Mi Casa Resource Center

Taste & Tango Event Raises Most $ in Mi Casa History

2012-01-30T11:31:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, January 21, Mi Casa held a fundraising event unlike any other in the agency’s history. Mi Casa teamed up with Pat Miller, The Gabby Gourmet, to present an unforgettable evening of Argentine wine, food and entertainment.

More than 150 people came to the Warwick Denver Hotel to enjoy the event, which featured a live and silent auction, as well as a four-course meal with wine pairings and live tango dancers.

Chef Hosea Rosenberg of Boulder, winner of Bravo TV’s Season Five Top Chef, created the courses, and Alamos Winery offered the complementary libations.

Joanne Davidson of The Denver Post did a great write-up in yesterday’s Sunday edition; check it out here: http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_19829364

The event raised nearly $50,000 to support Mi Casa’s mission of economic success for Latino families – more than any other event in Mi Casa’s history!

We are so grateful to our many friends who bought tickets, bid on silent and live auction items, or made a donation to Mi Casa during the live ask at the event. We could not have had such a successful fundraising event without you!

Stay tuned for details for the 2013 Taste & Tango event!

Community Learning Exchange Advances Partnership on Lake Campus

2012-01-26T11:31:00.000-08:00

This month, leadership from Mi Casa’s Youth & Family Development programs traveled to Texas to attend a Community Learning Exchange event to support community-building efforts among the three co-located schools on the Lake Middle School Campus.

Mi Casa’s Cody Buchanan (far right) and Karen Fox Elwell attended the event, along with Ryan Kockler (second from right), Principal of West Denver Prep – Lake Campus, and Ronaldo Ortiz (far left), Assistant Principal of Lake International School.

Community Learning Exchange (CLE) events are funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. CLE views communities and people as the most effective instructors and texts for learning and brings together community change agents to share actions, practices, ideas and outcomes with each other. They are held three times a year in communities across the country. The knowledge gained at the CLE events has been essential in Mi Casa’s efforts to build community between the three schools and many partners currently operating on the Lake Middle School Campus.

Lake is a turnaround school and home to a unique model including a charter school co-located with two public schools (one of which is being phased out). As a result, developing a shared vision for the Lake Campus and community has been a challenge. As one of the few organizations that serves students and families from each of the three co-located schools schools, Mi Casa is in a unique position to drive this work. Attending the recent CLE event in Texas with members of the administration from schools on the Lake Campus was a great opportunity to create a shared vision of community for the children and families at Lake.

The CLE experience in Texas was a great step forward in the efforts to build a shared community on the Lake Campus. In addition to strengthening the relationships with school leadership that are the basis of partnership, the conference offered an opportunity to create a shared vision for the Lake Community. The structure of the event allowed for open discussion of challenges and conflict in a safe way, and when the conference concluded the Lake team left with a vision for future collaboration and an action plan to get there.

Once back in Denver, Mi Casa staff and leadership from the co-located schools on the Lake Campus held the first of regularly scheduled “Shared Campus” meetings. The first meeting was highly productive and the group addressed several issues that have affected collaboration on the Lake Campus. Though much work remains to be done, there is consensus that to serve Lake families with high-quality educational and extracurricular activities, all the organizations operating on the campus must commit to strengthening and advancing collaborative efforts.

Mi Casa has learned a great deal from its years of work with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s Leadership for Community Change project, which includes CLE events.

Here are a few of the guiding principles supported by Kellogg and implemented around the country to create positive social change:

Collective Leadership: Collective leadership relies on the strength of relationships with an emphasis on inclusion. Collective leadership is possible when the members of a group, motivated by a common purpose, build respectful relationships with each other and co-construct their shared purpose and work.

Gracious Space: Developing collective leadership for community change requires the capacity to build effective partnerships that operate from a place of caring, connection, and purpose. In order to cultivate these relationships, we need safe, supportive space where trust can grow. Gracious Space provides a container for deepening relationships and having challenging conversations.

Racial Equity: Anyone involved in work that seeks to make communities healthier, more just and inclusive is aware of the effects of racism. Many institutions do not serve people of color well or have been unable to undo the lingering effects of past practices. Carrying out social change in communities requires that we address racial equity.

Youth Engagement: Youth are commonly viewed by adults as future leaders. But some take a different view, believing that youth have important gifts and perspectives to offer now to improve our communities. Adults who partner with youth to work together on critical issues of communities can achieve greater progress.

Learn more about Mi Casa's work at www.MiCasaResourceCenter.org

Celebrating the Success of Mi Casa's Case Management Program

2011-12-29T10:45:00.000-08:00

The Mi Casa Neighborhood Center, located at Lake Middle School in northwest Denver, offers afterschool enrichment programs, including case management for kids who need extra support to succeed in school and make positive choices.

Recently, the families involved in Mi Casa’s case management program got together for a holiday party, organized by Mi Casa’sYouth Advocates Lauren Brown and Jereme Snidar. Thanks to a partnership with the Denver Police Department, Lauren and Jereme saw to it that each of the 20 families received Christmas presents for every child in the family, as well as a big bad of food to make the holiday meal even more special. In addition to enjoying a delicious and healthy meal provided by Revolution Foods, the families decorated holiday cards for kids who had to spend Christmas at Children’s Hospital.

Mi Casa collected feedback from families on the impact that the case management program has had in their child’s life. The comments were incredibly positive, proving that the case management program – and the afterschool enrichment programs at Mi Casa – is having a measurable impact in the lives of youth in our community.

Here is a sample of results from the survey:

92% of parents strongly agree that the Mi Casa case management program is helpful to their child and valuable to them as a parent
100% of parents agree or strongly agree that their child has shown improvement at home and at school due to participation in Mi Casa’s case management program
100% of parents strongly agree that Mi Casa’s Youth Advocates are friendly, responsive, and approachable; respectful of them and their children; and highly trustworthy

Mi Casa also asked parents to comment specifically on how the case management program at Mi Casa has impacted their child. One parent said she now sees her son thinking before he acts. Another parent noted that social interactions with his child have improved, which makes working together easier. One mom said due to the influence of her children’s advocate, she now has better communication with her daughters; they can talk about problems and resolve them without fighting. Another parent said her daughter’s GPA has improved, and she sees her being more interactive with her teachers and counselors. And finally, one parent observed that his son is not only able to communicate better with adults, but is more able to control his anger.

Each case managed youth at Mi Casa is paired with a Youth Advocate that meets with the child several times a week, attends classes with her/him, and develops a relationship with their family through monthly home visits.

Mi Casa’s successful case management model relies on these key strategies for youth success:

Assess needs of youth and families and develop/implement a plan to meet the needs
Develop plans to reduce risk factors at home, including helping adults access training, services and therapy
Provide high-quality afterschool/summer enrichment programs for youth
Connect youth to tutoring and homework assistance; attend class with students for extra support.
Provide meaningful incentives for participation, reaching goals, and showing improvement
Facilitate positive relationships between law enforcement and youth; advocate for youth involved in the court system

The Lake Middle School campus is home to three distinct but co-located schools. Administrators from all three of these schools have expressed their appreciation of the support and guidance Mi Casa’s case management program provides individual students and the entire school community.

Keep the Lights On After School!

2011-10-18T14:34:00.000-07:00

Do you remember how important afterschool programs were to you as a child?

For many children, afterschool programs focused on sports, arts and crafts, technology, leadership, performing arts, and academic support are an essential extension to the school day – and the school year.

And at a time when budget shortfalls at every level of government are threatening the availability of quality afterschool programs, it’s time to fight for continued and increased investment in out-of-school enrichment for Denver’s kids!

Research shows that the hours between 3 and 6 p.m. are the most dangerous for youth, and afterschool programs provide a much needed safe and enriching place to go after school for thousands of children who would otherwise go home to empty houses and no supervision.

The importance of quality afterschool programs, which keep the school lights on long after the school day ends, is in the spotlight this week as Denver prepares to celebrate National Lights On After School Day on Thursday, October 20.

Mi Casa provides comprehensive afterschool programming for 500 students annually on the Lake Middle School campus in northwest Denver, now home to three separate but co-located schools. And on Monday, Mi Casa’s Director of Youth & Family Development Programs, Karen Fox Elwell, took a group of Lake students to the City Council meeting to make sure Denver’s city leaders understand the importance of quality afterschool programming.

“I am one of over 175 youth service providers from over 60 organizations throughout the greater Denver area providing essential out-of-school time programming to over 25,000 youth each year,” Karen told the City Council members.

Then she turned it over to three youth from the Mi Casa Neighborhood Center afterschool program. Students Isaac, Miguel and Maya spoke candidly to the City Council members about the impact afterschool programs have on them and their families. Miguel spoke of the new things he learned in Mi Casa’s afterschool program.

Maya had her remarks written down: “Hello City Council. I am very happy to be here. I think that it is good to have afterschool programs because it gives kids a chance to hang out and do your homework, play, do projects, and even break dancing. It helps our families because we have somewhere to go after school.”

City Councilman Paul Lopez then read a proclamation out loud at the meeting celebrating Denver’s afterschool programs and affirming the City’s commitment to supporting working families by keeping kids safe and engaged in the afterschool hours. Councilman Lopez then visited briefly with the Mi Casa students and congratulated them.

The events leading up to National Lights On After School Day continue throughout the week and culminate with a celebration to decorate the City and County Building with handmade luminaria bags crafted by children in Denver afterschool programs.

For the Mi Casa students who got to address the City Council, Karen said, it was an unforgettable experience. “It was a thrill for these students to see government in action and have the opportunity to address the City Council on issues that are important to them.”

Strong Start to the School Year!

2011-08-22T15:28:00.000-07:00

The new school year has gotten off to a great start, and considering strong improvement in student achievement in northwest Denver middle schools, the year promises to get even better!

Mi Casa operates comprehensive afterschool programs for students who attend the three co-located schools on the Lake International School campus in northwest Denver. And we are delighted to report that according to the latest CSAP standardized test results, schools in northwest Denver, including Lake, are leading the charge in terms of improvements in student achievement.

Last year at this time, sixth-graders in northwest Denver posted CSAP scores of 39% proficient or better in reading, 34% in math and 26% in writing. This year, among sixth-graders in the new schools in northwest Denver – including the schools on the Lake campus – those scores rose to 45% in reading, 45% in math and 43% in writing. WOW!

The credit for these extremely impressive gains in student achievement is well-deserved by the hardworking teachers, administrators, students and families in northwest Denver, and we tip our hats to your incredible accomplishments!

But we would be remiss to not toot our own horn (just a bit) for the role Mi Casa’s wonderful Youth and Family Development programs played in supporting students’ success at Lake. Studies have indicated that while education is a critical pathway out of poverty for students, the school day is not sufficient to provide youth with tools they need to be successful. In short, a coordinated effort is required to address the holistic needs of youth and families, and an integral part of this work is providing quality afterschool programs – like those offered through Mi Casa – that offer enrichment during out-of-school time.

To show you what we mean, here are a few of the 2010-11 outcomes from Mi Casa’s youth and family programs:

544 youth served in out-of-school time programs
Core participants (who attend programs 30+ days per year) increased to 156
22 youth and their families received intensive case management services
62% of case-managed youth increased their GPA and 100% advanced to the next grade
17 youth successfully completed the rigorous Digital Connectors technology and career exploration program
Digital Connectors students performed 700 hours of community service to bridge the digital divide in our community

Among Mi Casa’s 156 core youth participants:

60% increased their GPA over the course of the school year
97% advanced to next grade level
66% achieved 90% or better school-day attendance throughout the year
78% decreased or maintained zero suspensions during the school year

Free Help for Job Seekers at the Career Center

2011-08-11T16:34:00.001-07:00

Posted by Martha Tesfalidet, Mi Casa Intern

As friends of Mi Casa, you have gotten a glimpse of Mi Casa’s many programs – including career training, business development, and programs for youth and families.

Another great program Mi Casa offers that you might not be familiar with is the Career Center, a free resource for job-seekers where they can work one-on-one with a career coach to improve their resume, prepare for interviews, and hunt for opportunities online. The Career Center is located at Mi Casa’s main location at 360 Acoma Street and is utilized by our many program participants, as well as their friends and family and other members of the community. In keeping with Mi Casa’s mission to advance the economic and educational success of families, we provide individualized assistance to anyone wanting help with their job search and application process.

After setting an appointment with one of Mi Casa’s Career Coaches, job-seekers are then asked what they would like to gain from the one-on-one sessions. Many participants opt for assistance with resume revision or creation and often utilize the Career Coach to help them apply for jobs during the meeting. While Mi Casa cannot guarantee job placements, we do all we can to ensure Career Center clients have all the tools they need to be successful during the job search.

An added plus is that all services provided in the Career Center are free of charge!

Call 303-573-1302 and find out how easy it is to get individualized help with your job search from Career Coaches at Mi Casa!

Mi Casa Leaders Attend NCLR Conference, Hear Obama Speak

2011-07-26T11:51:00.000-07:00

Mi Casa’s Executive Director and Program Directors spent the weekend in Washington, D.C. at the annual National Council of La Raza (NCLR) conference, which featured President Obama as the keynote speaker yesterday.
Picture: Director of Career Development, Karen Stran (left), Director of Youth and Family Development, Karen Fox (center), and Executive Director, Christine Marquez-Hudson, show off the wristbands that served as their tickets to hear the President speak.

The NCLR Annual Conference represents the largest gathering of the nation’s most influential individuals, organizations, institutions, and companies working with the Hispanic community. The NCLR Annual Conference provides a forum for people in the business of social change to learn about ongoing and emerging issues in the Hispanic community, connect with community leaders, and generate partnerships with Hispanic community-based organizations.

Mi Casa leaders attended a full weekend of conferences including these seminars:

2011 Legislative Update: How Will Congress Make a Difference in the Latino Community?
Finding Their Voice: Empowering Latino Youth through Service Learning
Parents Supporting Children: A Model for Engaging Latino Parents in Education
Bridge to a Better Tomorrow: Strengthening Workforce Integrated Training Programs
The Business of Developing the Future Workforce: A Model for Entrepreneurship, Cultural Diversity, and Increased Earning Potential

Additionally, Karen Fox was on a panel to offer insight during a seminar titled, Dollars and Sense: Sustaining Learning and Enrichment Beyond School Hours.

When President Obama took the stage, he addressed the issue of immigration and the growing concern within Latino communities that comprehensive reform has now fallen to the bottom of the President’s list of priorities. Yet, the audience was invigorated to hear this strong promise from Obama regarding his intention to reform the nation’s immigration system:

“We need a movement that bridges party lines, that unites business and labor and faith communities and law enforcement communities, and all who know that America cannot continue operating with a broken immigration system. And I will be there every step of the way.”

17 Youth Complete Program to Bridge the Digital Divide

2011-06-23T13:18:00.000-07:00

Mi Casa is proud to announce the graduation of the second class of Digital Connectors! These 17 youth ages 14 to 21 successfully completed this rigorous nine-month digital technology training program, and their achievement was marked by a celebration on June 4.

The Digital Connectors program engages youth to bridge the digital divide – the gap between those with access to digital technology and those without – by educating youth about digital technology, financial literacy, and leadership and encouraging them to share their knowledge with the community. During the 2010-11 school year, Mi Casa’s Digital Connectors performed nearly 300 hours of community service, which benefitted nearly 400 community members.

The graduation ceremony was another opportunity for the Digital Connectors to share the skills learned in the classroom with members of their own diverse communities. Over 60 people attended the event, which included a screening of the students’ final video projects. These videos showcase unsung heroes and leaders in the Connectors’ lives who were identified and interviewed to produce a final video testimonial project. Though the videos are as unique as each Connector, common themes include encouraging people to recognize their own inner hero and the joy of paying it forward.
The 17 students who graduated from the Digital Connectors program this month all earned a financial literacy certification from EverFi, as well as a Cisco Authorization diploma. Armed with these valuable certifications, Digital Connectors graduates are poised to capitalize on the leadership and career-readiness skills they gained in the program to excel in school or in employment.

In recognition of their hard work, all Digital Connectors graduates receive a new netbook computer, a flip camera, a USB drive, and a $250 stipend. The Digital Connectors program is made possible by a collaboration between Comcast Foundation, One Economy Corporation and Mi Casa Resource Center.

Congratulations to the Digital Connectors Class of 2011!

School's Out for Summer!

2011-06-02T16:18:00.001-07:00

The Mi Casa Neighborhood Center at Lake Middle School held its Summer Orientation BBQ today (June 2) for youth participants in Mi Casa's summer programs and their families. More than 35 families attended and enjoyed a lunch of hamburgers and hotdogs and hot sunny (if a bit windy) weather.

Mi Casa has 100 youth participants registered for summer programs with a waitlist already started for other interested youth. Following a Denver Public Schools turnaround strategy, Lake Middle School is now home to three seperate but co-located schools - West Denver Prep, Sixth Grade Academy, and Seventh/Eighth Grade Academy. The Mi Casa Neighborhood Center is a fun, safe place to go afterschool for children who attend all three co-located schools. Despite the big changes at Lake, the afterschool hours have become a time for building connections and friendships among students from the different schools.

Now that the school year is over, summer programs at Mi Casa are set to begin on June 6! Today's BBQ celebration was to welcome families and kick off the summer in fun fashion. Arturo Jimenez, the representative on the Denver Board of Education for Northwest Denver, stopped by to chat with families and grab a bite.

Celebrating the Last Family Night of 2010-11 School Year

2011-04-28T17:05:00.001-07:00

Posted by Katie Ehrlich, Mi Casa Intern

This Wednesday, April 27, the Mi Casa Neighborhood Center hosted its third and final Family Night of the school year. Mi Casa’s Family Night events are generously sponsored by Target.

The family and friends of Mi Casa’s afterschool program participants enjoyed bean-bag tossing games, face painting, balloon animals, and a dinner catered by Revolution Foods. Nearly 150 people attended, 43 of those were families of Mi Casa’s afterschool program participants. Everyone got to see the kids’ clubs “Foco y Movimiento” (Focus and Movement), “College 4 U”, “Paint the Town”, and “Mouse Squad” perform, and there were some smaller student talent showcases as well. Mi Casa also gave out 14 awards to the students and five door prizes, including two $50 Target gift cards.

When asked about her time at Family Night, one student named Fernanda said, “It was really fun and the Family Night was really respectful and nice because everyone participated in decorating it.”

Another former “Student of the Month” award-winner named AJ commented, “The best part was just to be with family and share a meal together.” Everything went smoothly, and everyone is looking forward to the next Family Night, which will take place next school year!

Mi Casa and Friends Celebrate Solar Energy

2011-04-15T14:34:00.000-07:00

Mi Casa Resource Center welcomed friends and partners today to celebrate the completion of Mi Casa's 40.5kW solar energy array, which will offset 24% of the agency's total energy use at our Acoma Street home.

After a program including remarks from Stacey Simms of the Governor's Energy Office, Doug Wells of Renewable Energy Ventures, Michele Weingarden of Greenprint Denver, Christine Marquez-Hudson and Benita Duran of Mi Casa, and Geronimo Adams, a graduate of Mi Casa's Green Construction and Energy training program, we headed to the roof.

It's not easy to put a ribbon across 180 solar PV panels, but we tried! At first we hesitated to take the group up to the roof - the only way up and down are ladders, which aren't to be combined with high heels and dress clothes on a normal day. But our group was not to be deterred.

And the ribbon was cut on a beautiful, sunny Colorado day, with our panels pumping out energy in the background!

THANK YOU to the funders who made this project possible:
Governor's Energy Office
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
Doug Wells, Renewable Energy Ventures

Mi Casa would also like to thank:
Jon Sullivan, 303 Solar LLC
Mike Pardun, Renewable Technology Partners
City Electric
Geronimo Adams
Shawn Larson
Josh Simpson

College Friday at Mi Casa Neighborhood Center

2011-04-12T15:38:00.000-07:00

Posted by Naia Posniak, Program Assistant

The Mi Casa Neighborhood Center celebrated College Friday Lake Middle School on Friday, April 8, with students and staff wearing their favorite college gear.

Joel Orozco, a student at Metropolitan State College of Denver and President of MCSD's chapter of Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, spoke to the students in Mi Casa's afterschool program about the barriers he faced as an immigrant student getting accepted to and especially paying for higher education. Joel stressed that plenty of resources are available for the students who seek them out and encouraged students to start thinking about and preparing for college.

After Joel’s speech, some students were asked what they thought of his experiences:

“It made me think he’s right," one female student mused. "It’s never too early to think about college. I also thought it was cool that he was the first person in his family to go to college.”

“I liked that he was from Chihuahua," one young man observed. "That’s cool because that’s where I am from.”

U.S. Census Shows Continued Growth Among U.S. Latinos

2011-03-31T16:03:00.000-07:00

Let’s take a moment to step back and think about why Mi Casa Resource Center does what it does. According to the newly released 2010 U.S. Census data, the Hispanic population in the United States is now 50.5 million, or 16.3% of the total population.

In fact, Hispanics account for 56% of the nation’s total population growth in the last 10 years (2000-2010). Yet, the unemployment rate for Latinos is far higher than that of the population at large. Hovering around 13%, the Hispanic unemployment rate is far higher than the current rate in Colorado of 9.3%. In Denver, 27% of the Hispanic population lives below the poverty line, and only 6% of businesses in the state are Latino-owned.

Discouragingly, statistics clearly show that women of all walks of life in this country continue to earn an average of just 75% of what men take home. And in Colorado, fewer than 30% of businesses in the state are owned by women, meaning fewer women are harnessing the power of business ownership and self-employment.

Despite these sobering statistics, Mi Casa continues to work towards closing gaps in economic achievement and business ownership for Latinos, women, and any other member of our community who needs a business- or career-related boost. For 35 years Mi Casa has been a part of efforts to address these disparities, and we plan to work for at least 35 more years toward our mission of economic success for Latino and low-income families.

Solar Energizes Mi Casa's Career Training Programs

2011-03-10T16:37:00.000-08:00

The cash flow from the federal economic stimulus may be drying up. But the solar array being installed at Mi Casa - funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) - will have an enduring positive impact in the form of hands-on experience and employment for jobless individuals and cost savings for the organization dedicated to training disadvantaged workers to participate in Colorado’s new energy economy.

The 40.5kW photovoltaic array at Mi Casa is the result of a close collaboration between public, private and nonprofit resources with the support of the Governor’s Energy Office.

“This project is a perfect example of public-private partnership where multiple goals are accomplished - carbon emissions and fossil fuel consumption are offset by electricity generated from renewable sources, private investors supply capital to jump start projects that would otherwise be delayed or never happen; and local jobs are supported for installation labor, engineering and design,” says Doug Wells, President of Renewable Energy Ventures, the private firm investing in Mi Casa’s solar array as part of a power purchase agreement.

One of the jobs supported by this project belongs to Geronimo Adams, a Mi Casa graduate who will be working to install the solar array. Geronimo (below, far left), a single father who shares custody of his six children, completed Mi Casa’s Green Construction & Energy training program in December and is looking for full-time work; he was laid off from his job as a commercial plumber in January 2010. Because Geronimo is currently receiving unemployment and the installation job at Mi Casa is temporary, he will work as an intern on the Mi Casa array to bank some experience and hopefully, leverage the experience into a full-time permanent position. “Mi Casa has provided me with a lot of support as I work to advance my situation,” Geronimo says. “I am honored to be a part of this project because ultimately it will create opportunities for other people who need training to make a career change.”

Christine Marquez-Hudson, CEO/Executive Director of Mi Casa, adds: “Mi Casa’s solar energy – as well as energy efficiency upgrades performed in anticipation of solar – offset increasing energy bills, and the cash savings will help sustain Mi Casa’s career training programs that assist workers with limited skills and education to launch promising careers in growth industries, including jobs in energy efficiency and renewable energy.”

“We believe that Mi Casa’s solar array, which will be visible from the street, will be a powerful symbol of our commitment to green jobs training and helping all Coloradans participate in the new energy economy,” says Marquez-Hudson.

Mi Casa’s 40.5kW solar array will produce an estimated 53,330 kWh per year, which will offset roughly 24% of Mi Casa’s total energy consumption. Mi Casa also invested in wide-ranging energy efficiency performance upgrades to maximize the savings from solar energy. Through Energy Outreach Colorado, Mi Casa was wrapped the hot water heater, installed a direct digital control system, replaced six old AC units with Energy Star units, insulated HVAC equipment, and replaced 112 light fixtures and ballasts with CFL bulbs and energy efficient ballasts at the agency’s headquarters at 360 Acoma Street.

The partnership with Renewable Energy Ventures, which allowed Mi Casa to take advantage of both the federal tax credit for renewable energy, as well as the Xcel Energy Solar Rewards Rebate, which was recently scaled back. Renewable Energy Ventures will own, operate and maintain the solar array; Mi Casa will pay a subsidized rate for the energy it produces.

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Mi Casa’s Green Construction & Energy career training program is a nine-week course to help workers launch careers in the renewable energy, energy efficiency and green construction sectors. Core curriculum focuses on sustainable construction, safety, efficiency and performance upgrades, solar energy technology, as well as soft skills and work readiness training. Mi Casa’s approach to workforce development is based on best practices for putting disadvantaged individuals back to work. Mi Casa utilizes a sector-focused approach to career training, which relies heavily on the input of industry experts and employers, from the design and implementation of the curriculum through the placement of graduates in full-time jobs.

A power purchase agreement (PPA) is an operating agreement whereby a third party entity can own and operate a solar array located on a host property. In other words, the building owner provides the location and the system provider installs, owns and operates the array. The electricity generated by the array is then sold back to the property owner. This type of arrangement allows renewable energy through solar to be implemented with reduced or no capital expense on the part of the property owner. Capital costs are recovered over time with the electricity generated.

Family Night at Mi Casa Neighborhood Center

2011-02-18T08:48:00.000-08:00

Posted by Katie Ehrlich, Mi Casa Intern

Mi Casa Neighborhood Center at Lake Middle School hosted its biannual Family Night on Wednesday, February 16. Family Night is all about giving the kids a chance to showcase what they’ve been up to in the afterschool hours at Mi Casa. It also gives parents a chance to access neighborhood resources including health services offered by Denver Health, career and business training offered by Mi Casa Resource Center on Acoma Street, and Bright Beginnings for parent readiness. But the best part about Family Night is just spending time playing, eating, and enjoying the company of family.

Mi Casa afterschoolers familiar with the Family Night events were teeming with excitement for the evening's festivities to begin. Through the support of a Target donation, we kicked the night off with a resource fair and activities for families including advice from health and financial companies, a photo-booth, paper flower making, and cookie decorating. Then everyone took their share of the enchiladas, rice, and salad provided by Revolution Foods, an organization dedicated to bringing healthy foods to school lunch tables.

Then it was time for the afterschool clubs to present their talents: Shake It Up club sang songs about life, love and social justice. Attack of the Robot club showed off their Wi-Fi powered robot (it can move back and forth, in a full circle, and bob its head up and down!). Fresh club showed off the break-dancing moves they learn every Monday. Each performance was followed by student awards to encourage the amazing attitudes and positive work we have seen in our participants throughout the year. Finally, it was a clean-up party in which everybody from staff to parents to kids helped out!

Strengthening Families Program Helps Kids and Parents Bond

2011-02-14T15:16:00.000-08:00

Posted by Katie Ehrlich, Mi Casa Intern

Mi Casa’s Youth & Family Development department just launched a new program called “Strengthening Families” in partnership with the Denver Office of Drug Strategy. Each Thursday evening (6-8:30 p.m.) through March 24 parents and children ages 10 to 14 can come to Mi Casa for workshops on cultivating and maintaining strong family bonds.

Through Strengthening Families, Mi Casa aims to help prevent teen substance abuse and other behavioral problems, strengthen parenting skills, and build strength in families. In the past, this program has helped with typical adolescent problems like aggression, substance abuse, and peer pressure, while it has helped parents and legal guardians to create and maintain healthy relationships with youth under their care.

The program is limited to 13 families and consists of two parts. For the first hour, youth and parents meet separately to discuss themes and learn skills specific to their role. During the second hour, families practice the skills they learned, play games, and do collaborative projects.

Mi Casa’s first Strengthening Families event went great, and several families of children from our afterschool program participated. The kids made cardboard posters mapping out what they want to be when they grow up and what is important to them for a successful life. The kids also learned what their parents wanted to be when they were young. Mi Casa is excited to be a part of strengthening family connections over the next six weeks.

Call the Mi Casa Neighborhood Center for more information on the Strengthening Families program – 303-571-1881.

Turning Passion for Design into a Thriving Small Business

2011-02-08T12:47:00.001-08:00

Gabriela Martinez studied fashion design at the Universidad Regional del Norte in Chihuahua, Mexico. By the age of 22, Gabriela operated a modest boutique in Chihuahua where she sold hand-sewn clothing from fabrics imported from Los Angeles and New York.

In 2001 Gabriela moved to the United States to take her fashion design dreams to the next level. Her English was very limited when she arrived in Denver, and Gabriela spent most of her time sewing patterns and sketching designs in her apartment. Gabriela read about Mi Casa’s Éxito Para Negocios (Business Success) entrepreneurial training program in the newspaper and she enrolled - as much to make friends as to learn about business ownership in her new country. Through Mi Casa, Gabriela made valuable contacts and learned information that not only made her feel more at home in her new city, but also helped Gabriela convert her business aspirations into a brick-and-mortar business – Gabriela Designs Denver – with a steadily growing clientele.

“Mi Casa helped me grow my business and I continue to turn to Mi Casa for counseling and advice,” she says. “Mi Casa helped me see that my market was actually much larger than I originally thought.” Gabriela realized that her largest constituency – upscale shoppers who appreciate fine, handcrafted clothing – was located close to downtown, so she recently moved her business to 321 West 11th Ave. “I found my niche with customers who are looking for unique designs and people who value handmade fashion.”

From bridal gowns to dramatic shawls to leather handbags, Gabriela prides herself on high-quality materials and unique designs for men and women. Gabriela also creates patterns and prototypes for other fashion designers, in addition to doing alterations and filling custom orders. For her handbags, Gabriela works with interior designers to collect scraps of fabric, which she uses in her one-of-a-kind creations.

Gabriela saved up to invest in second hand industrial sewing machines so that she can work with any kind of fabric. Gabriela also has a quilting machine, which enables her to work with interior designers to produce pillows, drapes and other home furnishings.

Gabriela joined local fashion associations including Fashion Denver and Fashion Group International, which quickly recognized Gabriela’s talent and invited her to participate in fashion shows. The 2010 Fashion Fest featured 18 local Denver fashion designers, and Gabriela, the only Latina competitor, nabbed the first prize with her sophisticated black evening gown with intricate beadwork, sheer sleeves and an attached scarf.

“I think my success has come from the passion behind my business plan,” Gabriela says. “My advice to other entrepreneurs is to follow your passion and don’t let anyone or anything take you off course. If we don’t risk anything, we won’t ever get there.”

Gabriela, 36, wants to begin a women’s sewing group at Mi Casa to introduce more people to the craft that has been her passion since she was a teenager. Her long-term goal is to distribute her line of clothing and accessories nationwide. And one day, Gabriela hopes to grow her business to the points that she can hire women to bring her designs to life. In the meantime, Gabriela likes the idea of sharing her craft with other women in need of a boost.

“I truly believe that in times of great distress the act of creating something with your own hands is good therapy and a positive way to rise above bad situations.”

Brer Rabbit of the Flobots visits Mi Casa

2011-01-24T08:58:00.001-08:00

Posted by Katie Ehrlich, Mi Casa Intern

On Friday, January 21, the Mi Casa Neighborhood Center at Lake Middle School welcomed Stephen Brackett, aka Brer Rabbit, singer for the Colorado-based band the Flobots. From the moment Brackett’s 6’5” frame darkened the doorway of the Neighborhood Center, both staff members and afterschoolers could barely contain their excitement.

Brackett opened his presentation to the kids by asking them to breathe like Darth Vader. One of Mi Casa’s faithful afterschool frequent-flyers A.J. gave the group a rather life-like (or should we say movie-like) impression. Then Mr. Brackett had all the kids follow suit, getting them to beat their chest in between breaths and weaving a rap off their beat. Then he had all the kids sit in a circle around him and opened the floor to questions. We found out that Brer Rabbit has a Nissan Cube; started his band in 1994 when he was in high school; is about to go to Israel; has a busy and sometimes lonely life as a rock star (all that traveling!); that he in fact has not met Justin Bieber; and that he has gone to the bathroom with famous people before.

As a closing thought, Brackett asked who in the room is in college and plans to go to college. He answered the multitude of raised hands with a smile and a brief pep talk on how his music is meant to inspire kids like the Mi Casa afterschoolers to reach for a successful future. With that, the circle dispersed, and Brackett was immediately engulfed by a group of girls. Tons of the kids (and even our own staff member Cody Buchanan) got autographs, some recited songs and poetry to Brackett, and some just chatted.

Brer Rabbit left the Mi Casa Neighborhood Center amid a flurry of handshakes, smiles and well-wishes. His visit was a rare and special experience for the kids and adults at the Neighborhood Center. Mi Casa would like to express our deepest gratitude to Mr. Brackett who--despite an impossibly busy schedule--found time to offer inspiration to the great kids who participate in Mi Casa’s afterschool programs.

Mi Casa CEO Visits Argentina, Meets with Women's Microfinance Group

2010-12-29T13:31:00.000-08:00

Christine Marquez-Hudson, Mi Casa’s Executive Director, recently traveled to Buenos Aires as part of her Livingston Fellowship, a leadership program funded by the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation. Here she writes about her experience visiting with a nonprofit called Mujeres 2000, which provides micro loans to low-income women to start a business:

Microfinance is a strategy toward economic development and poverty reduction that has been proliferating across the globe. Here in the U.S. it’s an important tool to get small businesses started—especially among low-income entrepreneurs. During my visit, I observed a class at a local church/community center attended by three women. One operates a kiosk out of her home; another was launching a home-based beauty shop; and the third sells clothes. They are learning about fixed and variable costs and how to budget. Afterwards, the instructor, Horacio, and I took a walk around the neighborhood. It’s a poor community with few employment opportunities, and Horacio explained that most of the women are single, and all struggle to find work and care for their children. Self-employment is a way for women to make an income with a flexible schedule and even work from home.

I asked what made the Mujeres 2000 program successful. “Mutual responsibility,” Horacio replied. To access their first loan, women go through an enterprise design phase where they develop their business concept. Next, they form a group of five and each woman receives a loan based on her business model and is responsible for repaying her portion. However, the group assumes joint liability for all five loans, and a member can only obtain new credit if all members return at least 80% of the original loan.

This solidarity model is fascinating – people coming together to support one another’s success has profound implications for social, economic and personal development. What I saw in Argentina also taught me about shared leadership - everyone has something to offer, everyone contributes, and everyone benefits. These concepts of shared responsibility and leadership are ideas I plan to explore here at Mi Casa in order to strengthen our programs and maximize our positive community impact.

A Thanksgiving story from Mi Casa - Charles

2010-11-24T09:41:00.000-08:00

Mi Casa served more than 1,200 people in 2010. One of those people was Charles, a single father of five boys, who found himself in a desperate situation when he lost his job at the end of 2009. Charles is no stranger to struggle, but when he injured his back in 2009 and lost his job at UPS, he found himself on the brink of homelessness and urgently in need of help to get his career back on track.

No longer able to perform the type of physically demanding labor that was once his bread and butter, Charles heard about Mi Casa’s Green Construction & Energy training program and seized the opportunity to launch a career in the fast-growing industry of energy efficiency and weatherization. “Mi Casa gave me the opportunity to build a new skill set from the ground up,” says Charles. “Everyone has struggles inside them and scars from the past. But Mi Casa helped me see my strengths, which helped me start my career – this is much more than a job to me.”

With Mi Casa’s help, Charles secured two interviews and finally secured stable housing. It wasn’t long before Charles accepted a job offer from Veterans Green Jobs to work as an installer on weatherization projects. Though Charles is not a veteran, the nonprofit hired him to work under a state grant to provide home weatherization services to low-income families in Denver. He’s already gotten a raise, and now Charles is training to move up – eventually he wants to be a certified energy auditor.

While at Mi Casa, Charles met U.S. Senator Mark Udall, who visited the Green Construction & Energy class. Charles asked that Congress do more to expand opportunities for ex-offenders once they have paid their debt to society. Speaking for himself and many of his classmates with non-violent felony convictions, Charles pointed out that in a country purportedly in favor of second chances, many ex-offenders struggle the rest of their lives to find work. The conversation ended with Sen. Udall vowing to investigate ways to remove the barriers ex-offenders face, including providing incentives to employers who hire them.

Charles recalls his conversation with the Senator as a highlight from his time at Mi Casa. But the real reward for Charles’ hard work and commitment to Mi Casa’s career pathway program in Green Construction & Energy is undoubtedly his success in launching a promising new career that will enable him to create a better life for his five sons. “It means everything to me to be independent and able to care for my boys the way they deserve to be taken care of,” Charles says. “I’d do anything for Mi Casa, and someday I plan to support them in the same way they supported me.”

Tim Marquez Offers Encouragement to Local Entrepreneurs

2010-11-04T10:11:00.000-07:00

Tim Marquez, Founder/CEO of Venoco, Inc., was the keynote speaker at Mi Casa's November 3rd Business Networking and Resource Fair. He spoke about his humble upbringing in southwest Denver and how he managed to build a billion-dollar company out of an initial equity stake of $3,000. "I could list 100 things I didn't have going for me," Marquez said of his early years at the helm of Venoco. "But I'm hard headed, tenacious and persistent - that's what I had going for me."

Marquez went on to say that he thinks starting a business to get rich is a terrible idea. "You have to start with something you are passionate about and build an organization around other people who are fired up and care about what they do," Marquez told the crowd of about 130. "It was two years between the time I started Venoco and when I closed the first deal," Marquez said. "There was a lot of pain and rejection along the way."

"I made a lot of mistakes in business - I continue to make mistakes," said Marquez. "But that's OK, because as long as you don't make the same mistakes, you're good." Marquez encouraged the entrepreneurs in attendance to continue to take advantage of the small business resources offered by Mi Casa and take every opportunity to network with each other and seek advice.

Here are a few photos from the event:

CEO of Venoco to Offer Business Tips to Mi Casa Entrepreneurs

2010-10-22T15:07:00.000-07:00

Mi Casa is delighted to welcome Tim Marquez, Founder/CEO of Venoco, Inc., on November 3, as the keynote speaker during Mi Casa's Small Business Resource Fair and Networking Event from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at 360 Acoma Street. Mr. Marquez, one of Colorado's most successful businessmen, will offer tips for entrepreneurial success and talk about the process of growing Venoco, Inc. from a small start up to a publicly traded company worth nearly $2 billion.

In a discussion titled, "Journey to Success: An Inspiring Conversation with Tim Marquez," Mr. Marquez will offer guidance and recommendations to aspiring entrepreneurs with an emphasis on the essential ingredients in his own personal success: passion and perseverance. A native of southwest Denver and a graduate of Lincoln High School, Mr. Marquez attended the Colorado School of Mines and began his career as an engineer, gradually working his way up the management ladder. He founded Venoco, Inc. in 1992, an oil and gas production company based in Denver. The company progressed from a start-up with an initial equity stake of $3,000 to a company with a total enterprise value of more than $1.8 billion. Venoco, Inc. went public in November 2006 and is now a NYSE listed company, with the trading symbol VQ.

"Mi Casa is dedicated to nurturing the natural entrepreneurial spirit of many in Denver's Latino community and also women," said Mi Casa's CEO/Executive Director, Christine Marquez-Hudson. "According to the U.S. Census, the number of Hispanic-owned businesses in increased by nearly 45 percent between 2002 and 2007, and the number of women-owned businesses is up more than 20 percent in the same time frame. Clearly women and Latinos are turning to small business ownership as a means to achieve economic success, and Mi Casa is committed to helping them access the training and resources they need to be successful."

Mi Casa hosts quarterly business resource fairs to connect aspiring entrepreneurs with each other and business resources in the community. These events are open to the public, free of charge and a fantastic opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners to learn business tips and practice the crucial skill of networking! Lenders, business counselors and other resource providers are on hand to help small businesses connect with financing options, technical assistance, and other small businesses in order to launch or grow operations.

Tim Marquez and his wife, Bernie, are also committed philanthropists and their foundation, the Tim and Bernadette Marquez Foundation, generously supports Mi Casa's business and youth development programs. Mi Casa also receives general operating support from the Venoco Community Partnership program. Additionally, Mr. and Mrs. Marquez are co-founders of the Denver Scholarship Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire and empower Denver Public Schools students to achieve their postsecondary educational goals by providing the tools, knowledge and financial resources essential for success.

Mi Casa Youth Learn about Journalism, Visit 9News

2010-10-21T14:00:00.000-07:00

Youth in Mi Casa's afterschool programs visited 9News this week as the culmination of their hard work in the afterschool journalism club at the Mi Casa Neighborhood Center. The students also produced a four-page newsletter called the Mi Casa Post, which features articles about Mi Casa staff, music and much more!

Spirit of Success Luncheon Photos

2010-10-07T13:28:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who came out to support Mi Casa's Southern Colorado Women's Business Center on October 6 at Pueblo Community College. The event was a tremendous success, raising more than $11,000 for training and counseling to benefit underserved entrepreneurs in Southern Colorado. Here are some photos of the event!

Make Your Business a Triple Bottom Line Business!

2010-09-17T13:56:00.000-07:00

People, planet, profit.

The future of business (not to mention tremendous profit potential) belongs to the companies that commit to sustainable development.

The Greater Good Academy is an 8-week business development course to train low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs in Denver how to incorporate triple bottom line (3BL) business practices of economic prosperity, environmental stewardship and social responsibility in order to become more profitable.

Be part of the next generation of civic-minded businesses!

The fall 2010 Greater Good Academy takes place at Mi Casa Resource Center (360 Acoma Street) Tuesday evenings - 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. - beginning September 21 through November 9.

Click here to view/print the flyer for the fall 2010 Greater Good Academy.

Through the support of sponsors, including the Denver Office of Economic Development and the Colorado Enterprise Fund, tuition costs only $125 for qualified entrepreneurs.

Greater Good Academy focuses on the benefits of including environmental and social factors in running your business. By the end of the course, each entrepreneur has completed a 3BL business plan that lays out the company’s mission, operations, marketing and related growth strategies. See the video.

Greater Good Academy serves a range of small businesses: retail, product design, consulting, health care, construction, graphic arts, marketing, food/urban agriculture, community development, etc.

Whether your company provides an eco-friendly product or service, or seeks to include social and environmental elements into its overall strategy for profitability, Greater Good Academy will provide you with a 360 degree understanding of how to make your business a triple bottom line business.

A network of business mentors assists participants during the program.

For more information, call Richard Eidlin - 303-478-0131.

AT&T Supports Mi Casa's Entrepreneurial Training in Pueblo

2010-09-14T12:44:00.000-07:00

Mi Casa Resource Center is happy to announce that the organization has received a $5,000 contribution from the AT&T Foundation in support of its business development programs for underserved entrepreneurs in Southern Colorado. AT&T presented the contribution at Mi Casa’s Pueblo office on September 8 at an event to kick off the fall entrepreneurial training classes and celebrate the new name for Mi Casa’s training room - the AT&T Entrepreneurial Training Center.

Through AT&T’s contribution, Mi Casa will be able to equip entrepreneurs with the skills needed to successfully launch a new business, including developing a business plan and accessing capital. Mi Casa also provides consulting services to existing businesses to help them sustain or grow operations.

“AT&T is dedicated to improving education and workforce development in our Pueblo community. Supporting Pueblo business entrepreneurs is one of the many ways that our local economy can continue to grow. We are proud to be here today with Mi Casa as they lead the way in providing the needed resources in Pueblo and Southern Colorado to take those first steps as business owners” said Bill Soards, President, AT&T Colorado.
Mi Casa runs the only two Women’s Business Centers funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration in Colorado – in Denver and Southern Colorado. Mi Casa’s business development programs target underserved entrepreneurs – particularly women and Latinos – and include introductory workshops for the business curious, 13-week comprehensive entrepreneurial training courses in both English and Spanish, as well as individual technical assistance, mentoring and networking opportunities.

“Mi Casa is grateful to have the support of AT&T for our business development activities in Southern Colorado,” said Christine Marquez-Hudson, Executive Director of Mi Casa. “AT&T’s strong commitment to corporate responsibility and community engagement will serve as encouragement to Mi Casa business students as they work toward their dreams of financial stability and self-employment.”

Mi Casa’s Business Success training program teaches aspiring entrepreneurs and established small business owners the basics of finance, lending, insurance, strategic planning, daily operations, marketing, market research and legal structures. The course combines in-depth financial literacy training with individual business counseling. In order to successfully fulfill course requirements, students must submit at least a draft of a viable business plan. For established small businesses, Mi Casa offers technical assistance to help sustain or grow operations.

Photos from August 18 Digital Connectors Launch Event

2010-08-18T12:48:00.000-07:00

Free Job Training for Residents of 80205 Zip Code

2010-08-04T11:30:00.000-07:00

Denver Green Jobs Initiative announces the availability of free job training, support services and job placement assistance to help unemployed and disadvantaged residents of the Five Points area (80205 zip code) launch careers with strong earning and advancement potential in Colorado’s high-growth green industries:

o Solar Energy Technology
o Green Construction
o Energy Efficiency and Weatherization
o Green Jobs Administration and Sales

Denver Green Jobs Initiative is currently recruiting for all classes, which range from introductory to high-level certification courses. Denver Green Jobs Initiative is reaching out to our friends to help us spread the word about this great opportunity for free job training for residents of 80205. Anyone is welcome to visit the Denver Green Jobs Headquarters, located in the Phillips Center at 1619 E. 35th Avenue.

“We are dedicated to creating a highly skilled and flexible workforce for the green economic sector,” said Rick Lawton, Project Manager for Denver Green Jobs Initiative. “Denver Green Jobs is a community-based engine for economic development and environmental sustainability that will help residents of 80205 access the training and support they need to successfully begin careers in Colorado’s fastest growing industries.”

Colorado is already an important national player in the renewable energy and efficiency industries, and by 2030 these sectors could generate $61.5 billion in revenues and create 613,000 well-paid jobs in the state. Nationwide, the renewable energy and efficiency industries could generate 37 million jobs by 2030 – that’s 17% of all anticipated U.S. employment. Most jobs in the green sectors are similar to roles in other industries - truck drivers, welders, roofers, machinists, construction laborers, and cashiers - and offer opportunities for entry-level employees to work their way up the ranks and build a promising career.

Denver Green Jobs Initiative participants can choose to take just one course or sign up for a career path. Course offerings combine technical and non-technical training to prepare students for success in employment, apprenticeships or continuing education. Each participant receives individual job placement assistance, including resume preparation, writing cover letters, interviewing and networking skills, and access to employers who are hiring.

Participation in the Denver Green Jobs Initiative is limited to individuals who reside in the 80205 zip code (Five Points, Cole, Whittier, Skyland, and Clayton neighborhoods).

“Denver Green Jobs Initiative is focused on the Five Points community because we have identified a strong need for training and education in order for folks to break into the high-growth industries of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable construction,” said Lawton. “Five Points is among the city’s most historical and most vibrant communities, yet one in four residents live below the poverty line, and the unemployment and crime rates are significantly higher than averages for Denver.”

Those interested in enrolling in training through Denver Green Jobs Initiative should visit www.denvergreenjobs.org or call 303-974-1900 for more information.

Denver Green Jobs Initiative is a collaboration between nonprofit, community-based organizations, private companies, trade unions, and workforce development agencies. Denver Green Jobs Initiative is a two-year project funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Congrats, Digital Connectors!!

2010-07-19T12:59:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, July 17, Mi Casa Resource Center and the Comcast Foundation celebrated the graduation of Mi Casa’s inaugural class of Digital Connectors, a group of 12 youth from diverse, low-income backgrounds, who recently completed the 10-month digital literacy program. Mi Casa’s Digital Connectors showcased what they learned about digital media, broadband technology, and putting their knowledge to work for the betterment of their community.

The Comcast Digital Connectors program is an innovative partnership between the Comcast Foundation and One Economy Corporation which has launched in several Comcast markets across the country to involve youth in bridging the digital divide, or the gap – often along socioeconomic and generational lines – between those with access to digital technology and those without.

“The Digital Connectors program is an important initiative for Comcast as we continue to seek out opportunities to educate young people about civic engagement and instill in them the leadership and technology skills that are so essential to their futures,” said Scott Binder, regional senior vice president of Comcast. “We are proud to honor these students for their initiative and commitment.”

The 12 Mi Casa Digital Connectors recognized on July 17 – six received certificates of completion and six received certificates of participation – are local youth ranging in age from 14 to 21. They come from different schools including North High, and P.S.1 Charter School. In exchange for their hard work and time commitment, which averaged six hours per week for 10 months, the Digital Connectors received a desktop computer and a USB drive. In recognition of their graduation, the Comcast Foundation and One Economy Corporation will reward each Digital Connector with a flip camera AND a netbook computer!

“We have encouraged our Digital Connectors to think about the program as a job, complete with important responsibilities, high expectations and tangible rewards,” said Andrea Herrera Moreno, Mi Casa’s Digital Connectors Program Coordinator.

Perla Jimenez, 19, participated in the program with her two younger brothers and will be recognized on July 17. “I’m a Digital Connector because I see myself as a leader to my younger siblings. I know that if I do something good they’ll want to follow in my footsteps,” Perla says.

Perla was named Mi Casa Digital Connector of the month in February 2010 and received the same honor nationally in March. Perla has been an enthusiastic participant in the Digital Connectors classes and service projects even as she gets ready to attend Community College of Denver in the fall. Perla is proud and excited to be the first person in her family to graduate high school - and in four years, she plans to be the first to graduate from college.

U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis Visits Mi Casa

2010-07-08T16:18:00.000-07:00

Labor Secretary Hilda Solis was in Denver yesterday, where she visited Mi Casa and the Denver Green Jobs Initiative - a DOL-funded project in the 80205 zip code to provide job training, supportive services, and job placement assistance to unemployed and disadvantaged residents.

Secretary Solis blogged about her experience in Denver and at Mi Casa in the White House Blog - check it out!

Secretary Solis praised Mi Casa and its partners on the Denver Green Jobs Initiative for providing low-income workers with the skills needed to start a promising new career - not just a job. Sec. Solis said that she and the Obama Administration are fixated on creating opportunities in the renewable energy (RE) and energy efficiency (EE) industries - even if jobs in these sectors are not yet abundant.

"It's our future," Sec. Solis said. "We have lost more than one million jobs overseas, but I think green-collar jobs can bring those jobs and more back home to the United States ... The President and I feel strongly that in order to realize our vision to create sustainable energy sources and reduce our dependence on foreign oil, we need to invest in our most valuable resource - our people."

That's why the Department of Labor is investing in job-training programs across the country - part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. For more information about green jobs training through Mi Casa, visit our website www.MiCasaResourceCenter.org.

MSCD Center for Urban Education Teaches Programming to Mi Casa Youth

2010-07-01T12:52:00.000-07:00

Mi Casa volunteer and Metropolitan State College Professor Dr. Don Gilmore is a math whiz.

In fact, he’s so good he teaches math to math teachers. So you might be surprised to meet his sidekicks in the classroom – Rajon and Deon – students at Lake Middle School who attend Mi Casa Neighborhood Center every day after school.

Rajon and Deon didn’t have any experience with computer programming until Dr. Gilmore and his student assistants from the Metro State College Center for Urban Education came to the Mi Casa Neighborhood Center to start a computer gaming program. The volunteers from MSCD taught the Mi Casa kids about Alice, a computer programming teaching tool that makes it easy for students to create 3D animated stories. Rajon and Deon dove into the project and soon were creating not just digital stories, but interactive video games.

Last year, Deon and Rajon had a chance to share what they learned about Alice with a group of math teachers, who were eager to hear their impressions of the program. The teachers asked them questions about the program and the best way of teaching it to students. The kids got a real kick out of tutoring the teachers for once!

Rajon and Deon continue to be Dr. Gilmore’s valued teaching assistants. Just last month they stopped by the Office of Urban Teacher Partnerships at the Center for Urban Education for pizza and pop before heading over to join Dr. Gilmore and his Mathematics of Secondary Curriculum course. Deon and Rajon were there to help Dr. Gilmore teach the students about using Alice in the classroom.

Students from the United States have fallen well behind students from other countries in knowledge of math and science – an issue of great concern to Dr. Gilmore. “Math is part of every science. It’s incredibly important yet the traditional approach to teaching math hasn’t been successful in engaging a broader audience,” he says. “I prefer an approach where students’ learning is focused around their own thinking and ideas. There may be just one right answer to a problem, but often there are different ways to get there, and I’ve found this approach keeps students more engaged.”

Dr. Gilmore is especially concerned that many kids in the public school system – particularly low-income children at inner-city schools like Deon and Rajon – are not being given sufficient opportunities to learn about math, science and technology. That’s why the Center for Urban Education Metro State brings professors and university students into urban schools in high-needs areas like Lake in order to provide low-income children with enriching afterschool programs focused on academic success, as well as math and science learning.

At the Mi Casa Neighborhood Center, Don supplied nine laptop computers equipped with Alice and has dedicated many hours of his own time and that of his team to supporting the children in their introduction to the world of computer science. He hopes it will be the beginning of a lifelong interest in technology that will propel the students to college and into successful careers. In the meantime, Dr. Gilmore will do his part to make sure that all children, no matter their background or socioeconomic status, have opportunities to learn about the technology that underpins our modern world, as well as the math concepts that underpin our technology.

FREE Computer Clean-Up June 26!

2010-06-18T12:15:00.000-07:00

Does your computer run too slowly? Are you afraid it might be contaminated with malware?

Bring your desktop (tower only) or laptop to Mi Casa on June 26 and our Digital Connectors will clean it, improve the processing speed, and make sure it’s is safe and virus-free!

Saturday, June 26
11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
360 Acoma Street - Lab D
Call to make an appointment at 303-539-5619

There is no cost to have your computer cleaned, but donations are gratefully accepted!
Mi Casa’s Digital Connectors are a group of 20 youth participating a technology learning initiative that equips them with in-depth digital literacy skills and the know-how to put their technology savvy to work for the betterment of their community.

For more information about the Digital Connectors, visit Mi Casa's website

2010-05-18T15:40:00.000-07:00

Mi Casa, MidChix, and The Latina Chamber invite you to an evening with Helen Thorpe, author of Just Like Us: The True Story of Four Mexican Girls Coming of Age in America.

Friday, June 4 at 6:30 p.m.
Tattered Cover Bookstore - 1628 16th Street

Just Like Us is a well-timed and powerful account of four young Mexican women coming of age in Denver—two of whom have legal documentation, two of whom who don’t — and the challenges they face as they attempt to pursue the American dream.

Wine and cheese will be served, and all proceeds from the event will support Mi Casa’s mission to advance the economic success of Latino families.

Suggested donation: $40 per person

To RSVP contact Cheryl at 303-539-5609 or cbalchunas@MiCasaResourceCenter.org

MidChix.com is a social networking community for women 40+ featuring magazine–style content, a variety of flocks, member recommendations, as well as information on organizations that serve the greater good. www.MidChix.com

The mission of the Latina Chamber is to promote and advance the personal, professional, and business interests of Latinas, their families, and their communities. We believe in giving back to community and helping our people find their way in life. www.LatinaChamber.org

Bid for the Chance to Be Anything!

2010-05-10T09:30:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a zookeeper? How about an Olympic swim coach? A pastry chef? A crime reporter?

Well, now’s your chance to experience these dream jobs! Mi Casa’s Be Anything Luncheon on May 21 will include a unique silent auction featuring opportunities to hang out with fascinating professionals and “be anything” for the day!

Mi Casa's 2nd Annual BE ANYTHING Luncheon & Silent Auction
Friday, May 21 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Denver Athletic Club

Tickets are $50 each and selling out fast! Call or e-mail Cheryl 303-539-5609 or cbalchunas@MiCasaResourceCenter.org.

2010 Dream Jobs Up for Bid

Be an Olympic Swim Coach: spend the day with the head coach of the U.S. Swim Team and rub elbows with heroes from the 2008 Beijing games.

Be a Zookeeper: shadow a zookeeper at the Denver Zoo and learn about caring for the animals and the ins and outs of running a popular urban zoo.

Be a Race Car Driver: learn racing techniques while driving a real Porsche race car on a track outside Denver.

Be a TV Reporter: hang out with The Denver Channel’s weekend anchor/reporter Ana Cabrera and experience the newsroom, filming studio and even the chance to report on breaking news.

Be a Radio DJ: sit in the booth with DJ Mikey in the mornings from Alice 105.9 FM and participate in the live morning show!

Be a Denver Post Crime Reporter: shadow beat reporter Felisa Cardona and experience what its like to go to court, conduct an interview and produce a story on deadline.

Be a Pastry Chef: spend the day surrounded by sweet smells at Azucar Bakery and learn to make a wedding cake from start to finish, including decoration!

Be a Raging Rapids Fan: this is the perfect package for a soccer player! With the chance to take the field immediately before kick-off and get a jersey signed by the entire team, this is an experience your kiddo won’t soon forget.

Be a Queen and Princess: perfect for mother-daughter, this package includes hair styling and makeovers for two at Planet Labs Salon in Cherry Creek North.

Be a Roaring Rockies Fan: with four tickets (great seats!) to the home game of your choice and a signed piece of Rockies memorabilia, this is a great package for the boy (or girl) of summer in your life.

Mi Casa Named One of Three NCLR Family Strengthening Award Winners

2010-04-26T15:30:00.000-07:00

The National Council of La Raza (NCLR) has chosen Mi Casa as one of this year’s NCLR Family Strengthening Award winners. NCLR received many applications from NCLR Affiliate partners in 16 states, and following review by two different committees, Mi Casa was selected as one of just three recipients of the award for running exemplary programs dedicated to strengthening Hispanic families.

As a Family Strengthening Award winner, Mi Casa will receive $16,500 in cash to support our Youth & Family Development programs. Mi Casa will also share strategies and best practices with other NCLR affiliates at the annual conference in San Antonio this summer, participate in creating a best practices guide, and take part in peer-to-peer technical assistance with other, similar organizations around the nation.

“This is a huge honor for Mi Casa,” said Christine Marquez-Hudson, Executive Director. “It speaks to the incredible hard work and dedication of our staff, board members and volunteers, who work every day to make sure our programs effectively help Latino and low-income families overcome their challenges and achieve lasting economic stability.”

The National Council of La Raza – the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States – works to improve opportunities for Hispanic Americans. Through its network of nearly 300 affiliated community-based organizations, NCLR reaches millions of Hispanics each year in 41 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. To achieve its mission, NCLR conducts applied research, policy analysis, and advocacy, providing a Latino perspective in five key areas – assets/investments, civil rights/immigration, education, employment and economic status, and health. In addition, it provides capacity-building assistance to its Affiliates who work at the state and local level to advance opportunities for individuals and families. Founded in 1968, NCLR is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan, tax-exempt organization headquartered in Washington, DC.

Senator Udall Features Mi Casa in Workforce Tour Video

2010-04-20T15:15:00.000-07:00

Senator Udall visited Mi Casa on March 31 to meet with students in our Green Energy & Construction training program. Check out this video from Udall's 2010 Colorado Workforce Tour that features Mi Casa Resource Center and some of our job training graduates.

Mi Casa's Green Energy & Construction Training on CBS4 News!

2010-04-09T12:17:00.000-07:00

Check out this video that appeared last week on CBS4 News about Mi Casa's Green Energy & Construction training program and one of our graduates currently employed as a PV installer at Simple Solar.

Mi Casa trains individuals - most of whom have limited skills and education - to launch careers in the high-growth industries of renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Senator Mark Udall Visits Mi Casa

2010-03-31T15:10:00.000-07:00

Senator Mark Udall visited Mi Casa Resource Center on Wednesday to meet with students in Mi Casa’s Green Energy & Construction training program and discuss ways the government can promote renewable energy projects to get more unemployed Coloradans back to work.

“Green is the new red, white and blue,” said Senator Udall. “Investing in renewable energy is the most patriotic thing we can do. I’m not for changing the color of our flag, but we want to have the strongest country in the world and in the process create good jobs and keep our air and water clean.”

Senator Udall met with students enrolled in Mi Casa’s training programs and held a town hall meeting with Mi Casa students, staff, trainers, and community partners. Several people told Senator Udall about their difficulty finding work and asked him what the federal government is doing to create jobs on a large scale.

Charles Garcia, a recent Mi Casa graduate, told Senator Udall that having a felony on his record has crippled his job search. “It’s a huge barrier,” said Charles. “They like to say it isn’t but it usually knocks me completely out of the running.”

Udall responded by acknowledging that probably everyone had made a serious mistake at some point in their life; some folks just pay for those mistakes more than others. The Senator said he welcomed suggestions on how to lift some of the obstructions for job seeking ex-offenders. “We ought to do more to help people – once they have paid their debt to society –start their lives over again, which means being able to vote, get housing and find a job,” Udall said.

RJ Harrington, Managing Director of Simple Solar, a Mi Casa training partner, suggested the legislature create incentives for employers to provide ex-offenders with a two-week working interview, a practice Simple Solar uses with its ex-offender employees – and everyone else – to make sure it’s a good fit.

Senator Udall concluded by stating his commitment to removing some of the barriers ex-offenders face in the workforce and providing incentives for employers who hire them.

“You inspire me,” the Senator told the group gathered at Mi Casa. “I can’t wait to tell your stories.”

Find Financing for your Small Business!

2010-03-26T11:03:00.001-07:00

Mi Casa is committed to supporting small businesses and cultivating opportunities for economic success through self-employment. That's why we are hosting a Small Business & Community Resource Fair on Wednesday, April 7th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The focus of the event will be on helping small-business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs connect with financing options, counseling, and other businesses in order to grow or launch their small business and find new opportunities for expansion. The event is FREE and open to the public.

This event will provide participants with information on business loan options in a down economy, as well as the latest government incentives for small businesses and low-cost entrepreneurial training and business counseling services offered by Mi Casa.

In addition to traditional lending institutions, Mi Casa encourages its small business clients to seek the services of local credit unions. Many entrepreneurs find the personal service, low fees and accessibility of credit offered by local credit unions to be a welcome respite from the formal bank environment.

At the April 7 event, credit unions, banks, and microlenders will be present at Mi Casa to help you understand the loan process and offer advice. Click here for more info about this event.

Call Claudia at 303-573-1302 for more information or to reserve your spot.

Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft

2010-02-27T10:52:00.000-08:00

What are the top pieces of information identity thieves look for?

1. Social security number
2. Checking account information
3. Credit card number(s)

Your account number is printed on the bottom of your checks – so treat your checks like gold and NEVER leave a check in the outgoing mail where a thief could grab it! (If you pay utility bills with checks, make sure you drop the envelope with the check in it directly into a mailbox or hand it to a postal worker).

We need to do our business differently – shred sensitive mail like pre-approved credit card applications or other documents with account or social security numbers.

Other tips to keep your identity safe:

NEVER, no mater how legit it looks, cash a check that you did not earn
NEVER give money to get money
If it sounds too good to be true, it is (avoid any offers using terms like “free”, “no risk”, or “no obligation”
Get your phone number on the DO NOT CALL list (see info from DA below)
Freeze your credit (learn how below)
Use credit cards and pay the balance every month (credit card companies monitor your purchases and are therefore are much safer than checks)
Monitor your credit and get a free annual credit report www.annualcreditreport.com.
NEVER respond to unsolicited communication (phone or email) asking for information verification (account number, full name, address, social security number, etc.) If you think the call might be legitimate, hang up and dial the number on the back of your credit card

Seniors are especially vulnerable to consumer fraud and identity theft. Encourage the seniors in your life to freeze their credit and learn about protecting themselves.

Toolkit:

Step-by-step instructions to freeze your credit (it can easily be unfrozen)
Download a template you can use to freeze your credit with each of the three major consumer credit reporting agencies
Information from the DA’s office about protecting your identity and what to do if you are a victim
Report suspicious activity to the Denver District Attorney's Fraud Hotline: 720-913-9179

Green Jobs for Women: Resources

2010-02-25T09:21:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday, February 24, Mi Casa hosted an event to educate women about "green collar" job opportunities in renewable energy, sustainable construction and environmental science. More than 150 women attended the event, which included an overview of green jobs and the kinds of jobs available, local training options, the perspective of women working green jobs, and an employer presentation about key qualities of successful green job applicants.

If you weren't able to attend the event, click here to access a long list of green jobs resources, including job-search websites for green collar jobs, education and training, online networking sites, resources articles and more.

Pueblo Leader Joins Mi Casa Board

2010-02-05T09:42:00.001-08:00

Mi Casa is pleased to announce that Betty Martinez, small-business owner and community leader from Pueblo, has joined the board of directors. Betty was appointed to the Denver-based Mi Casa board of directors to represent the interests of Pueblo and the small business development programs Mi Casa offers to residents of southern Colorado.

In addition to her involvement with Mi Casa, Betty has served in various capacities for nearly a dozen community groups and charitable organizations, including the Boys & Girls Club of Pueblo, the Pueblo Child Advocacy Center, the Pueblo Latino Chamber of Commerce, YWCA, and Girl Scouts. Betty is a Colorado Lottery Commissioner and the current president of the Pueblo chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens, better known by its acronym LULAC.

Betty owns a real estate company in Pueblo, and as a Latina entrepreneur herself, Betty was attracted to Mi Casa’s mission to empower underserved entrepreneurs to start their own small businesses. “The programs at Mi Casa really struck a chord with me because I understand the struggles in developing a business,” Betty says. “I became involved with Mi Casa to help open doors for women, people of color and veterans to be successful with their businesses.”

Betty joined Mi Casa’s advisory council to assist with the entrepreneurial training and technical assistance programs offered in Pueblo. Betty frequently serves as a guest presenter to the classes, sharing her insight and encouraging aspiring entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams of self-employment and business ownership. “I tell them that they can do this and that they should ask for advice along the way because people are more willing offer counsel than they realize.”

Betty will be the voice of southern Colorado on Mi Casa’s 12-member board of directors that has traditionally been comprised of only Denver residents. Betty believes that Mi Casa’s southern Colorado programs are vital resources for small business development and local economic growth, and she wants to ensure the sustainability of Mi Casa’s presence in Pueblo. “It’s a different community environment here in Pueblo,” Betty says. “We might not have all the resources that are available in the bigger cities, but we are a close-knit community committed to economic success and empowerment through business, and I want the Denver board members have a better understanding of southern Colorado so that we can be involved in the decisions that affect us.”