By Greg Archer | Contributing Columnist
There’s no shortage of inspiration that comes from the nonprofit organizations in the Inland Empire. But the League of United Latin American Citizens, or LULAC, of Riverside Community Service Foundation is adding something unique in terms of advancing economic conditions, political influence, educational attainment, housing solutions, and health and civil rights of the Hispanic population.
“The most interesting thing is that we’re all volunteers,” said Janet Bernabe, president of LULAC 3190 in the region. “I wear many hats. This is my volunteer work, but I do have a full-time job. All around, we have a lot of talented members here trying to make a difference.”
LULAC formed in the region more than three years ago. It quickly went on to secure nonprofit status in an effort to make a broader impact and also apply for grants. A recent CIELO Fund grant from Inland Empire Community Foundation is giving the nonprofit an opportunity to extend an arm into healthcare education and support.
The recent grant will fund the organization’s annual health fair, Bernabe said. The next fair takes place in May 2025, but Bernabe said she and her team are already excited for the opportunities to connect with those in the healthcare field and get information pertaining to their well-being.
“At the last fair, we were able to support 40 patients with dental assistance or information,” Bernabe said, “and 40 patients with vision, and 20 patients with primary care. There were about 20 people we helped for vaccines, but it didn’t stop there.
Guests are seen with former state legislator Connie Leyva, who spoke at the League of United Latin American Citizens’ Sept. 2023 general membership meeting. (Courtesy of the League of United Latin American Citizens)
“We also offered free produce and canned goods, and another organization provided free clothing from Forever 21, basically new clothes,” she said.
It’s just one of many things the local chapter is doing to help the region’s population.
Nationally, LULAC was founded in 1929. It is now considered to be the oldest and more widely respected Hispanic civil rights organization in the country. The organization sprang to life at a time when Hispanics in the country were denied basic civil and human rights, despite their significant contributions to society.
Through the decades, the organization has spearheaded numerous initiatives to either protect or advance the rights of the Hispanic population. In 1954, for instance, LULAC’s Hernandez vs. the State of Texas case captured national attention. It was a direct protest to the fact that no Mexican American had ever been called to jury duty in the state of Texas. The Supreme Court ruled that exclusion unconstitutional.
Between feverishly advocating for Hispanics to be offered full access to the political process and equal educational opportunities to responding to increasing anti-Hispanic sentiment, the organization has emerged as a significant change agent.
Bernabe said LULAC decides on what specific areas to focus on each year. Beyond the health fair, it also considers scholarships for students in the region. Expansion is also being considered.
“There’s another LULAC that is potentially going to be open in Temecula,” she said. “We’re enjoying the growing support, even from local officials. For example, Sen. Richard Roth has been a supporter of the health fair because health is one of his platforms, especially health equity, in our region.”
When asked what she appreciates more about being involved with LULAC, Bernabe is candid.
“I love the community, and the members are really dedicated,” she said. “The work is genuine. We all have a collective understanding of what we want. I love giving and being able to make anybody’s situation better, even if it’s the smallest thing as going to the dentist or getting a checkup.”
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She’s quick to add how perspectives shifted during and after the coronavirus pandemic.
“COVID hit us really strong, not just the region but also my household,” she said. “I lost my father. So, I want to continue bettering not my own well-being, but helping others also be fruitful. After COVID, there’s been a lot of changes in what we want to do or what our goals are in life.”
Learn more about LULAC at lulac.org or lulac.org/members/directory/council_3190
The Inland Empire Community Foundation works to strengthen Inland Southern California through philanthropy. Visit iegives.org.
