Our Programs
INFORMATION & REFERRAL ADVOCACY
For over fifty years, this program has provided safety net wrap around services and direct referrals to social service agencies that provide assistance and supports for families most in need. The triage area of the Centro Hispano that provides direct social services support is funded by the United Way of Berks County. Last year we provided over five thousand case management and service coordination sessions for families.
MAMI ANGIE'S CASA DE LA AMISTAD SENIOR CENTER
Since 1988, Casa de la Amistad has been a community center for adults over 60 years of age, striving to prevent the crippling psychological and physical effects of isolation. Funded through the County Area Agency on Aging, this program utilizes a holistic approach and offers services such as individual case management, group activities, health classes, computer classes, exercises and culturally-appropriate nutritional daily meals. We are also the vendor in the city providing meals on wheels for seniors living in the city of Reading who are home-bound. Last year we served over one hundred thirty thousand meals to our seniors.
MEDICAL INTERPRETING PROGRAM
If you are a senior over 60 years of age in need of English to Spanish interpretation for any local medical appointment, please call 610-685-1281 for more information on this free service.
HIGHER EDUCATION INITIATIVE & SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
This program, which is a collaboration between the Hispanic Center and the five area colleges (Kutztown University, Penn State Berks, Alvernia University, Albright College, and the Reading Area Community College), provides culturally and linguistically appropriate services for parents and students who seek guidance and support in navigating the college application process. Over 300 families have been served over the last 5 years. We also have an endowment managed through the Berks County Community Foundation that offers scholarship for Latino students in Berks County who are pursuing post-secondary education.
Financial Stability Initiative
In partnership with the United Way of Berks County, we assist individuals and families in finding the benefits, programs, and local resources needed to cope with difficult economic circumstances. We also help low-to-moderate income individuals and families become financially stronger by providing free tax preparation services and information on the Earned Income Tax Credit. This year the Hispanic Center completer over four hundred fifty Tax returns for our clients, resulting in refunds of over $750,000.
Stop Domestic Violence Initiative
In collaboration with Berks Women in Crisis, we work to educate and raise awareness in the Latino community on domestic violence, increasing access to support services for victims of domestic violence in a manner that is culturally and linguistically appropriate.
ABRIENDO PUERTAS / OPENING DOORS
Abriendo Puertas / Opening Doors is a peer-to-peer training program that seeks to improve the outcomes of our nation's Latino children by focusing on building the capacity and confidence of parents to be strong and powerful advocates in the lives of their children.
For more information about sessions near you, contact us at Centro Hispano.
ESCALERA / TAKING STEPS TO SUCCESS
The UnidosUS Escalara Program: Taking Steps to Success, is a national after-school model that promotes economic mobility for Latino youth by increasing educational attainment, career planning, and access to information about well-paying careers
Teens Night Out – Knights at the Movies
Partnering with the City of Reading, “Knights at the Movies” strives to create a safe and welcoming space for city youth. Twice a month, Centro Hispano welcome youth to a light meal at Centro Hispano followed by a free movie experience at the IMAX theatre. Registration is required through Event Brite using Centro Hispano Daniel Torres Inc.
Partnering with The City of Reading
AT-RISK SNACK & Dinner PROGRAM
The "At-Risk" Snack and Dinner Program is a federally funded reimbursement program that provides snack or supper meals at no cost. This service is available to programs that offer enrichment and/or education activities for at-risk children and teenagers after the regular school days end. The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) supports this program. This is being conducted in collaboration with the Olivet Boys & Girls Clubs of Berks County. Program Flyer The locations for out at-risk snack and dinner program are:
· Clinton Street Club 677 Clinton Street, Reading, PA 19601
· Holy Spirit Reading (Academic Year Only) 421 Windsor, Reading, PA 19601
· Mulberry Street Club 722 Mulberry Street , Reading, PA 19604
· Oakbrook Club 1161 Pershing Blvd., Reading, PA 19611
· PAL Club 325 Walnut Street, Reading, PA 19601
· Pendora Park Club 330 S. 19th Street, Reading, PA 19606
Admission is open to all regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.
NOTARY SERVICES
We offer notary services for a small fee. Please contact us or visit us for additional details.