Latino Community Association urges Bend to stand with immigrants during Welcoming Week

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Latino Community Association is calling on Bend residents to stand in solidarity with immigrant and refugee neighbors during the city's annual Welcoming Week. The call comes in response to hostile language and threats directed at local immigrants.

The Latino Community Association partners with the City of Bend every September to organize Welcoming Week, which runs from Sept. 8-19. The event coincides with Hispanic Heritage Month, observed from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.

Established in 2000, the Latino Community Association works alongside immigrant and refugee service organizations throughout Oregon. The nonprofit serves more than 8,000 people annually through workforce education, family empowerment, youth initiatives and cultural enrichment programs.

Catalina Sánchez Frank serves as executive director of the Latino Community Association. Sánchez Frank urged Central Oregon residents to participate in local events and support their neighbors amid recent hostility.

“Immigrant and refugee families are the backbone of this community and right now, hostile rhetoric is aimed at our Latino and immigrant neighbors,” Sánchez Frank said. “We are asking all of Bend to answer it with solidarity. Come to Welcoming Week. Stand with us through Hispanic Heritage Month, attend a training with LCA. This is what it looks like when a community shows up for each other.”

Welcoming Week activities are hosted by several community partners, including Embrace Bend, LCA, Shararah Films, APIC, Almadorada, Benditas and Kolovita. Festivities began at the LCA office parking lot with a mercado featuring immigrant food vendors and sunset Zumba dancing.

The association is currently seeking volunteers for on-site support, community assistance, interpretation, welcome tables and de-escalation roles during Welcoming Week and future community gatherings.

The Amigos Concert, featuring musician Edna Vazquez, is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 7 p.m. at the Tower Theatre on 835 NW Wall St. in Bend. The concert serves as a benefit fundraiser for the Latino Community Association.