Blog
Stay informed with news and updates from Canal Alliance programs and read about the impact of our work on the Latino immigrant community.
Workforce Development graduate builds a career in construction
Posted: July 22, 2021
Jhovanny, a Workforce Development graduate says he “advanced five years in my career by taking the three-month Construction Classes”
Community impact of Voces del Canal
Posted: May 12, 2021
Voces del Canal is a coalition of resident leaders and Latino immigrants from the Canal Neighborhood of San Rafael who came together in 2014 to lead an unprecedented community-driven research project alongside the leadership of Canal Alliance and Dominican University to identify the biggest challenges facing the Canal community. In conducting this research project and survey, residents wanted to affirm their role as authentic, local experts and give power to the collective experiences of Canal residents who shared their personal stories, opinions, and vision for a stronger and safer Canal.
Overcoming entrepreneurial obstacles during the pandemic
Posted: May 12, 2021
Nadia Montoya learned about Canal Alliance’s Construyendo Mi Negocio (“Building My Business”) class from friends. “It was the perfect place to receive support to start my own business,” Nadia remarked. She is now one year into the development of Nadia’s Dessert, a bakery offering organic, wheat-free, and vegan products with minimal sugar.
Now, she plans to open her own bakery with the knowledge she acquired through Canal Alliance.
A friendship forged in construction class
Posted: February 4, 2021
Starting over in a new country is tough, especially without the support and camaraderie of friendship. Besides being in a wholly different place with unfamiliar food, customs, and culture, it can feel lonely without someone to share these new experiences with. Read the story of two friends who deepened their friendship through participating in our Workforce Development Program’s construction certification course.
Providing financial relief
Posted: January 20, 2021
In Spring 2020, Canal Alliance established a Financial Assistance program as part of our organizational response to the pandemic and its devastating impact on Marin’s Latino immigrant community. Since the start of the program, more than $2.5 million has been raised from individual donors, foundations, and corporations, all of which has been distributed as direct cash assistance to over 4,000 individuals and families.
Gelvin’s Story: Learning a New Trade
Posted: November 6, 2020
When Gelvin learned about the Workforce Development program, he connected with Regina Vindel, Workforce Development Career Navigator. Regina helped him enroll in our Construction Certification course.
Carlos’ Story: Working to take care of his family
Posted: November 6, 2020
Carlos Carrillo came to the United States from Guatemala at the age of 16, and has lived in Marin for six years. With a wife and a one-month-old son, his biggest priority is taking care of his family.