Program areas at True Ridge
General Advocacy Program: Providing direct services, as well as referrals for available services and resources, we serve domestic violence and sexual assault survivors in Henderson County, NC (case management, court accompaniment). We also serve as a liaison with local law enforcement agencies for the general Hispanic community and assist its members in navigating the US social and legal systems by providing bilingual services (translation and interpretation). Through cultural sensitivity and genuine concern for the unique needs of our Hispanic neighbors, we seek to integrate and strengthen our community by encouraging its member toward self-sufficiency. During 2023 we managed 554 cases, made 51 referrals and assisted in distributing $778,200 in relief payments to farm workers through the USDAs Farm and Food Worker Relief Program.
Health Program: True Ridges health program promotes wellness through education and prevention and provides the Hispanic community with referrals for both physical and behavioral health concerns. In 2023, we made 25 behavioral health referrals for mental health and substance abuse, 25 vaccine referrals, 10 mammogram referrals for Pardee Hospitals Mammmo on the Go program, and we distributed 455 Covid tests. Family Immigration Program: The Family Immigration Program mission is to provide affordable immigration legal representation to residents of Western North Carolina. The program began in 2023 due to the need for low-bono immigration representation in our area. In our first year, we had approximately 177 consultations, 150 referrals, over 100 hours of interpretation services, and retained 27 clients. Our clients are 98% Hispanic, 1% Asian, and 1% European.
Education Program: True Ridges La Promesa Program focuses on assisting Hispanic students in obtaining information and resources for higher education needs. We provide assistance with college applications, FAFSA completion, RDS issues, and adult continuing education. Our program provides financial assistance for both direct academic costs (tuition, books, supplies) and indirect costs (housing, food, transportation). In 2023, the program served approximately 91 students and provided $9,950 in direct and indirect monetary assistance, as well as guidance in navigating and completing the college application process.