The San Luis Valley Immigrant Resource Center (SLVIRC) is a unique organization and has a long history of working with immigrants. It has been an informal resource center for immigrants in the area since 1987. One of several programs created by San Luis Valley Christian Community Services, the Immigrant Assistance Program grew out of low-income immigrants’ need for assistance in filling out essential applications for political asylum, amnesty, and other legal status. In February 2003, the San Luis Valley Immigrant Resource Center received 501 (c) (3) status with the Internal Revenue Service, and is currently an independent non-profit located in Alamosa, Colorado, serving the entire San Luis Valley and beyond.
SLVIRC serves a geographically remote area in south-central Colorado , which is roughly the size of Connecticut . The area is home to more than 40,000 residents and 10,000 migrant and seasonal workers. The population is almost 50% Hispanic, and there are more than 400 Q’anjob’al Mayans (Guatemalans) living in the San Luis Valley . It is one of Colorado’s poorest regions, with much of the population living below the poverty level. Two of the valley’s six counties are the poorest in the state and among the poorest in the nation. The majority of the clientele served is of Mexican and Guatemalan descent.
A strong attribute of the SLV Immigrant Resource Center is the diverse makeup of its Staff and Board of Directors; thus, people with a wide range of viewpoints and experiences provide direction to the organization and ensure that its programs are viable and worthwhile. The Board of Directors includes people of multiple ethnicities. This includes people native to the valley, people from states other than Colorado, and people from foreign countries.
The San Luis Valley Immigrant Resource Center is recognized by the Office of Legal Access Programs (OLAP).
“Fighting for injustices and assisting the underserved”
Flora is a San Luis Valley native, who has worked in the non-profit sector for the past thirty-eight years. She has been employed as the Executive Director with the San Luis Valley Immigrant Resource Center for the past twenty years and is recognized as an Accredited Representative with the Department of Justice.
“If you can make it through the night, there’s a brighter day.” – Tupac Shakur
Marisol spent the last five years as the Advising Coordinator for the Upward Bound Program at Adams State University, helping low-income, first generation college bound students pursue higher education. Marisol is a former IRC board member and served as the board secretary since February of 2018.
“Teaching is learning”
Phil is a Valley native and is a lifelong educator. He is an advocate for human rights, specifically immigrant and Chicano justice.
Vicky has been working with the Alamosa School District for the past 10 years. Vicky has been with SLV IRC for the last four years and her experience in food handling has benefited our food pantry program.
“I like talking about equity”
Cassandra is a fourth-year student at Adams State University. She plans to graduate with a Bachelor’s in Sociology and Political Science with a minor in Spanish.
LOCATION:
225 6th Street, Suite B
P.O. Box 1534
Alamosa, CO 81101
SLV IRC BUSINESS HOURS:
Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 5:00pm
Closed for lunch 12:30pm – 1:30pm
