Latino Non-Profit Organizations in Oregon

Founded in 1996 by a group of 13 students in Salem, Oregon, Latinos Unidos Siempre (L.U.S.) has grown into a vital community organization dedicated to youth empowerment and social justice. The organization emerged from a critical moment when Salem's Latino community faced immigration raids, high school dropout rates, gang activity, and hostile legislative proposals, with young people stepping forward to advocate for change. Today, L.U.S. continues this legacy of youth leadership by welcoming young people of all backgrounds—ages 12 to 25—who identify as Latino or who are passionate about working for social justice alongside the Latino community. The organization's approach combines cultural affirmation, educational support, and political organizing to combat racist stereotypes and discrimination while building the next generation of community leaders. Operating as the youth arm of Mano a Mano Family Center in Salem, L.U.S. maintains deep roots in local movements for immigrant rights and community equality, collaborating with organizations like CAUSA and the Salem-Keizer Coalition for Equality. With a membership that is predominantly female and Latino, L.U.S. has proven itself as an incubator for emerging leaders, with six alumni currently serving as staff members at partner organizations, including the Executive Director of Mano a Mano. The organization's sustained presence in Salem for nearly three decades reflects its commitment to creating spaces where young people can develop their voices, build solidarity, and work toward meaningful social change in their community.

Founded in 2009 during the Great Recession, the Latino Business Alliance emerged from a grassroots vision shared by concerned Latino business owners and professionals in Salem, Oregon, who recognized the need for mutual support and community collaboration. What began as an informal gathering to help each other navigate economic hardship evolved into a formalized organization that now serves as a vital bridge connecting the Latino business community with broader economic opportunities. Based in Salem, OR, the Latino Business Alliance operates under the belief that building trust within the Latino business community must come first, followed by creating visibility and awareness in the larger American economy. The organization's mission reflects a deep commitment to empowering small business owners while promoting entrepreneurship and professional development among Latino youth. Over the years, the Latino Business Alliance has grown substantially, transitioning from entirely volunteer-led operations to a professionally staffed organization supported by grants from respected institutions like the Kaiser Permanente Community Fund and the Oregon Community Foundation. Today, they work to unite and strengthen the Latino business community while contributing to a stronger Oregon economy overall. The Latino Business Alliance recognizes that Latino-owned businesses, despite significant growth since 2000, often face barriers to affordable credit, insurance, and contracting opportunities. Through their dedicated efforts, the organization strives to create a better Willamette Valley for all by fostering genuine connections, providing educational resources, and ensuring that Latino entrepreneurs have equitable access to the tools and networks necessary for sustainable business success.

Founded in 2008 by Dr. Erlinda Gonzalez-Berry, Casa Latinos Unidos emerged from a deep commitment to strengthen the Latinx community of Corvallis, Oregon and the surrounding Benton and Linn County regions. As a community-based, culturally-specific organization, Casa Latinos Unidos was built by first and second generation immigrants who understand firsthand the experiences, struggles, and aspirations of families immigrating from Latin American countries. The organization's mission—Building Our Community Together—reflects its philosophy of strengthening individuals, families, and communities through collaborative action and shared leadership. What distinguishes Casa Latinos Unidos is its unique position as the only organization in both Benton and Linn Counties that combines community-based operations with cultural specificity, ensuring that services and programs authentically reflect the values, traditions, and needs of the Latinx population. The organization operates from a place of deep identification with the immigrant experience, recognizing both the challenges families face in connecting to resources and institutions, and the powerful contributions they make to local society. Casa Latinos Unidos maintains offices in Corvallis and Lebanon, serving as a trusted resource and gathering place for community members seeking support, education, cultural celebration, and opportunities for civic participation. Through programs like Youth en Acción, ENLACES Community Health Worker initiatives, and cultural celebrations, Casa Latinos Unidos creates spaces where the Latinx community can thrive, develop leadership skills, and build a healthier, more resilient future together.