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the Newsletter of the Spanish American Center
June 2026 Edition
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From the Director's Desk
With the approach of the warmer weather, the Spanish American Center has been busier than ever. Some people want to come out and enjoy the sun (or sing their hearts out at an Elders Karaoke under the tent, like in early June). Others stop by to revisit and say hola, learn about what’s new here, or discover a place which is known as a safe haven. We appreciate seeing our friends old and new returning to the Center—the fact that they feel good and find a sense of community here means a lot.
Enjoy the summer!
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On June 2, Neddy Latimer and members of SAC staff attended the Greater Worcester Community Foundation’s Annual Meeting, where Neddy received the Renaissance Award “in recognition of her outstanding dedication to the Hispanic and Latino community in the Leominster and Fitchburg area.”
Neddy noted her gratitude for this honor as well as a message of encouragement: “Be passionate and pursue your dreams! A passion for helping others runs through my veins — this is what I want to pass on to those serving our communities.”
Read more here
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Big congratulations to our Crossroads students who recently graduated from Leominster High School--we are so proud of you! Here they are with their future plans:
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Jaylene Cosmetology, Worcester Beauty School
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Aliah X-ray technician, North Middlesex Community College (pictured right with Crossroads alum Alex)
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Ephraim Mechanical Engineering, UMass Lowell
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Bhavya Veterinary Technician, Mount Wachusett Community College
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Hersh Chemical Engineering, UMass Amherst with plans to do environmental research)
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Nana Architecture and Interior Design, Wentworth Institute of Technology
Crossroads staff member Marisabel earned an Interdisciplinary Studies/Allied Health associate degree from Mount Wachusett Community College.
And shoutout to the following students embarking on internships this summer:
Meron will intern with the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office under District Attorney Joseph D. Early, Jr to gain experience in the legal field and learn more about public service and the justice system. Dorothy (St. Bernard’s School ’25 and a rising sophomore at Wesleyan University) is shadowing at Heywood Hospital in Gardner. Anne is also 2 weeks into a Heywood internship and relates her gratitude for the opportunity. She reports “Everyone has been very helpful and welcoming, and I’ve had the opportunity to see and learn many new things.” Bhavya will participate in the Adventures in Veterinary Medicine Program, Tufts University, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine (see Bhavya’s profile in El Amanecer February 2026).
Follow SAC Youth socials below!
|   | | Program Highlights: Elders United | | |
We were thrilled to welcome Steve Adams and Meghan Maceiko of the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts to the Center in May, where they toured the food pantry and had a fricasé de pavo lunch with the Elders.
We are grateful for the Community Foundation's supporting role in Elders United/Ancianos Unidos. Participants shared in their own words the positive effects of this program in reducing social isolation and creating a tightknit and lively community.
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The purple tablecloth has been out and about in Leominster, Fitchburg, Gardner and beyond as the SAC team spreads the word about ways to build healthier communities.
Marie-Danielle (below) connects the public to resources for quitting nicotine, part of the Central MA Tobacco- and Nicotine-Free Community Partnership (DPH, UMass Chan Medical School).
| | Tamara and Damaris (above) offer resources and education on SAC's domestic violence prevention programs, including E.A.R.S. (Emitting a Resilient Spirit) and other initiatives. | | |
From June 29 to August 7, 2026, 9:00AM - 1:00PM, visit the Spanish American Center's Summer Eats sites offer food and fun activities for kids and teens up to age 18. Check this link for more info throughout the state!
SITES INCLUDE:
Spanish American Center 112 Spruce St, Leominster
Allencrest 138 Viscoloid Ave, Leominster
Fournier Park 525 Litchfield Street, Leominster
Silver Leaf Terrace 30 Terrace Dr, Leominster
Riverside Village 24 State St, Leominster
Christian Life 63 Fairmount St Rear, Fitchburg
Please call the Center at 978-534-3145 for the latest site info.
Project Bread’s Child Nutrition Outreach Program partners with the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to ensure free meals are accessible to kids and teens across Massachusetts through Summer Eats.
| |  | Georgie, Liv, and Minin, the Summer Eats dream team! | Monchy y Melanie con una donación de United Way para el Almacén de Comida. ¡Gracias! | | | Program Spotlight: Domestic Violence | | |
Luiza Navarro Camelo is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Massachusetts. Luiza earned her master’s in Clinical Mental Health from Fitchburg State University, speaks Portuguese, Spanish, and English, and has a passion for serving the community with “openness, respect, and genuine compassion.”
Luiza will be working part-time with the Center’s clients experiencing domestic violence.
This project is partially supported by Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA) through state investments, and/or a Victims of Crime Act of 1984 (VOCA) grant from the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice, and/or the Human Trafficking and Drunk Driving Trust Funds.
| | People who have made a meaningful difference in the life and work of the Center throughout its 60-year history. | | | |
Adrian L. Ford
Painted on the exterior of the Putnam Street parking garage in Fitchburg is a larger-than-life portrait of civil rights champion and community leader: Adrian Lamont Ford. Adrian moved to Fitchburg in 1966 (the year the Spanish American Center was born) and began a long career of advocacy and connecting his many networks (nonprofits, civic groups, and educators) to better the community.
Adrian was a tireless and eloquent advocate for equitable communities, writing a column for Fitchburg’s Sentinel & Enterprise, hosting an award-winning radio show “Freedom Means,” and working as a nonprofit consultant for Making Opportunity Count and other agencies. He was appointed by three Massachusetts governors to develop state policies on education and economic development. Read more...
Adrian L. Ford mural Fitchburg, Melissa Pandina (artist) and William Thompson (design); image courtesy of Melissa Pandina
| | | Starring....YOU and Your Story! | | |
The Spanish American Center (SAC) is collecting stories from our clients, volunteers, staff, and partners to make a short film celebrating the SAC’s history and impact as we approach our 60 Year Anniversary.
If you or your family have participated in the Food Pantry, Elders United, Youth programs, English classes, Domestic Violence prevention, immigration assistance, or other programs in any capacity (client, partner, staff, volunteer) we would love to hear your experience. If your story is chosen for the film, you do not have to show your face or share your name.
The first step is to fill out the form below to share your story!
English Here
Español Aquí
More about our film team (pictured above) coming soon!
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Your support matters.
HERE'S TO THE NEXT 60 YEARS!
| The mission of the Spanish American Center is to respond to the social, health, educational and cultural needs of the Leominster community and surrounding areas, especially the Hispanic/Latino community limited by language, poverty and access. We foster economic self-sufficiency, equal opportunity, and active participation in community related activities for better quality of life. | | | | |
