COME WITH US! ¡VEN CON NOSOTROS! A night of conversation between the community

COME WITH US! – ¡VEN CON NOSOTROS! – to say – “No Tolerance to violence in our community.”

On May 26th, 2010 the community responded to the invitation of PAPA and the Hudson River Health Care, to come together and share their concerns, thoughts and experiences in light of the recent violent attack on Peekskill resident, Julio Serrano. Over 100 people gathered in the HRHC’s Founders Conference Room. Area elected officials, community leaders and members of the news media joined those present.

Narcisa Rodriguez Serrano, who attended the event together with her brother Javier Serrano and his wife, Marina, addressed the crowd. While calling for justice on behalf of her brother, she emphasized her willingness to speak out, so that the horrific and completely unmerited attack carried out against Julio should not happen to one more person. Additionally, she expressed her thanks for the support shown to the Serrano family by the local community. Narcisa was able to share that, thankfully, her brother had awakened from the coma in the past several days, although his condition remains grave and the ultimate outcome of his health is in the hands of God.

Peekskill Police Chief Eugene Tumolo emphasized that need for the community’s help in stopping violence. He called for other victims of violence to come forward, with the assurance that the police department will not question and is not interested in a person’s legal status. Mayor Mary Foster affirmed that all people, regardless of their origin or state of life, are welcome in Peekskill and added that it is the administration’s desire to have all of the diverse communities in the city functioning well together.

The program was facilitated by PAPA president Bishop Michael J. Champion and PAPA Executive Board member, the Reverend Jeanette Phillips, who is also a founding board member at the health center and director of the Preservation Company. Mariana Rios and Norma Pereira Mora served as translators for the entirely bi-lingual program. (Photos and web presentation by R. Medina)

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Charitable appeal: During the course of the evening of May 26, well over 600 dollars was raised to assist the Serrano family during the difficult times they are experiencing. 100 percent of the funds are given in person to the family. We thank everyone for their kindheartedness and generosity.

The campaign is still open and help is still needed. Anyone wishing to make a donation, which will go directly to the family of Julio Serrano, may do so by sending a check or money order (made payable to PAPA and clearly notated “Julio Serrano appeal” in the memo area) to PAPA, PO Box 282, Peekskill, NY 10566. Cash donations may also be received by directly contacting the PAPA treasurer or president via the information on this website.

A Night of Conversation Between the Community

Slideshow

Residents of all backgrounds were invited to share their thoughts, concerns and experiences in support of the Latino population of our area and the family of Julio Serrano who was recently a victim of a vicious attack.