Low-cost housing and access to job opportunities have drawn many Hispanic families to Central Arkansas. Although a large group of them have settled in the community of Levy, in North Little Rock, they do not feel as though they are a part of that community. Many do not have the English language skills to participate in community activities, to become involved in their children’s schools or to help their children succeed in life tasks. They often feel uncomfortable doing routine activities like shopping, banking or seeking medical aid. And they do not know where to go to ask their questions.

The community, until now, has not reached out to them either. They never had “codes” explained to them, so they are frustrated when they are told they have broken one of them. They feel excluded from local tourist attractions because tours are offered strictly in English. There is a fear of law enforcement officers who do not speak Spanish and with whom residents have difficulty communicating. And recently, Hispanics have been the target of assaults and thefts.

Hispanic children are expected to learn English while being immersed in school. They have the assistance of English as a Second Language teachers and “amigos” who come to the school to converse with them and to let them practice English in a non-threatening situation. However, many of them do not have adults who are able to help them with homework once they leave school. Parents often use even the smallest children to translate for them in public places, since the children often earn English more rapidly than they do. Still this is a lot of pressure on these children, many of whom are still dealing with the stress of leaving their home and country to come to the U.S.

Hispanic teens are caught between two cultures and struggle with their identity and their future. Many families want them to go on to college, but often the teens drop out of high school to work, because they are not doing well academically or because they do not believe it is financially possible for them to continue. They need encouragement, tutors and mentors both from the Hispanic community and from the Anglo community. They need access to computers if they don’t have one at home. They need a place to gather to take classes and form groups that allow them to express themselves, develop their talents and discuss the stresses in their lives as they discover hope for the future.

Through Nueva Esperanza, Butterfly Community Ministries is working to offer hope to this community. We are partnering with Maria Touchstone who is in charge of all the ESL programs in the North Little Rock school district, and with Father Tom, the bilingual priest at St. Anne’s Catholic Church on Remount Road. Both of them, as well as the members of Father Tom’s congregation, have developed a trusting relationship with many Hispanic residents in this area and are offering us insight and guidance.

Following initial talks with them, with some Hispanic residents and leaders in the community, we have identified the following needs :

1. classes to improve English language skills
2. information that educates residents about their community, rules, opportunities and teaches how to become good neighbors
3. information that helps assimilate new residents into the community
4. a place where residents can come to seek answers to their questions
5. a computer room for the use of those who do not have computers at home
6. opportunities for youth to develop life skills and gain self confidence
7. a place to have periodic medical screenings and vaccinations
8. opportunities for youth in the fine arts
9. community leaders who are willing to include Hispanic residents
in their plans and provide bi-lingual opportunities for them

The City of North Little Rock has offered us the use a large FEMA trailer, to begin our program. We hope to use it:

To house the office of the Executive Director
As a resource center (where people can come to find help; information, etc.)
For health screenings and referrals
To hold different kinds of classes
To house a computer lab
For mentoring programs for youth and after-school tutoring for children.
To coordinate community projects
To plan opportunities in arts and drama

We are now looking for a spot to set the trailer! Stay tuned!