Vega-Matthews Brings Critical Resources to Dutchess

By Jennifer L. Warren

WAPPINGERS FALLS – Working as a Dutchess County employee for many years provided Gabriela Vega-Matthews with a repertoire of priceless skills, potent connections and keen insights, an empowering toolbox she wanted to implement to its fullest extent, further serving the Latin American-and beyond- immigrant communities.

“Working for the county gave me the opportunity to integrate with the community through a wide range of our programs,” reflected Vega-Matthews, an immigrant from Mexico and Dutchess County resident for the past 30 years. “With time, I recognized the immigrant community was falling between the cracks, and it provided me the chance to be a bridge, connecting them to services that already existed.”

Vega-Matthews further noted that population-along with the broader immigrant and vulnerable ones-were lacking the ability to truly represent their community and be provided any chances for equal representation. It was increasingly evident that “all too often, immigrants are disconnected from the community at large, lacking the knowledge of basic resources as well as how to navigate access.” She acutely became aware something more needed to be done to assist their journeys. Enter Vega-Matthews’ creation of Casa Comunitaria de Recursos (Community House of Resources) in 2020.

Led by a committed purpose to provide a “hub” where people are able to connect, while receiving- with respect and dignity- services they need, “knowing they are not alone,” Casa Comunitaria de Recursos, is intent on delivering integral, non-discriminating support, enabling community members to take care of themselves. Using the vehicles of promoting education while connecting people to deeply needed resources, Vega- Matthews saw first-hand, for two years, the profound difference such a spot can make. She also was awoken to how much more she could accomplish with help as well as an official non-profit status.
“In my walk, I recognized I could not do this by myself,” said Vega-Matthews, the mother of ‘two beautiful children,’ “This is one of the reasons I wanted to start this non-profit organization that has now been federally registered as a 501(c)(3) for two years.”

Now with an office space in Poughkeepsie, where she and her staff can meet with clients, “serving a wide array of migrants in need,” supporting them as they explore useful websites they can log onto, delineating all the services provided by her non-profit, Vega-Matthews, has been able to extend her outreach even further. The results have been positive, hopeful and inspiring, even creating several beautiful partnerships, something she would like to continue to grow.

It’s a mission, led by empathy, support, care and love. A commitment clearly outlined and in their group’s mission statement and passionately pursued.

“We honor the diverse strengths and dignity of each person and aim to create space for the community, using its voice in supporting one another.” It continues, “We aim to address inequality facing the Hispanic immigrant community as a whole as well as inequalities and divisions within the community itself.”

With board members and volunteers chiefly with bilingual (English/Spanish) skill sets, Casa Comunitaria includes people of several ethnicities, including the local Hispanic/Latino community and broader community of Dutchess County. It has offered several well-attended, successful workshops bridging Hispanics to the community. As the needs increase and the triumphs begin to emerge, the future looks bright for this much-needed and appreciated organization.

“I have received a great deal of support and recognition bringing this non-profit to the community,” said Vega-Matthews about her journey to help area Latin immigrants flourish. “Many organizations have reached out to collaborate with us; I am so very proud of this grass roots organization that can be available to immigrants in the Dutchess County Community.”

To learn more about Casa Comunitaria de Recursos as well as the services it offers, log onto: www.casacomunitariaderecursos.org or call them at: (845) 518-4967.