Latinx Wellness and Recreation

Latinx families in Portland don't have many opportunities for recreation or self-care, mostly because resources like money and time are too limited.

This project, spear-headed by my friend Maria who is an immigrant herself, gives Latinx families chances to be active, to explore, to meet other people, and to destress. With funds raised through this gofundme, she will be able to continue working with families to create space for expression, for stories, for movement, for sharing meals together, for connections, for learning, and for relief.

With the help of a few small donations and a lot of donated time and money by Maria herself (she lives with a very limited income, but she spends her own money anyway), several families have gathered for apple picking, a day at the beach, hiking, visiting the Portland Observatory, and a mask-making workshop at Colby College (see the photo above), to name just a few of the activities for families from this summer and fall.

This winter, Maria will be holding half-day wellness retreats for the adults, including yoga, massage, food, and childcare. (Maria is a certified yoga instructor.)

If you donate to this campaign, your money will be used to pay for gas, food, park or museum entrance fees, facility rental, art supplies for the children, yoga/massage or other wellness services (the two half-day wellness retreats), childcare, and outreach to these mostly-hidden families over the next three months.

Most of us know how important mental health is for overall success in life. The current political climate is criminalizing immigrants families, bringing with it significant stress and difficulties; self-care and recreation are almost impossible for them to find. Your gift will bring moments of joy and relaxation to families who rarely get a chance to just take a break and be in community together. Thank you for considering a gift to this project.

If you have questions about the project and would like more details, please feel free to contact me. heather at grantwinners dot net :-)

--Heather