PR2004 Apr 13

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Wendy Jones 205-391-2310

Hispanic Community Welcomed to Shelton State

Shelton State Community College will welcome members of the Hispanic community to its Martin Campus on April 26 from 3:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. for “Open Arms,” a cooperative program to provide information on resources available to the Spanish speaking community of West Alabama.

The event is being sponsored by Shelton State Community College, the University of Alabama, UA Spanish Outreach Program, Tuscaloosa Family Resource Center, United Way and the Hispanic Providers Network.

Guest speaker for the event will be Bill Castro from the Office of Homeland Security in Atlanta. Julia Hayes with the Office of Minority Health of the Alabama Department of Public Health will moderate the afternoon’s discussions. A number of area agencies will have displays and information about the services they offer the Hispanic community and food and entertainment will also be provided.

Tuscaloosa Family Resource Center will unveil a new community poster that highlights their new Information and Referral Service that targets Hispanic families.

“I see the ‘Open Arms’ event as being a wonderful way for our community to embrace the Hispanic population and to better inform them of the services and employment opportunities in this area,” said Teresa Constanzo of the Tuscaloosa Family Resource Center. “’Open Arms’ is our first step in making this possible and we anticipate it becoming an annual event with expanded services in future years.”

For additional information on the “Open Arms” event or other services offered to the Hispanic community, please contact Teresa Constanzo at 205/462-1000.