DEAR FRIENDS
For over forty years, El Concilio of Kalamazoo
(formerly the HispanicAmerican Council) has been providing critical programs and services
to a growing Latinx population in our region.
OUR CHALLENGE AND OUR FUTURE
The Hispanic/Latinx population of Kalamazoo County has increased by nearly 50% over the past two decades, currently accounting for 13,500+ residents – 5.2% of the county total population. These community numbers are projected to continue growing at a similar pace over the next ten years. As our reputation for success builds along with our community’s population, we find we are limited in other areas, often struggling to keep up with the demand for our programs and services to the Hispanic community. We have outgrown our humble beginnings
at St. Joseph Catholic Church, and have an increasing need for a dedicated and more visible facility that will allow us to serve a wider audience, with the potential to generate additional income through a variety of business plans.
With this in mind, our Board recently initiated a plan to move our headquarters to a new location that can meet our
needs for more visibility, ample space for programs, and efficient facilities that will allow our staff and volunteers to thrive. We estimate that moving and renovating a new space will cost approximately $5,500,000. El Concilio is always continuing their efforts to build collaborations, support, and advocate for other local community outreach programs. Groups such as ISAAC, NAACP of Kalamazoo, Outfront, and KYDNET have expressed interest in joining us in our new home.
WE OFFER
Pre-school programs for young children
Educational and after school programming for school-aged students
Life skill resources for adults in our community
Translation and interpretation services
Bilingual mental health services
Other programs designed to enrich the lives of the Latinx community
MESSAGE FROM OUR CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIRS
Last year, we served over 7,000 local residents and demand for our services is rising rapidly. Unfortunately, our home at St. Joseph Catholic Church is no longer available to us and we must find a new location for our staff and clients.
After months of planning and research, we’ve identified a new space at 2501 Millcork St., in Kalamazoo, that will be ideal for our new home. It will provide more space, greater visibility and will allow us to offer lease opportunities to other Kalamazoo based organizations that are seeking to relocate.
We’re now launching a $5.5 million campaign to help fund the purchase and renovation of this facility. We also hope to use this fundraising effort to invest more in our programs and to help seed a small endowment for the future of El Concilio.
Offering important services and programs to a growing and vibrant part of our community is crucial to our success as a region. Over the next several months we’ll be approaching our friends and supporters to seek their help in making this dream a reality. We hope you’ll join us in supporting the Fulfilling the Promise for All campaign as we seek to inspire every member of our community to live their best life!
OUR LEADERSHIP
Adrian Vazquez-Alatorre
Executive Director
Maria Diaz
Board President
Sandra Calderon-Huezo
Board Vice President
Susan Hernandez
Board Secretary
Fidel Salas
Treasurer
Board Members:
Luis Garcia
Angel L Gullon-Rivera, Ph.D.
Emiliano Cortez
Diana Hernandez
Phil Cruz
Perla Ascencio
Mark McKeon
Ariel Castillo
Rachel A. Viñales
Emeritus Board Members:
Lissette Mira-Amaya
Bob Ezell
Robert Flacheir
Cabinet Co-Chairs:
Sandra Calderon-Huezo
Angelita Aguilar
Cabinet Members
Maria L Diaz
Lissette Mira-Amaya
Denise Crawford
Charlea Davis, PhD
Wendy Fields
Sister Rita Ann Teichman
Chris Praedel
Stephanie Hoffman
Marylou Light
Michael Evans
Sherry Thomas-Cloud
Nicole Blum
Patricia Villalobos
Robert Ezelle
Jonathan Salazar
Honorary Cabinet Members
Dr. Jorge G. Gonzalez &
Suzanne M. Gonzalez
HOW YOU CAN HELP
El Concilio’s Fulfilling the Promise for All campaign is seeking $5.5 million in community philanthropy to achieve three important goals:
- Move our headquarters to a new facility in the heart of our community.
- Invest in the growth and development of our programs and services for the Latinx community.
- Seed a small endowment for the future of El Concilio.
You can help us achieve these important goals by supporting our campaign through:
- A one-time cash gift A multiple year pledge commitment (may be paid over a three-year period)
- A gift of appreciated assets (i.e. stock)
- An estate gift Your charitable gift is tax deductible to the full extent of state and federal law.
GET IN TOUCH TO HELP FULFILL THE PROMISE TODAY!
CONTACT: Adrian Vazquez | vazquez@elconciliokzoo.org | (269) 385-6279.
