NCLR Presents 2010 Affiliate of the Year Award to Mujeres Latinas en Accion at NCLR Annual Conference in San Antonio

Regional Honorees Also Recognized

SAN ANTONIO, Texas, July 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- NCLR (National Council of La Raza)—the largest national Latino civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States—presented the 2010 Affiliate of the Year Award today to Mujeres Latinas en Accion (Mujeres), an organization that contributes to the development of Latinas and their families in the Chicago area through programs that foster full participation in society while preserving cultural identity and dignity.  Mujeres—a member of NCLR's network of nearly 300 Affiliates—was honored at the 2010 NCLR Annual Conference Awards Gala in San Antonio and received a $25,000 cash award.

"It is an honor to bestow the Affiliate of the Year Award to Mujeres Latinas en Accion and showcase how their achievements have made a positive and sustainable impact in the Latino community," said Janet Murguia, NCLR President and CEO.

Launched in 1973, Mujeres has become the longest-standing Latina organization in the country.  Serving more than 8,000 individuals yearly, Mujeres has emerged as a recognized leader in providing culturally proficient services in domestic violence, sexual assault, parent support, emergency assistance, and Latina leadership and has been at the forefront of critical legislative forums, speaking on behalf of Latinas and protecting their rights.  Working in collaboration with government agencies, foundations, and corporations, Mujeres ensures that its comprehensive services and programs reach the broadest possible sector of the Latino community.

The Affiliate of the Year Award is presented annually and is an opportunity for NCLR to recognize an Affiliate for its exemplary work in positively impacting the local community and for its active engagement in critical NCLR policy and programmatic initiatives.  The 2010 Affiliate of the Year program is sponsored by Ford Motor Company Fund.

"At Ford, we have a legacy of commitment towards the Hispanic community," said Jim Vella, president of Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services.  "We are proud to support an award that recognizes these organizations for their extraordinary work in improving the lives and opportunities of so many Hispanic Americans."

In addition to honoring Mujeres Latinas en Accion—an Affiliate in NCLR's Midwest Region—on Monday at the Affiliate Leadership Breakfast NCLR recognized Affiliate of the Year Regional Honorees from its five additional regions, and each received a cash award of $5,000.  The 2010 Regional Honorees are Camino Nuevo Charter Academy of Los Angeles, California (California Region); Housing America Corporation of Somerton, Arizona (Far West Region); Latin American Community Center of Wilmington, Delaware (Northeast Region); El Pueblo, Inc. of Raleigh, North Carolina (Southeast Region); and Tejano Center for Community Concerns of Houston, Texas (Texas Region).

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SOURCE National Council of La Raza