Community Spotlight is on:
New Economics for Women (NEW)
New Economics for Women is a nonprofit grassroots organization, founded in 1985 by a group of Latina activists who set out to reduce poverty by focusing on the needs of women and single parents.
Mission
The mission of NEW is to create economic and educational opportunities for single parents, families, and disinvested communities as a pathway for dreams to come true.
Mission in Action
NEW carries out its mission by: operating quality housing designed for single parents; helping single parents develop strategies and resources for success (by building assets for families); and helping communities transform by developing strategies and resources to eliminate poverty.
Successes
In 1990 NEW built its first 110-unit affordable housing development in Los Angeles , California , with an array of unique supportive programs aimed at helping families move toward economic self-sufficiency. It was the first time in California history that 4-bedroom units included an on-site day care center; an after-school youth program, and a computer and homework assistance center as part of the development project.
To date NEW has completed close to 600 affordable housing units, two charter schools, including a 24- classroom charter school, rehabilitated more than 100 single-family homes in South Los Angeles and sold them to first-time home buyers.
Current Projects
NEW is in the process of completing new for sale homes and condominiums. NEW has completed the Smart Business Center to help small businesses flourish, and NEW serves as the leading agency for a consortium of services, offering case management, legal, health and job training services to families in the Los Angeles area.
Testimonial
"This is like a miracle to me," says Graciela, a resident of the new Tierra Del Sol development.”I feel like the NEW staff is really here to help me and my family get ahead. This gave me new life." Graciela is a single mother of two and works endlessly cleaning homes. Before coming to Tierra Del Sol, Graciela lived in a “a small one-bedroom apartment,” with her family and the adults slept on the floor. In their new five bedroom apartment all of the family members have their own room and have a safe, affordable, quality home. Graciela is thrilled the new school is next door. She feels her children are safer. Graciela saves more time and money than if she had to travel to pick up her children, and this she says affords her more time with her family. Graciela, with the help of her Manager of Family Services hopes to start her own housecleaning business and hopes to hire employees to keep up with the demand for her services.
Su Conexión:
For more information on New Economics for Women, please visit their website at:
www.neweconomicsforwomen.org/
or contact:
Maggie Cervantes, Executive Director
303 South Loma Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90017
TheLatinaVoz.com would like to thank NEW for the great work that they do, and for their dedication to making dreams come true for so many families.
If you would like us to spotlight your organization or community program please contact TheLatinaVoz.com at: Communityspotlight@latinavoz.com.
