As individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations feel the impact of the COVID-19 crisis, Grand Rapids Community Foundation (GRCF) has partnered with the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan to support multilingual translation and interpretation services. This grant partnership will help ensure all members of the community have access to critical information about minimizing exposure to and spreading COVID-19, as well as resources.

“We encourage the use of this resource during this emergency, and also hope that organizations providing critical information regarding the support and wellbeing of all members of our community consider this approach in their communications moving forward,” Diana Sieger, president at GRCF said.

The center has the capability to translate written materials in 85 languages, in most cases within 24 hours. This includes same-day, simultaneous interpretation of things like press conferences or short videos.

“Lack of multi-language translation and interpretation of information further exacerbates the public health pandemic we are facing,” Adnoris ‘Bo’ Torres, executive director, Hispanic Center of Western Michigan said. “Because of our partnership with the community foundation, our language services department is working around the clock and can ensure every person in our community has accurate, timely information in their language.”

During this unprecedented time, the community foundation is actively communicating with community partners to ensure an informed and collaborative response to address the immediate and long-term impact of this crisis.