Hispanics are the largest ethnic minority population in the United States. The Kenosha County area has experienced the same unprecedented growth in the Hispanic population as the rest of the nation in recent years. However, issues such as language barriers, legal and documentation issues, lack of job training and availability, lower formal education and a lack of understanding of cultural differences and non-acceptance by the broader community are barriers to creating a climate of inclusion in business, education, access to basic services and community development.
A summit to be held on Friday Nov. 2, at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside is intended to provide an opportunity for dialogue about critical issues that need to be addressed if Hispanic families are to become engaged members of our communities and move toward self-reliance through education, workforce development and access to culturally competent resources and services. In addition to local, regional and national speakers, the summit will feature resource tables with information from local community partners. This will be a wonderful opportunity to network with professionals regarding how to address the needs of this growing demographic.
Four key areas of concern will be addressed: Immigration and Law Enforcement, Education, Business and Workforce Development and Youth and Families-Access to Services.
To register for the Summit, please visit www.uwp.edu, keyword continuing education. Click on “conferences, then Hispanic Summit.
For more information contact: Nancy Ramsey at Nancy.Ramsey@kenoshacounty.org or Donna Rhodes at Donna.Rhodes@kenoshacounty.org
