About Us - Philosophy

25th Anniversary

Philosophy

Crisis Line: 651.772.1611

Philosophy
Our Beliefs

We are Latina--we are not an agency with "outreach" to Latinas. Outreach programs usually consist of one or two persons of color who are given the responsibility to provide all the organization's services to the targeted community. Because it is not a priority that is integrated into the entire agency, an outreach program often results in the staff member's burnout and the eventual cutting of the program. In contrast, Casa de Esperanza is Latina.

We believe in the strength of Latinas; we build on their strengths rather than their "needs." The usual approach to direct services focuses on the needs of battered women and creates dependence on the agency. Latinas are strong--some have emigrated and supported their families in this country; we assist them in recognizing their strengths, building on them, and reaching their goals.

Effective responses to domestic violence are shaped by the lived realities of Latinas and build support systems "where they live." The chart below (from "Families with Latino Roots" by Maria Zuniga) compares elements of Latino cultures with mainstream culture. Latino cultures are fundamental to the development of our approach and strategies (although there is diversity within Latino cultures, there are many consistent factors). For example, collective orientation, interdependence, and group identity are the foundation for Casa de Esperanza's emphasis on community.

Latino Cultures	Mainstream Culture
Collective orientation	Individual orientation
Interdependence	Independence
Collective, group identity	Individual identity
Cooperation	Competition
Indirect communication	Being direct
Emphasis on interpersonal relations	Emphasis on task orientation
Spiritual/ magical belief orientation	Rational/ empirical belief orientation
Tendency toward more patriarchal family structure	Tendency toward more democratic family structure
More overt respect for the elderly	Less value/ respect toward the elderly
Extended family system more pronounced	Nuclear family system more pronounced

(Adapted from Zuniga)¹

We believe that communities--not systems--will end domestic violence.

Social capital does not exist without community. The theory of social capital--with its emphasis on networks and connections--is particularly appropriate for work that is based in Latino realities. The chart above identifies several elements of Latino cultures that demonstrate the value of interpersonal connections: collective orientation, interdependence, group identity, cooperation, and the family system.

Effective strategies put our work in the hands of more and more people. We believe that domestic violence can be ended only by the community's action. Therefore, more and more people must be involved. We envision a social movement directed to eradicating domestic violence.

Community leads our work. We look to Latino communities to guide us. Read about Fuerza Unida and Movimiento Esperanza.

We believe in relationships rather than programs. Consistent with social capital theory, connections among people create greater impact than traditional programs.

We take a holistic approach . . .

to domestic violence:
Domestic violence is multifaceted. A battered Latina may be facing issues of poverty, language, legal status, or missing her home country and extended family. Domestic violence may not be the most important issue in her life! Providing shelter for her is not enough.

We work with the mother and children together; theirs is a "whole" reality. Traditional domestic violence services are provided separately--to the mother and to the children.

Latina identity is entwined with family and community; we do not view ourselves as separate from them. This identity influences the decisions a Latina makes regarding domestic violence.

to our organization:
We work with the whole organization in mind. Standards of professionalism and excellence in every facet of our work have an impact on all areas of the agency. Staff members are challenged to understand a broad view of the organization and apply it to their areas of responsibility.

Partnerships are based in the articulated self-interest of all organizations.

Men are part of the solution. Traditionally they have been viewed only as the problem. We support them in taking leadership roles that will facilitate behavior change, including the reshaping of norms for other men and boys.

Read more about Mission, Vision, and Core Values

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¹ Zuniga, Maria. "Families with Latino Roots." Developing Cross-Cultural Competence. Eds. Eleanor W. Lynch & Marci J. Hanson, 1998.