Welcome to ALASI
Asociación Latinoamericana del Sur de Indiana
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Marks Inauguration of the ALASI Resource Center in Huntingburg, Indiana
HUNTINGBURG, IN – September 6, 2023 - The City of Huntingburg is set to witness a momentous event
as the first Asociación Latinoamericana del Sur de Indiana (ALASI) Resource Center opens its doors at
511 E 4th Street. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place on September 15, 2023 at 1:30 PM,
signifying a remarkable step forward in providing essential resources and assistance to the local Latino
community.
The ALASI Resource Center, accessible through the website https://www.alasiindiana.com, emerges as a
beacon of support for the Latino population in Dubois County and surrounding areas. The center will
serve as a hub for essential resources and assistance, tackling language barriers and fostering
community growth. With a resolute commitment to addressing language barriers and empowering the
community, the center aims to bridge the gap and foster access to vital services such as ESL classes,
medical care, housing resources, and immigration guidance.
This monumental achievement has been made possible through the unwavering support of esteemed
donors who have recognized the importance of fostering inclusivity and promoting community well-
being. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the founding donors: German American Bank, OFS, Menke
Foundation, Meyer Distributing/Meyer Logistics, Farbest Foods, Memorial Hospital, Kimball
International, Old National Bank, Kimball Electronics Jasper and Springs Valley Bank & Trust.
Their generosity and dedication have paved the way for this transformative endeavor.
Mayor Schwinghammer, the visionary leader of Huntingburg, shared his enthusiasm for this
groundbreaking initiative, stating, "The ALASI Resource Center represents a vital stride toward creating a
more integrated and harmonious community. By providing a hub where essential services are easily
accessible, we are nurturing an environment of support and growth for all residents."
Evelyn Rivas, President of ALASI, expressed her gratitude to the community and donors, saying, "Today
marks a significant milestone in our journey to empower and uplift the Latino community. The ALASI
Resource Center will serve as a haven of assistance and guidance, ensuring that language barriers do not
hinder access to fundamental resources. We are thrilled to embark on this transformative mission."
The event will commence at 1:30 PM with an address from ALASI President Evelyn Rivas. Both Mayor
Schwinghamer and Mayor Vonderheide will be in attendance to read proclamations for Hispanic
Heritage Month. Following the remarks, attendees will have the opportunity to explore the new
Resource Center during an open house, further immersing themselves in the center's mission and vision.
In line with its commitment to fostering community development and engagement, the ALASI Resource
Center will soon start the search for an Executive Director of Community Development and Engagement.
This pivotal role will be instrumental in connecting visitors with off-site resource providers, enhancing
the impact and effectiveness of the center's services.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 15, 2023 promises to be a moment of celebration, unity,
and progress. Local residents, community leaders, and supporters are invited to join the event at 511 E
4th Street, Huntingburg, IN, at 1:30 PM to mark the inauguration of the ALASI Resource Center and the
beginning of a new era of community support and empowerment.
For more information on the united organization and the ALASI Resource Center, please contact Evelyn
Rivas, ALASI President, at 812-661-1685 or alasiindiana@gmail.com.
About ALASI:
The Asociación Latinoamericana del Sur de Indiana (ALASI) is a non-profit organization. Our mission is to
remove barriers to access for the Latino population and expand cultural competency by providing
education and resources that sustain systems of equity through celebrating culture, building
partnerships, and developing resources to create a thriving community.
At ALASI, we offer a wide range of programs and services designed to meet the needs of the Latin
American community in Southern Indiana. These include educational programs, cultural events like the
Latino Culture Fest, community outreach initiatives, and more.
Our organization is dedicated to creating an equitable and culturally competent Dubois County. We
believe that by working together, we can build a brighter future for all.
For more information about ALASI, please visit our website at www.alasiindiana.com, follow our
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ALASI.IN or contact us at alasiindiana@gmail.com.
ALASI and Latino Collaboration Table Merge to Form United Organization for the Benefit of the Latino Community in Dubois County
[Dubois County, Indiana, June 29, 2023] - The Asociación Latinoamericana del sur de Indiana (ALASI) and the Latino Collaboration Table of Dubois County announced today they have merged to form a united organization. The merger leverages the individual strengths of each organization to create a stronger and more effective unit that benefits our Latino community and Dubois County and improves the cultural competency of our region. The newly-formed organization will continue its work based on four pillars: advancing access, expanding education, celebrating culture and securing sustainability. “ALASI and The Latino Collaboration Table have been extremely successful over the years in advocating, offering services, and creating beneficial programs for the Latino community in Dubois County,” says ALASI President Evelyn Rivas. “Representatives from both organizations have collaborated on a number of programs and initiatives, and we felt that our missions could be better served by merging the two organizations together to create one unified voice. We have a tremendous working board full of passionate and caring individuals, and I am confident that ALASI will continue to be successful as we grow in the future.” The new organization will build on the achievements of ALASI and the Latino Collaboration Table, both of which have been active in the community for many years. ALASI has provided educational and cultural programming for the Latino community in southern Indiana since 1995, while the Latino Collaboration Table has worked to develop resources and promote communication, understanding, and collaboration between the Latino community and other groups in Dubois County. "The merger of ALASI and the Latino Collaboration Table is an exciting development for our community" said Donna Oeding-Balka, former Chair of the Latino Collaboration Table. "We are thrilled to have the opportunity to join forces with ALASI, as we share similar goals and vision. This partnership will significantly enhance our efforts in providing resources and education to promote a united, multicultural, and equitable Dubois County." The new organization’s headquarters have yet to be determined and will be led by a diverse, multicultural board of directors composed of representatives from both ALASI and the Latino Collaboration Table. The board includes Evelyn Rivas, Ivy Tech Community College (President); Rachel Steckler, City of Huntingburg (Vice President); Christian Blome, Vincennes University Jasper Campus (Secretary); Steffi Schmuecker, German American Bank (Treasurer); Irma Alanis, WITZ; Lisa Bower, City of Jasper; Helen Camacho, German American Bank; Jonnathan Macias, OFS; Eber Menjivar, Kimball Electronics; Donna Oeding, Retired; and Rossina Sandoval Monsivais, Southwest Dubois County School Corporation. The organization’s initial goals include the strategy and development of a resource center as detailed by a report completed by the Indiana University Center for Rural Engagement. For more information on the new organization, please contact Evelyn Rivas, ALASI President, at 812-661-1685 or alasiindiana@gmail.com. About ALASI: The Asociación Latinoamericana del Sur de Indiana (ALASI) is a non-profit organization. Our mission is to remove barriers to access for the Latino population and expand cultural competency by providing education and resources that sustain systems of equity through celebrating culture, building partnerships and developing resources to create a thriving community. At ALASI, we offer a wide range of programs and services designed to meet the needs of the Latin American community in Southern Indiana. These include educational programs, cultural events like the Latino Culture Fest, community outreach initiatives, and more. Our organization is dedicated to creating an equitable and culturally competent Dubois County. We believe that by working together, we can build a brighter future for all. For more information about ALASI, please visit our website at www.alasiindiana.com, follow our Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ALASI.IN or contact us at alasiindiana@gmail.com.
Latino Culture Fest 2023 ¡10 Años de Fiesta!
(Dubois County, Indiana, May 30, 2023)- 🎉 We are thrilled to invite you to the highly anticipated Latino Culture Fest, 10 Años de Fiesta! a vibrant celebration of the rich and diverse heritage of Latin America. 🎉🌍✨ Date: September 2nd 2023 Time: 11:00 AM- 11:00PM EST Location: Market Street Park, Huntingburg IN Join us for an unforgettable day filled with lively music, delectable cuisine, captivating performances, and an immersive experience of Latino culture! This event aims to bring together people from all walks of life to celebrate the traditions, customs, and contributions of the Latino community. Here's a glimpse of what you can expect: 🎶 Live Music and Dance Performances: Immerse yourself in the rhythms of Latin music, from salsa and merengue to cumbia and bachata. Experience the energy of live performances that will have you dancing and grooving to the beats! 🌮 Culinary Delights: Indulge in a gastronomic journey with authentic Latin American cuisine. Savor the flavors of traditional dishes, such as tacos, empanadas, pupusas, arepas, ceviche, and much more. Your taste buds will thank you! 🤹♂️ Family Activities: Bring the whole family along! Engage in fun activities, including face painting, traditional games, and storytelling sessions that will keep everyone entertained. 🌟 Community Engagement: Connect with local organizations, community groups, and initiatives that promote and support the Latino community. Learn about volunteer opportunities, social programs, and resources available to you. 🌟 For the Second time, attend the Bilingual Health Fair at the Fest. 🌟 And of course our fantastic ALASI SOCCER TOURNAMENT This event is open to people of all backgrounds, ethnicities, and ages. Let's come together to celebrate diversity, foster cultural understanding, and create lasting connections within our community. Spread the word and bring your friends, family, and neighbors to the Latino Culture Fest! Don't miss this incredible opportunity to experience the warmth and vibrancy of Latin American culture right here in our community. For more information and updates, please visit our website https://www.alasiindiana.com/ or follow us on social media https://www.facebook.com/ALASI.IN/ Contacto: Eber Menjivar- emenjivar21@gmail.com Jonnathan Macias- jmacias@ofs.com ¡Nos vemos en el Latino Culture Fest! See you at the Latino Culture Fest!