Strengthening Latino Community Based Organizations

Success Stories

Indianapolis as well as all of Indiana, has experienced significant demographic change in the last decade. According to the 2000 census data, the Latino population in Indianapolis and Marion County was estimated to have increased by 300% since 1990 (from 10,000 in 1990 to 33,000 in 2000). A population study completed by the United Way of Central Indiana determined that the census report underestimated the actual number of Latino residents. United Way estimates that the actual number of Latinos in Indianapolis in 2000 was more accurately between 65,000 to 85,000.

Purdue Extension - Marion County (Indianapolis office) took an active leadership role in addressing many of the challenges brought about by this sudden demographic change. Extension efforts focused on creating and strengthening Latino/Hispanic community based organizations and initiatives. This strategy recognizes the key role that community based organizations play in promoting the civic participation of immigrants in the new community.

Purdue Extension provided leadership, technical assistance, and support in the areas of organizational development and non profit management to Latino Community Based Organizations. As a result of five years of strategically focused and successful community development work, Purdue Extension - Marion County impacted the following community outcomes:

• Creation a unified Latino non-profit organization in Indianapolis
• Establishment of city-wide event to celebrate Latino/Hispanic culture
• Establishment of the Statewide Indiana Latino Summit
• Creation of the Latino/Hispanic Cultural Awareness program
• Creation of a 250,000 fund to help the organization carry out its mission

Purdue Extension - Marion County supports the further development of these initiatives, to guarantee the long-term success of these community development efforts.