The Latina A.R.M.Y., Inc. (TLA) provides empowerment workshops that expose low-income, struggling girls to adult role models and to life skills that support the positive development of self-esteem.
“We cannot thank Nancy enough for her vision and role in creating a program that did not exist for our Latina girls. There is a real need in the community, and with the lack of efforts focused on Latina girls, the need is even greater for programs that provide our youth with role models and tools to achieve success,” said Deborah Sabia, Latina A.R.M.Y. Co-Chair. “We are pleased that she will continue to lend us her expertise and leadership skills through her new role.”
“The Latina A.R.M.Y. provides a vitally important resource to Latina girls in our state who struggle in the areas of high school completion, teen pregnancy and suicide attempts. Through Nancy’s immense efforts she has been able to bring together many key partners and committed volunteers to offer Latina girls powerful tools to help to begin to turn the curve on these challenges,”
“The Latina A.R.M.Y., Inc. was created from my life’s experiences and desire to help one Latina girl reach her full potential,” said Roldán Johnson. Today, the demand for workshops exceeds TLA’s current capacity and calls from concerned counselors and parents requesting one-on-one support from accomplished Latina women for girls who are struggling in life and school are regularly received. “We know first-hand the demand for our services and we are positioning ourselves to expand our reach.”
“I am in awe of what we have accomplished in such a short time. In just four years, we created a resource that simply did not exist for our girls,” said Roldán Johnson. “We have developed strong relationships with our funders and supporters and have established lasting partnerships with schools, community centers, and other nonprofits. As I transition from my role as The Latina A.R.M.Y.’s Executive Director, I do so knowing that we have done something great by creating an organization that is helping girls become strong advocates for themselves, and that we will continue our important work of improving outcomes for our girls. Our Board of Directors is strong and each member is dedicated to the continuation of our mission.”
As a result of findings from an exploratory study completed last June, The Latina A.R.M.Y. is currently enhancing its program model to include proven, gender-specific elements. To date over 1,000 girls have participated in these motivational workshops throughout the state of Connecticut, metro New York, and Missouri.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Nancy directly at NancyRJohnson@
Thank you,
Yolanda Caldera-Durant, Latina A.R.M.Y., Inc. Board Co-Chair
Deborah Sabia, Latina A.R.M.Y.,Inc. Board Co-Chair
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The Latina A.R.M.Y., Inc. (Accomplished Role-models Motivating Young Latinas) is dedicated to celebrating and empowering young Latinas by providing inspirational role models and introducing powerful life skills for personal excellence. Their goal is to empower 1 million young Latinas in the United States. www.theLatinaArmy.org (http://www.thelatinaarmy.org/
Contact:
Yolanda Caldera-Durant (203) 727-4980 or ycdurant@gmail.com
Deborah Sabia (203) 560-2365 or DSabia73@yahoo.com
