In July 1991, a group of Latino Activists were enjoying a picnic at a public park when the conversation quickly turned to why our youth were dropping out of school at alarming numbers, involved in criminal activities, and lacked cultural identity.  Our first meeting quickly followed.   It was decided that a youth Latino cultural identity gathering should be held.  SOMOS (We Are) Educational Institute, a 501(c) (3), was formed and in late fall of 1991 our first Latino youth gathering was held.  Prominent Latino scholars were brought to the gatherings to share their research, their writing, their life stories and struggles with our Latino youth and community.  Presenters included the late Ricardo Sanchez, PhD, a founding member of Chicano Poetry, Antonio Sanchez, PhD, current Economic Developer International Relations Officer of Lieutenant Governor, Erasmo Gamboa, Associate Professor, Chicano Studies University of Washington, the late Carlos Maldonado, PhD, Director of Chicano Studies Eastern Washington University, Irene Gonzalez, PhD, at the time the youngest appointed Public School Principal and Chemo, Spiritual Leader with Barrios Unidos-Santa Cruz, California. 

 

The purpose of SOMOS was to expose our youth to college professors who were like them and wrote about their community’s history and Latino contributions made to Washington State to increase their interests in attending and graduating from institutions of higher learning.  However, after five successful annual youth conferences, each averaging about 230 participants, it became clear that we needed a permanent presence as an organization in our community. 

 

Our journey started.  After working as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor in the private sector for numerous organizations, in 2003, Rolando Rodriguez formed Sol Case Management with the goal to provide direct services to our youth and community to improve their quality of life.   In 2007, we purchased and remodeled a 6,500 square foot facility in Downtown Pasco, Washington.  Three of the four founding members of SOMOS Educational Institute, Rolando Rodriguez, Lorena Aranda, and Jose A. Rodriguez, work with Sol Case Management.  Along the way, we have been able to provide professional jobs to some of our past youth program participants who shared our vision.

Our vision has not changed from when we started our initial conversation in July 1991, to empower our youth to become productive members of our society.   We will continue to provide direct services to our clients/customers to assist them overcome barriers and become productive members of our society.  

Thank you for your interest in joining us in our journey.