Fiesta to help Hispanic relatives raising children

By CHARLES W. JOHNSON / News Editor for the Southern Standard

The local Relatives as Parents Program is expanding its services to the Hispanic community, according to director Veronica Solomon. Participating in the program are, from left, Alicia Lara, Solomon and Casey Solomon. (Charles W. Johnson photo)

The local Relatives as Parents Program is instituting an outreach program to local Hispanics, according to Veronica Solomon, who handles the program locally.

RAPP is an organization that helps grandparents and other relatives who are raising grandchildren, nieces or nephews. Financial assistance might include hygiene products or cleaning supplies.

“We just want to let the Hispanic community know this program is available and they are welcome to participate in our program,” Solomon said. “Every service we offer for our regular program we will offer to our expanded program.”

Local youth volunteers Alicia Lara, who will provide translation services, and Casey Solomon are participating in the program, which will kick off with a special fiesta at the Senior Center at 809 Morrison Street this Friday, July 1 at 5:30 p.m.

The fiesta, with food, music and fun, will be open to the public. It will be an all-you-can-eat event with tostadas and other tasty Hispanic food. The cost will be $5 per adult and $3 per child. All the money raised will go back into the Hispanic RAPP expansion. For more information, call Veronica Solomon at 473-6559.