El Centro Hispanoamericano

El Centro was formed to provide legal services regarding immigration matters to indigent immigrants. We help our community become aware of their legal options and gain immigration relief allowing them to access or maintain lawful employment educational opportunities and financial stability for themselves and their families. El Centro provided legal services to more than 1500 clients in the past year including more than 15 cases of domestic violence. Our services include: 1 consultations regarding documentation requirements and eligibility; 2 assistance in preparing and submitting applications and evidence packets; 3 extensive follow-up on cases pending disposition; 4 ensuring clients aware of deadlines and appointments; 5 translating documents; 6 representing clients in immigration-related proceedings 7 resolving issues and delays arising from proceedings; and 8 providing documentation to eligible clients explaining their current status for them to present to employers and government offices in order to assure they continue to be able to work and qualify for driver's licenses and other documents while they wait for the approval or renewal of their immigration documents.

El Centro provided education services to more than 40 students including 30 ESL students and 10 students in our citizenship class. We hold classes on the weekend to ensure they are more accessible to working families.

Our food bank provided more than 2,400 food parcels to needy families and individuals. We provided turkey and fixings to 40 families at Thanksgiving. Our clothing bank distributed clothing to more than 300 individuals.