Hello Nune,

"Immigrants - We get the job done!" Those words aren't just song lyrics from the Broadway Musical, Hamilton. As St. Patrick's Day approaches, it is important for us to remember the contributions of immigrants to our community and to celebrate the diversity that makes our city great.

Santa Maria was initially founded to assist Italian immigrants to Cincinnati. In the early 19th century, the city saw an influx of Irish immigrants. Ever since, Cincinnati has seen great waves of German, Jewish and Appalachian immigrants and each time Santa Maria pivoted to address their needs. Since 1966, Santa Maria has been grounded in and serving the Greater Price HIll Community, which today includes a growing population of Hispanic immigrants from Central American nations, as well as many families from West African nations.

Immigrants come to the tri-state seeking economic opportunities and a better life for themselves and their families. That's part of the reason Santa Maria is hosting a Block Party on April 6 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at our 3208 Warsaw Avenue location. The Fifth Third Financial Empowerment Van (eBus) will once again be on hand this year with financial information available in English and Spanish. We will have free food and drink, great raffles and local vendors with valuable resources for our program participants and neighborhood residents.

We also recognize the challenges that many immigrants face, including discrimination, racism, economic inequality, and a lack of access to education and especially healthcare. That's why we plan to have bilingual volunteers available at our annual Free Health Fair on Saturday, April 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Price Hill Recreation Center (959 Hawthorne Avenue) to help immigrant families navigate through the free health screenings, tests and community resources that will be available.

As we celebrate St. Patrick's Day, we must remember the important role that all immigrants play in our community. They bring diversity, talent, and innovation to our city and help make it a better place to live, work, and raise a family. Santa Maria honors the legacy of these immigrants and recognizes their ongoing contributions to our city and to a stronger, more vibrant Price Hill for all.

Thank you!

H.A. Musser, Jr.

President & CEO

Santa Maria Community Services

AmeriCorps Volunteer LiErin Jackson Leaves Lasting Legacy Through Service

Santa Maria is recognizing AmeriCorps Week by highlighting the work of LiErin Jackson, a 45-year-old mother of five who is serving as an Economic Coach in Santa Maria’s Financial Opportunity Center. She helps program participants achieve education advancement, find employment, and create a budget, as well as learn about financial planning. LiErin's work has already made a positive impact on one local father who was able to obtain housing and gain employment with her help. LiErin's passion for serving her community and her dedication to making progress one day at a time has helped her form meaningful relationships and leave a lasting legacy for her family. 

Most Valuable Kids Sends Santa Maria's Littlest Program Participants to the Ballet!

Look at how cute Kennede, Kabriah & Kierah are!!! Last month nearly 100 Santa Maria program participants received tickets to the Cincinnati Ballet's performance of Alice in Wonderland, courtesy of Most Valuable Kids Cincinnati. They had a wonderful time!!! Thank you so much, Cincinnati Ballet and MVK!