Historic Reflections 2015

D ance S tudio

Círculo’s Long Beach office holds dance classes in Flamenco for children and adults as well as Salsa and modern dance classes for children.

C ontinuing E ducation C lasses

Círculo also offers Spanish classes for adults in Long Beach.

C ultural C elebrations and A ctivities

We have much work ahead of us but it would not be possible without the help of many individuals along the way. As we continue on our mission to improve the lives of individuals and their families through a comprehensive continuum of social service, recreation, education, cultural, economic development and social justice programs, we are grateful for the special efforts of dedicated employees, supportive volunteers, Board members, elected officials, corporate partners, foundations, small businesses and friends who have helped us live our mission since our inception until now, thirty-five years.

F uture S teps The agency holds holiday celebrations in December and in May for Mother’s Day where participants in its dance, guitar and Tae Kwon Do programs perform. Círculo also continues to distribute gifts to children each January when it celebrates Reyes Magos, a cultural celebration in many Spanish speaking countries. For the past several years, this has been held at Círculo Center where children and their families can enjoy a movie; lunch cooked by Chef Josh and receive presents from a visit by the Three Kings. Thanks to generous donations each year from the Hispanic Federation, Toys for Tots and others, Círculo is able to distribute gifts to more than one hundred and fifty children in need. As we plan for our future, we are cognizant of the challenges ahead. Funding for needed services is never stable and requires continued dedication to seeks funds through proposals or otherwise. This requires much dedication, commitment and time, for which grants do not pay. Sarah Brewster writes the proposals to support Círculo’s existing and new programs by dedicating evening and weekends to prepare grants and search for funding opportunities because we cannot afford a grant writer. However this is not a long term plan for the agency. We need to build a budget to support these initiatives. Círculo, through fundraising efforts, has been able to support, on a limited basis, Laura DiClementi to help with some grants. As we plan for long term sustainability, we want to develop the infrastructure to help the agency to survive during hard times. Too often we have witnessed nonprofit agencies disappear because of financial challenges, as well as challenges with leadership and succession. When our community has needs they turn to nonprofit organizations to support them. Círculo and other nonprofits provide a lifeline helping individuals improve their lives and build self-sufficiency. We want to ensure the viability of the organization for future generations, so it can continue to support to help individuals rebuild and strengthen their lives. The Bank of America, through a very generous grant of $200,000, has provided the seed funding to support Círculo as it prepares for succession planning and passing the torch to new leadership. We are very grateful for this unique, once in a lifetime opportunity.

We could not do this without you.

Together we have made a difference.

Together we will continue to do so.

¡Gracias!

Reflections of our History was compiled by Gil Bernardino, Founder and Executive Director of Círculo de la Hispanidad, and Sarah Brewster, Chief Director of Services and Operations. We thank Laura DiClementi for her input and our Consultant, Nancy Iglesias-Gillen.

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