Our Story  ·  Our People  ·  Our Mission

About the Foundation

We are a community-rooted nonprofit dedicated to removing barriers and building pathways for Latino families throughout Salem and the Willamette Valley.

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Where We Come From
Our Origins

Where We Come From

The Barrera Foundation was born from a simple but urgent truth: Latino families in Salem face systemic barriers that limit their ability to thrive — barriers of language, housing, employment, and access to services.

Founded by community members who experienced these challenges firsthand, the Foundation was established to bridge the gap between Latino families and the resources they deserve — in a way that honors their culture, dignity, and strength.

"We don't serve the community — we are the community."

Operating as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we are funded through grants, private donations, government contracts, and strategic partnerships — ensuring our services remain free and accessible to all who need them.

2024

Foundation Established

The Barrera Foundation is formally incorporated and begins the 501(c)(3) application process in Salem, Oregon.

2025

501(c)(3) Status Granted

Federal nonprofit status approved. Programs begin development and community outreach launches across the Willamette Valley.

2025

Programs Launch

All five core programs open to the community — ESL, housing support, workforce training, elder services, and immigration assistance.

Why We Exist

The Community Need

Latino families in the Salem area face a unique and compounding set of challenges. Limited English proficiency, housing instability, and barriers to employment create cycles that are difficult to break without targeted, culturally responsive support.

30%+
of Salem residents identify as Latino or Hispanic
1 in 3
Latino families in Oregon experience housing instability
42%
of Latino adults in the region have limited English proficiency
2×
more likely to face poverty without bilingual workforce support

Limited English Proficiency

Language barriers limit access to healthcare, legal services, employment, and civic participation.

Housing Instability

Rising rents and discrimination push Latino families into overcrowded or unsafe living conditions.

Immigration Uncertainty

Complex paperwork, legal costs, and fear prevent families from securing their status and accessing services.

The Community Need
What Guides Us

Our Guiding Principles

Every program, every interaction, and every decision at The Barrera Foundation is grounded in these core values.

01

Dignidad — Dignity

Every person who walks through our doors is treated with the full respect and dignity they deserve. No judgment. No barriers. Only support.

02

Comunidad — Community

We are shaped by the community we serve. Our programs are co-created with families, listening first and building together.

03

Acceso — Access

Language, cost, and cultural disconnect should never prevent a family from getting the help they need. All services are bilingual and free.

04

Integridad — Integrity

We operate with full transparency — with our donors, our partners, and the families we serve. Trust is the foundation of everything we do.

05

Empoderamiento — Empowerment

Our goal is never dependency — it's independence. We build skills, knowledge, and confidence so families can chart their own course.

06

Resiliencia — Resilience

We honor the strength Latino families already carry. Our role is to remove obstacles, amplify what's already there, and celebrate every step forward.

The People Behind the Mission

Our Team

Dedicated community members, advocates, and professionals united by a shared commitment to the Latino families of Salem.

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Founder / Executive Director

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The founding vision of The Barrera Foundation grew from lived experience within the Latino community of Salem — a deep understanding of the barriers families face and an unwavering belief in their potential to thrive.

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Programs Manager

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Overseeing the development and delivery of all five core programs, ensuring services are culturally responsive, linguistically accessible, and community-centered.

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Community Advocate

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Our bridge between the foundation and the families we serve — listening, connecting, and ensuring that every voice in our community is heard and respected.

Those Who Make It Possible

Partners & Funders

The Barrera Foundation is made possible through the generosity of individuals, organizations, and government partners who believe in the power of a stronger Latino community.

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We'd love to hear from you

Whether you're seeking services, want to volunteer, or are interested in partnering — reach out in English or Spanish.

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