Greenville, S.C., (Jan. 8, 2019) – The Hispanic Alliance, in partnership with the Community Foundation of Greenville and Furman University, is hosting a special event to unveil Hispanics in Greenville, a needs assessment study evaluating the current state of the Hispanic/Latino community in Greenville County. The public is invited to this presentation of the research findings on Tuesday, January 29th from 8:30 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. at the Commerce Club (55 Beattie Place, 17th floor, Greenville, SC). Dr. Courtney Quinn and Dr. Matt Cohen of Furman University provided consultation on survey methodology and data collection as well as the final data analysis and completion of a comprehensive report, which will be available for all attendees. Dr. Quinn will present a brief summary of the study’s findings and their potential relevance for the community at large. Adela Mendoza, Hispanic Alliance Executive Director and Bob Morris, Community Foundation of Greenville President will provide opening and closing remarks.
As a catalyst for strategic collaboration on behalf of the Hispanic community, the Hispanic Alliance has applied its cultural capital and understanding of the county’s social and cultural ecosystem towards the development of this community needs assessment. This initiative began in 2017 with an eye towards discovering gaps in access to essential resources and services, and pinpointing social disparities in areas such as education, health, and economic mobility. The organization hopes that the results of the study will be used by stakeholders across sectors to inform appropriate interventions and improve quality of life for the entire Greenville community.
Hispanic population growth in Greenville County continues to exceed the overall rate of growth, now comprising nearly 10% of the population. “This upward trend has been consistent for the past three decades, placing the Hispanic community squarely on the radar of forward-thinking community partners,” explains Adela Mendoza. “The Hispanic Alliance is committed to facilitating understanding and inclusion of this population in all aspects of society by providing reliable and up-to-date data, elevating its needs, assets, and aspirations, and helping partners build programmatic and systemic capacity to extend opportunity to all people”.
Surveys were conducted through in-depth interviews with four hundred Hispanic residents representing a broad segment of the population in various locations throughout Greenville County. The survey questions addressed availability of culturally and linguistically appropriate resources, as well as perceived barriers to access related to four key sectors: education, financial stability, healthcare, and legal services. As a result, this report is not only descriptive, but offers insight and guidance into areas of need and potential community interventions to achieve a more equitable community for all.
Funding for this endeavor was generously provided by Community Foundation of Greenville and the Graham Foundation. “Data is the basis for informed decision making and we were glad to help underwrite a study that articulates the contributions of the Hispanic families in Greenville County,” says Bob Morris, president of the Community Foundation of Greenville. The study was made possible thanks to these underwriters as well as the ongoing support of United Way of Greenville County, the Gilreath Foundation, and Hollingsworth Funds.
To register to attend this event, please go to hispanicsingreenville.eventbrite.com. Seating is limited.
About Hispanic Alliance
Hispanic Alliance is a 501(c)3 nonprofit in Greenville, South Carolina that convenes the largest network of individuals and agencies working together to advance Hispanic communities in the region. Its mission is to foster collaboration and connectivity among people, resources and cultures to build thriving communities. For more information about the Hispanic Alliance, please visit www.hispanicalliancesc.com.
