2025 Progreso Latino Fund Grantmaking: Bridging the Skills Gap

Casa to Career Grantees

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  Springs Learning Center - $4,000
  The Springs Learning Center is a non-profit, non-denominational educational outreach ministry of the Dominican Sisters of Peace which offers English as a Second Language to adult learners in Greater New Haven. The grant supports the supply of a book series that gives local Latinas the tools they need to navigate such daily-life situations as meeting with a teacher, communicating with a doctor, and talking with co-workers, managers or clients in a work setting. Women who study at the Springs Learning Center will be able to describe themselves and their needs, develop phone and email skills, identify local businesses where they might work, create a resume and role-play job interviews.  Whether explaining a medical issue or negotiating a job offer, the ability to communicate effectively in English helps Latinas have greater control in their lives.

•   Junta for Progressive Action - $5,000

  Junta for Progressive Action’s program enhances and sustains critical wraparound services that support Latinas in Greater New Haven as they enter and remain in the workforce. These services include bilingual case management, access to a diaper bank, English as a second language classes, after-school and summer youth programs and navigation support for public benefits and childcare resources. This funding helps to reduce the barriers that prevent Latina mothers and caregivers from fully participating in the local economy.

• Fair Haven Community Health Clinic - $5,000
  “Step into Success: A Latina Workforce Readiness Support Program” is a focused initiative providing interview clothing and salon services for Latina patients who are actively seeking employment. These services target key barriers such as confidence-building, self-care, and disposable income for career clothing, which prevent many Latina women from confidently pursuing or accepting work opportunities.