Tim Vandenack, Standard-Examiner

OGDEN — Many immigrants coming to the United States from Mexico and other Latin American countries have a single-minded focus.

“We come with the customs of our country,” said Jose Valdez, now living in Ogden but originally from the Mexican state of Michoacan. “Just work and eat. You work and eat.”

Such a focus may have a place, at least under certain circumstances. Over the long haul, it can be limiting, though. And in a bid to break out of the cycle, move ahead, Valdez, along with several others, took part in the latest incarnation of the Circles program sponsored by the Ogden-Weber Community Action Partnership, or OWCAP.

The broad aim of the program, part of the nationwide Circles USA initiative, is to aid the working poor, those mired in poverty and others looking to improve their lot. It’s been around in Weber County since 2016. For the first time ever, anywhere across the country, though, the Circles class Valdez took part in consisted solely of native Spanish speakers. The contingent held a certification ceremony on Wednesday at OWCAP offices to mark completion of the first 12-week phase of the program, which also provided an opportunity for Valdez and others involved to trumpet the occasion.

“I can’t believe that it’s the first Spanish-speaking cohort in the nation. It’s awesome because we do have such a high Spanish-speaking population here,” said Christine Ipsen, the OWCAP executive director. The participants in Valdez’s group include immigrants from an array of Latin American countries — Mexico, Paraguay, Nicaragua and more.

Tim Vandenack, Standard-Examiner

Latinos, Spanish-speaking or not, account for about 32% of Ogden’s population, and Gene Lopez, who helped lead the Spanish-speaking Circles group, said participation helps those taking part better understand the local community and American culture. “It gives the opportunity for our Spanish-speakers to adapt to our community here,” he said.

It also helps participants understand that life doesn’t have to be just about work and paying bills — the mindset, he said, of some immigrants.

“It’s work, work, work, work. … Here we’re saying you could do more,” Lopez said. The overarching aim, he went on, is that participants push toward their dreams, whether that means getting more education, starting a business, buying a home or something else.

Following Wednesday’s ceremony, the nine Circles participants who received certification will partner with program mentors, called allies, who will redouble the messages learned during the first phase and prod them toward their goals. Understanding what programs are available to aid them, home budgeting, how to reduce debt, communication skills and more are the sorts of things the participants covered in the first 12 weeks of the Circles program.

“The people helped teach the tools to continue progressing,” said Rosa Rodriguez, one of the participants.

Tim Vandenack, Standard-Examiner

She’s originally from Paraguay and has a master’s degree in education from her home country. She’s taking classes to improve her English, though, and trying to better understand the U.S. system. “There are many tools you don’t know about,” she said.

Valdez, a solderer, said he hopes to open his own soldering operation one day. “I can be better,” he said.

He’s got a wife and four kids, who took part in the first phase of the program with him, and he hopes it also helps them “so they can be better than me, not be afraid to ask for information.”

Angela Choberka, a member of the Ogden City Council, attended the ceremony. “I’m definitely a believer that action speaks louder than words. You can keep on learning, keep taking action in your life,” she told the group.

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