Adelante Community Partners

About Us

Adelante is the Spanish word for “forward”, and is also a word commonly used when welcoming someone into your home. Our philosophy is to improve our community by creating bridge events that push past social barriers and stereotypes, and help us all move forward together through mutual respect, appreciation and understanding.

Our Story               

When Co-Founder Chela Sanchez, of Adelante Community Partners reflects on why the work of Adelante Community Partners is so important, she tells this story from her childhood:

“Do your parents know you’re doing this? I don’t think they would like you saying the Pledge of Allegiance since you are not American,” my teacher, said dismissively. “I think that next time we say the Pledge you should wait in the hall.” This was my routine, month after month, my teacher would glance at me, I would lower my head and leave the room, and stand in the hallway while my classmates faithfully committed to their nation and one another.

The year was 1986; I was six years old and in the first grade. Until the moment I was relieved of my claim to honor and protect the county I was born in, the first grade was uneventful. Nothing stands out until the moment I was asked to leave the room.

And this moment will stay with me always. For the first time, I felt shame for being somehow different, for not being “American” like my classmates. My savior came as a substitute teacher, who ignored the students who so eagerly shared that I was breaking the rules by not leaving during the pledge. My savior shook off the accusation that I was “not American” and she let me stay.

This moment was the driving force in creating an event that would not only showcase Latino culture, but also help educate the community about our customs and beliefs.

Our Mission                       

Empower, Advocate with, and Celebrate Latino Culture in Southern Oregon through community bridge events.  Our signature event, Day of the Dead Race, brings in hundreds to celebrate culture and community.

Our Vision

Is to create community events to share the beauty of Latino culture.