Mission: Connecticut Puerto Rican Forum’s mission is to advance the socio-economic conditions of the community at large, with emphasis on Hispanics, through education, training, supportive services, leadership development, and advocacy.
Background: The U.S. Department of Labor in 1978 found Latinos in Hartford had limited skills and little English proficiency. It urged the National Puerto Rican Forum to open a chapter to assist the community. In 1993, Connecticut Puerto Rican Forum became an independent entity and the city’s leading educational Hispanic agency. It earned a presidential citation for public-private collaboration and achievement in service delivery to the Latino community.
The same needs that prompted the establishment of our agency 31 years ago still exist. There is a constant influx of limited English proficient people making Connecticut their home. Once here, they encounter a society that requires higher attainment levels in literacy and education because low skilled jobs offer no real job security, health care benefits, or upward mobility.
We offer culturally competent services and programs that foster individual and community growth and create economic opportunities. We specialize in providing cost-effective programs to the marginalized and disadvantaged residents of Hartford and neighboring communities to help them enter the economic and social mainstream.
Our objective is to see that people have the skills and competencies needed to succeed in employment, become stable members of their communities, gain civic engagement, and achieve financial sustainability. To reach these goals, CPRF has created models of contextualized vocational programs, comprehensive support services, and civic/leadership educational activities.
In addition, CPRF advocates for the betterment of Latino communities at local, state and national levels in partnership with statewide and national organizations.
Connecticut Puerto Rican Forum is a member of Connecticut Association of Nonprofits.
Major Fundraiser: The Starlight Gala will celebrate the Forum’s 31 years of achievement on Friday, Oct. 22, at the Bond Ballroom in Hartford.Â
Volunteer Needs: Tutors are needed to work with adults and youth in literacy. Call Nancy Pérez Rojano 860-247-3227.
Leadership:
Yanil Terón, executive director;
Julio C. Casiano, president;
Edwin Vargas Jr., vice president;
Margaret Watson, secretary;
Alex Aponte, treasurer.
Contact information:Â
Connecticut Puerto Rican Forum
95 Park St., Hartford, CT 06106
860-247-3227
www.ct-prf.org
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Yanil Terón is executive director of the Connecticut Puerto Rican Forum.
