Centro 2023, a place for belonging |
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A Message from our Executive Director
For 10 years Centro has been my home. As we continue to grow with a genuine commitment for the future of our people in Dane County, we are excited for what is to come. I am excited for more laughter, more joy, the development of our youth, and the voice of Latinx adults in our neighborhoods. At Centro, we can’t move forward without community voice. Sustainable change is happening at Centro. If you have been meaning to get more engaged, take the step and join us. Make a gift to Campaign Centro. Spend time at Mercadito. Get to know our amazing staff. Contribute to the future of Dane County.
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Strategic Update
Centro Hispano held its annual Strategic Update event on April 26th, re-igniting our spirit of unity and commitment to a deep sense of belonging. This annual gathering transforms our Plaza space into a vibrant hub of individual support and commitment to our mission. This year, our Board took the lead in sharing our progress as an agency, what brings them to join the Centro Board, and why they are so committed to the Latinx community in Dane County. We are proud to continue to always engage you in Centro.
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We are proud of where we are moving while being respectful of the land, we make use of. We want to thank once again everyone for your support and love shown in the community. Calli starts now.
With a compelling vision in mind, we strive to raise the remaining $2.5 million dollars to build a new facility—a place that will serve as a catalyst for Latinx community growth, a haven for connection and belonging, and a space where imagination knows no bounds. This upcoming building will be a testament to the resilience and determination of the Latinx community, providing a much-deserved sanctuary where individuals can thrive, come together in solidarity, and nurture their collective dreams. Centro envisions a future where the Latinx community can embrace their heritage, access essential resources, and unleash their full potential in an environment brimming with possibilities.
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Centro has not stopped working |
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On April 27th, the Centro youth team hosted a truly inspiring BIPOC professional panel discussion at Madison College Goodman South Campus, featuring six exceptional guests from various fields, including nursing and engineering. This engaging event provided a platform for panelists to share their remarkable journeys and insights as professionals of color. |
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Attendees listened to the panelists' personal experiences and gained a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced in their respective fields.
The interactive nature of the discussion allowed attendees to pose questions and receive advice from the panelists, who generously shared their expertise and encouraged the pursuit of dreams and goals. This empowering event fueled young individual’s aspirations while fostering a strong sense of possibility for a future filled with diverse and driven professionals.
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In late April, the Family Support Services team organized a workshop for the community, featuring our partners from Amigos en Azul a group of Latinx police officers who aim to establish a strong foundation of trust with the community. This insightful session focused on crucial resources and fundamental rights available to individuals, irrespective of their migratory status.
Through open dialogue, the officers emphasized the importance of inclusivity, fairness, and mutual respect. The workshop empowered community members to navigate legal frameworks with confidence, seek assistance when needed, and feel secure in asserting their rights.
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This collaborative effort between the Family Support Services team and Amigos en Azul not only enhanced awareness within the community but also laid the groundwork for an ongoing partnership that seeks to promote safety, harmony, and equitable treatment for all.
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On May 5th, the first cohort of Esperanza (Hope) Certificate, through a partnership between UW-Madison and Centro Hispano of Dane County.
This achievement funded by a grant to Centro from the Wisconsin Partnership Program (WPP) and the support of Dr. Ramirez Stege and Evelyn Cruz, Director of Program Planning and Evaluation at Centro, sets a major milestone for the Latinx community.
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Esperanza places the need for mental health practice driven from a community lens at the center of the conversation. The Esperanza Project is paramount for Centro in changing the narrative of well-being for the Latinx population in Madison. Congratulations to these eight incredible students!
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In times of uncertainty and change, we believe in the importance of spreading accurate information promptly. With the fast-changing immigration landscape, including changes in asylum and title 42, Centro, in collaboration with and support of our partners, is leading a series of FB Live sessions to inform the community about changes, important dates, and provide general information.
Follow us on Facebook and remain connected to the next Facebook Live event!
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Centro Hispano is the place where great ideas get implemented. Funded by a grant from UnidosUS, from June 19 to 30, we will host CASA (Cultura, Aprendizaje, Servicio, Acción), an exceptional summer program designed specifically for 9th and 10th graders.
This transformative initiative provides participants with a platform to cultivate their skills and expand their knowledge on social justice topics important to them. CASA seamlessly integrates youth leadership, action research, and culturally relevant pedagogy, creating an environment where students feel empowered to ask questions, express their opinions, and mobilize their communities, both within their schools and beyond. The program seeks to foster a sense of belonging, encourage personal growth, and inspire young Latinx individuals to become active agents of positive change within their communities.
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By offering a safe and supportive space, CASA aims to nurture the aspirations and potential of its participants, equipping them with the tools and confidence they need to make a lasting impact on the world.
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Partnership Highlight: Covering Wisconsin Health Navigators, Luis Eduardo and Lourdes
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Changes in Medicaid and Badgercare will need action from the community in the upcoming months. This is why Edu Ravelo and Lourdes Godinez, Centro’s ACA Health Navigators, have been working extra hard to spread the word to make sure all eligible individuals have coverage. Congrats to Edu and Luly on this good work! |
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Our programs serving the community |
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We aim to create brave spaces where Latinx students can develop a deep sense of belonging to each other, their school and the community as a whole. |
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Our Family Support Services brings together the needs of the community we serve with our vision of providing the tools and resources families need to be successful. |
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Our training programs are at the forefront of addressing workforce inequities. They are a crucial component of strengthening families and promoting family stability. |
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Centro is a 501(c)3 organization located in Dane County, Wisconsin.
Our mission is Empowering Youth, Strengthening Families, Engaging the Community.
We envision that Dane County will be a community where Latino families can aspire upward, to reach their personal goals and dreams because they feel engaged and strengthened with the tools for success.
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