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A resolution recognizing the 20th anniversary of Conexi?n Am?ricas.
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WHEREAS, in 2002, Conexi?n Am?ricas' three co-founders came together to address a growing need in our community - welcoming Latino immigrant families as they immigrated to Middle Tennessee; and
WHEREAS, what started out as a small organization of three is now a Nashville institution, continuing to build a welcoming community, and create opportunities where Latino families can belong, contribute, and succeed; and
WHEREAS, between 1990 and 2000, the United States Census showed a 446% growth in the Hispanic population in Nashville. During this time, public agencies and nonprofit organizations were dramatically challenged by this wave of newcomers; and
WHEREAS, the founders of Conexi?n Am?ricas, Mar?a Clara Mej?a, Jos? Gonz?lez, and Renata Soto, professionals in nonprofit, business and social development, understood that void and its challenges; and
WHEREAS, in 2002, the co-founders teamed up with an existing small nonprofit group, the Hispanic Family Resource Center (HFRC), that was exclusively dedicated to providing information and referral services on health-related matters. The merger, which broadened services, allowed for the implementation of a holistic approach to help Latino families; and
WHEREAS, eventually, the original information and referral service of the HFRC evolved into the Spanish Help Line for Middle Tennessee. Conexi?n Am?ricas' programs now serve over 9,000 families and individuals each year; and
WHEREAS, Conexi?n Am?ricas focuses on the social, economic, and civic integration of Latino families through various programs such as Escalera and Parents as Partners, and educational services spanning topics including taxes, homeownership, entrepreneurship, grassroots leadership development, and community outreach and education; and
WHEREAS, Casa Azafr?n, the nonprofit collaborative community center located on Nolensville Pike, is home to Conexi?n Am?ricas alon...
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