Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Colaborativa La Milpa
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 528 Emma Road
City: Asheville
State: NC
Postal Code: 28806
Main Phone: 828-515-1230
Main Fax: N/A
Organization Website: https://colaborativalamilpa.org/
Employer ID Number: 20-8303608
Organization Tax Status: 501-C3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/31/2022
Requested Amount: 10000

Project Title: Raíces Summer Camp
Project Description:

In response to requests by working class Latinx families for summer care and enrichment, the Raíces (Roots) program provides 10 days of summer camp for approximately 55 Latinx children and youth, ages 3 – 18. All qualify for free and reduced lunch at school and the camp is free of charge. Campers participate in cultural arts-based activities from a curriculum developed with parents. This draws from the Latin American countries where the families originate. Campers spend organized time in small, age-based groups, sharing experience and learning. Social connection also occurs during snack and lunch time. Building relationships and honoring identity and cultural traditions support Latinx children and families as they navigate the public school environment and the county at-large.

This is the only camp in our area with opportunities for Latinx children to listen, speak, read, and write in Spanish. Research shows the many cognitive and academic benefits that come with being bilingual, and the camp is an opportunity for students to maintain and develop these skills.

There are 20 paid camp instructors who are parents and community members. They plan the camp with Raices Co-Coordinators and educator/curriculum developer Geny Hernandez Lopez. The socio-emotional impact of this intergenerational exchange and leadership development is profound. The children experience leaders who reflect their identity who, in turn, develop skills which can be used beyond the camp. This builds confidence and self-esteem for everyone. Camp wages support the local economy of the Latinx community, which was disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 in terms of percent of cases and loss of work.

Over the past two years, camp played a critical role in supporting the emotional, psychological, and educational wellbeing of children and families during the incredible stress and isolation of the pandemic. Our seventh summer, the 2023 camp will provide continued healing.

Total Project Budget: 42,377

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): The WNC Bridge Foundation, Tzedek Social Justice Foundation, Cathedral of All Souls, Buncombe County

Project Duration: 10 days Summer 2023
Geographical Area Served: Buncombe County North Carolina
Age Group To Be Served: 3-18

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Ami
Contact Last Name: Worthen
Contact Title: Cultivadora
Contact Phone: 828-515-1230
Contact Email: ami@colaborativalamilpa.org