las Adelitas receives keys from Ernesto Fonseca, Hacienda Chief Executive Officer

"We are thrilled to welcome the first residents to Las Adelitas," said Chief Executive Officer, Ernesto Fonseca. "This development was once just a dream, and many people thought it couldn’t be done, now we are welcoming our first residents and celebrating it as an important step in our efforts to provide affordable housing options for low-income families and individuals in the Portland area."

In addition to affordable housing, Las Adelitas also includes a community event space and space for Portland Niños, Hacienda’s program for families with children age 0-5.

Hacienda will be celebrating the official grand opening of Las Adelitas in early Spring. For more information about Las Adelitas and our full list of funders, please visit www.lasadelitas.org.

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Manuela and her family are owners of Loncheria Los Mayas, a staple food cart in the Cully neighborhood, located at Alder Commons. Read more about how she and her family found housing, after-school support, and got on the path to starting their business thanks to support from Hacienda’s affordable housing and holistic programming.

Manuela moved to Portland and hoped to find a safe, affordable space for her husband and three children to live in. Her and her family eventually made it happen when they moved into apartments in Northeast Portland, but soon began facing troubles when their home did not provide adequate living conditions. Her youngest son developed asthma from the walls in their home. This situation caused worry and concern and Manuela knew they would have to move elsewhere to ensure the health of her children.

Although Manuela recognized the necessity to leave their home for the safety of her family, affordability was a priority. Up until that point, she had heard through friends and neighbors about Hacienda CDC and knew about the various programs and services. Community members encouraged Manuela to look into the possibility of renting through the community development organization as it would offer her the opportunity to live in a better environment at a price she and her family could afford. Soon, Manuela and her family of five were welcomed to one of Hacienda’s communities.

Slowly but surely, Manuela regained much-needed hope and began to look into additional Hacienda programming. In doing so, she learned about Expresiones; an after-school and summer enrichment program for youth in Hacienda communities. Even though Manuela helped her three children in whichever way possible, due to her busy schedule and limited schooling in Mexico, she knew she needed additional support for their academics. Her daughters soon obtained on-site homework help from bi-lingual and bi-cultural staff that understood them and their community and had a safe place to go spend their time after school.

Both Manuela and her husband Freddy aspired for more and wanted to build something of their own for their family. Since moving to the United States many years ago, they always dreamed of starting their own business and fulfilling this desire. With a goal and ambition in mind, they began saving to pursue this life-long dream. They soon found it difficult to navigate the many steps of starting a business alone.

“I feel like when you start something big it’s like walking in the dark...Hacienda is a like a light, a beacon, that appeared on the road”

It was at this point that they looked into the Mercado Empresario’s program, Hacienda’s program to support small businesses, from raising captial to business advising and provides bi-lingual and bi-cultural technical support to clients. Once they began the program themselves, they found clarity and a sense of direction to continue on their journey and start their own business with confidence.

In 2016 they opened Loncheria Los Mayas, a food cart in the Cully neighborhood inspired by Manuela and her husband’s indigenous Mexican roots.  This one-of-a-kind food cart can be found in Alder Commons where guests enjoy authentic regional foods—from a classic Yucatan Panucho to handmade tortillas. Every dish at Los Mayas celebrates their love for their home country and is a testament to their culture and their dreams.

Loncheria Los Mayas is far more than just a food cart. As Manuela says, “Our dream is to teach people about our culture and traditional flavors originating from the Mayan times.”.

Manuel now encourages others to learn more about Hacienda, as it is more than just proving affordable housing. She that Hacienda supports many facets of a person’s life and reflects on the support she received by saying, “I feel like when you start something big it's like walking in the dark...Hacienda is a like a light, a beacon, that appeared on the road.”

The success of their business embodies the completion of heartfelt goals. It signifies the challenges and perseverance Manuel and her family endured. From leaving their homeland to making their dreams a reality, Manuela’s journey is a roadmap for others looking to reach their dreams and Hacienda is proud to have been a part of her story.

Follow Loncheria Los Mayas on Instagram and pay them a visit at Alder Commons (4212 NE Prescott St, Portland, OR 97218).

Program Provides $200,000 in Flexible Funding to Each Organization and Leadership Development Training to Advance Economic Mobility in Portland

Portland, Ore. – Programs and services that address economic mobility and community development in Portland will be able to expand and scale their services, helping more people chart a path toward economic opportunity with help from multi-year grants from Bank of America. Hacienda Community Development Corp. (Hacienda CDC) and Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center and Foundation (Virginia Garcia) have been named as the 2022 Bank of America Neighborhood Builders® awardees for their work in the Portland Metro region removing barriers and advancing economic opportunity.  

Each organization receives a $200,000 grant over two years, comprehensive leadership training for the executive director and an emerging leader on topics ranging from increasing financial sustainability, human capital management and strategic storytelling, joins a network of peer organizations across the U.S., and gets the opportunity to access capital to expand their impact. The program continues to be the nation’s largest investment into nonprofit leadership development. Hacienda has proudly named Andréa Guedes, Hacienda’s Communications and Events Manager, as the 2022 Emerging Leader for this award.

“Nonprofits are vital to community resilience and prosperity. By addressing our critical local needs such as affordable housing and workforce development, they are helping to alleviate barriers so that individuals and families can chart a path toward economic opportunity and stability,” said Roger Hinshaw, president, Bank of America Oregon and Southwest Washington. “It is important that we direct capital, other necessary resources and training to support Hacienda CDC and Virginia Garcia for long-term success so they can continue to grow strategically and address the most pressing needs of our region.” 

Hacienda CDC is the largest Latino-led housing organization in Oregon. Their mission is to strengthen families by providing affordable housing, homeownership support, economic advancement and educational opportunities for BIPOC and low-income communities. Hacienda CDC serves over 3,000 community members through affordable housing and a wide array of services such as homeownership classes, after-school programs, and small business advising and technical assistance. They will use their grant funding to launch a new home lending program, which will provide 100% financing for first time-homebuyers that meet participation and income qualifications to provide them with a secure pathway to homeownership.

“We are honored to be the recipient of the Neighborhood Builders grant which will increase our capacity to help community members reach their dreams and goals. For far too long, our Latino and underserved communities have experienced economic hardship and systemic barriers head on; and for the last 30 years Hacienda has been doing the work to provide them with new opportunities and support to build a brighter future,” said Ernesto Fonseca, chief executive officer, Hacienda CDC. “Whether its housing, business advising, and in the near future, home lending, we continue to provide new, innovative pathways that lead to success and stability for our communities. Thanks to investment like the Neighborhood Builders grant, we can continue to deepen our impact and look towards a brighter future for all.”

Virginia Garcia is the largest non-profit community health center in the state that ensures high quality, comprehensive and culturally appropriate access to health care for those who need it most. Virginia Garcia serves more than 52,000 patients in 18 clinics across Washington and Yamhill counties, providing primary care, dental care, pharmaceutical services, and more. They will use their grant funding to expand their new Virginia Garcia Healthcare Workforce Training Program, focused on medical assistants and dental assistants, and help pilot an expansion to include pharmacy technicians.

 “We are grateful to Bank of America for their tremendous partnership and support of our Workforce Development efforts. These programs allow us to support staff and community members from our target populations as they start or advance their careers right here at Virginia Garcia. This generous funding will help us restore and rebuild our care teams, whose dedication in the face of all challenges, keeps our mission alive,” said Stefanny Caballero, executive director, Virginia Garcia Memorial Foundation.

In Portland, 29 nonprofits have been selected as Neighborhood Builders since 2004, with the bank investing $5.4 million into these local organizations.

The invitation-only program is highly competitive, and organizations are selected by a committee comprised of community leaders and past Neighborhood Builders honorees.  

Since 2004, Bank of America has invested over $280 million in 50 communities through Neighborhood Builders, partnering with more than 1,400 nonprofits and helping more than 2,800 nonprofit leaders strengthen their leadership skills. Neighborhood Builders is just one example of how Bank of America deploys capital in communities, builds cross-sector partnerships, and promotes socioeconomic progress as part of its approach to responsible growth.

Effective September 1st Hacienda CDC offices will be closed on Fridays. Existing clients, partners, and funders have been notified of the upcoming change. read on to learn more about this initiative.

Hacienda CDC is proud to announce a four day, 32-hour workweek pilot for our 56 employees effective September 1st, 2022. This initiative aims to support Hacienda’s team in prioritizing their wellbeing and build sustainable work-life balance as they continue to put the needs of the individuals and families we serve at the forefront. Hacienda remains committed to maintaining high-quality services for its residents and community members and looks forward to the positive benefits offered by this alternative work schedule.

A host of data demonstrates the benefits of a 32-hour work week on staff wellbeing, productivity, creativity, and retention. Hacienda CDC hopes that this change will bring lasting impacts to its existing and dedicated workforce, to the organization, and to the community we serve.   

This initiative spearheaded by top leaders at the organization will begin September 1st. In anticipation of this change Hacienda CEO, Ernesto Fonseca remarks, “I am proud to work with a team that is as dedicated and driven as the group we have at Hacienda. Our team takes care of community members, often treating them like family, and now is our opportunity to do the same for our staff. We are excited to pilot a 32-hour work week and we hope this pilot will demonstrate that investing in our team’s wellbeing can bring lasting positive impacts on the work that we do collectively.” 

This change follows an unprecedented pandemic, throughout which, employees in all sectors reflected on the importance of work/life balance, family, and security. Hacienda’s pilot is an effort to support existing staff and their wellbeing as they champion the needs of individuals and families across Northwest Oregon.

“We know that this will take some time to adjust, but we are hopeful that the benefits will outweigh the learning curve of implementing this initiative. Our current and prospective clients will continue to be served to our fullest abilities and efforts.” Says Carolina Castañeda del Río, Chief Operations Officer at Hacienda CDC.   

With this initiative Hacienda CDC is redefining what work can look like during a time when individuals and organizations have been forced to innovate and adapt to changing tides. Hacienda hopes others in Oregon will take innovative steps to support their team’s wellbeing and be inspired by similar initiatives that have been successfully implemented around the world.