FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 14, 2001

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM RAUL YZAGUIRRE, NCLR PRESIDENT

Washington, D.C. - Like all our fellow Americans, our thoughts have been with, and our focus has been on, the victims and their families of Tuesday's terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. We are devastated and angered by the horrifying images we see on television and the reports we have received from the organizations that are part of our network in those areas. On this National Day of Remembrance, our prayers are with them and with the courageous and tireless rescue workers who are doing their utmost to save everyone they can.

In the course of our daily lives, we all too often focus on our differences. It takes a tragedy of this magnitude to remind us of our inherent interdependence, of the essential goodness of the American people, and of our love for our great nation. What this tragedy will show is not that America is fearful and vulnerable, but rather that when an unimaginable terror was thrust upon us, we found, to the surprise of some, how strong and united we truly are.

Though it has been understandably difficult to reach the community-based organizations in New York that are part of NCLR's affiliate network, reports that have reached us through the Internet and other means have confirmed that many, many persons in the Latino community in New York and from all over Latin America are among the missing in the attack. Asociación Tepeyac in New York is searching for and reporting on the hundreds of Mexican nationals who were in the towers through its website, www.tepeyac.org. PROMESA Systems, Inc. in the Bronx is making available bilingual counselors to the injured, their families, and volunteers. The Spanish Theater Repertory in Manhattan is serving as a gathering site for the families of victims in a morgue nearby [see attachment for list of NCLR affiliates in the area].

In the immediate aftermath of the tragedy, all of America has responded mightily through volunteering, blood drives, and providing assistance and support to organizations such as the American Red Cross. But more assistance will be needed in the weeks and months to come. Therefore, we encourage you to make donations directly to these organizations or, if you wish, NCLR has set up a Special Assistance Fund to which it will contribute. Every cent of such contributions will be sent to our affiliates in New York and Northern Virginia. If you would like to contribute, please send checks to NCLR c/o Special Assistance Fund, 1111 19th Street, N.W., Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20036. We thank you for all your support.

All of the Affiliates listed below are looking for resources and services offered in Spanish that focus on the Latin American community so they can share this information with those injured and their families or with other agencies providing relief efforts [as of 09/14/01].

DC/VA 

Hispanic Committee of Virginia
703.671.5666
HCV is working with the Red Cross. They are trying to become an alternative blood donation site. We will post that information when it is available.

NEW YORK

Asociación Tepeyac
www.tepeyac.org
Asociacion Tepeyac is searching for and reporting on the hundreds of Mexican nationals who were in the towers through its website.

PROMESA Systems, Inc.
718.299.1100
Yolanda Santiago
PROMESA is assisting volunteer police and firemen who have come to New York from other areas. They are offering support services to these out of town volunteers. PROMESA is also making their bilingual counselors available to the injured, their families, and volunteers. Please contact them is you have a need for counseling services in Spanish.

Spanish Theater Repertory working with 23rd Street Business Association
212.255.3037
The Spanish Theater Repertory is located next to the morgue that has been set up for victims. They are making their facilities available as a place to gather for families that have to make this unfortunate trip. This effort is being coordinated by the 23rd Street Business Association. To find out more please contact Sharon Ullman at the number above.

13th Precinct
212.477.7411
The 13th Precinct of the NY Police Department is also coordinating relief efforts. To offer assistance in this please contact them directly.

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