OCCHA marks 35 years

The congressman says
illegal immigration shouldn’t overshadow the benefits of legal
immigration.

By TIM YOVICH

VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF

BOARDMAN — Henry Guzman can recall when OCCHA had its first fund-raising event in 1972 and less than 100 people attended.

On Friday evening, Guzman, the first executive director of Organizacion Civica y Cultural Hispana Americana, was among 520 who attended the organization’s 35th annual dinner at Mr. Anthony’s.

A former member of the Youngstown Board of Education, Guzman is now director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety.

“When we first started, it was our goal to work ourselves out of existence,” Guzman said, recalling the Hispanic group working out of a Fruit Street building on Youngstown’s East Side.

“I’m glad we’re still here because of the influx of immigrants,” he said, since the Hispanic and non-Hispanic communities still need educational and employment opportunities.

The organization helps low-income families through social, economic, educational and cultural programs, although it was established to address the problems of Hispanics.

Guzman called attention to the need to reduce the high dropout rate of minorities in Ohio.

As more Hispanics come to the state, there is a need for them to be educated so they can fill good-paying jobs vacated by Baby Boomers.

“Students must be educated to stay in school,” he said, noting that a way must also be found to get parents involved in the education of their children.

The illegal immigration issue also must be resolved, Guzman said. He suggested a process where illegals can become legal, even if they have to leave the U.S. and then be able to return legally.

“They have made a lot of commitment to this country,” he said.

Also at the event was U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Niles, D-17th.

“The illegal immigration debate shouldn’t overshadow the benefits of legal immigration because it’s such an important part of our community,’’ Ryan said.

“This is a great part of our community,” he said of those of Hispanic descent.

Benito Velazquez Jr., OCCHA board president, said the organization is focused on raising funds for college scholarships. This is done through the annual dinner, golf outing and a reverse raffle.

During Christmas, OCCHA puts together about 300 baskets with enough food for a holiday dinner and toys for the children of families in need.

“It’s a passion I have. Aside from my job, it’s a passion to help – help the community and keep the agency afloat,” he said.

Velazquez is a deputy clerk at the Mahoning County Area Court in Boardman, a Youngstown State University student and works on the staff at Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home.

During the evening, scholarships were presented to five students:

UReynaldo Parry, son of Tom Parry, a Youngstown police detective sergeant, and Diana Esparra. After graduation from Ursuline High School, he will attend YSU. He volunteers at St. Vincent DePaul’s soup kitchen.

UElmer R. Martinez, son of Jose and Estrella Gonzales. He arrived in this country in 1996 and is a YSU students. He also works three jobs.

UAlyssa Estelle Rojas, daughter of the Rev. Rolando and Ruth Rojas. She moved here with her family in 2000 from New York City. She is majoring in psychology at Wellesley College.

URicardo Gonzalez, son of Nellie and Ricardo Gonzalez, is an honors graduate of Cardinal Mooney High School. He is a student at Fordham University, where he is majoring in international studies.

UBianca Lilly Diaz, daughter of Malik and Lydia Mostella. She is a graduate of The Rayen School and attends Mount Union College where is studying athletic training.

yovich@vindy.com