Valley Hispanic group marks 54 years of service

Gala poised to raise $50K for programs

BOARDMAN ---- Christina Olivera fondly recalled playing with children around her age as her mother stood in line at the Organizacion Civica y Cultural Hispana Americana organization’s location on Youngstown’s East Side to receive a block of government-provided cheese.

“It’s a serious pillar in the Spanish community for resources,” Olivera, 49, of Youngstown, said, referring to OCCHA, which, in the 1980s, operated in a small building on Fruit Street.

Four decades later, though, large was more the operative word to describe the organization’s 54th annual fundraiser gala Saturday evening at Mr. Anthony’s Event Center, 7440 South Ave.

Olivera and her close friend, Kelli Zurko, both of Youngstown, were among the estimated 300 to 350 elected officials, community leaders and others who attended the elegant and formal gathering, which is the organization’s largest annual fundraiser.

More than providing cheese for meals, OCCHA gave Olivera, who is a home healthcare aide, many opportunities to boost her self-esteem and self-confidence. Being part of the organization as a child also allowed her to make friends as well as recognize and better appreciate differences in other children, she recalled.

“OCCHA has always been there for everybody,” Olivera said.

In addition, the organization allowed her to develop and cultivate a strong bond with Kelli Zurko, 49, of Youngstown, who also works as a home healthcare aide. Both women remain close friends.

Engaging in sports such as kickball, volleyball and jump rope was among Zurko’s favorite OCCHA-related activities, along with attending yearly summer camps, she remembered.

Perhaps the greatest takeaway from her childhood associations with the organization was how it helped her family, some of whom came from Puerto Rico, improve their English, Zurko said, adding that she’s grateful that OCCHA also offers scholarships and gives back to the community.

OCCHA was established in March 1972 to serve the Hispanic community and today, the organization holds steadfast to its mission of providing the community with the resources it needs, Angelica Diaz, executive director, said in her remarks Saturday.

To that end, OCCHA has increased the number of annual job fairs it hosts from one to three. It also has partnered with various statewide initiatives and has further highlighted its youth programs, she noted.

More than 70 children in kindergarten through grade six were serviced through this summer’s youth program, Diaz said, adding that OCCHA has partnered with the Youngstown City Schools and Students Motivated by the Arts (SMARTS). In addition, the organization, which serves about 1,000 families annually, has worked to connect young people with the Youngstown Police Department to instill trust between the youth and police officers, Diaz said. She added that a goal of the gala was to raise at least $50,000 for OCCHA’s programs and operations.

Also, the organization distributed 19 scholarships for more than $15,000 to graduate and nontraditional students, she continued.

“We envision opportunity and growth,” Diaz said, adding that OCCHA places a high priority on investing in young people.

During her presentation, Diaz also pointed out that her organization seeks to serve anyone who needs resources, not just the Hispanic community.

OCCHA’s programs and services include food and clothing assistance, social service programs, information and referrals, technical assistance, community-resource navigation, workforce-development efforts, employment retreats, job fairs, mental and behavioral health programs, interpretation support, health, youth and scholarship programs, English and computer classes, financial-literacy workshops, home education courses and a yearly toy giveaway.

Diaz expressed gratitude toward those who continue to support OCCHA, including new supporters, as well as pride that more than a half century later, the organization is able to continue its work in the community.