Advocacy

Advocacy is at the center of all Centro de Enlace programs.  The Center protects and advances the rights of our immigrant community on three levels.

On the individual level, the Center works to insure that clients receive the same services and treatment afforded to others in the community.  Center staff members work with clients to inform them of their rights and to help them navigate community and government systems. Our staff helps clients to represent their positions in disputes or situations of need with employers or landlords, and we often translate for clients who need the services of a lawyer.

Interpreters accompany clients at the Clerk of Court's office.

Centro de Enlace also advocates for Yancey immigrants as a whole.  A recent example of community advocacy is our Membership Card initiative, which helps alleviates the discrimination experienced by community members who are barred from driver’s licenses.  Last year, the Center was able to successfully help local HUD housing authorities to offer subsidized housing to children who are citizens and their families. Currently, the Center is attempting to form a coalition to aid the community in transportation issues.  Please contact us if you are interested in joining this effort.

Finally, Centro de Enlace advocates for the community at the state and national level by participating in diverse efforts to change oppressive policies and through its activity as a member of the Coalición de Organizaciones Latino-Americanas. COLA is a network that connects and strengthens regional organizations in their work to empower Latino communities and that promotes grassroots organizing and education to affect change both regionally and nationally.