What is Breaking Barriers Today?

Breaking Barriers is a set of educational  and leadership development programs to expand the skills and strengthen the voice of immigrants in our community.  Breaking Barriers was established by Latina immigrants over a decade ago.  Using a participant-driven model, the organization helped to empower the expanding Latino community by addressing critical needs through educational programs and services grounded in leadership development and action. WATCH and Breaking Barriers merged in 2008. Today, our new unified organization carries on this vital work.

We currently provide various educational opportunities - learn more using the links to the left.

How can you Get Involved?

Like all of WATCH's programs, Breaking Barriers is overseen by a committee of local residents who have an interest in the local immigrant community.  WATCH's Breaking Barriers commitee meets approximately 8 times a year to consider the needs of the community, consider if WATCH's programs are meeting those needs and to volunteer with some aspects of the community outreach that is required for the program.

We'd love to add you to this committee! To learn more, contact Liz Straghallis at 781-891-6689 x202 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

History of Breaking Barriers

Breaking Barriers was formed in 1998 under the leadership of Gabriela Canepa. Her aim was to address the web of issues contributing to high levels of poverty among Latina immigrants, and her research led her to Waltham, which had seen an  85% increase in the Latino population over the previous decade.  Despite this growth, no active Latino community organization had been established to advocate for the interests of this population.  

Responding to the need, Breaking Barriers began a pilot series of ESL, Life Skills, and "Path to Success” leadership classes geared to Latina mothers. The first Path to Success participants named the organization “Breaking Barriers”, and the curriculum design was based on the their suggestions.  Following graduation, the women were invited to become recruiters and mentors for the next group of students.

This participant-centered growth model quickly gained respect within the Waltham community.  The success stories from the Breaking Barriers program were unmistaken.  Participants from the program went on to become leaders in Waltham community organizations, to obtain jobs in Waltham city administration, the public school system, and as tellers at local banks.

In 2006, WATCH and Breaking Barriers recognized the mutual goals they shared and began to collaborate more intensely.  In 2008, Breaking Barriers decided to officially merge with WATCH as a natural next step for two organizations with parallel missions rooted in a participant-centered, holistic program approach.  The merger provided the groups the ability to reorganize, and to gain a stronger capacity to address local needs.