By Angelica Jimenez–

Thousands of Latinas come to the United States each year in hopes of building better lives for their families, but the transition is not an easy one.  Language barriers, lack of job training resources and unfamiliarity with the system can be overwhelming.  But a new partnership between League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and Proctor & Gamble, the household product giant, is giving hope to Latina immigrants that the new start will lead to a bright future.

Last month, LULAC and Proctor & Gamble started Entre Comadres, a program created to help Latinas gain access to the important information they need to help themselves and their families succeed in the U.S.  The training centers, located in Dallas, Houston and Los Angeles, offer Latinas access to resources ranging from English as a Second Language (ESL) classes to financial planning services to basic computer training.

LULAC instructors offer the classes, and each center has a bilingual program coordinator whose mission is tailoring the program to the participants needs.  The courses come at no charge and are available throughout the year.  The target audience is Latinas; however, anyone can participate in the program.

Even though the Entre Comadres program is currently offered in just three cities, LULAC has its own Technology Centers throughout 26 states, including Illinois.

Entre Comadres spokeswoman Daniella Biffi agreed to answer questions about the program from an inquiring mind.  Here’s the question and answer with Biffi.

The program is currently up and running, correct?

The Entre Comadres program is being rolled out currently and centers are up and running at LULAC community facilities and offer fully equipped classroom-style settings, including computers with Internet access, printers, video conferencing and other telecommunications equipment.

How many Latinas have taken advantage of the program thus far?

Since the program has just started, it is early to tell.  However, we have received very strong demand for courses and each center has wait lists for courses. We are hopeful that we can reach many Latinas in each city, since the program will continue throughout the year.

What has the response been from participants?

Overall we have had great response from Latinas in the community reaching out to the LULAC community facilities inquiring about the services offered and looking into what resources are available to them .  The program is intended to help women have access to information that helps them and their families lead their best life in the country.

Are Latinas from all ages attending?

The program is open to interested consumers of all ages and there is no limit to the amount of free courses a person can take.

Is the program focused on any particular demographic within the Latina community?

Although Entre Comadres was designed for Latinas who just moved to the U.S., anyone in the community can participate.

Have there been other partnering with P&G or other corporations for similar programs?  If so, how have they fared?  What outreach efforts have been made?

LULAC has great corporate partners who have helped us broaden our reach in the community, including AT&T and others who have supported the creation and sustained operation of centers like the ones housing the “Entre Comadres” program.  The community really benefits from these, and that is why we are proud to partner with companies such as P&G in helping LULAC provide much-needed services in our communities.

This sounds like an amazing program that can help thousands of Latinas.  I’m from Chicago, and there’s a great need in the city and outlying suburbs.  Are there any plans to expand the program?

Yes, I wish these types of programs were available sooner.  When I first moved here, my mother didn’t know the language and had to learn on her own without support.   We’re currently looking into other markets, but the program has to been successful where it’s currently run to expand to other cities.  If people don’t take advantage of the program, there goes the program.

For more information about Entre Comadres or to sign up for the free program options at LULAC, call 1-866-606-6033.  LULAC is the country’s largest and oldest Latino membership organization dedicated to economic, educational, political and civil rights advocacy for Latinas.

Angelica Jimenez is a graduate journalism student at Columbia College Chicago.