ALASI Resource Center Opens to Serve the Latino Community of Southern Indiana

ALASI Resource Center Opens to Serve the Latino Community of Southern Indiana

by Brooke Lueken

Huntingburg, IN - September 15, 2023 - In a celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, September 15th, the ALASI Resource Center officially opened its doors to the public, marking a significant milestone in serving and connecting the Latino population in southern Indiana. The celebration also marked the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month. The center is located at 511 E 4th Street, Suite 110, just across from City Hall in downtown Huntingburg, Indiana.

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ALASI
At the ceremony marking the opening of the new ALASI Resource Center, Luis Dubon cut the ribbon with Evelyn Rivas, president of ALASI, surrounded by everyone in attendance.

The ALASI Resource Center aims to connect the community with essential resources such as housing, medical care services, ESL classes, immigration guidance, and much more. It is currently open twice a week by appointment only and operated by dedicated volunteers who serve on the ALASI Board. There are strategic plans in place to elevate its impact by appointing an executive director and assistant as full-time staff in the future.

““Through all of the years that ALASI has been active, the organization has gained a lot of trust and support from the Latino community members. We have received feedback for years regarding the need for a place where our community can easily access resources.” ”
- Evelyn Rivas, President of ALASI.

The Association of Latin Americans in Southern Indiana (ALASI) was created to better serve the needs of the Latino community in the region. Their mission is to remove barriers to access for the Latino population and expand cultural competency by providing education and resources that sustain systems of equity. They do this through celebrating culture, building partnerships, and developing resources to create a thriving community.

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Jonnathan Macias
Cory Menke (Vice President, Operations), Donetta Abel (HR Director), Jonnathan Macias (HR/Safety Coordinator), John Becher (SVP of HR/Sales Administration)

Partnerships built with ALASI include OFS and the Menke Foundation, who are also two of the founding organizations of the ALASI Resource Center. Notably, Jonnathan Macias, HR/Safety Coordinator and DEI committee member at OFS, played a crucial role in connecting these organizations through his leadership as an ALASI board member.

“The ALASI Resource Center brings us one step closer to bridging the gap, representing a shared vision of inclusivity and support for our community. Together, we were able to create a place where community members can access the fundamental resources they need, cultivating a space that encourages collaboration, understanding, and shared growth.”
- Jonnathan Macias, ALASI Board Member, HR/Safety Coordinator and DEI committee member at OFS.

The ALASI Resource Center's opening marks not only a physical space but a profound commitment to fostering unity, cultural understanding, and community prosperity in Downtown Huntingburg.

About OFS:
OFS is a family-owned contract furniture manufacturer dedicated to crafting experiences and products that contribute to places where people want to be. Founded in 1937, OFS provides furniture and logistics solutions for office, healthcare, education, lifestyle, government, and home office markets worldwide, offering seating products, tables, casegoods, and open-plan products. OFS is based in Huntingburg, Indiana.

About ALASI:
The Asociación Latinoamericana del Sur de Indiana (ALASI) is a non-profit organization. Our mission is to remove barriers to access for the Latino population and expand cultural competency by providing education and resources that sustain systems of equity through celebrating culture, building partnerships, and developing resources to create a thriving community. We offer a wide range of programs and services designed to meet the needs of the Latin American community in Southern Indiana. These include educational programs, cultural events like the Latino Culture Fest, community outreach initiatives, and more. Our organization is dedicated to creating an equitable and culturally competent Dubois County. We believe that by working together, we can build a brighter future for all. For more information about ALASI, please visit our website at www.alasiindiana.com, follow our Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ALASI.IN or contact us at alasiindiana@gmail.com.

OFS Press Contact:  Brooke Lueken - blueken@ofs.com