Juntos - Building Community one event at a time

recipient of Seattle Credit Union Grant funding

October 30, 2025

By: Miurlin Escalante

Juntos Basin City is a group that got started by three ladies in Basin City that saw a need for camaraderie in the community and want to bridge the gap they currently see between Hispanic or non-Hispanic, Spanish speaking or not. Brenda Vasquez and Cricelia Calderon started talking and it started as a fitness center idea, three times a week with just a tv and some DVDs to get people in and getting used to the idea of being together, for all ages. The Event Center is part of the Calderon family (Cricelia’s brother) so that has been very beneficial for Juntos as it is currently their meeting place as well as where they host all their events.

After giving it some thought, they scratched the fitness center idea but still kept looking for resources. They applied for the Bailie Youth Foundation grant but unfortunately were rejected. When they were turned down, they knew they were still going to do something, it was just going to have to be at a smaller scale. The ladies still moved ahead. Cricelia’s sister, Elena Calderon, started helping them, remotely, find grants and apply for them. 

Elena wanted to help because she is a big advocate of community work. She was scrolling on Linked In one day and saw the Seattle CU Foundation Grant and knew that Juntos would be eligible for the award since it didn’t “require for applicants to be nonprofits.” It took about two weeks to complete the application, but it really helped to develop the mission of Juntos and to outline what community-building events would look like throughout the remainder of the year. Elena shared, “The grant emphasizes sustainability and they want to make sure that the work will continue beyond the grant, and that was something that we intentionally thought about as we outlined future workshops. For example, establishing relationships with people in the community who could donate a meal for our workshops, or space to host the workshops, partnering with local businesses and vendors who could provide discounts on food or let us borrow resources (photo backdrops) for our events. These relationships support sustainability.” 

They received backpacks and school supplies from Multiplus Firm LLP, based out of Yakima and Pasco, which kicked things off. After that, Elena found the grant from Seattle Credit Union and got them funding. With that grant, Juntos was able to start their project Juntos: Building Stronger Communities, One Gathering at a Time: Workshops, meals, and resources that bring people together. The grant will fund four workshops in total for the months of September-December. Each workshop will include an icebreaker/teambuilder, an educational topic, a hands-on activity, food and refreshments, and a free resource for families.

They were able to celebrate Mexican Independence Day in September. When thinking about which resource they’ll provide at the event, they keep in mind the needs of the community at the moment. For October, it was beanies and gloves, since the temperatures are dropping and it’s getting cooler outside. 

Juntos is “bringing educational and cultural events together.” Cricelia stated that they plan on bringing workshops to the community that are needed. For example, a workshop on how to apply for college. She also stated that they would like to bring the Hispanic and non-Hispanic community together…bridge the gap that exists in the community. “You don’t have to focus on big scheme things - you can start little by little,” Cricelia shared. “We’re building relationships and encouraging the community to do the same,” Brenda added. “When we have an activity to work on, it creates community. It’s kind of like a therapy session, you’re bonding and talking,” Brenda continued. 

Right now, they are just focusing on Basin City but anyone is welcome to attend. They are open to working with surrounding areas if needed and will help out as available. Brenda mentioned that there is already a citizen in Mesa that is interested in doing what Juntos is doing but in Mesa. Anyone that would like to help out is also welcome to do so. They are also open to taking donations or help during the events or planning process. Everyone involved has a life outside of Juntos; jobs and families, so any help is appreciated. They try to “make it as easy as possible every time - keeping as simple as possible.” Brenda shared, “It’s not supposed to be a burden on anyone…it’s to create community.”

So far, the community has been receptive to Juntos, showing up for their events. There is a sign-in sheet at every event so they can keep track of numbers and know the interest there is. Cricelia stated that they’ve been averaging about 30 people per event. “They make encouraging comments when they come, telling us to continue these events. They help build trust within the community. That’s very important for communities as they become diverse, that they trust each other,” Cricelia stated. 

Brenda and Cricelia were also joined by Maria de Jesus Alvarado who helps with the group as a leader. All three stated that they wanted to provide a space outside of school, sports, and religious organizations where people could get together and enjoy some time together and get to know new people. Brenda clarified that is not to say that they won’t observe religious holidays or traditions, it just won’t be their main focus so everyone can participate and feel comfortable. “We just wanted to provide a different space and perspective,” Brenda explained. 

Juntos’ longtime goal is to be able to provide more resources to their community but right now they are running on donations and the Seattle CU grant. But they are hopeful that one day that will be something they provide. 

When asked what other ways the community can help Juntos, they replied by daring to be present. “Once they come, invite someone to join them the next time…and enjoy themselves,” Brenda and Maria said enthusiastically. Maria also mentioned that they need to know where there are needs in the community. 

Cricelia Calderon has lived in Basin City for nearly five years and enjoys being part of the close knit community alongside her two siblings who also live in the area. In her previous role at the College Success Foundation, she managed the Costco Employee Scholarship program and became familiar with both federal and state financial aid applications. She enjoys helping students apply for financial aid and believes that “small acts of kindness can make a big difference in strengthening the community.” Cricelia currently works with DC Wage Law and enjoys substitute teaching at Basin City Elementary, where her nieces and nephews attend. 

Brenda Vasquez has been a Basin City resident since the age of five. She is a family advocate at Inspire Development Centers in Basin City. Brenda has been married for 15 years and is a mom of two. She has been the organizer of Adopt a Family in Basin City for five years now. Brenda also helps families of Basin City that may experience an unforeseen emergency. She is also known for being a photographer and hair and makeup artist.

Elena Calderon, Cricelia’s sister, was raised in Mattawa and graduated from Wahluke in 2009. She then graduated from Eastern Washington (EWU) in 2013 with an undergrad and in 2016 with a master’s. During her time at EWU, she would go to Basin City during the weekends and work at Sandoval’s Market. Even though she was a cashier, she would find herself helping customers with other questions like helping them translate documents or talking to them about college. “I used to work in Mattawa as a Community Coalition Coordinator with Wahluke School District (2016-2017) and there I learned about the importance of partnerships between schools, business, and community members to support the community,” Elena shared. She is currently in Arizona working on her PhD at the University of Arizona. “Even though I am geographically far away, I have been helping with creating flyers for our events, continuing to look for grants we might be eligible for, and also applying for the one grant we have received from Seattle CU Foundation,” Elena stated.

Because these ladies are all volunteers and have full lives, they get together for walks and have group chats to plan their events and meetings. They do everything they can to not let anything slip through the cracks since it is for the community. It is not hard to see the dedication and desire to better their community. If you would like to attend their next event, be on the lookout for their posters/flyers with the upcoming information. They will be posted throughout the Basin City area.