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225 6th Street, Suite B Executive Director: Flora Archuleta Immigrant Advocate: Education/Outreach Coordinator: Mennonite Voluntary Service Member: Community Coordinator: Antonio Sandoval Cross Cultural Communication Specialist: Ren Carbutt |
History
SLVIRC serves a geographically remote area in south central Colorado , which is roughly the size of Connecticut . The area is home to more than 40,000 permanent residents and 10,000 migrant and seasonal workers. The population is almost 50% Hispanic, and there are more than 400 Q'anjob'al Indians (Guatemalans) living in the San Luis Valley . It is one of Colorado’s poorest regions, with much of the population living below the poverty level. Two of the valley’s six counties are the poorest in the state and among the poorest in the nation. The majority of the clientele served is of Mexican and Guatemalan descent. |
The San Luis Valley Immigrant Resource Center (SLVIRC) is a unique organization and has a long history of working with immigrants. It has been an informal resource center for immigrants in the area since 1987. One of several programs created by San Luis Valley Christian Community Services, the Immigrant Assistance Program grew out of low-income immigrants’ need for assistance in filling out essential applications for political asylum, amnesty, and other legal status. In February 2003, the San Luis Valley Immigrant Resource Center received 501 (c) (3) status with the Internal Revenue Service, and is now a newly independent non-profit agency located in Alamosa , Colorado , serving the entire San Luis Valley and points beyond.