BILINGUAL PROGRAM
The Bilingual Program consists of two qualified individuals, Ms. Diana Aristizabal and Maria Gonzalez-Ruiz who are bilingual in Spanish and have a wealth of knowledge about the Hispanic/Latino culture and victim/survivor issues.
The Bilingual Program began at MSCFV in 2000 with a grant from the Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention with funding through the Violence Against Women Act. MSCFV's Bilingual Program was implemented in order to meet the needs of the rapidly growing immigrant population in the Mid-Shore area. MSCFV recognized that specialized outreach efforts were needed to raise the awareness about incidences of domestic violence within the families from South and Central America and others countries where their primary language is Spanish. The outreach and advocacy services offered through the program are in Spanish with culturally sensitive language and in accordance with the cultural background of the Hispanic/Latino population.
OUTREACH
The evolution and development of the Bilingual Program has occurred as a result of the need for information, education, prevention and attention to the victims/survivors of domestic violence. Bilingual Program staff work closely with allied agencies which have developed activities and programs within the Hispanic/Latino communities. Our partnerships are based on the demographic and cultural characteristics of the families so that all available resources are provided in a coordinated, culturally appropriate manner.
The projects and activities developed by the Bilingual Program are framed within the mission of the MSCFV to generate attitudes that promote healthy relationships and change the attitudes that promote the violence against women, men and families
ADVOCACY
Through the services of advocacy, the victims/survivors of domestic violence receive assistance and support to take care of their immediate needs as well as help in legal aspects, protection, health issues, shelterand food for them and their children. Once this part is taken care of, those who fulfill the eligibility criteria, are able to receive the services of the Transitional Program, through which they will work to develop autonomy and empowerment to achieve their personal goals.
The Bilingual Program works in coordination with all other programs and projects that are implemented by MSCFV.
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