Reinvesting in Hacienda CDC’s Early Childhood Programs
In 2021 Hacienda CDC supported the community in a variety of ways. They distributed 600 laptops, 600 internet hotspots, and 242 internet assistance debit cards to low-income families across Portland so people could have access to work, school, and other online resources. You may have also heard that Hacienda CDC teamed up with the Port of Portland to use mass timber to create prototypes for modular housing, and they were awarded $5 million from the state Legislature for the project. However, at the heart of their organization, and the reason we continue to have a strong partnership, is Hacienda’s commitment to early childhood education through their Portland Niños program.
Hacienda CDC serves approximately 360 kids through three major programs: Portland Niños, Expresiones, and SUN Youth Advocacy. These programs offer a variety of important education and social support services to children from birth to 8th grade. They provide children with academic support, cultural enrichment, and health services that help them reach their full potential. In a recent YouTube video posted by Hacienda CDC, Lízbeth Vanegas, a parent who has been in the program since October 2018 says, “Truly, without this help, I don’t know where I would be right now.” In November 2021, our Portfolio Management Team approved a reinvestment in Hacienda CDC, including a $25,000 grant and Partner time, to continue to support their goals. Lead Partner Chris Hart says, “Our focus in 2021 was gaining a greater understanding of the Hacienda through an organizational capacity assessment and assisting with their strategic planning initiative. In 2022, we will continue focusing on capacity building with an emphasis on board development, impact measures, and evaluating potential opportunities to expand their early childhood programs.”
Hacienda is committed to looking for opportunities to support the Preschool for All initiative, as well as exploring potential real estate development opportunities to include space for childcare or preschools. Chris shared that, “Hacienda has a very capable leadership team and staff, and is already on the path for sustained growth.” Our Partners will support the transition to a new curriculum for the Portland Niños program, which aims to reduce academic and health disparities among Latino children in Multnomah County. This successful program allows parents to participate in weekly parenting support groups, educational workshops, and monthly home visits from Hacienda’s Early Childhood Educators to monitor their child’s health and development. Hacienda offers Spanish-English educational materials and activities that promote physical, cognitive, and emotional development to support kindergarten readiness. Youth and Family Services programming is at the heart of Hacienda, and is emphasized by their CEO, Ernesto Fonseca, Ph.D., who has said, "Housing is not enough. Providing services gives people a chance to see more opportunity in their future."