Thread: Helping to make the transition

http://www.postindependent.com/article/ ... /109100024

Helping to make the transition

John Gardner
Post Independent Staff
September 10, 2006

Spanish speaking immigrants, new to the United States and Colorado, may not be familiar with the laws or their rights.

But a Glenwood Springs couple is trying to give immigrants a helping hand.

On Saturday, Sept. 16, the husband-and-wife team of Johnny and Ruth Gonzalez are holding an informational workshop educating Latinos in the community about Colorado laws.

Johnny, a level III state certified addictions counselor, is the community liaison for the Roaring Fork School District at Carbondale Middle School and Roaring Fork High School.

Ruth is in the process of being a certified domestic violence counselor and has worked as an English as a second language teacher for Carbondale Middle School in the past.

"We want to educate the Spanish community on the laws in Colorado," Johnny said. "What would happen if we moved to Swahili? How would we know what is accepted and what is not?"

Johnny and Ruth have recently opened the Gonzalez Counseling Services, LLC, downstairs of the Rite-Aid Pharmacy on Grand Avenue in Glenwood Springs. Registration for the Responsible living in the community program will begin at 8:30 a.m. Saturday and presentations begin directly after at 9 a.m.

"We will have experts there running the presentations," Johnny said.

Sgt. Jose Chavira of the Basalt Police Department will do a presentation on Colorado law's and frequently asked questions.

Johnny, being a certified counselor and recovering addict, will give a presentation on drug and alcohol addiction and recovery. Ruth will educate people on the laws and penalties of domestic violence. There will also be an attorney on hand to answer legal questions anyone may have, whatever their situation may be.

"We just want to educate people who are new to the community, that are going to live in the community - to be able to give them the tools and the information on how to do that," Johnny said.

The program is designed for people who are ordered by the justice services, to work community service as part of their sentence. However, anyone who is interested may attend. Cost for participation is $50, which includes a spouse or family member who is at least 18 years old.

Johnny worked with the Garfield County and Glenwood Springs judicial system to come up with a way to educate people on the laws of the state, he said. So, he came up with the idea of this workshop.

"It is open to the public, so anyone can come see what it's all about," Johnny said.

"We want to educate the Spanish community on the laws in Colorado," Johnny said. "What would happen if we moved to Swahili?

Nothing. Swahili isn't a place. And you Johnny are going to educate people in law?

I don't get all the foolish inviting the criminals to make them selves at home. Just roll out the welcome waggon John. Don't forget that you will be "educating" a room full of criminals. How noble of a cause.

Dixie.