Luis Dubon cut the ribbon bearing the many flags representing Latino countries during the celebration held on Friday. Dubon is credited with helping to begin the process of bridging the cultural divide between Latinos and Anglos in Dubois County that he saw when he arrived here in 1999. The Association of Latin Americans in Southern Indiana (ALASI) was formed in 2008 through Dubon’s and many others’ efforts.
Friday, ALASI (Association of Latin Americans in Southern Indiana) hosted a ribbon-cutting and tour of the new resource center opening in Huntingburg at 511 E. 4th Street.
The huge gathering included members of ALASI and the Latino Collaboration Roundtable, which have now merged, as well as the many businesses and community members who have supported the groups’ efforts.
The momentous occasion celebrated the launch of the new center focused on bridging gaps in cultural divides as well as assisting with needed services for Latino community members and their families. The ALASI Resource Center, also accessible through the website https://www.alasiindiana.com and on Facebook here, will support the Latino population in Dubois County and surrounding areas by providing a hub for essential resources and assistance that overcome language barriers and is designed to foster community growth.
The day also marked the first day of Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States. Huntingburg Mayor Steve Schwinghamer and Jasper Mayor Dean Vonderheide both read proclamations celebrating the center and the month recognizing the diverse Hispanic cultures in this country.
The resource center will open by appointment this week and will be operated with volunteers for two days a week when doors are open.
You can find out more about the resource center here.
Gia de La Garza Sandoval, 4, held the end of the ribbon as the entire crowd was invited up to take part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Helen Camacho led a discussion with students from Jasper High School and Southridge regarding resources available and issues they face in Dubois County. Many have found themselves providing translation assistance for their older family members and also run into issues themselves due to cultural barriers as they attempt to navigate essential services like medical care and housing services. The new ALASI Resource Center is designed to assist in those situations.
Students taking part in the roundtable discussed issues they face and were encouraged to reach out to ALASI for help.
The new office will open next week for walk-ins, and appointments can be set up through ALASI. Evelyn Rivas, president of ALASI, explained how the office will operate with visitors after the ceremony was held.
Everyone in attendance at the ribbon cutting was invited to take part in a group photo before the big moment.
