Published: 06-03-08
Austin-based nonprofit receives awards and resolution of commendation at California State Convention
Austin Texas (June 3 2008)—Dr. Juan Sanchez founder and CEO of Southwest Key Programs Austin’s third largest nonprofit was honored at the 61st Annual California LULAC convention last week. The California League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) recognized Dr. Sanchez with a “Rising to the Challenge” Social Justice Award 2008 for improving the quality of life for the Latino community. Southwest Key board member Victor Garza was also recognized at the annual convention for his advocacy and activism on behalf of immigrants and veterans in California.
In addition to the two awards California LULAC passed a statewide resolution of commendation in support of Southwest Key’s work with unaccompanied immigrant children. Through the resolution LULAC recognized Southwest Key for reunifying thousands of unaccompanied immigrant children with their families in the United States and abroad each year while providing shelter food education counseling legal and medical services in its ten shelters in Texas Arizona and California.
The resolution states: “Southwest Key Programs honors and respects the individual cultures and traditions of the children in their care and provides humanitarian services in a nurturing and therapeutic environment 24 hours per day to support them through their journey.”
The resolution pledged that LULAC would work jointly with Southwest Key Programs to address issues related to Hispanic communities across the country. “After visiting these shelters LULAC leaders believe Southwest Key Programs must be replicated around the country to provide a much needed service to immigrant children in the United States” says Argentina Davila-Luevano California LULAC State Director. “At a time when anti-immigrant sentiment is again on the rise in America programs like Southwest Key are a welcome sanctuary for our immigrant children.”
The theme of the convention was “LULAC Rising to the Challenge for Education Immigration and Healthcare.” Dr. Sanchez was recognized for his efforts to step up to the plate and help LULAC meet those challenges. Southwest Key recently started five local LULAC councils in the Govalle/Johnston Terrace neighborhood of East Austin. The councils will work with residents and Southwest Key to advance the economic condition educational attainment and civil rights of the Austin Latino community.
About Southwest Key: Southwest Key Programs is a national nonprofit organization headquartered in Austin Texas. Southwest Key’s creative and diverse staff of over 1000 employees operate juvenile justice and family wraparound programs safe shelters for immigrant children alternative schools youth empowerment and fatherhood programs and job creation and child care initiatives in seven states.
Southwest Key celebrated its 20th Anniversary this year with the construction of a 30000 square foot East Austin Community Center. Southwest Key is funded through a variety of government agencies corporations and private foundations. Founder and CEO Dr. Juan Sánchez was among the first Chicanos to receive his doctorate from the School of Education at Harvard University and is available for interview by appointment. www.swkey.org
