Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 15-Oct. 15 is Hispanic Heritage month, a time we celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of Hispanic Americans. There are more than 57 million Hispanics in the United States. In this issue, we take a look at how NeighborWorks network organizations are serving and supporting Hispanic communities in Tennessee, New York and New Jersey. The language of opportunity Studies show that people who speak more than one language are smarter and have better memories and decision-making skills. A Tennessee woman is testing that theory by starting a bilingual day care center. Thanks to support from NeighborWorks network member HOPE (Hope Enterprise Corp./Hope Credit Union, she opened a Spanish-immersion facility for young children. Read more about the Bilingual Academy Strengthening the Latino community through energy-efficiency opportunities Rising utility costs are beyond the control of the average homeowner and even minor increases can significantly affect those with low incomes. But figuring out how to offer energy efficiency solutions to those homeowners and get them to take action poses challenges, particularly in Latino communities. Excerpted from NeighborWorks Works: Practical Solutions from America's Community Development Network . Read a practical solution from network member RUPCO My front porch: from vacant to vibrant A predominantly Hispanic community in New Jersey aimed to create more open space that neighbors could use for outdoor recreation and socializing. NeighborWorks member La Casa De Don Pedro worked with residents to transform a vacant lot into a vibrant outdoor space called "My Front Porch." Excerpted from NeighborWorks Works: Practical Solutions from America's Community Development Network . Learn how this effort revitalized the community SPOTLIGHT Want to ready children for school success? Focus on parents too Numerous studies have documented that early childhood education and other forms of support are critical to social development, resilience, self-esteem and ability to learn throughout the lifecycle. Experience in the field also is increasingly demonstrating that childhood education programs benefit parents too. The solution: two-generation ("two-gen") programs. Read our blog IdeaWorks If you would like to use any of the content above, please contact Racine Tucker-Hamilton. View this email in your browser You are receiving this email because of your relationship with NeighborWorks America. Please reconfirm your interest in receiving emails from us. If you do not wish to receive any more emails, you can unsubscribe here. 999 North Capitol Street NE, Suite 900, Washington, DC, 20002 Update Profile/Email Address