As pandemic restrictions were being lifted, Sabrina Guzman and her mother, Elizabeth “Liz” Rodriguez, noticed a growing disconnect within their neighborhoods. People were isolated and were less likely to engage with one another like they used to. With the help of three amazing Latino women, Lisette Miranda, Amy Morel, and Aja Hoffmann, what started as a simple conversation on bringing back the sense of community lost due to COVID-19 quickly became the non-profit “Giving Back to the Community Inc.”. Their goal was simple: reconnecting the community while supporting local businesses in their recovery.
Their first event, a trunk-or-treat held in 2022, was initially planned as a one-time thing. However, the overwhelming response from the community encouraged them to keep going. Liz recalls, “[We] knew we had to do more when we saw the community come together.” The following year, they expanded the event to include a sensory-friendly time—an addition Sabrina points out isn’t common in the area. After the event, a handful of mothers approached them, thanking them for creating a space for their children to feel included.
Their events have grown to include Easter egg hunts, ladies’ brunches, back-to-school drives, toy drives, and their annual Latino Fiesta, which celebrates Hispanic culture in Scranton. This year was their second year hosting the festival at Nay Aug Park. Liz reflects, “We’ve got the Greek Festival, we’ve got the Italian festival, and we wanted to bring something for our Latino community.” The event has become essential for celebrating Hispanic and Latino heritage while promoting local businesses. “We realized how vital it was to create a space where Hispanic business owners could showcase their talents and products,” Sabrina explains. The festival now features over 75 vendors, food trucks, and performers—many from the local community—offering everything from handmade goods to authentic cuisine.
In addition to organizing community events, Sabrina and Liz have become essential for Scranton’s Hispanic and Latino residents. They assist individuals in navigating local resources, particularly those who face language barriers or are uncertain about where to turn. Their efforts to connect directly with people who need help have fostered deeper relationships within the community, making their group an essential hub for support and guidance extending far beyond event coordination.
Sabrina and Liz encourage community members to get involved in any way possible. Whether volunteering at one of their events, volunteering at their Trunk-or-Treat or Toy Drives, or simply attending the Latino Fiesta, there are plenty of opportunities to engage with the group’s mission. For those interested in supporting or volunteering with “Giving Back to the Community Group,” more information can be found on their Facebook page or at upcoming events.
Last modified: October 15, 2024
