Salem, Oregon. – Bridges Oregon announces a new hire in the nonprofit agency’s Advocacy Services for the OVW grant; Al Mascarenas joins the organization as the OVW Advocate.
He joins Bridges Oregon from Colorado. Al has spent 19 years volunteering and working closely and tirelessly with victims and survivors. Al will bring a wealth of experience and expert knowledge of the court system, multiple resources and advocacy.
Al is a Latinx, Indigenous trans male who was born in Denver, Colorado. He was born Deaf and has a background in Criminal Justice from University of Whitewater. Al demonstrates a strong commitment to unique, diverse cultural identities in support of the survivors’ journeys to healing. He has worked passionately to bring awareness to intersectional identities. In his commitment to embracing humanity, Al has received the Visionary Voice award in April 2022.
“I am humbly honored and excited to be your advocate. I am looking forward to bringing my passion and knowledge to Bridges Oregon. I am looking forward to working with Deaf, DeafBlind Hard of Hearing, BIPOC and LGBTQIA2S+ victims and survivors of Oregon. With Bridges Oregon, we create a safe and supportive space for survivors to be able to access resources, court system advocacy, and many more. I’m delighted to be working closely with Sammi.”
Executive Director Chad A. Ludwig states, “We are thrilled with Al being on our team. His expertise and exceptional skill in this field will be a phenomenal addition that will benefit the team and the whole state of Oregon. We are eager for the future of this team at Bridges Oregon.”
As Bridges Oregon continues to be an emerging leader in the community, the nonprofit organization remains the only dedicated Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing direct service in Oregon that provides advocacy and accompaniment services. Bridges Oregon has been awarded the Office of Violence Against Women grant from the United States Department of Justice. Al’s first day was April 3, 2023. His work will focus primarily on and with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking. The date of the availability of his services is yet to be dated.
About Bridges Oregon:
Bridges Oregon is a nonprofit for Oregonians who are Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing or face other communication barriers. It is in our mission to facilitate equity, inclusiveness, and to provide a bridge to opportunities through advocacy, education, and communication.