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Organizadores del Festival del Dia de la Raza Hacen Valiosa Donación y Presentación |
Dia de la Raza Festival Organizers Make Worthy Donation and Presentation On February 15, the Dia de la Raza committee of Foley, AL presented Joanne Sheils, executive director of The Lighthouse domestic violence shelter with a check for $600. The funds were raised during the Dia de la Raza Festival last year. “It is with great joy that we allocate the proceeds from the Festival Dia de la Raza to an organization that provides invaluable support to victims of domestic violence,” said Gaby Sullivan, secretary of Dia de la Raza Festival committee. “The needs of this shelter are many and as long as the goodwill of our community exists, we will support them.” The Lighthouse operates 24/7 on a budget of $60,000 per month according to Sheils. The donation will help with operational expenses which include utilities, professional counselors and shelter management. “Victims often have to choose between abuse and homelessness,” Sheils explained. Sheils also explained that The Lighthouse helps adult victims of sexual assault as well as qualifying families with children to become independent. Their services include counseling, support groups, child advocacy, and court advocacy. All of their programs are designed to minimize or eliminate obstacles such as housing and in court. “I think that it is absolutely fabulous that this organization chooses us each year. It’s more than just the donation, but the way that [Dia de la Raza] is organized with fellowship,” Sheils said. “ The Dia de la Raza committee took the opportunity to also recognize an special person for their dedication to the Latino community in SE Alabama. Officer Alberto Lugo is the Hispanic Relations Officer for the Foley Police Dept., and has been working to develop a strong relationship between the FPD and the Latino community since December 2008. He has become a trusted representative of law enforcement that is known for always being approachable and helpful. The committee wanted to express their gratitude for his work. “I always tell people that they can call me anytime for police or community related issues,” Lugo said. “It’s common for me to play the role of counselor, teacher, and sometimes even spiritual leader. When people are in real trouble and ask me for help, I sometimes have to ask if they attend church because they are dealing with some really personal issues that require deeper spiritual guidance.” Lugo’s relationship with local Spanish-speaking pastors provides such spiritual resources. It was fitting that Pastor Raúl Aguilar Salazar of Casa de Luz Church in Elberta, AL made the presentation. “I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside a man who has displayed love for Hispanic people by serving and supporting,” said Pastor Aguilar. “God bless him and people who appreciate Officer Alberto Lugo.” |