A newly created organization serving the Latino community has planned a series of focus groups in the next few weeks about the needs and barriers facing Latinos and Spanish speakers in Newton.

“This assessment will help us better understand the barriers to success faced by the Latino and Spanish-speaking community,” said Latinos Unidos board member Veronica Mosqueda-Bargdill “We want to be able to take a proactive approach in bridging those gaps and connecting Latino residents to local businesses, local government, and other services that will boost economic prosperity.”

The community assessment is funded by a $20,000 Economic Mobility and

Opportunity Grant from the International City/County Management Association (ICMA).

All Newton residents over the age of 18 are invited to attend, and Spanish translation will be available. The one-hour meetings will be held at Heart to Heart located at 702 N Main, Newton, KS 67114, and the City of Newton Station 3, 2520 S. Kansas, Newton, KS 67114.

Meetings are scheduled:

· 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11 @ Heart to Heart

· 5:30-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11 @ Station 3

· 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16 @ Station 3

· 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17 @ Station 3

· 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18 @ Station 3

· 5:30-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18 @ Station 3