Dear UConn SSW Community,
National Hispanic and Latine Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 through October 15, offers us the opportunity to honor prolific and diverse cultures of Latine communities. At the UConn School of Social Work, we believe in spotlighting this important occasion and the benefits these communities bring to our School, nation, and world. We know our school is stronger for the inclusion of Latine peoples, cultures, and traditions. Recognizing the history, innovation, and achievements of Latine communities aligns with our social work values and the School’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism. This commitment, affirmed in our strategic plan, calls on us to engage in meaningful dialogue and hold ourselves accountable to action toward social justice.
To meet the needs of Latine individuals, families, and communities, we have developed specialized programs that prepare social workers to work with the growing Spanish-speaking population in Connecticut. In 2022, with the support of a state grant, we launched Connecticut ¡Adelante!, a scholarship program for Master of Social Work students passionate about serving the mental health needs of Spanish-speaking youth and families. This groundbreaking program prepares bilingual students for careers addressing both children’s mental health and Spanish-speaking communities in our state, the fastest growing population in Connecticut. For our bachelor's students, we also offer the Child Welfare and Protection Track, which trains Spanish-speaking students to work with Latine families served by the state Department of Children and Families.
To celebrate this year’s National Latine Heritage Month, our school is working with the founder of J. Rene’s Coffee Roasters and Victus Coffee, José René Martínez, to host a special event: “Latino Identity, Coffee, and Conversation” on September 25 from 12:15pm-1:15pm in the School of Social Work Student Lounge. José’s coffee shop, which won the 2019 Small Business Association Connecticut Minority-Owned Business of the Year award, prides itself on fair trade. Martinez grew up in the South Bronx and attended UConn Law School. Still an attorney, today he also operates thriving coffee shop locations in Harford and West Hartford. Come hear his story about coffee’s unique ability to serve as a social bridge.
Please join us as we celebrate the richness of Latine heritage.
In Community,
Laura Curran
Dean and Professor
UConn School of Social Work