NORTH END OUTREACH NETWORK (NEON) APPOINTS NEW COMMUNITY ORGANIZER

Springfield, MA-January 2003 - Jose Luis Claudio Sr., the new community organizer with NEON, was born in San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico. He is the oldest child of Carmen Flores and Pablo Claudio. His family migrated to Springfield, MA in 1964, looking for a better financial and educational future. His parents located in the North End and have been living there ever since.

Jose attended the Springfield Public School and graduated from the Spanish Bible Institute of Assemblies of God, Hartford, CT with a degree in Christian Counseling and Theology. Today Jose is also the community liaison for the New North Citizen's Council.

Like his parents, Jose has always held a strong interest in helping his community through community organizing and advocacy. For the past five years through his work with NNCC he has contributed to the education and empowerment of his community. He loves to teach, get community involvement going in every level and enjoys working with youth.

Jose is involved with many other organizations in his community including
Spectra Management, Edgewater Tenant Association, North End Youth Center, Community Policing Sector A Beat Management Team, and Hispanic Law Enforcement and Public Safety, Inc.