From left to right are KeyBank Hood River Branch Manager Hector Mendiola, Melissa Trejo and Martha Verduzco of Hood River Latino Network, and KeyBank Corporate Responsibility Officer Angel Reyes. KeyBank’s $20,000 grant to Hood River Latino Network will suport the New Arrivals Learning Program, which helps newcomers integrate and suc-ceed in Hood River and Wasco counties. Contributed photo
From left to right are KeyBank Hood River Branch Manager Hector Mendiola, Melissa Trejo and Martha Verduzco of Hood River Latino Network, and KeyBank Corporate Responsibility Officer Angel Reyes. KeyBank’s $20,000 grant to Hood River Latino Network will suport the New Arrivals Learning Program, which helps newcomers integrate and suc-ceed in Hood River and Wasco counties. Contributed photo
THE GORGE — KeyBank has awarded a $20,000 grant to Hood River Latino Network (HRLN) to support its New Arrivals Learning Program, an initiative dedicated to helping immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and other new community members successfully integrate and thrive in Hood River and Wasco counties.
The New Arrivals Learning Program provides a community hub where participants can access housing and employment resources, English language and computer literacy classes, driver’s license application assistance, citizenship and residency guidance, and connections to legal services and essential community supports.
Founded in 2016, Hood River Latino Network is a grassroots organization focused on advocacy, empowerment, and resource navigation for Latino communities and newcomers across the region. This funding from KeyBank will help expand access to critical services, workforce development opportunities, educational programming, leadership development, and legal support.
“Strong communities are built when everyone has the opportunity to succeed,” said KeyBank Oregon Corporate Responsibility Officer Angel Reyes. “Hood River Latino Network is doing important work to help new arrivals build stability, develop skills, and connect with resources that support long-term success. We are proud to support an organization that is creating pathways to opportunity and strengthening the communities it serves.”
The grant will also support HRLN’s walk-in resource center, which assists community members with navigating tenant and landlord rights, workers’ compensation laws, voter registration, citizenship processes, and other emerging needs. Through community-based support and rapid response efforts, the organization helps bridge gaps for individuals and families awaiting access to formal assistance programs.
“We are grateful to KeyBank for investing in our community and helping us expand services for new arrivals and Latino families,” said HRLN Executive Director Martha Verduzco. “This support will enable us to continue providing critical resources, education, and advocacy that empower individuals and families to build successful futures in the Columbia Gorge region.”
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