La Luz Centro Cultural celebrated its 13th anniversary in March, marking more than a decade of service in Hampton. The nonprofit, founded in 2013 by the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, provides a range of programs including citizenship classes, English and Spanish language instruction, immigration services, and after-school programming for local families.
Director Janette Acolt, the organization’s executive director, tells RadioOnTheGo News the mission focuses on education, inclusion and support for immigrant families in the region.
“Valeria Gonzalez is a DOJ accredited representative and she can offer help with filling out applications,” Acolt says. “It’s usually easier cases so we can help fill out for citizenship, to get your citizenship, work authorization, DACA. Through that program we’re offering citizenship classes which help prepare you to take the test and just practice doing that. It’s a 10-week program. We’ve had it in the past. This is the second session. We also have an English class. Like we said, that we’re in our second session. We’re going to start that in the summer as well. And that can also be a great help for people who are trying to become citizens.”
La Luz will also host its 10th annual Gran Festival in June, a fundraiser and celebration of community and culture. Acolt said the event has grown significantly over the past decade, bringing together families, music and cultural traditions from across the region.
“I think it started in the parking lot of First Bank Hampton and a few blocks were closed off and then eventually got moved to the park,” Acolt says. “And it’s great there because we have a stage and we have entertainment and lots of space for the kids. Everyone’s of course is welcome. There’ll be lots of food vendors, like art vendors. There’ll be inflatables for kids, a few games for them as well and entertainment all day.”
Proceeds from the festival help support La Luz programs and outreach efforts throughout the year. Gran Festival will be held June 27 at Band Shell Park from noon to 10 p.m.
You can read more in the April 22 edition of the Hampton Chronicle
