Puentes de Esperanza has been working tirelessly for the past two years provideing assistance to the growing immigrant population in Randolph county. The area became popular with immigrants because of the employment opportunities at manufacturing plants and with local farmers. Even though they found employment in the area this underserved population faces challenges daily as a result of the language barriers, limited access to medical care, limited transportation, translation issues, affordable housing, and other financial burdens.
To alleviate some of the burden for this population in Randolph County Puentes de Esperanza started meeting with clients to offer support. Program funding from the Illinois Department of Human Services Welcoming Center Program and funding through the United for Families Grant provided by the United Way have supported these outreach efforts. The United for Families grant initiates a whole family case management model and provides individualized case management, financial coaching, and emergency financial assistance. The program objective is to stabilize and support families on their road to becoming self-sufficient and to aid them in achieving financial security. The financial assistance provided can be used for rent, home or vehicle repair, groceries, clothing or other desperately needed items.
Puentes de Esperanza goes beyond the immediate financial assistance the grant provides, they focus on long-term prosperity and stability of the immigrants in the community. Recognizing that fear and mistrust are often the barriers prevent families from seeking help, Puentes has dedicated itself to building a foundation of trust. Immigrant Services Manager, Edda Berti, has been instrumental in building trusting relationships and supports within the community. Edda and her team have bridged gaps in the community by easing the apprehension of non-English speaking members and by educating the immigrant population about the services and resources available to them.
"I love the Chester community. They are full of life, they are active and work together," said Edda. The work Puentes has done over the past two year has not only met the immediate needs of the underserved population but has fostered a sense of belonging and trust, encouraging the Hispanic population to actively participate and contribute to their community. This ensures their well-being and builds a stronger foundation for their future.
Hoyleton Board Member Rev. Don Jones, who is also a consultant with the Sparta Hospital, where many Puentes clients have gone for medial treatment, wholeheartedly supports the work Puentes is doing in the community and knows it is making a difference, “building relationships now benefits everyone in the future,” Don said.
A health fair hosted by Buena Vista Bank, in partnership with Puentes and supported by local hospital mobile units was held in March drew 78 attendees, 49 were members of the Hispanic community. This was unprecedented attendance by immigrants and speaks to the progress that has been made. The health fair provided a variety of assessments and screenings all at reduced or no cost making a critical step in addressing health disparities and promoting well-being among the Hispanic population.
