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A Daily News Service of the North Carolina Coastal Federation

Group to Assess Latino Residents’ Needs

by

From an Outer Banks Sentinel report

Mano al Hermano, a non-profit organization serving the Latino community in Dare County, is gathering information on the needs of the Latino community on the Outer Banks.

The community needs assessment is being conducted as part of the organization’s strategic planning process, which will be used to help establish plans to offer services in the future.

With more than 10 years on the Outer Banks, Mano al Hermano, which translates to “my hand to my brother,” builds bridges between the Latino and the broader communities by linking services, sharing information and supporting community activities.

Their largest program is in collaboration with Dare County public schools to support the education of English learners through a Family Literacy Program. According to U.S. census data, Hispanic or Latino individuals are the second largest racial/ethnic group in Dare County.

“The information gathered will furnish a sense of direction for the organization, and help ensure that the mission … and the services provided remain relevant to the current needs of the community. As such, we are reaching out to the local community to help us identify the goals necessary to achieve the mission,” said Executive Director Diane Tyrrell.

Tyrrell said it’s important to engage with individuals, families, businesses and organizations from within the Latino community, as well as include the other organizations which are also providing outreach, services, programs, educational resources. Residents, business owners, employers, organizations, agencies, religious organizations and others are invited to comment and answer survey questions.

To participate or for more information, email manoalhermano@gmail.com or call 252-564-8993.

About Staff Report

The story was compiled by staff members of Coastal Review.

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