The Heart of the Latino Community

By Jasmin Montiel

Staff Reporter

March 2022

Whenever I think about what the heart of the Latino community in Beloit is, the first thing that pops into my head is the Even Start Family Literacy Program. It has been around for 30 years and has helped a lot of first-generation students. I admire that Even Start isn’t just for kids but also for their parents. Parents are able to stay in the building and participate in the literacy program. My parents were able to do it and my mom learned English and my dad was able to get his GED and learn English as well.

I am so grateful that I was enrolled into Even Start because I would've had trouble being in one of the other schools in the district since I didn’t know any English at the time. When my older sister Kassumy went to Todd Elementary, she only knew Spanish and had so much trouble with the curriculum. However, thanks to the after-school program at Even Start she was able to learn English and get help with her homework. The school also takes both parents and students on field trips.

I wouldn’t be where I am today without the help of the teachers, including Mrs. Cindy. No matter how much you grow up Even Start is still a second family and will be there for you whenever you need help. When my mom was with my sister Karyme at the hospital, Mrs. Cindy and Cecilia Ramirez would come to my swim meets to cheer me on, and would send videos for my mom to watch. After Karyme passed away, Mrs.Cindy did more than any other faculty member in the district to help with the funeral and visitation preparations. She, and many others from the program have helped many people from the Latino community feel safe and feel welcome.

On February 15 at the school board meeting, there was talk about relocation for Even Start, they planned to move Even Start from Brother Dutton to Merrill School. The room was filled with many members of the Latino community and staff of Even Start.

When it came to the public’s comments, Cindy Laube and Susan Adams had things to say about the relocation. Mrs. Cindy stated that “Brother Dutton is also home to the Mexican dance troupe, Latino soccer leagues, Latino basketball teams, and other cultural gatherings and events.” She also said, “immigrant families and their children come to be among other immigrants who share the Spanish language due to their strong Catholic faith they feel safe at Brother Dutton” and “Even Start provides a safe space for the newest members of the Beloit community.”

Susan wrote, “ It just feels like the district doesn't truly support the program as they should.”

Alumni from the program also shared their thoughts. They said, “Even Start is one of Beloit's best resources and holds one of its most united communities,” and “making changes to a program that has brought so much good to Beloit without the input of those most affected won't bring any positive changes to our community.”

A member of the community wrote to the Board saying, “ Many families do not speak English. They come to Brother Dutton because it is a safe and welcoming place— they feel comfortable here, they know it is a place that is safe for their families.” They also shared that “I fear that moving this program to a different location that is larger and busier will cause enrollment to drop.”

Every time I go to an event at Brother Dutton to help out I know that it is a safe place. Moving the program to a different location would hurt many Latino families since where Brother Dutton is located is in the heart of the Latino community and is a safe haven.