Luz Southside Partnership

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Luz Southside Partnership

Contact: Jason Gutierrez
E-mail: [email protected]

Luz Southside Partnership
3819 South Evans, Suite 304
Tucson, AZ 85714
(520) 294-7620
(520) 294-1142 fax

Introduction:
The Drug Free Community Support Program (Southside Coalition) is a five-year program funded by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). The purpose of the Southside Coalition is to strengthen existing efforts to reduce substance abuse among the Southside children and youth by promoting community mobilization. In addition, the program provides youth leadership and cultural enrichment programs that are resiliency-based and reinforce positive cultural pride.

Program Summary:
The target population for the Drug-Free Community Support Program includes residents, businesses, and schools located in Tucson’s Southside. The target area extends from Country Club to the east, the Santa Cruz River to the west, Speedway Blvd. to the north, and Valencia Road/Los Reales Road to the south.

Yearly Activities Include:

  1. 16 de Septiembre Cultural Event (Mexico’s Independence Day). This holiday is a drug and substance free celebration of Mexico’s Independence from Spain. This year the event was held in conjunction with parent’s night at C.E. Rose Elementary School. The event included a presentation given by Isabel Garcia focusing on the history and significance of Mexico’s Independence from Spain.
  2. Fourth Annual Thanksgiving in the Barrio: The Luz Southside Partnership along with community volunteers, 21st Century Students, and other Coalition members served a free Thanksgiving meal to over 1000 people in Tucson’s Southside. This event was held at the El Pueblo Neighborhood Center.
  3. Third Annual Posada in the Barrio: Christmas celebration in Tucson’s Southside. This event was held at the El Pueblo Neighborhood Center. Over 300 people attended.
  4. Fourth Annual Segundo de Febrero Cutural Event: This event celebrates the birth of the Mexican American. February 2, 1848 marks the day the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed by Mexico and the United States. As a result of the treaty the United States gained what is now known as the southwest from Mexico. The event was held at Wakefield Middle School and included presentations by M.E.C.H.A and art displays by several local Chicana Artists.
  5. Cinco de Mayo Resources and Activities Fair: The Luz Southside Partnership celebrates Mexico’s Independence from France by providing the Southside community with a community resource fair. The Southside Partnership is planning to hold the event on May 2, 2003 at C.E. Rose Resource and Wellness Center. The event will include several booths from local social service agencies along with history breakout sessions, music, food, and arts and crafts.
  6. Luz Southside Partnership Youth Coalition Symposium: This activity is currently being planned by our youth coalition. Tentative date set for July 2003.
  7. Six Best Practices Trainings: The Luz Southside Partnership is collaborating with CODAC Behavioral Health, COPE Behavioral Services, Pima Youth Partnership and Communities Mobilizing for Alcohol Change to provide to the community Best Practices Trainings.
  8. Liquor License Hearings: The Luz Southside Partnership works closely with Neighborhood Associations and Ward Offices to fight liquor licenses in Tucson’s Southside. Currently the Southside is assisting in the effort to increase fees associated with the liquor license application process.