The Latin American Council of South Carolina (LACSC) works to improve the education, opportunities, and quality of life for Latinos and others.  LACSC has served as a clearinghouse for referrals to various community services, thanks to the funding received from the Hilton Head Island Community Foundation, the Heritage Classic Foundation, The Coastal Community Foundation, St. Francis Thrift Shop, Hargray's Caring Coins program, and individual contributions from our board members and philanthropic persons in our geographic area.

In 2006 LACSC worked hard to match the supply and demand for workers, and to upgrade workers' skills:  In 2006, our One-Stop Center received 17,626 customer visits.  There were 6,462 job openings and 4877 individuals gained employment through the Center.  We conducted 2810 on site employer interviews, and 5427 individuals attended such sessions as:  ESL classes through the Literacy Volunteers of the Low Country; job training sessions, résumé writing sessions, workshops on personal financial management.

LACSC also coordinated weekly pro-bono legal services: a lawyer files complaints to the courts when employers do not pay salaries to workers. 

LACSC also offers translation and interpretation services to courts, government agencies, private companies and individuals - in person and over the telephone, as well as by FAX and e-mail.  We help workers with employment and other applications, and help them to write and send letters in English.

Through LACSC, On Sunday mornings, Latino workers give back to the community by cleaning up the streets and highways of Hilton Head Island and Bluffton.  They also provide free labor services to the Boys and Girls Club of Hilton Head, The Children's Center in Hilton Head, the YMCA Children's Center in Bluffton, and other services organizations.

Luis Bell, Executive Director of LACSC, reported that the organization is no longer limiting itself to "putting out small fires as they crop up."  2006 saw LACSC's first concentrated efforts toward strategic planning, long-term focus on organizational effectiveness and partnership, and a clearly-defined mission, strategic goals, and business priorities.

During the past year, LACSC has developed a business plan that includes community development programs and services, education and training and community partnerships.  We have plans for a speaker series, vocational training, small business workshops, and instruction in Spanish and English to serve our diverse population, as well as vocational leadership, entrepreneurship, the the creation of effective business networks in support of Latino businesses. 

In 2007, LACSC will be working to expand in Board of Directors by drawing new members from the business community, governmental organizations and local groups.

In late 2006, the Beaufort County Council held public discussions of the Lawful Employment Ordinance.  LACSC played a catalytic role in these sessions, setting up a coalition of business, faith-based and community organizations to oppose the original proposal.  Our proactive campaign also brought speakers to the public hearings.

Today LACSC is launching its membership campaign to build a stronger community in many ways, by:

        * Fostering better relationships among the various ethnic groups of the Lowcountry.
        * Building a dedicated constituency to create a level playing field where all residents
              can flourish and enjoy a better quality of life.
        * Helping Latinos and others in the community achieve the American Dream.

 

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