Latino Service Providers Sonoma County (LSP-SC)
was founded in 1989 and formalized in 1991 by Latino leaders to help Latinos in Sonoma County obtain knowledge and access to resources that can enrich lives and help improve our communities. It is currently comprised of over 600 members from a broad spectrum of the Latino community as well as diverse community-based organizations.
Sonoma County’s Latino population
is growing at a rapid rate. In 2038, Latinos will be the largest ethnic group in Sonoma County and by 2050 Latinos will be the majority, a staggering 51%. This increasingly high growth rate means that we have a window of opportunity to foster a skilled and educated workforce that the job market and an increasing retired population will depend on. There are also critical challenges.
The high school drop-out rate (4.4%)
is significantly higher than any other ethnic group and only about 7% of all Latinos in Sonoma County hold a degree higher than a high school diploma.
An average Latino family income is
about $48,469 a year. With such low income, access to a healthy lifestyle and preventative care becomes crucial, especially because Latinos have the highest uninsured rate of any ethnic group within the U.S. An investment in the Latino population today, will result in a better future for everyone in Sonoma County tomorrow.
Many Latinos fail to benefit from
opportunities to live better lives due to the lack of knowledge about resources. It is time to bridge the gap between the resources and the people who need them!
Our Mission
The LSP-SC mission is to serve and strengthen Latino families and children by building healthy communities and reducing disparities within Sonoma County. LSP-SC works within the community to engage, collaborate, and exchange valuable information; to increase awareness of available resources, access to programs and services; to influence public policy, delivery of services, enhance inter-agency communication; and to promote professional development within the Latino population. A main focus for all LSP-SC activities is to reduce the risk of mental illness by increasing community access to mental health prevention and early intervention services.
The Latino Service Providers Sonoma County promotes a variety of mechanisms to accomplish our mission and provide valuable benefit to its members. We do this by: distributing weekly e-newsletters, conducing monthly meetings, maintaining a vibrant website of resources and information. We also collaborate with our members on projects and planning as time allows and when appropriate. See below for a detailed summary of these services.
BENEFITS TO BEING A MEMBER
Monthly LSP-SC Meetings
Join other LSP-SC members at our monthly meetings. The meetings enhance member collaboration and create stronger community networks in Sonoma County. Every month a new host agency will highlight their program, services, staff, and location. The host provides meeting space and a light refreshment. Attendees are given a few minutes to introduce themselves and share announcements from their organization or group and are encouraged to bring educational materials to share. Meetings are usually held on the last Thursday of the month from 11:30am to 1:00pm. You do not have to be Latino or speak Spanish to attend. All community members are welcome! To view the 2011 Meeting Schedule click HERE.
Electronic Newsletter (Eblast)
Weekly electronic newsletters are sent in a timely manner to our members. E newsletters consist of vital information that is relevant to the Latino community. Announcements include among many others: Employment opportunities, community events, free or low cost educational classes, low cost health and mental health wellness programs. To view our past announcements click HERE. To submit an announcement click HERE.
Website
The LSP-SC website serves as an important hub for outreach, information, and available resources. Visitors can access past e-newsletters, educational information, programs, events, and links to other services and agencies. Visit our website at www.latinoserviceproviders.org
Collaborations and Partnerships
We strive to develop collaborative relationships with Sonoma County’s agencies by participating in their event planning sessions when appropriate, and as time allows. Our goal is to increase cultural competency, and help advocate for Latinos in Sonoma County. LSP-SC participates in a variety of community events and educational programs that serve the Latino population.
Become a Member Today!
To become an LSP-SC member, click HERE and submit the online electronic form!
