Profile: Latino Coalition for Faith and Community Initiatives

Mission

To strengthen the capacity, enhance the programs, and expand the reach of faith & community-based organizations working to transform the lives of Latino youth and families.

Goals

• To help Latino-serving grassroots groups delivery superior services.
• To support faith-based organizations in their role as civic partners.
• To foster collaboration amongst faith-based groups, corporations, community organizations and government agencies in addressing the needs of Latino youth and families.

Giving Voice to Vision
              "Where there is no vision, the people perish..."
                                           - Proverbs 29:18

Inspired by this ancient wisdom, we are reminded of the seminal power of vision in the lives of people. Every social movement that has had a transformational impact on the status quo can be traced back to the clear vision of its leaders.

But vision takes hold only when it is realized through daily labor and dedicated service. Today there are hundreds of hard-working grassroots groups that share a common vision of a brighter future for Latino youth and families. Many of these groups work in relative isolation, with scant resources and tight budgets. Still, they pursue that hopeful vision with selfless determination and, more often than not, with amazing results.

The Latino Coalition was born to give voice to their common vision. We have a deep commitment to the communities we represent, and a passion for service to those among us who need a second chance or a helping hand.

Like the proverbial fisherman who act as "net menders and makers," we aspire to be both practical visionaries and community builders. We believe in fixing what doesn't work, and in joining together to improve what does. By mending our nets, we make sure that fewer youth and families slip through the holes. By weaving nets that join us in collaborative service, we "catch more, help more and heal more."