Cultural and Behavioral health Center Capital Campaign
Our Vision for the Capital Campaign
The heart of our Capital Campaign lies in creating a welcoming and inclusive space that caters to the diverse needs of the BIPOC community in Spokane, including individuals with co-occurring developmental disabilities. This initiative embodies our commitment to providing culturally and linguistically sensitive healthcare and support services that reflect the rich tapestry of our community's heritage and experiences.
Currently, we have over five programs in economic development, behavioral health, education, culture/arts and youth sports. Nuestras Raices Capital Campaign is a fundraiser campaign to acquire a new cultural and behavioral health center that will fill in the unmet needs of the community and accommodate our growing programs.
Objectives for the Capital Campaign
The first objective: Acquire a cultural and behavioral health center: Building this space will will allow us to create a state-of-the-art environment that supports cultural sensitivity, inclusiveness, and comprehensive healthcare solutions. We will be able to develop additional spaces to accommodate more patients and offer a variety of cultural and behavioral health services. See more of our objectives:
Enhance Technology
Integrate advanced technologies to improve patient care, streamline operations, and support telehealth services.
Community Engagement
Foster partnerships with local organizations and stakeholders to address community-specific health needs.
Educational Programs
Implement educational initiatives to promote mental health awareness and cultural competence among staff and the community.
Sustainability Practices:
Incorporate eco-friendly construction and operation practices to ensure the center's long-term sustainability.
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Inclusive Facility DesignWe plan to design a space that is not only accessible but also culturally resonant, ensuring that all members of the community feel a sense of belonging and comfort.
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Comprehensive Service DeliveryOur services will encompass a broad range of healthcare and support, integrating mental health care, education, and community engagement to address the holistic needs of our community.
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Empowerment Through EducationBy implementing educational programs, we aim to empower individuals and families with the knowledge and tools necessary to advocate for their health and well-being.
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Supporting Diversity in HealthcareWe are committed to recruiting and training a diverse team of healthcare providers who understand and represent the cultural backgrounds and languages of our community.
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Resource ExpansionThe center will expand its resources to include a business center, culturally and linguistically responsive behavioral health services, a Hispanic food bank, and a larger clothing bank, catering specifically to the needs of underserved populations.
Key Goals of the Campaign
About Nuestras Raíces
Nuestras Raíces Centro Comunitario (Our Roots Community Center) is a 501c3 organization that was founded by the Hispanic Business Professional Association (HBPA), an organization formed in 1979. Forover decades, Nuestras Raices has been on a mission to promote and serve business growth, professional development, education opportunities, cultural preservation, community wellness and social justice for the Hispanic/ Latino community in the Inland Northwest.
Background
Nuestras Raíces Centro Comunitario was created by and for Latine people in the Inland Northwest. We have served our community for 30 years— longer than any other organization. We offer four programs:
• Esperanza (HOPE)-our culturally and linguistically attuned social and mental health program.
• LUNAA (Latinos Unidos eN Acción Alianza), our youth and young adult engagement program that provides scholarships, mentorship, and academic guidance to Latine youth.
• Sin miedo aléxito (Success with Confidence), our economic development program that helps individuals and entrepreneurs launch and grow their enterprises.
• Cultura, our cultural education initiative that reaches thousands of community members through events including Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead), Folklorico (Mexican Ballet), Futbol Club (soccer), Día del Niño (Children's Day), Tacos & Tequila, and more.
Geographic Location
Nuestras Raíces will locate the community services center in the city of Spokane where we are headquartered. Currently, we lease an office space in the East Central neighborhood. We would prefer to construct a new facility or acquire and renovate a building in the same neighborhood if feasible. We also maintain a satellite office in Othello, WA-serving people in Adams and Grant counties, and we will continue to provide outreach services to Okanogan, Chelan, Douglas, Whitman, and Franklin counties.
Our new community services center in Spokane will serve as the central coordinating hub for our outreach efforts. Our satellite office will also receive administrative backstopping and executive leadership support from team members based in our Spokane office.
Population Served and Services Offered
As a by and for Latine led, governed, and operated organization, Nuestras Raices works with Latine people, refugees and immigrants, families, children and youth, elders, businesses and m micro-enterprises, artists, and students. Our vision for the community services center is comprehensive and muttifaceted. The purpose of the center is to engage Latine individuals and families with limited English proficiency from low income, immigrant and refugee, and undocumented households and support their priorities for optimal wellbeing. At a minimum, the center will provide:
1. A space for our four core programs, and opportunities to expand programs to include a business center, culturally and linguistically responsive behavioral health services, a Hispanic food bank, and a larger clothing bank.
2. A larger physical footprint to increase outward facing initiatives, such as afterschool activities including folklorico dance classes, Cultural events, student study space, and a place where our Soccer Club can host monthly meetings with coaches, parents, and youth. As part of Planning and predesign, we will also investigate the viabitity of additional services, to include a community kitchen, indoor/outdoor youth recreational spaces, and agency licensure for behavioral healthcare.
According to the Census 2020 data, Spokane County was the fourth most populous county in the state in 2021 with 542,100 individuals. The City of Spokane was the second most populous incorporated city in the state with 229,400 individuals. Residents of Hispanic ethnicity comprised 6.9% (37,562) of the Spokane County population and 14.2% of the statewide population.
Language access and culturally relevant services are fundamental to health equity and healing. Studies show that clinicians who are culturally and linguistically representative of the communities they serve increase participant satisfaction and improve the quality of care. Unfortunately, there is a significant shortage of culturally and linguistically representative Navigators and Therapists in Eastern Washington. Latine people make up the largest percentage of People of Color in Spokane County, at nearly 7% (35,000 people). Yet access to culturally and linguistically relevant therapy is almost completely unavailable in our region. Spokane County maintains a list of licensed behavioral health providers. There are 32 different entities and programs listed, but only one provider—
NATIVE Project-is culturally specific, specializing in care for American Indians and Alaska Natives. Other providers may offer translation and interpretation services, or may employ a Spanish-speaking clinician, but their models are ill-equipped to provide whole-person, integrated care in a culturally and linguistically affirming environment comparable to Nuestras Raíces.
Nuestras Raíces Capital campaign aims to expand therapy and navigation support for Latine people, ensuring those who are disproportionately impacted by the trauma stemming from the war on drugs and other oppressions have access to healing services delivered by people with similar lived experiences. Culture, in itself, is impacted on by the broader context of social norms and social issues.
Impact on the Community
The establishment of the Cultural and Behavioral Health Center will be a transformative step towards improving health outcomes and fostering a sense of community pride and cohesion. By centering the BIPOC community, we ensure that our services are equitable and reflective of the diverse needs and strengths of Spokane's population. This center will serve not just as a healthcare facility but as a hub for cultural celebration, education, and community support, empowering individuals to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Why Support Our Capital Campaign?
Supporting the Cultural and Behavioral Health Center Capital Campaign means investing in a healthier, more inclusive community. Your contribution will help us provide:
How to Get Involved
Volunteer Opportunities: Join our team of dedicated volunteers who assist in various capacities within the center and community cultural events through the year.
Partnerships: Collaborate with us as a community partner or sponsor to expand our outreach and impact.
