As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close for 2020, we profile Sandra Quiroz, the Executive Director of Tu Casa Latina, a Reno non-profit that was originally created to serve Spanish-speakers and has since evolved to help all immigrant victims of violent crime.
At Tu Casa Latina headquarters, it's just a couple of part-time employees with a few interns and volunteers. A small staff with a big mission;
"A local non-profit that aides and assists women and children - and men, as well, that are victims of crime,” explains Quiroz.
With her warm smile and calm energy, Quiroz is a perfect fit for Tu Casa Latina. She says the majority of clients for the non-profit are undocumented. Some overstay a study or work visa, and others;
"Married someone and came with the family, then became victims"
And that's where Tu Casa Latina comes in; helping victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking. Abusers and predators often take advantage when they know a person is trying to avoid being noticed by law enforcement;
"It's a very vulnerable population"
Something that Quiroz, knows all too well.
"I'm a survivor myself"
Sandra is also a “Dreamer”; she was brought to the U.S. from Guatemala when she was just seven years old. After raising children of her own, here, she…
"... Went back to school as an adult, once they were grown and got my Bachelor's degree in human services and my Masters in public administration”
Tu Casa Latina does a lot of outreach - at festivals, community events and on school campuses, and now offers a remote service; Facebook live conversations called “Un Cafecito”.
"So, el cafecito is a time for coffee, to sit down for coffee"
This is where twice a month, from the privacy of their homes, viewers can ask questions and hear from specialists. Quiroz says although the agency is called Tu Casa LATINA , they serve people of all nationalities;
"We help individuals from Haiti, from Croatia, from Philippines…Everyone that is an undocumented or an immigrant that needs assistance, we're here for them"
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Tu Casa Latina is supported in part by a grant from the state of Nevada, and fundraising efforts. Clients, who are able, pay nominal fees.
For more information, click the links below –
