Hispanic Families Work Group (HFWG)

Members

There are three types of HFWG memberships: Community Contacts, HFWG Members, and Executive Board Officers. All memberships are free and strictly voluntary – we also offer internships (see Projects & Interns).

A Community Contact is a person or organization that is interested in the HFWG and the Hispanic community, but cannot attend regular meetings or participate on a regular basis. These community partners receive regular updates via the HFWG e-mail listerv and share information with the HFWG membership. This type of membership doesn’t have any voting rights, but can be changed at any time by informing the Chair.

A HFWG Member is a person who attends 2/3 of regular monthly meetings and actively assists HFWG with committees, activities, or support at least once per calendar year. This type of membership has voting rights; receives regular updates via the listserv; and is offered additional organizational support and opportunities.

The Executive Board Officers are made up of a Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and Past Chair. The Executive Board meets monthly and is responsible for the overall policy and direction of the HFWG and its members. The Officers are all volunteers (do not receive compensation) and elected in November for two year terms.

Current Executive Board (2008-2010)

• Chair – Alex Cardona
• Vice-Chair – Deborah Halperin
• Secretary – Maureen Sollars
• Treasurer – Laura Grant
• Ex-Officio – Karen Major (Chair 2004-2008)

Member Organizations

Social Service Organizations

• Bloomington Public Library
• Community Health Care Clinic
• Latinos United for Change
• McLean County Health Department
• Mid Central Community Action
• PATH – Providing Access to Help
• The Baby Fold
• The Immigration Project
• Western Ave Community Center
• YWCA

Education

• Heartland Community College
• Illinois State University (ISU)
• Illinois Wesleyan University Action Research Center
• Unit 5 School District

Businesses

• COUNTRY Companies
• State Farm Insurance Companies

Spanish Media

• Radio Latino 88.1FM
• WJBC en Español AM1230 & 93.7FM

Churches

• Restoration Christian Church
• St. Mary’s Church
• Sanctuary International Church

Sister Organization

The HFWG has a sister organization serving the Peoria area. The mission of the Peoria Hispanics is to promote the Hispanic culture in Peoria, Illinois and the surrounding area. They work to bring together businesses, organizations, agencies, and concerned individuals to provide the most comprehensive information related to Hispanic outreach and the resources available in the area. They meet on the second Monday of the month and for additional information please visit their website or facebook page.