FAMILIES.
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FIESTA, which stands for Families, Inclusion, Education, Society, Tradition, and Access, is a grassroots, 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to addressing the needs of the fast-growing population in Northern Kentucky. As Hispanic and immigrant families arrive seeking better opportunities, they often encounter immediate challenges such as clothing, food, shelter, and stable employment. Also, access to essential resources like utilities assistance, housing, and healthcare is crucial for the overall stability of these families. Recognizing the significance of removing barriers to access, FIESTA steps in to help.
OUR MISSIONTo build capacity, support self-sufficiency, uplift, and advance the Hispanic community in Northern Kentucky.
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OUR VISION
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FIESTA's vision is to help build a community where Hispanics are valued, respected, and have timely and equitable access to the resources needed to thrive and become a social and economic engine for the region.
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Words From Our Founder
In 2019, I started working under the Statewide Family Engagement Collaborative grant with the Prichard Committee of Academic Excellence through Learning Grove, that was focused on building relationships between families and their child’s school. It recognized the importance of family engagement to children’s success and how, if families are actively involved in their child’s education it benefits not only the child, but the family, educators, schools, and community.
As part of the initiative, we provided ESL classes and parent education to Hispanic families at schools in different districts. We encouraged families to be more involved in their child’s education. We asked them to participate in SBDMs and PTOs. We soon realized that the families we were serving were in need of much more than we were providing. They were in need of basic necessities, resources, and services just to survive – how can we ask them to be part of the PTO or an SBDM when they can’t put food on the table? How can we expect them to be active participants in their child’s education when they don’t have secure housing? It wasn’t that they didn’t care, as so many educators mistakenly think, it’s that their priority is helping their families survive and thrive.
As the Hispanic population in Northern Kentucky grows, the need for community partners to band together to meet their unique needs in a culturally relevant and appropriate way also grows. From these identified needs, F.I.E.S.T.A. was born. F.I.E.S.T.A., which stands for families, inclusion, education, society, tradition, and access, is a grassroots, non-profit organization focused on serving the needs of the Hispanic community in Northern Kentucky. By meeting the needs of this community, we can help families build capacity and self-sufficiency thus giving families the opportunity to focus on their most precious gift: their children!
As part of the initiative, we provided ESL classes and parent education to Hispanic families at schools in different districts. We encouraged families to be more involved in their child’s education. We asked them to participate in SBDMs and PTOs. We soon realized that the families we were serving were in need of much more than we were providing. They were in need of basic necessities, resources, and services just to survive – how can we ask them to be part of the PTO or an SBDM when they can’t put food on the table? How can we expect them to be active participants in their child’s education when they don’t have secure housing? It wasn’t that they didn’t care, as so many educators mistakenly think, it’s that their priority is helping their families survive and thrive.
As the Hispanic population in Northern Kentucky grows, the need for community partners to band together to meet their unique needs in a culturally relevant and appropriate way also grows. From these identified needs, F.I.E.S.T.A. was born. F.I.E.S.T.A., which stands for families, inclusion, education, society, tradition, and access, is a grassroots, non-profit organization focused on serving the needs of the Hispanic community in Northern Kentucky. By meeting the needs of this community, we can help families build capacity and self-sufficiency thus giving families the opportunity to focus on their most precious gift: their children!
Hear From the Community
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FIESTA has been a wonderful organization and partner for our company. They continue to provide us with guidance and outlets to reach the Hispanic Community in our area and have been a powerful resource for strengthening our workforce with talent and diversity. I strongly recommend organizations and companies partner with F.I.E.S.T.A. Their friendly, knowledgeable team is vital for Northern Kentucky’s growth and success. - Tom Kelly, Human Resources Manager, Close the Loop, Inc. |
FIESTA has provided me and my organization a way to connect with the Hispanic community all while building a network of support. In the time I have been working alongside FIESTA, I have seen the impact they have on the Hispanic community and their passion to serve. - Krizia Cabrera Toro |
FIESTA is a place where Hispanics in NKY can go for resources, help, and love. People can be connected to and in local communities and to other key members in ways that truly help expedite a newcomer’s experience and transition into living in Boone or Kenton counties. - Julie Luebbers, Life Center |
FIESTA in the News
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News articles and links for 2024
September
September
- The Case for Hiring Our Immigrants
- Kroger to Donate Food and Gift Cards to FIESTA NKY
- FIESTA Diverse Hiring Strategies
