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Volunteer-run Los Nogales community center describes free classes, summer programs and turnout
Summary
Representatives of the volunteer-run Los Nogales community center told the Nogales Housing Authority board they offer free citizenship, English and GED classes, summer programming and senior activities, and said the center served roughly 200 people generally and more than 300 this year.
Representatives of the volunteer-run Los Nogales community center told the Nogales Housing Authority Board of Commissioners on July 2 that the center provides free citizenship, English, GED and summer programs and has been growing attendance.
The presentation, delivered in Spanish, described classes and weekly workshops offered without charge and staffed by volunteers. “All the workshops are totally free,” a Los Nogales representative said, adding the group relies on volunteers and T-shirts to identify staff. The presenter said the center runs about 12 workshops across two main program seasons and offers summer programming.
Why it matters: The center is housed in a gym near the Casa De Anza property and is used primarily by nearby residents; the housing authority placed a condition at program start that services prioritize Casa De Anza residents. Board members pressed the presenters about program reach, staffing and funding because the center uses authority-owned space and the authority tracks occupancy and resident services as part of its public-housing responsibilities.
Details of services and reach: The presenter said the center’s regular attendance is “about 200 people since we starting the community center Los Nogales,” and that this year they have served “more than 300 people.” The group reported that 12 people have naturalized as U.S. citizens after taking the center’s naturalization classes. The presenter also said about 12 students are expected to complete GED coursework in September.
Board questions and clarifications: Commissioners asked why the on-site gym space is not used more; the presenters said they have not found a person who can be in charge of the room throughout the day and evening. Commissioner Melendez invited the center to participate in a veterans parade on Nov. 11. Commissioners also asked whether the center serves migrants and whether services are conditioned on immigration status. The presenter said the center does not check legal status; it focuses on “tools that we can provide to migrants people, like English, to become a American citizen, to do the their to get their GED,” and provides services to those who need them, including people in a process toward residency who need language or skills training.
Funding and partnerships: The presenters said the center’s first-year resources came from its own funds and that in subsequent years they applied for grants, including one from a food bank. They said the local housing authority has provided in-kind support such as building electricity. Commissioners confirmed that the center’s operations are volunteer-run and that no staff are paid by the center.
Board reaction and community context: Commissioners thanked the volunteers for their work. Several members emphasized the program’s role helping immigrants integrate, praised its senior programming and noted the center’s role connecting residents with other local services.
Ending: The presenters said a written report is available (the presentation referenced a Spanish report with an offer to provide an English version) and invited board members to visit the center and review schedules.
