The Spanish Action League, also known as La Liga, is undergoing a change of leadership and faces a funding shortfall. The organization serves more than 1,000 people annually. Incoming executive director Luz Encarnacion said the organization wants to broaden its services by adding English as a second language classes for adults and students to help them become bilingual.
“Students, especially our Latinos have a high dropout rate and we want to help prevent that. So, we want to bring tools in so they can stay focused, they can pass state tests," she said. "And they don’t have to take time away from because the parents need them to be their second translator.”
For the upcoming school year, La Liga is also offering afterschool tutoring for students and plans to add more educational programs. Encarnacion said most first-time visitors who walk through La Liga’s doors speak only Spanish.
“To make sure we have representation for all Latin Americans, that we’re saying very clearly, you are welcome here, doesn’t matter where you come from.. Venezuela or Puerto Rico. And we’re all brothers and sisters and we’re all going to help you,” she said.
Encarnacion says other human service organizations and businesses have been helping fill the organization’s funding gaps, but she says the need for fundraising is constant. La Liga is offering an end of summer free community barbeque on September 4th.
