El Sol Shines Dec/Jan 2016 1

El Sol Shines“working together for a better community”

El Sol Launches Computer-Based Training Program

December/January 2016 Volume 8, Issue 1

In This Issue:

• Plazas Comunitarias.... 2

• Rising Leader ...... 2

• Featured Volunteer ......... 3

• Featured Worker 3

• Parenting Class ...... 3

• New Hires ....... 4

• El Sol Success.... 5

• MLK Celebration.... 5

• Health and Safety .......... 6• Scripps Family Science Night 7

• Baby Shower ...... 7

• Thanksgiving ... 8

• Christmas at EL Sol 9

• In Memorium...... 10

• Upcoming Events .......... 11

• El Sol Info .......... 12

In late 2015, El Sol became Nonprofits First Accredited. This mark of distinction demonstrates El Sol’s commitment to accountability, competence and excellence in nonprofit management. The accreditation process was long and tedious, but worth it in the end. The accreditation team evaluated standards in a number of key areas, including: board governance, strategic planning, fundraising, risk management, human resources, and financial management. The accreditation further strengthened El Sol’s reputation and credibility in the community and with potential donors. Although it has only been a month, El Sol will begin the renewal process again for the 2016 year.

El Sol would like to give a special thanks to Office Manager Karen Clark for spearheading this effort!

El Sol is Nonprofits First Accredited!

to meet the highest performance standards in each sector, utilizing the best customer service protocols, as well as safety and hygiene measures.

The pilot program will run on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 9 AM to 11 AM for a period of 11-weeks with 25 students per class. To date, 63 workers have registered for the program. After completion, workers will receive a certificate from the Carlos Slim Foundation.

“This endeavor requires the strong involvement from the community, educational forces and potential employers. El Sol has been in talks with potential partners in hope of offering pre-apprenticeship or apprenticeship programs to workers, which will give them access to various trades and techniques, and help them become economically self-sufficient and competitive in the labor market,” says Associate Director Dora Valdivia.

El Sol would like to thank Dora Valdivia, Katerina Pecora, Kyle Pierce, Carlos Gonzalez, Melanie Oats, and Guillermo Zacarías for making the program a reality.

El Sol launched an ambitious vocational training pilot program called “Capacítate para el Empleo” (Training for Employment) as part of the Worker Development Project.

The free computer-based training program was developed by the Carlos Slim Foundation, and is meant to be used by individuals of all ages. No prerequisite training is required. The training covers different technical occupations across diverse sectors, such as: elderly care, painting, drywall installation, beauty consulting, and much more. The program is designed

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A program created by the Mexican government to teach literacy skills to native Spanish speakers is officially underway at Jupiter High School, as part of a partnership between the School District of Palm Beach County and El Sol.

A little background: According to UNESCO, 25.5% of Guatemala’s population is illiterate, with illiteracy rates up to more than 60% in the indigenous population, and this does not account for those who are considered “functionally illiterate.” With such a high rate of illiteracy, it becomes evident that programs like Plazas Comunitarias are needed to help individuals complete their primary and secondary education. Without a proper foundation in their own language, it is even more difficult to master English and fully integrate into society.

The Plazas Comunitarias program was created in 2001 under Mexican President Vicente Fox and accepted in the United States in November 2004. This program was part of a memorandum of understanding between the two countries, and now is part of the joint effort between Jupiter High School and El Sol to help immigrant students integrate into their new home. The expanded program aims to support students who lack literacy skills in Spanish. “When a school aged child comes to the United States, he/she is placed in a school grade according to his/her chronological age. But the child’s academic background is far behind if compared with his or her chronological age. As a result, the child frequently struggles academically. He or she ends up dropping out from school and begins seeking employment,” said Dora Valdivia, El Sol’s Associate Director.

In order to alleviate this problem, Mrs. Valdivia held several meetings with the School District in 2015 that ended up in the start-up of a pilot program at Jupiter High School on November last year. Currently, there are 30 students attending the Plazas Comunitarias program as a satellite program.

Plazas Comunitarias gives individuals the knowledge and skills that are needed for advancement. This program also addresses the personal, family, work, and social spheres, and assists the student to raise his or her quality of life. To date, numerous students registered for the program and qualify to receive an official certificate from the Mexican Department of Education. Hopes are high that this program will raise the high school graduation rate among the Hispanic population.

Helping the Hispanic Community Succeed at High School Level

El Sol would like to congratulate Katerina Pecora, AmeriCorps VISTA Leader, for her acceptance into the Nonprofits First Rising Leaders Program. The Rising Leaders program was launched in 2005 for emerging and aspiring leaders to move to the next level of personal and professional growth. Participants learn effective strategies to handle major leadership and organizational challenges. Kate began her training on January 14 and will graduate from the program in late June. “Kate was chosen for her high leadership potential in the nonprofit sector. We’re excited to have her represent El Sol,” said Associate Director Dora Valdivia. Congratulations, Kate!

Rising Leaders

And, in 2015, a total of 16,334 workers were hired!

In 2015:

Did You Know....

Average/ Month Data# Hired 1322% Hired 40.75%Average wage $10.77# of job requests 830New Employers 107New Workers 36

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Featured VolunteerCarmen Torzolini

Featured WorkerNelly Bohórquez

Carmen Torzolini is originally from Santiago, Dominican Republic and moved to Queens, New York when she was 26-years-old. She did not know the language when she first arrived and took English classes to master the language. After marrying her Italian husband, Carmen took on the challenge of learning a third language and is fully trilingual. Carmen always dreamed of becoming a teacher, but she decided to earn a degree in Computer Technology from Empire State College. “I hated computers!” she exclaimed. Carmen and her husband frequently visited Jupiter on vacation and made the decision to move down after he retired.

Although her husband had plans to retire, Carmen did not. Carmen picked up a part-time working for the building department at the Town of Jupiter. She transferred over to full-time and became an integral part of the staff. “Since I worked for the town, I am very familiar with the history of El Sol,” but she had not thought of volunteering until Sister Beatrice of St. Peter’s Catholic Church invited her to teach a class. “I saw how much the students needed to learn how to read and write. They couldn’t write their own name,” she said. “I understood them. They were hungry, tired from work; how could they learn with an empty stomach? For the longest I brought my students snacks. ‘I do this for you,’ I would tell them.”

Carmen volunteers every Thursday and Friday night in the Plazas Comunitarias Program. “Not many people want to volunteer on Friday nights, but if I make a commitment, I stick to it.” Carmen still finds time to teach CCE (Continuing Christian Education) classes to second graders for their first communion. She also loves to spend time with her two sons, José and Ruby; meditate, walk, and do yoga. “I’m so proud with how El Sol has grown. It does not reject anyone,” she added.

Nelly Bohórquez, was born and raised in Villamaría, Caldas, Colombia, and moved to Bogotá as an adolescent. She married and had three beautiful children. On December 4, 2014, she started her adventure to a new country, which will later become her new home. “I was invited on a two-month trip to Jupiter, Fla. I had never left Colombia before that day. This was my opportunity to learn about the culture, language, and see a different part of the world.” Nelly calls Jupiter her home now, but it took a series of events to lead her to El Sol.

Nelly was walking a friend’s dog, Lola, when she bumped into a neighbor who offered to show her around town. With Lola on hand, Nelly’s neighbor took her to the Tequesta Library where she met librarian Angela Renna. “Angela was so sweet and helpful. She gave me a flyer about El Sol and told me to register and so I did.” Nelly has been a part of the El Sol family ever since.

Nelly is an active student in the ESL program. “After going out for my first job, I quickly knew that I needed to learn English.” Nelly admits that she is far from being fluent, but she has noticed small improvements. “I am so grateful for all the services that El Sol offers. Everyone has the opportunity to learn and grow here, and receive individual attention from staff and volunteers. This is why I give back as much as I can.” Nelly helps in the kitchen, goes out for community service events, and was one of the first to register for the Worker Development Project.

Outside of El Sol, Nelly is a fan of cumbia music and Mexican artist Vicente Fernandez. She is also a fan of the theatre. Some would even say she was destined for the stage. “I’ve been told that I make exaggerated gestures and facial expressions, and it is true. I need to move my hands and body when I talk.” Wherever she may be in five years, Nelly hopes to be happy and have a stable job.

El Sol’s Parenting Class Offers Support and EducationThe School for Parents Program launched on September 12, 2015, and has been in full swing ever since. The Program is preparing for its spring semester which starts on Saturday, January 30! Parents will learn to strengthen their parenting skills, and foster communication in the household and community. To date, 46 families have attended at least one class and 57 percent have attended more than one.

El Sol is thankful to Allegany Franciscan Ministries for its funding and for our partnership with Kidz Exploration. A special thanks to Stella Velez, Marilyn Joy Megetchin, Blanca Diaz, Egly Bernard, and Leydey Torsey, as well as our wonderful volunteers who gave up their Saturday mornings. Let’s hope for another fruitful and successful semester.

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New Hires!!E L S O L S H I N E SE L S O L S H I N E S

Karen Lau received her Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Human Resources Management from the Universidad Galileo in Guatemala City. She also received her MS in Coursework Quality Management and Organizational Development from her alma mater. Karen has been in the Human Development field for the past 15 years and has been with companies like Braman Motorcars, Multiproyectos, Pollo Campero and Tigo. Karen joins El Sol as the Volunteer Coordinator and will oversee volunteer recruitment and placement, community service projects, and the Volunteer Recognition Ceremony. Outside of El Sol, Karen is a leadership coach and motivational speaker. “It is

not a job, it is a lifestyle. My passion for people´s growth has taken me to more places than I could ever imagine. I believe that all major changes begin within people´s mind and that one person can make the difference if it’s ignited!”

Karen Lau: Volunteer Coordinator

Ismael Villatoro is originally from Chiapas, Mexico. He came to Jupiter, FL in 2007 and in 2008; he joined El Sol as a day laborer. This gave Ismael an inside look at how the labor program worked and it has served him well in his position as the Assistant Labor Coordinator. Ismael is proud to give back to El Sol, which has given him so much.

After attending English classes at El Sol, he learned that he could attend school and finish his high school education. While at Jupiter High School, he envisioned being able to achieve his dream of becoming an engineer. Ismael was accepted into the engineering program at Florida

Atlantic University and is currently in his final year to receive his Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Ismael is happily married to his wife Deysi, and they are proud parents to their young son, Ethan. They are happy for all the opportunities that Jupiter offers and plan to make this their permanent home.

Ismael Villatoro: Full-time Assistant Labor Coordinator

Mariluz Perrott graduated from the Universidad Santiago de Cali with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering and a minor in Business Administration. She also received a certificate in English as a Second Language (ESL) from Valley Regional Adult Education in Shelton, CT. Mariluz has worked in a number of fields like kitchen design, IT support, engineering firms, and administrative roles in various companies. She is currently the General Office Manager at Health Management Ventures, as well as the Plazas Comunitarias Coordinator at El Sol and Jupiter High School, and a Nighttime ESL Teacher. Mariluz is excited to bring her diverse work background for

the betterment of El Sol’s Educational Programs.

Mariluz Perrott: Plazas Comunitarias Coordinator

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An El Sol Success Story

In honor of Dr. King’s legacy, AmeriCorps VISTAs (Volunteers in Service to America) made MLK Day a day on, instead of a day off, to strengthen communities across the country by collecting food and delivering meals, refurbishing homes and schools, mentoring students, promoting nonviolence and much more. El Sol’s VISTA members organized a special presentation on King’s legacy with guest speaker Dr. McGetchin of Florida Atlantic University at Jupiter, and offered a lunch for the homeless at the Senator Philip D. Lewis Center in West Palm Beach.

The VISTAs donated 20 pizzas and fed approximately 70 people at the Lewis Center. The funds that made this possible came from Community Foundation for Palm beach & Martin Counties to be used for outreach purposes. Individuals were thankful for the warm meal and said this special event has brightened their day. In specific, one individual stated, “The next time that I would have eaten was at 2 AM after a long shift.” The VISTAs are grateful that they received the opportunity to engage in such a meaningful manner with their community.

more important than the title,” added Ari.Six months ago, Ari visited Associate Director Valdivia. “I’ve known Dora for many years. She’s an activist in the community. Whenever I have a problem, I go to her.” Dora urged him to take advantage of a special educational opportunity for Mexicans living abroad. The Mexican Department of Education launched the Universidad Abierta y a Distancia de México or UNADM, which is an online university that offers bachelor degree programs in mathematics, political science, international marketing, and so forth. After all the bureaucratic red tape, Ari is happily enrolled as a Business Administration student. “You create your own future. I don’t do this to impress others or to feel superior; I do this because I want to better myself.”Ari is not sure where he sees himself in five years, however; he knows that he has a goal to reach and will do everything it takes to reach it. For now, he is still the same manager that refers non-English speaking applicants to El Sol. “I tell them that there will always be a position waiting for them at the restaurant. But first, go to El Sol and take advantage of their free English classes.”

Aristeo “Ari” de León, 34, is originally from Chiapas, Mexico. Ari followed the path that so many have taken before him, and left Chiapas for the United States. Ari has lived in Jupiter, Florida for over 17 years and chose to call this seaside town his home. Ari remembers waiting

for work at the small-scale labor center that was run by Corn Maya on Old Dixie Highway. Eventually, Ari was able to secure steady employment as a dishwasher at a local Tex-Mex restaurant. He has worked for the same restaurant for 12 years and rose up from dishwasher to manager. “I don’t consider myself a manager. I consider myself more as a longtime friend to the owner and staff. I open and close the restaurant. I am involved in every aspect of the restaurant from the kitchen, hiring, and motivating staff. The relationship is

VISTA Day of Service: Martin Luther King Day 2016

Photos: Top: VISTA Leader Katerina Pecora translating the speech in Spanish for workers; Middle; Keynote Speaker Dr. Douglas McGetchin; Bottom: VISTA Alexa Turner at the Lewis Center before serving food to the homeless.

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Community Health News

Over 50 community members attended Healthier Jupiter’s community meeting on January 20th at Edna W. Runner Tutorial Center. Healthier Jupiter shared outlined the goals, first steps of the initiative, how to get involved and why your voice is needed to build a Healthy Community.Healthier Jupiter is a community initiative funded by Palm Healthcare Foundation that addresses health and quality of life issues starting with diabetes. Diabetes was selected because promoting healthy lifestyles can lower diabetes risk and complications as well as many other chronic diseases. This initiative has four steps: • Increasing awareness of diabetes risks and healthy lifestyles• Helping individuals make healthier food choices, • Become more active, • Getting Access to necessary medical care. Want to get involved? Join a Subcommittee! “The key to this initiative is listening to the community voice and that happens at our subcommittee meetings, and where the work really happens,” says Betzy Rega, El Sol Health Coordinator and Healthier Jupiter Healthy Foods Subcommittee Chairperson. Healthier Jupiter will host their first Walk & Talk on March 12th at 9:00 a.m. at Abacoa Community Park. The Healthier Jupiter Walk and Talk program is designed to get Jupiter Residents moving and experience light exercise while learning and engaging in our local treasured landscapes. Everyone is encouraged to take advantage of the free event for your families. Register and keep updated on the Healthier Jupiter Facebook Page. The subcommittees meet monthly and are open to the public. Subcommittees include; Healthy Foods, Physical Fitness and Awareness & Marketing. For additional information on the subcommittee’s or Healthier Jupiter, contact Carrie Browne at 561-263-7580 or carrie.jupiter@healthiertogetherpbc.org, or visit healthierjupiter.org.

El Sol’s Promotores de Salud (health promoters) team provides resources and information about health care to Spanish-speaking, low-income, uninsured, and under-insured residents of the Jupiter area. On January 23, 2016, thirteen community members were trained as Volunteer Health Promoters in the area of alcoholism. Robin Lewy, Director of Education at the Rural Women’s Health Project (RWHP) and Fran Ricardo, Director of Development, led discussions on the physical and mental effects of alcoholism. Other topics such as alcoholism in families and domestic abuse were discussed. Project Salud is now in its fifth year at El Sol. RWHP develops the content of the workshops, provide materials, and trains Promotores to successfully interact with Latino community members. “Immigrants face many challenges in the United States. But no individual’s health should be put in danger because of a lack of information about resources and services,” said Lewy. The Promotores Program seeks Spanish-speaking or bilingual volunteers to sign up as a Health Promoter. “It’s a great resume builder for high school and college students,” says Betzy Rega, Health Coordinator. If you know of anyone who may be interested, please contact Betzy at betzy@friendsofelsol.org.

Healthier Jupiter Community Meeting

Health Promoters are at the Frontlines of Improving Health

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El Sol hosted a baby shower for ten mothers from the community. Clinics Can Help, a nonprofit that redistributes surplus medical equipment and supplies to children and adults in need, generously donated ten brand new pack ‘n plays. Additionally, local mothers also donated new and gently used clothes and toys for the babies. Health Promoters Ines Evangelista, Egly Bernard, and Sandra Rocafort organized the event and ensured all mothers had a fun-filled afternoon. They played games, raffled off prized, and all moms received wonderful gifts for themselves and their babies.El Sol would like to thank everyone who made this event possible!

El Sol Hosts Baby Shower!!

SCRIPPS FAMILY SCIENCE NIGHT

“El Sol believes children in our community should be exposed to science at a young age. We hope it sparks their interest in becoming future scientists tasked in bettering our world,” said Associate Director Dora Valdivia. The event could not have been made possible without the support of Scripps, the ESL Daytime and Nighttime Coordinators, and ESL teachers and volunteers. Scripps plans to return in 2016 (hopefully with a discussion on modern medicine and 3D bio-printers!)

On October 28, 2015, El Sol hosted its second annual Scripps Family Science Night for 155 children and families! Scientists Rosie G. Albarran-Zeckler, Deborah Leach-Scampavia, Alicia Angelbello, Zachary J. Tickner, and Ivan Darias, led discussions on the “Introduction to Science.” Children learned about chemical substances, the periodic table, the six most abundant elements in life, and much more. There were also hands-on exercises like learning how molecules form by using marshmallows and toothpicks. In all, children learned topics in mathematics, biology, chemistry, and physics, and enjoyed a meal of pizza and beverages.

- Left to right: Zachary Tickner, Alicia Angelbello, Rosie G Abarran-Zeckler, Dora Valdivia, Deborah Leach-Scampavia, Ivan Darias and ESL Coordinators Vickie Granati and Rocio Lopez

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El Sol hosted its annual Thanksgiving meal for day laborers and their families, and anyone in the community who was in need of a hot meal. The event provided workers, many of them of Mexican and Guatemalan descent, to enjoy a traditional US Thanksgiving meal and learn of its important history in the United States. Workers enjoyed a meal of turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, and carrots; much of which was donated by Pollo Campero. Also, the first 42 families/individuals who arrived received a $10 Publix gift card, and all attendees were automatically entered for a chance to win one of three $100 Wal-Mart gift cards. The event was a heartwarming success. Thank you Community Foundation of Palm Beach & Martin Counties, Town of Palm Beach United Way, Pollo Campero, Palm Beach County Food Bank, and El Sol Volunteers!

El Sol’s Very Happy Thanksgiving

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Christmas at El SolOn December 12th, El Sol’s Children’s Christmas Celebration brought smiles, laughter, and gifts to a record breaking 214 children! The children received a special visit from Captain America and Black Widow, watched a stunning performance from the Maltz Jupiter Theatre Youth Touring Company, and enjoyed “camperitos” (chicken nuggets) from Pollo Campero. Furthermore, families were able to take pictures with Santa, some for the very first time, and share them with their families. Without the support of the Believe in Santa Foundation, many children would not have had an opportunity to visit with Santa at all.The wide eyes and smiles on the faces of the children were priceless!El Sol would like to thank everyone who made this event possible:

Christmas for WorkersOn December 25th, El Sol held a Christmas event for day laborers and any Jupiter resident who wanted to share in the holiday spirit.Everyone enjoyed the warm meal of lasagna, turkey, rice and beans, empanadas, and green beans, which was generously donated by Sal’s Ristorante and Pollo Campero. The event would not have been complete without a nativity play by St. Peter’s Catholic Church, raffle prizes, and holiday music filling the hall. At the end, all workers received a Wal-Mart gift card and a goody bag for their children. A special thanks to volunteers and donors for making this event possible.

• Community Foundation of Palm Beach & Marin Counties• Kiwanis Club of Palm Beach Gardens• Little Smiles• JupiterFIRST Church• Pollo Campero• Pat Benedetto Photography• Believe in Santa• Maltz Jupiter Theater• The Noble Squad• A1 Moving & Storage• El Sol Volunteers

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In Memoriam

Patricia “Pat” Gavin McPoyle was one of El Sol’s first volunteers in 2007. She was a dedicated volunteer who devoted her time in the kitchen with her husband, Raymond Conger. She was also a “bread gleaner” and picked up bread every Monday at Publix for El Sol.

Pat lived an extraordinary and exemplary life. The mother of 13 and grandmother and great-grandmother of many, she visited Skydive Sebastian on January 28, 2010 to celebrate her 80th birthday by going skydiving for the first time. But, she wasn’t alone in her experience, as five of her children, seven grandchildren and several in-laws also took to the skies to jump. Family members from all over the country came in to watch the jump, which Pat said was the last item on her “bucket list.”

Pat travelled all over the world, but still had time to volunteer at El Sol, Jupiter Medical Center, and St. Peter’s Catholic Church. Loved my many, she will be greatly missed.

Pat Gavin

Pat Gavin (right) well known for warm hugs

El Sol would like to thank Board member Daniel Zúñiga and the Palm Beach Soccer Academy for giving these two young boys a scholarship to join the league. The boys played their first official game on Sunday, November 3rd and each boy scored a goal! The team won 5-2.

Soccer Scholarship

Health Notes

The Palm Beach County Victim Services came to El Sol for assistance in making their “No means No” campaign in Spanish. Maria, Angela, Egly, Hipolito, and Gabriel did a great job working together. Thank you Sharon and John for making it fun and allowing us to help our community.

“No Means No” Campaign in Spanish

ESL classes integrate health into their program to inform and assess the knowledge of the students as it pertains to their health and available services in our community and county. Vickie Granati Daytime ESOL Coordinator and Rocio S.Lopez ESL Nightime Coordinator along with Betzy Rega- Health Coordinator collaborate to make sure our students and community remain informed.

“Health Literacy” Combines Health Information with ESOL Classes

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Call to find out more

El Sol Welcomes Its Newest Family Member

El Sol has seen our impact and reach exponentially grow, and we could not have done this without the support of each and every one of you. It takes an impassioned community to make a child smile, to teach a new language to a newcomer, or prepare a meal for those who need it the most. We thank you for your selfless giving, helping hand, and uplifting spirit. Please join us for our 2016 Annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony on February 7 from 2PM-4PM. This event only shows a fraction of our appreciation!

The event’s theme is “Purity of Intention/Palm Beach White Party.” Please come dressed in white and don’t miss the marinated chicken kebabs, mini chili rellenos, Mexican tamales, and much more! Top volunteers will receive an embroidered blue apron or an etched wooden cutting board. RSVP to Karen Lau at volunteer@friendsofelsol.org or call 561-745-9860 ext. 4102. The deadline is February 2.

Volunteer Recognition Ceremony

El Sol is proud to announce another addition to the family – Eliana “Ellie” Skolnik Sabbagh. Ellie was born on Monday, December 28, 2015 at 10:01am and weighed 9 lbs. She is a very healthy baby and has brought much happiness and joy to Executive Director Jocelyn Skolnik and her family. We can’t wait to meet her!

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El Sol is a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to improve the quality of life of all residents of the Town of Jupiter by providing services to those in need, especially day laborers and their families.

El Sol Jupiter’s Neighborhood Resource Center

106 Military TrailJupiter FL 33458Phone (561) 745-9860Fax (561) 745-9834

Find us on the Web at www.friendsofelsol.org

“Like” us on Facebook at El Sol, Jupiter’s Neighborhood Resource Center

Twitter: @ElSolJupiter Instragram: @ElSolJupiter

El Sol’s Hiring Hall is open• 6am - 2pm Monday through Saturday• 7am - 12 noon Sunday

Donate online through Network for Good on our website: www.friendsofelsol.org

StaffJocelyn Skolnik, executive directorDora Valdivia, associate directorWilberto Luna, labor coordinatorBetzy Rega, health coordinatorKaren Clark, office managerDavid Urieta, Communications CoordinatorIsmael Villatoro, Assistant Labor CoordinatorKaren Lau, Volunteer CoordinatorVickie Granati, daytime ESOL coordinatorSteven Ospina, AmeriCorps VISTA Community Resource Developer Alexa Turner, AmeriCorps VISTA Community Resource Developer Katerina Pecora, AmeriCorps VISTA LeaderCliff Ross, Garden CoordinatorJorge Monroy, Kitchen CoordinatorMaria Naranjo, Computer Class CoordinatorMiluska Franco, Sewing CoordinatorSurynai Janowicz, Legal CoordinatorMariluz Perrott, Plazas Comunitarias Coordinator & ESOL Teacher

El Sol Shines is published six times a yearWendy Sue Meehan, EditorRobert Cadogan, Communications Committee Chairman

Contributors

Mission StatementEL SOL’s “Wish List” Kitchen•WE NEED MEAT!!: Ground Beef, Hot dogs, and

Sausages.• 20 lbs of ground beef or 80 hot dogs/

sausages will cover a day here at El Sol (approx 40 meals).

Health and Safety• Unused, new infant car seats, toddler seats,

and booster seats• Unused, reusable water bottles, sunscreen,

bandanas, and hats

Betzy RegaDavid UrietaJocelyn Skolnik

Karen ClarkDora ValdiviaRoyce Emley

Wilberto Luna

Whenever you see a kitchen volunteer or staff member, be sure to give them a hug. In the photo above, members of the Workers’ Council served food and refreshments during the Volunteer Recognition Ceremony.

El Sol promotes a harmonious integrated community in which all people can achieve their highest potential. We seek to be the model for other communities dealing with day-laborers.

Vision

To join our email distribution list, send a request to elsolshines@gmail.com