lies. After they try and try and still cannot seem to support their families, they become frustrated and end up running away from the problem by leaving their families alone to fend for themselves. The emergence of all these single mother Dominican household also contributes to their severe economic problem (Hale-Benson, p. 59-61). As stated earlier most Dominicans when they arrive here in the United States speak only Spanish and have no real education so the only jobs open to them are blue collar positions. Such positions consist, of construction work, plumbing, repair service, physical labor etc. These positions are typically not jobs women are considered for. So because of the language barrier along with having no real skills, the only jobs open to Dominican women are housewives, maids, cooks, and nannies. These jobs on average yield a yearly salary of about $4- $7,000.00. This is hardly enough to support a family on so many mother’s are forced to become reliant upon public assistance (Lopez, p. 111). Lately there has been an emergence of organizations such as The Dominican Women’s Development Center, which promotes empowerment of all Blatino(Black-Latino) women, not just Dominicanas. This center provides job training, an English-as-a-Second Language Program, counseling for HIV+ people, immigration services, exercise training, a smoking cessation workshop and a Reike (healing method using hands) open house. There is also an exhibit space where women can display their paintings and pottery (Ruiz, p.53).Even though Dominican-Americans are making strides in trying to better their life, there are still many negative stereotypes that persist about them. Once such stereotype that seems to plague all people of color, is that their men are lazy and will not account for their children. Another being that Dominican-American women do not want to work, but only care to get money from the government with no efforts to better themselve...
