History

The program was created in 1988 in response to the need of women who had received services and wanted to stay connected to the agency in a more healthy way. At that time, Mujeres located funding to move women from being victims to taking charge of their lives. A leadership development curriculum was developed for Latinas. The National Council of La Raza studied the curriculum to replicate in other cities. The leadership model continues to be updated to meet the needs of current participants.

Target population

Adult Spanish speaking women who have a "healthy sense of self”. They should be concerned about improving conditions for self and community.

Services

Assessments and referrals, curriculum-based weekly leadership development focusing on individual potentials (Phase I), and curriculum-based weekly leadership building skills focusing on projects to improve conditions for the community (Phase II), women of the year event and annual retreat.

Staff composition

One full time Program Coordinator.

Advocacy efforts

Our Voices, Our Choices: Broadening the Conversation on Reproductive Rights (Chicago Foundation for Women), Illinois State Treasurer's Women Issues Advisory Board.

Trends

There is an increase of referrals for the program made by past graduates. Also, other community entities are requesting on-site leadership training for their women participants. Participants are reporting serious health issues such as diabetes, heart related problems, cancer, or mental health problems. Several graduates are taking a leadership role in local schools, churches and other non-profit organizations.

Domestic Violence / Sexual Assault / Women in Transition / Peace Program /

Parent Support / Teen Reach / Child Care / SASS / Sanctuary / Mother & Daughter