only 23. I came here to be reunited with my family,” he shared. During his first few months in America, he described feeling unbalanced and isolated. “I finished university and was teaching and had a good sense of who I was, yet moving here I really felt that I didn’t belong and I couldn’t communicate well—I felt like I sounded pretty stupid when I did try to communicate,” said Calocarvias. “But then there was a moment when I simply said I am me, regardless of how others perceive me. From then on I was assertive and assured of what I wanted to express.” This experience is what led him to want to reach out to others who may be or will go through the same thing he did. “I decided I would start an organization that would help immigrants transition in such a way that was less painful than what I experienced and become an integral part of the larger society and the dominate culture without being damaged in the process.” Calocarvias feels accomplished at the work the Institute does. “With the dedicated help of my amazing staff, I believe that what I set out to with this particular instrument has done a lot of good,” he expressed. “The Institute has promoted good relationships between people and has served as a stepping stone for many people including myself, to not only have a rightful place in society but to contribute in a very positive way.” For more information go to Mionline.org or call one of their three offices; Richmond (510) 847-1479; Redwood City (650) 339-2794; Berkeley (510) 848-4075. “We are not babysitting for the summer,” he stated. “Every single day the kids are writing. We chose different topics each week and they really get into it. Those that may have been afraid at the beginning to even write a sentence end up loving it.” “These are skills the youth will benefit from, not only in school but also into their adulthood,” explained Calocarvias. For only $200, kids from third grade to ninth grade are engaged all summer long, as well as provided with snacks and weekly field trips. With so much being offered, the Institute is always looking for funding. “Now, most of our funding comes from contracts that we have with the three counties and the cities of Richmond, Berkeley and San Pablo,” he said. “The rest comes from writing grants and we also have a circle of friends and host a few fund raisers each year.” What the Multicultural Institute is able to achieve year after year just goes to show that when something is important a way will be found and that is exactly the mindset of Calocarvias—he is the original founder of the Institute. “I was somebody who had the experience of emigrating from Mexico to the U.S in 1977 when I was
Contra Costa Marketplace - Oct 2015
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