FOREST GROVE, Oregon — Located on Main Street in downtown Forest Grove is Adelante Mujeres, a local nonprofit that provides holistic education and empowerment opportunities to low-income Latinas and their families.
Bridget Cooke co-founded the nonprofit back in 2002 and currently serves as the executive director. She told KGW that her passion for this work comes from her own experience.
"Personally, I saw my own mother's struggles as a woman coming from a low-income background and then I lived in Latin America for a number of years," said Cooke.
Living in Latin America, Cooke said she saw all the work Latinas embodied every day — but it was never about their internal desires and aspirations. So, she helped create a nonprofit that would do just that.
"So, when women come to Adelante, they think 'Oh, I don't have to code switch here. I am at home and I can build a network of support,'” shared Cooke.
Adelante Mujeres serves about 15,000 people annually, with about 80% identifying as women. They offer 12 different programs at the nonprofit that involve education, micro-enterprise, leadership advocacy and health equity.
"That's always their next question, 'When's the next event and where do I sign up?'" said Brianda Regalado, who serves as the Chicas partnership coordinator, one of the 12 programs that they offer.
"The Chicas is the first development program of its kind in Oregon,” explained Regalado. “It provides a comprehensive and proactive approach and empowering Latine youth in Washington County."
The nonprofit serves third through 12th grade and college students — which totals about 700 students throughout the year.
"The impact that we are having it really is heartwarming,” said Cooke. “I think the gratitude that we feel from the community members is just overwhelming oftentimes, when they do express how grateful they are to have the support to help them move forward in their lives."
Click here if you'd like to learn more about Adelante Mujeres.
KGW's Breaking Barriers series features Oregonians making a difference in the world of sports, arts, government, business and more. You'll see stories for Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15-October 15.