EL AMANECER
THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF
THE SPANISH AMERICAN CENTER
VOLUME III, No. 6 June, 2018
News and Notes from Neddy
June, 2018
Dear friends,

     Here at The Spanish American Center we sometimes underestimate the impact of our work. This month I want to share a story about how our efforts have helped to make a real difference in the life of one of our clients. To protect his confidentiality we will call him “George”. 
     George has been known to our social workers and kitchen staff for over a year. He had been homeless, alone and suffering from the impact of years of substance abuse and the fallout from it – failing health, loss of family support, hunger and fear. Gaining his trust was a critical step in effecting change – he initially refused intervention,  but, over time, with the warm meals offered at our Cocina, and an accepting and non-judgmental environment, he became a “regular”, eating meals here and engaging with us in our efforts to help. With outreach from a counselor at Spectrum, George began to make changes. He was given assistance with formal supports like Food Stamps and Medicaid, but he was still living on the streets. Our Administrative Assistant, Claire Toomey, reached out as well – (all of our staff and volunteers, regardless of job title or function, share our passion to help anyone who is in need). 
     When he came to us this past January  he expressed willingness to make changes in his life. At that time Claire started to look for a permanent home for George, encountering many obstacles along the way. We never lost hope so that George would not give up on his goals. After continuing our search, at the end of February we learned of a “sober house” that had an available room. George was referred there, and, he was accepted! 
     Since that time, George has been sober for six months, has a permanent residence, health insurance and, most importantly – his dignity. He has become part of our family here at the Spanish American Center. The love and compassion shown by all here has proven that yes, we have saved a life and given hope. THIS IS WHAT OUR MISSION IS ALL ABOUT –  “Sirviendo Nuestra Comunidad.”
 
      Have a wonderful month, and, as always,  thank you for your support.

Neddy
St aff, Board, Community Colleagues and friends gathered on a bright May afternoon to say good bye and to wish Christina Gonzalez well as she moves to Florida. A special proclamation was presented by Ms.Eladia Ramirez from Congressman Jim McGovern, in recognition of Christina's great work and dedication to her clients at SAC and for her volunteerism. In photos below: guests and Christina Gonzalez!
(from left to right) Wendy Aguilar - Pathways for Change, Maria Alicea - S.A.C ., Joann Stemmermann MCSW and
State Representative
Natalie Higgins

SAC Staff host an information and outreach table at 

ElderCare 2018
at Leicester Country Club
SAC Staff members and friends celebrate and network at the


38t h Annual
Thank You Event
Dining for Hunger to Benefit Spanish American Center, Ginny's
Bring your appetites and help your neighbors and community! Dining for Hunger will kick off its inaugural event from 5:30 - 8 p.m., Thursday, June 28, at the Leominster Eagles.
DJ Wayne will provide entertainment. A cash bar will be available and a large assortment of items will be raffled off, such as lottery ticket trees, tickets to a Red Sox game and more!
Area chefs will create dishes to tickle your palate using food that might otherwise go to waste; products nearing their use by date; a soft tomato becomes salsa or a gazpacho. Stale bread becomes a sweet bread pudding or a savory stuffing. Why is this important? 
  • Forty percent of the food produced in the United States goes to waste
  • Food that ends up in a landfill is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gasses
This year, we are raising money for the Spanish American Center and Ginny's Helping Hands, two Leominster groups who have been helping our neighbors for decades. Click on our logo above for more information/tickets.
Below are more images taken during our recent visit and congressional breakfast at SAC. Congressmen James McGovern and Luis Gutierrez met with constituents, enjoyed a fabulous breakfast prepared by the Center's amazing cooks and presented their legislative agendas for the upcoming year with special focus on issues which impact the minority and hispanic community. Voting resources offered at the Center and the importance of voting were stressed. The Center thanks both Congressmen for their concern and outreach, and hard work in Washington advocating for communities of color.
A public Thank-You
to our private donors!
Although we are unable to identify and personally thank our wonderfully generous anonymous donors to the Spanish American Center, we would still like to publicly acknowledge having received these individual's gifts, and offer our most sincere thanks for this incredible generosity. These donations will support our food pantry, domestic violence program, elder services, board development, information and referral and emergency services at the Center. Please accept our heartfelt thanks. ¡Muchas Gracias! - Neddy, Staff & Board of Directors, Spanish American Center
Thanking our June, 2018 Corporate Sponsors
we are pleased to acknowledge their support to the Spanish AmericanCenter!
Dedicated to diversity, inclusion and quality care - Heywood Healthcare is seeking a diverse workforce and has reached out to the Spanish American Center with job postings: www.heywood.org
49 Pleasant St,Leominster 978.290.1124
*Companionship, 
*Accompany to and from appointment,
*Home making services,
*PCA, C.N.A
* LPN RN,
*Hospice support.
*Respite services,
 *24 hrs live ins
*Dementia care/diabetic care,
* care after stroke.
*complementary free in home safety assessment by A nurse/ RN/LPN
* One to One in any setting when needed
Robert Juma, RN, MS - Owner
We are 
We are a minority managed non-profit social service agency 501 (c) (3)
Your donations are greatly appreciated and stay in our community!
Sirviendo Nuestra Comunidad  - Serving Our Community-  for over 50 years!