County Executive Robert P. Astorino honored members of local nonprofit organizations for their contribution to the Latino community in Westchester County, part of the county's observance of Hispanic Heritage Month.
At the event, Astorino thanked the various organizations for their tremendous work and presented six awards for the exceptional work and dedication of those who enhance the Hispanic community.
"Westchester's non-profit organizations are vital to our community," said Astorino. "We not only rely on them for their knowledge and ability to corral volunteers, but also to work in partnership with the county in providing essential services to our residents."
Astorino presented the following community members with proclamations for their work:
- Millie Castro, El Centro Hispano: Castro was born in Puerto Rico and currently resides in White Plains. El Centro Hispano is one of the many organizations at which she volunteers. Among her many accomplishments, she invigorated El Centro Hispano Girl Scout Troop 8003. She has always devoted her time to the needy and is one of the most fervent volunteers at El Centro Hispano.
- Luisa Grande-Rodriguez, Neighbors Link: Rodriguez has worked at Neighbors Link since 2005, a non-profit organization providing critical programs in employment, education and economic development. She is currently program director responsible for ESL education, worker training and financial literacy. She also coordinates the volunteers. Rodriguez is a first-generation American of Ecuadorian decent.
- Louis Lacopetta, United Community Center of Westchester: Lacopetta is a New Rochelle native of Italian decent. Lacopetta is the executive director of the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce and a board member of the United Community Center of Westchester, a multicultural group of volunteers who strive to help individuals and families in need. Lacopetta's extensive contributions to the organization focus on major building and development projects.
- Janet Rolon, Hispanic Resource Center: Rolon immigrated to the United States from Peru in order to pursue her education. She began working at the Hispanic Resource Center in 2004 as an ESL instructor. Rolon currently serves as the senior case manager at the Hispanic Resource Center and studies at John Jay College of Criminal Justice with the goal of becoming a lawyer.
- Ana Martinez, Family Ties: Martinez is a family resource specialist at Family Ties who works with Spanish-speaking families and children to help them become responsible, productive members of the community. She also coordinates and facilitates parent support groups and parenting classes.
- Tamaris Princi, Westchester Independent Living Center: Princi is the coordinator of minority outreach at the Westchester Independent Living Center. She conducts outreach to community agencies, churches, mental health clinics, and county and local government offices. She also provides case management, advocacy, benefits advisement and educational workshops to minority individuals with disabilities and their families. Princi spearheaded two collaborative coalitions of key community organizations – La Fuente, committed to reaching the Hispanic community; and the Equal Access Campaign, promoting accessibility for people with disabilities.
- Yolanda Davis, HOPE Community Services: Davis immigrated to the United States from Mexico with her husband in 1964. She began working for HOPE Community Services in 1995 as a Hispanic outreach coordinator focusing specifically on the New Rochelle Latino community. Davis is a tremendous asset to the organization adding services and programs wherever she sees a need. In addition to her work at HOPE, Davis is an instrumental member of the community dedicating countless hours to organizing community events and fundraisers.
- Westchester Hispanic Coalition is the only community-based organization in the county that provides legal services for immigration. They are committed to advancing the rights and leadership of Westchester's Hispanic community. The organization decided to honor their members as a collective group for their hard work and dedication.
Hispanic Heritage Month is recognized by Americans nationwide from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. It is a time for American citizens whose ancestors came from a variety of Spanish-speaking countries to celebrate their history and culture. Westchester County has approximately 210,000 Hispanic residents who account for about 22 percent of the county's population—an increase of nearly 16 percent since 2000. Nearly one in six Westchester County residents speaks Spanish at home.