Congreso Statement Regarding National Events

Julia Rivera, Vice President of External Affairs & Strategic Initiatives: riveraju@congreso.net | 267-475-8460

January 8, 2021

Congreso joins many across our Nation in condemning the events that transpired in Washington D.C. this week. We were and remain deeply outraged and disappointed as we witnessed the storming of the United States Capitol, the violent attempts to interfere with the finalization of our democratic process and the leadership and behavior by those involved at all levels. Further, these events once again painfully illuminate the ongoing disparity in treatment of individuals based on the color of their skin.

At Congreso, our agency values highlight equality, safety and integrity as essential to our common purpose. “We are most effective when we listen first to understand and respect one another’s ideas, beliefs and practices, especially those different from our own. We work in ways that create safe, healthy environments that offer protection from harm and healing and well-being for all. We build strong relationship with all stakeholders based on transparency, trust, accountability, and commitment to our common purpose.” The events of the past week placed our democracy and individuals in harm’s way and violate these values.

Throughout our Nation’s history, there have been moments of great pride, progress and celebration and also of deep sorrow, violence, and injustice. We are encouraged by the dedication and efforts of our lawmakers to finalize the democratic process by certifying the election results despite the darkness and danger they experienced. Our values, our respect for democracy, and our desire for unity as a country have once again been demonstrated and have prevailed.

As an agency, Congreso has taken great pride in our ability to serve our most vulnerable communities with a collaborative spirit for over four decades. Our mission and advocacy has centered around expanding access and opportunity for individuals and families regardless of their background, identity, or circumstances. On a daily basis, we serve humbly and in solidarity with our clients striving to achieve economic self-sufficiency and wellbeing, and our community inspiring hope and resilience in the face of tremendous burdens and barriers.

We recognize leadership comes with responsibility and accountability and we believe that it is in our deepest moments of crisis that true servant leadership is revealed. We stand ready to continue to serve as humble leaders committed to our values and to the greater good of our people, partners, and communities.

In service,

Andreina Hein, Board Chair

Carolina DiGiorgio, President & CEO