Message from our CEO, Veronica Cool
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We happily close out 2022 with the epic Argentina World Cup win!
And Futbol wasn't the only celebration! 2022 had many wins for the Latino Community and our own Cool Team. From continuing to educate and vaccinate our community during COVID-19, to providing people with access to critical resources, connecting with our young leaders, getting out the Latino vote, and much more--it's been a year of changes, challenges, accomplishments, and milestones.
While we wrap up the last of this year's work and eagerly lean in towards the holiday season of giving and gratitude, our team reflected on all we have to be thankful for. Our families, friends, health, inspiring community, and amazing partners -- the blessings are too many to count. In fact, we were feeling so grateful that we reached out to our Maryland Latino community to join us in this practice of gratitude. Tune into our social platforms to see what they shared with us and share your reflections too!
As we continue to honor our latinidad, we also showcased the reason for the season, focusing on the unique and diverse traditions across Latino cultures. From singing Christmas carols with neighbors during Las Posadas to gathering with family to make tamales, we all have different ways of spreading holiday cheer! But regardless of where or how we celebrate, the things that bring us together are the same -- food, family, and community!
So from our Cool family to yours, we wish you a very happy holiday season of rest and relaxation with your loved ones!
Until next year,
Veronica Cool
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Helping Our Community Protect Their Homes | |
On Saturday, December 9, Cool partnered with the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to host a Homeowners Assistance Fund (HAF) Intake Application Clinic. During the event, housing counselors provided bilingual guidance to help homeowners that are experiencing financial hardships due to COVID-19 get access to important resources to protect their homes.
The event was a huge success, and we couldn't have done it without the support of everyone at Patterson High School, LEDC, Southeast CDC, and all of the other partners that provided support!
Remember, if you or your loved ones are struggling to pay housing costs due to COVID-19, the Maryland’s Homeowner Assistance Fund has resources available!
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Celebrating Diverse Latino
Christmas Traditions
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The holiday season is upon us, and celebrations are around every corner! Here at Cool, we are blessed with an incredible team comprised of Latinos and adopted-Latinos who hail from diverse backgrounds. So, to commemorate the holidays, we are sharing some of the unique celebrations from our home countries!
While our rich cultures and traditions vary, there are common themes that tie us together. All of our holiday celebrations across borders center around what’s most important – family, community, the joy of giving, and food!
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Minority Legislative Breakfast Celebrates Diversity and Progress | |
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On December 8, the African American Chamber of Commerce of Montgomery County, the Asian American Political Alliance, and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Montgomery County joined forces to host the 22nd annual Minority Legislative Breakfast.
The event brought together business and political leaders to address legislative priorities that promote diversity and empower minority communities in Montgomery County, MD as we prepare for the installation of the most diverse gubernatorial administration in Maryland’s history!
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Supporting the Latina Workforce
Will Bolster the Economy
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Did you know that for a Latina to reach pay parity with a white non-Hispanic man, she would need to work past the age of 90?!
This month, we commemorated Latina Equal Pay Day, which marks how far into the new year the average Latina must work to match what the average man made the year before.
Approximately 30 million Latinas in the U.S. each stand to lose $1.2 million in their productive careers as a result of wage inequities, which amounts to $36 trillion in lost economic power. Supporting the Latina workforce is key to closing the largest demographic wage gap and bolstering the economy!
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Maryland Nonprofits Launches
Accelerator Program
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Maryland Nonprofits recently announced the launch of a Nonprofit Accelerator Program, made possible by an appropriation of $5 million in the State of Maryland’s FY23 budget to fund the start-up costs.
The Accelerator aims to increase nonprofits’ capacity to advance their mission, growth, and sustainability by improving operational excellence, efficiencies, and reduced risks. The program will offer comprehensive capacity building through an intentional and purposeful framework of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. There will be a basic path available for young new organizations as well as a leadership path for established, experienced organizations, and the programs are available to eligible participants free of charge.
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Giving Thanks:
The Impact of Practicing Gratitude
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As we celebrate this season of gratitude and giving, we have been reflecting on all we have to be grateful for.
These past few years have been challenging for everyone, and our Latino community has been particularly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and economic fallout that has followed. And yet, these obstacles seem to have only nudged us closer together, encouraging us to cherish the time we have together, and allowing us to lean on one another in times of need.
Did you know that actively practicing gratitude may help train the brain, creating a lasting impact on your mental health? Join us on socials in this celebration of gratitude, alongside several inspiring community partners!
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Support Latino Organizations This Season! | |
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Are you planning your year-end contributions? Consider collaborating with one of these organizations to support the Latino community:
Adelante Latina, Ayuda, CAF (Centro de Apoyo Familiar), CARECEN, CASA de Maryland, Centro de Ayuda, Centro de los Derechos del Migrante, Centro Sol, El Poder de Ser Mujer, Hispanic Access Foundation, Hispanic Heritage Foundation, Latin American Youth Center (LAYC), Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) and Maryland Latinos Unidos!
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Have you enrolled in a health insurance plan yet? Maryland Health Connection helps you protect your health and your wallet! Last year, Marylanders saved an average of $300 per month on their premiums.
We know your family's health is a top priority. Start 2023 off right by enrolling your family before the deadline on January 15!
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Gain Insight into Accessing
Critical New Funding!
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On January 9, Maryland Nonprofits is hosting a Legislative Preview! The event will welcome public officials, including Senator Mary Washington and Speaker Pro Tem Del. Sheree Sample-Hughes, and participants will hear from leading nonprofit advocates on what Marylanders can expect in the upcoming legislative session. There will also be a panel of nonprofit leaders who successfully received funding from last year’s budget surplus! There will be topical breakout sessions, including Maryland Latinos Unidos issues and a diverse range of other topics. | |
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Centro de los Derechos del Migrante
Centro de los Derechos del Migrante, Inc. supports Mexico-based migrant workers to defend and protect their rights as they move between their home communities in Mexico and their workplaces in the United States. With their binational, multilingual staff and geographic reach they have grown in response to increasing needs for its advocacy and services and seek to overcome the border as a barrier to justice.
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Aspen Institute Latinos
and Society Program
The AILAS Program seeks to empower Latino communities and promote long-term economic growth and resiliency. They have four core initiatives: Scholarships for Latinos to participate in Aspen Institute leadership programs, Aspen Latino Business and Entrepreneurship Initiative, Research on the Latino Inclusion in the Digital Economy, and the Aspen Economic State of Latinos in America. They harness the Institute’s convening power to change the narrative about American Latinos, sharing Latino economic contributions and how these strengthen our nation’s global competitiveness and promote prosperity for all Americans.
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SUMA Wealth
SUMA Wealth is the leading financial technology company devoted to increasing prosperity, opportunity, and financial inclusion for young, U.S. Latinos. Through a holistic approach of digital media, fin-tech, and virtual experiences, SUMA spices up dry and complex topics such as investment, debt management, and creating and sustaining wealth. By creating culturally relevant content and providing financial tools, they are demystifying and reimagining financial inclusion to help the Latino community both overcome current financial challenges and create a more prosperous future.
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Centro Sol
Centro Sol promotes equity in health and opportunity for Latinos by advancing clinical innovations, diversity in research, education access and exposure, and advocacy in active partnership with the Johns Hopkins Institutions and our Latino neighbors.
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The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
USHCC actively promotes the economic growth, development, and interests of more than 4.7 million Hispanic-owned businesses that, combined, contribute over $800 billion to the American economy every year. It advocates on behalf of its network of more than 250 local chambers and business associations nationwide, and also partners with more than 260 major American corporations.
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Yo Quiero Trabajo FB Group
YQT is a resource for Spanish-speaking individuals focused on workforce opportunities and development. Become a member today!
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