CENSUS 2010

NOTE: Tax Preparation services are in full swing, as is assistance with weekly online filings for Unemployment Compensation -- free services increasingly critical in the current economy. In addition, assistance is available for TPS applications and Census 2010 questionnaires. 

Capacity Building
Sant La assists other community-based organizations by providing non-profit agency leaders and staff members with effective training in core management skills -- as well as training in cultural competence, cultural sensitivity, and survival Creole.

Citizenship Classes

Haitians who have been Legal Permanent Residents for more than 5 years and are interested in becoming a US Citizen enroll in citizenship class so they can better understand the American government and culture.  Haitian-Americans receive instructions on becoming a fully engaged citizen of the United States of America and developing a sense of civic duty.

Civic Engagement

Sant La provides civic skills training sessions explaining the structure of American government.  Sant La hosts forums designed to promote community involvement.  We encourage community members to articulate their needs and participate in decisions that affect their daily lives. Sant La also assists with naturalization exam reviews and applications.

Community Outreach and Education
Sant La offers assistance and information to Haitian families and community members about important initiatives and topical issues such as: parenting, disaster recovery, crime and victimization, wellness, subsidized healthcare coverage and transportation.

Community Partnerships

In order to better assist the members of the Haitian community, Sant La created a Provider Network. and a Community Based Organization (CBO) Roundtable.  These groups were strategically selected to help address the specific needs of the Haitian community.

Cultural Competency

Classes are scheduled on a quarterly basis. Class dates are posted once registration is completed. Presentations for businesses and organizations catering to the Haitian population are scheduled within 30 days. 

Documentation of Needs
Sant La has produced numerous publications, including a series entitled the “Working Papers Series." Those publications include: "Health Care Needs and Issues in Little Haiti"and "The South Florida Haitian Community Resource Directory."  Additionally, Sant La was acknowledged as the driving force behind the Brookings Institute publication, "The Haitian Community in Miami-Dade: A Growing the Middle Class Supplement."  Our publications have greatly contributed to the body of data about the Haitian community in South Florida. 

Educational Advocacy
Sant La’s staff actively advocates for educational improvement and community involvement in neighborhood schools.  In addition to a situational awareness and informational outreach campaign, staff members are serving on the advisory committees (EESACs) of several schools in the Little Haiti and Northeast Dade area.

Employment Services

A program offering employability skills and supportive services to train and place those looking for work. Clients receive instructions on the employment the application process, appearance, interview preparedness,  resume writing and a comprehensive plan for achieving career goals.

Financial Literacy
Sant La provides a series of workshops entitled “From Saving to Asset Building” designed to enhance financial literacy skills.  Topics include: Budget Management, Credit Cards, Mortgages, Loans, and an understanding of various financial products.

Haitian-American Archives / Resource Library
Our Archives collection continues to grow as we document the growth and evolving nature of the Haitian community in South Florida through a variety of media. Sharing space with the Archives is a non-profit resource library that contains a wide variety of publications, tools, and information for use by neighborhood organizations and agencies. The public is invited to use our archives in-house.

 
Health Care Access
Sant La promotes access to health care services through a number of programs.  These programs include Community Health Workers, who do outreach and connect clients to necessary health services in the Haitian community.  Sant La also provides client assistance in preparing Medicaid and Kidcare applications in our office and at Health fairs.

Information and Referral
Sant La offers information and referral services to the Haitians and Haitian-Americans throughout South Florida. Clients receive guidance from our social service access specialists as well as counseling on improving their current situation.

Low Income Tax Clinic

The Sant La LITC offers free assistance to eligible taxpayers who have unresolved issues with the IRS.

Strengthening Families Program

A parenting program targeting youth ages 10 to14, designed to promote effective parenting skills and positive youth development. Parent and child engage in activities that teach as well as entertain. They develop and practice necessary skills for a well-balanced and nurturing family environment.

Tax Preparation

Sant La provides free tax return assistance to eligible community members through our Voluntary Income Tax Assistance program, VITA .