As we wrap up National Wellness Month we are celebrating Community Health Centers (CHCs) that provide vital quality, affordable and culturally competent care to Latino and other under-resourced communities. At RDF, we are especially proud to spotlight our 25 UnidosUS affiliate CHCs who are making a profound impact on health equity.  Unfortunately, the Latino community has faced a disproportionate decline in life expectancy over the past two years. Health inequities such as language barriers, limited access to nutritious food, reliable transportation, quality housing, and financial stability play a significant role in these disparities. That’s where the work of CHCs becomes …

The pandemic threw our world into a tailspin. But in the face of crisis, hope emerged in the form of collaboration. Raza Development Fund (RDF) joined forces with UnidosUS to create a lifeline for Latino-led nonprofits on the frontlines. This wasn’t just about technical assistance; it was about building resilience and shaping a brighter future together.  The program, initially known as the Affiliate Support Program, quickly blossomed. As needs have shifted following the pandemic, we adapted and expanded the program, renaming it  “Comunidades Fuertes” – Spanish for “Strong Communities.” This name embodies our core mission: empowering Latino nonprofits to become …

Juan Morales started JM Custom Iron Work, a Phoenix ironwork business, to establish stability for his family. But his sight was set higher than that, he dreamed of watching his sons achieve a college education while setting their family up to build generational wealth. Now, after 10 years, his three sons are co-owners armed with master’s degrees in mechanical engineering.  Together, the four Morales family members create custom-fabricated gates, fences, staircases and more crafting beautiful unique designs with functionality.   “The stuff that most people turn away from is where we welcome those types of jobs,” said Eugenio Morales, co-owner. “We …

“It is important to work towards breaking down long-lasting barriers to ensure underserved entrepreneurs can access the capital, networks, resources, and opportunities they need to achieve their business goals and dreams.” – U.S. Small Business Administration’s Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman   As a Community Development Financial Institution, we are committed to supporting the small business community, especially in core markets that lack equitable access to capital.   Thankfully, our partners at Wells Fargo agree. Wells Fargo had created an Open for Business program for this very purpose and awarded RDF $3.5 million from the grant fund.   We wanted to avoid parachuting into …

We’re hosting a paint day at our office! You’re invited to join us on Saturday, October 7th to paint a mural on our property wall from 8am – 2pm.   Early this year, Raza Development Fund received a South-Central Extension/ Downtown Hub Art grant from Valley Metro aimed to enrich the community through arts and culturally based projects while adding colorful artistry along the upcoming light rail extension area.   Now it’s time to bring this art to life!   Local artist, Maria Madrid Reed, known for her recent work for the City of Goodyear and City of Tolleson’s new Civic Center, has …

Head down to Peoria’s Park West shopping center and be ready to fall in love as you visit the Amor Collective. As you walk in, you’ll be embraced by the aromas of coffee, candles and sweet candy produced with excitement and creativity by Latina entrepreneurs. This small business incubator is the culmination of Founder’s Stephanie Vasquez’s rally cry to empower fellow Latina small business leaders. And our Raza Development Fund Familia is beyond thrilled to see it come to fruition.   Last year, Stephanie reached out to us with an innovative vision. While leading her nonprofit organization Empowering Latina Leaders …

Raza Development Fund’s newest team member, Natalia Rodriguez-Hilt looks forward to connecting with UnidosUS Affiliates next month at the 2023 UnidosUS Annual Conference in Chicago. She serves as the Sr. Director of UnidosUS Affiliate Support to lead programs and efforts to strengthen the organizational resilience and capacity of affiliates. Get to know her in this Q&A.   Where are you from?  I am a mix of a few places. I was born in Guatemala City, Guatemala. My dad’s side of the family is Colombian (from Espinal, Colombia) and my mom’s side is Southern Illinois. I grew up in Monterrey, Mexico.  What …