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.
Supported By
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.
Supported By
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 Afterschool Snack and Supper Program is a federally funded reimbursement program under the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Through this program, eligible afterschool sites may serve reimbursable snacks and/or suppers at no cost to enrolled children and teens who participate in approved educational or enrichment activities after the end of the regular school day.
This program is administered in Pennsylvania by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). Our participation is conducted in collaboration with the Olivet Boys & Girls Clubs of Berks County, The Salvation Army, 21st Century and Communities in School.
Below are the locations where our organization operates approved At-Risk Afterschool Snack and Supper sites:
Clinton - 677 Clinton St. Reading, PA. 19601
Oakbrook - 1161 Pershing Blvd. Reading, PA. 19611
PAL - 251 N 2nd St. Reading, PA. 19601
CFA - 328 Walnut St. Reading, PA. 19601
Mulberry - 400 N 10th St. Reading, PA. 19604
Pendora - 330 S 19th St. Reading, PA. 19606
Salvation Army - 301 S 5th St. Reading, PA 19602
10th and Penn - 955 Penn St. Reading PA. 19601
Riverside - 1400 Centre Av. Reading, PA. 19601
Tyson - 315 S 5th St. Reading, PA. 19602
Southwest Middle School - 300 Chestnut St. Reading, PA. 19602
Northeast Middle School - 1216 N 13th St. Reading, PA. 19604
Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)
In addition to the at-risk afterschool snack and supper program, our organization also participates in the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). SFSP is a federally funded
program that provides free, nutritious meals to children and teens in eligible areas during the summer months when school is not in session. The program ensures that children continue to receive healthy meals that help maintain proper nutrition throughout the year. Meals are available at no cost to all children and teens at approved SFSP meal sites.
Information about SFSP meal site locations and operating dates will be posted before the start of the summer program.
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the State or local Agency that administers the program or contact USDA through the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711 (voice and TTY). Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaintand at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Mail Stop 9410, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
SPONSORED BY:
NOTARY SERVICES
We offer notary services for a small fee. Please contact us or visit us for additional details.