A group of community members are in the early planning stages for a Family Cultural Center in Hermiston. The goal is to provide a place for families to share experiences with one another, learn life skills, help their children with homework and learn English as a second language.
The group has yet to secure any money for the project, but the Hispanic Advisory Committee (HAC) offered its support at Monday’s meeting.
“We need something like this for Hermiston,” said Eddie de la Cruz, chairman of the HAC. “This would be an open door for Hermiston and let us all get to know each other.”
Marisela Ortiz and Melania Hoskinson provided the HAC with some of the ideas their group has for the center. It would be open to all cultures, provide classes on computers, parenting skills, folk art and immigration issues.
The group is currently looking for grant money to help with the cost of operating the center. George Anderson, a Hermiston city councilor and member of the HAC, suggested the group get in touch with the city of Hermiston and the Hermiston Chamber of Commerce.
“The city needs to know about it,” he said.
Ceslo de la Cruz rose from his seat in the audience and told Ortiz and Hoskinson that their center could play an important role in the lives of Hermiston families.
“When this project comes about, it should help families to educate their kids with love and care,” he said. “Teach them to use the right words and set the right example.”
HAC member Fawny Vernon said she liked the idea of teaching English as a second language.
“I think it’s very needed in our community,” she said. “And I would love to see something that celebrates the cultural arts of the Hispanic community.”
Anderson had a request for Ortiz and Hoskinson.
“It would be really nice if some of the Hispanic kids could teach Spanish to the Anglo kids,” he said.
The group’s next planning meeting will be at 6 p.m., July 22 at the Department of Human Services in Hermiston. The public is invited to attend.
