HHF, Refugee Enrichment & Development Briefing

Briefing Included Testimonial from Children and their Mother, Experts, and Next Steps for the READ (Refugee Enrichment And Development) Project

WHAT: The Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF), other institutions, and individuals held a briefing titled State of Central American Children Fleeing Violence Crisis for the press, concerned national and local leaders, other organizations, and individuals.

WHO:  Briefing included:

• Opening Remarks – Jose Antonio Tijerino, HHF
• Testimonial from Central American Mother and Children who made the Journey
• State of the Crisis in US – Tiffany Nelms, U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants
• Crisis at the Border by the Numbers – Ana Gonzalez, Pew Research Center
• Meeting the Immediate Needs of Families – Sister Norma Pimentel, Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley
• From border to States and Counties
  • State Response – Maria Martinez, Governor’s Commission on Hispanic Affairs-State of Maryland
  • Special Guest Remarks

• County Response – Montgomery County Councilmember Nancy Navarro
• Health response – Dr. Christian Cornejo, Mary’s Center
• Legal response – Elizabeth Dallam, Kids in Need of Defense (KIND)
• Family Unification and Trauma – Luis Cardona, (HHS) Health and Human Services
• Education – Harlyn Pacheco, Qlovi Education

WHEN: Thursday, August 14, 12-2 p.m.

WHERE: National Press Club

The State of Central American Children Fleeing Violence Crisis briefing was part of HHF’s READ (Refugee Enrichment And Development) Project, which is non-political, non-partisan, and non-immigration-reform related but focused providing hope, emotional outlets, and education to the children through reading, playing, and praying. Visit www.HispanicHeritage.org for info on HHF.

CONTACT: Santiago Melli-Huber, (202) 558-9473, SantiagoMH@hispanicheritage.org