Rosa Maria Noguera discovered The Florida Institute for Community Studies when she and her family moved to Town ‘N Country nearly two years ago. The nonprofit center, which offers after-school programs and other services for low-income, largely migrant residents, has become a lifeline for Noguera. It enables her to work while knowing her child is safe, engaged, and well-cared for, she said. .
Tampa Bay cops take steps to reach Hispanics, starting with social media
The challenge is greatest in Hillsborough County, where nearly a third of the population is Hispanic. One question for communities: Whether agencies do immigration enforcement.
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Natalia Verdina, left, heads up the new social media program with the Hillsborough County Sheriff s Office. Among those featured in department videos is Deputy Lorette Choli Nordelo, right. [ JUAN CARLOS CHAVEZ | Times ]
Published May 10
Deputy Lorette âCholiâ Nordelo works the night shift patrolling the Town Nâ Country area, where speaking Spanish enables her to connect with people she meets on the job.
âIt is a blessing to be able to help the Latino people in my community,â says Nordelo, 31 who came to the United States from Ecuador at age 10. âLanguage barriers donât matter. We will always find any way to help them.â