In the Caribbean geographical space lies the archipelago known as Puerto Rico, also recognized as the Island of Enchantment. Its history narrates the forging of a nation (because indeed, we are one) that has withstood severe challenges, distinguishing us today as a “resilient” country or survivor of a historic colonial past, natural impacts such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and the Covid-19 pandemic. Simultaneously, we have endured a bipartisanship that has left a state, already colonial, languishing and unable to advance essential causes for a dignified existence.
For years, Non-Profit Organizations (NGOs) have been addressing the deficiencies suffered by thousands of Puerto Ricans. Their existence and inspiration are grounded in human rights. NGOs exist to create spaces advocating for access to essential resources such as safety, food security, dignified housing, education, employment, environmental protection, access to justice, health services, and a life of equity and equality regardless of sex, gender, ethnicity, race, social class, or disability.
Numerous fronts must be addressed to meet the diverse needs evident in our country. The most vulnerable populations include children, youth, women, the LGBTQ+ community, and black individuals. These groups suffer from lack of access to education, gentrification, racism, environmental misuse, among others.
For years, Casa Juana Colón has focused on addressing the needs of women, their daughters and sons, particularly regarding gender-based violence in all its manifestations. A challenging task when considering the work is carried out from the town of Comerío, located in the central area of the country and one of the most impoverished in Puerto Rico. Analyzing the profile of poverty reveals that it wears the faces of women and children. This scenario repeats itself in various spaces across Puerto Rico. Therefore, grassroots community organizations are one of the entities that undertake work with social determinants to empower marginalized individuals in our archipelago. The efforts to sustain the services we provide are immense. Specific cultural projects are created, managed with economic precariousness due to limited financial resources. This limits our reach within the country’s most vulnerable communities.
On the other hand, our colonial position places us under the philanthropic umbrella internationally and even in efforts to secure federal funds that do not pass through the State. It is essential that agencies providing federal funds to the States and Territories of the U.S. consider the needs of specific cultural groups to achieve social justice. This involves approaching communities and organizations with an understanding of linguistic and cultural realities. It is crucial to engage with leadership that has been effective but limited for years.
Limitations arise from not knowing or having access to existing resources from federal or philanthropic funds. We want more visibility and to showcase our work. Only in this way can we achieve a just society for all the human beings inhabiting this archipelago.
