Education Based Latino Outreach

Jose Ruiz, Founder May 29, 1950 - December 5, 2006

The children served daily in our educational programs have parents whose primary language is Spanish. These parents are unable to assist their children in the basics: homework help, parent /teacher conferences and identifying educational resources.  Many of our families face discrimination due to the perception that they are here illegally.  Despite that they are persistent and strive to be self sufficient and productive member of society.  They also recognize that the key to success and prosperity is education. That is why it is so crucial for EBLO to continue our programs and to sustain our mission.
The changes in our schools systems since 1980 are significant.  English as a Second Language (ESL) is available to LEP children. The Baltimore City Public Schools (BCPS) has improved its response to the needs of a culturally diverse student body.  BCPS has welcomed EBLO’s after-school programs to three elementary schools where we are able to provide culturally sensitive educationally excellent programs to over 260 LEP students.
The mission has not changed. The vision of  Jose Ruiz is kept clear and the commitment to provide educational and cultural programs for Hispanic children youth and families is strong as we enter our third decade of service.  This year as we celebrate 30 years of successful and culturally relevant educational programs, EBLO is looking forward to LatinoFest on June 26-27 in Patterson Park.  This premier event is EBLO’s opportunity to showcase Latino music, art and culture and raise the needed money that will be used directly for the educational programs that are so crucial to our children and families.

2010 also marks the beginning of the capital fundraising effort to renovate our home The Jose Ruiz Community Center located at  606 South Ann St. EBLO intends to raise 1 million dollars over the next 5 years to be used to upgrade this historic property and to create a state of the art location that will be the center of excellence for education and culture for the Hispanic community.

Volunteers are the key to our success. Every program and event that EBLO produces is supported by volunteers who give their time and talents.  Volunteering with EBLO is fun and rewarding.  Each volunteer has unique abilities and we want to express our tremendous gratitude to them for everything they do for the children and families that EBLO serves.

Lastly, we want to thank all of our  partners and sponsors who have supported EBLO and the Hispanic community of Baltimore.  Over the last 30 years corporations, private foundations and public organizations have generously supported EBLO’s mission. 2010 will be a great year for EBLO and we look forward to growing our sponsorships continuing the relationships that make our work possible."

Claire Hollister
chollister@eblo.org
Treasurer and Co-Founder