Matt Thompson, chair of our World Community Service introduced our speaker, Shenae Diaz from La Puente. La Puente is based out of Alamosa Colorado. Our club partners with the club Estes Park Rotary club and has been going to Alamosa for years. Lance Cheslock is the Executive Director and has been working there since 1987.
Shenae has been working for La Puente for 7 years and is the Director of Volunteer Coordination. La Puente has been around since 1982 and has 50 employees. It services the San Luis Valley. The San Luis Valley is considered to be among the 10% percent poorest regions of our country.
La Puente was formed by a need to have a safe place for people to shelter. Especially during the winter. They provide food, shelter, clothing, help people become employable, and link people with services. La Puente has 14 services that help people get out of poverty and improve their lives.
One of the biggest accomplishments of La Puente is its crisis prevention. They help with bills, rent, or mortgage assistance to prevent people from becoming homeless. Thank you Ms. Diaz for traveling to Greeley and letting us know about all the good acts of kindness you do in the San Luis Valley.