Adelante supports and nurtures the entire family

When Elizabeth Escalante’s washing machine broke down, what seemed at first like a stroke of bad luck actually turned out to be a surprising gift. While Elizabeth was washing her family’s clothes at the Laundromat, she saw a sticker on the wall advertising Adelante’s programs.

That was two years ago, and now Elizabeth, 43, says her entire family has benefited from services at Adelante. Hailing from Vera Cruz, Mexico, she and her family have been in the United States for about eight years. Having spent the first three in California, they have been in Toledo for about five years.

Elizabeth has four daughters: Donna, 18; Amauri, 16; Samantha, 9; and Emily, 7. All of them utilize programs at Adelante, and Elizabeth said her husband used to take ESL classes there too, until his work schedule became too busy.

“I am learning so much here and doing better every day,” she said. “When I first came here, I spoke no English at all. Now, I am still learning, but I am improving all the time.”

Elizabeth adds that Adelante has helped her family with much more than language lessons.

“They give me and my kids very good attention,” Elizabeth said. “When we have problems at home, they help. Even if I need to take one of the kids to the hospital or a clinic appointment, they help with transportation.”

Elizabeth said Adelante is helping to enhance her children’s education as well.

“They help my younger children with homework and provide them with educational opportunities,” Elizabeth said. “My teenagers are learning about drugs, alcohol and tobacco – they say they will never use them because they are learning a lot here. Adelante teaches them to do other activities.”

Adelante has seen many families such as the Escalante family blossom under its care since opening its doors in 1996. Thousands who have walked through our doors can relate with Elizabeth Escalante in that they have experienced Adelante’s dedication to its mission of serving and empowering individuals and families in northwest Ohio through education, prevention, health and other social services. Adelante has become a leading provider of linguistically appropriate and culturally competent programs for Latinos in Lucas and surrounding counties, and continues to employ passion and creativity in removing barriers to progress for Latinos.

For years, Adelante has seen many neighborhoods struggle to address those barriers, which include language, unmet health-care needs, a lack of financial education, drug and alcohol addiction, domestic violence, high teen-pregnancy rates and low educational attainment. Through partnerships, collaboration and dedication, Adelante provides programs and services that support Latino individuals and families such as the Escalantes as they work to overcome these challenges and achieve or maintain self-sufficiency, well-being and neighborhood stability.

Based on the belief that Adelante’s vision of a healthy and empowered Latino community can be achieved only through a holistic approach, Adelante operates three divisions: Family and Community Resources, Children and Youth, and Health. In addition to having comprehensive programs, Adelante has pioneered many partnerships within the community in recognition that no single organization can satisfy all of the community’s needs. These partners, such as CareNet, The Source and LCCS, create an even greater support network for families like the Escalantes.

These and other organizations look to Adelante for assistance with translation, interpretation, job placement, and other business services.

Because of its dedication to the Latino community in Northwest Ohio, openness in partnering and solid cultural skill set, Adelante has become The Latino Resource Center for businesses, government and individuals in need.