Latino Educational Training Institute Celebrates Work Supporting Immigrants at Fundraiser

The Latino Educational Training Institute (LETI) in Lynnwood, Washington, celebrated its efforts to support Latino immigrants in the community through a breakfast fundraiser event. The organization, founded in 1998 by Rosario Reyes, a first-generation immigrant from Peru, offers over 20 programs to assist the Latino population, including English classes, job training, legal services, nutrition assistance, vaccine access, computer literacy courses, a children's choir, and occupational safety training.

At the fundraiser, held at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Seattle North Lynnwood, LETI highlighted its plans to expand its services by moving to a new 16,000-square-foot facility in south Everett. The event featured commentary from individuals who have benefited from LETI's programs, such as Marisol Bejarano, the institute's first full-time employee, and State Rep. Julio Cortes, the son of agricultural workers from Mexico.

Why this matters: LETI's work plays a crucial role in supporting and empowering Latino immigrants in the Lynnwood area, helping them integrate into the local community and access essential resources. The organization's expansion plans demonstrate the growing need for comprehensive services tailored to the Latino population in the region.

Rosario Reyes, who supports 30 extended family members, founded LETI to address the challenges faced by Latino immigrants. "I came here without knowing the language, without papers, without anything," Reyes shared at the event. "I had to learn everything on my own."

Speakers at the fundraiser emphasized the importance of LETI's work in educating and supporting Latino immigrants while also highlighting the value of embracing and preserving cultural heritage. The event served as a testament to the organization's ongoing efforts to empower the Latino community in Lynnwood and the surrounding areas, as it prepares to expand its reach with the new facility in south Everett.

Key Takeaways

• LETI, founded in 1998, supports Latino immigrants in Lynnwood, WA.
• LETI offers 20+ programs, including English classes, job training, and more.
• LETI plans to expand to a new 16,000-sq-ft facility in south Everett.
• LETI's work empowers Latino immigrants and preserves cultural heritage.
• LETI's founder, Rosario Reyes, came to the US without language or papers.