CENTRO CULTURAL CHICANO

Centro’s mission is to “empower Latinos by minimizing barriers to self-sufficiency through coordinated services that provide a continuum of care.” We achieve this mission with the support of diverse funders.

Programs: A cornerstone multi-service human services resource for Latino families, Centro is centrally located near the busy intersection of Chicago and Franklin Avenue in the Phillips neighborhood of Minneapolis. Founded in 1974, Centro has been continuously led and staffed by Latinos who dedicate their lives to strengthening the well-being of our fellow community members.

Centro works with community members of all ages—from newborns to elder—through 18 health and human service programs across seven departments: Education, Youth Development, Health & Wellness, Mental Health, Centro de Salud, Information Center, Siembra Pre-School Education and Cultural Events. Core Strategies: Centro has learned that human services programs lacking a cultural component often leave clients spiritually hungry. By contrast, programs that affirm, nurture, and sustain the heart and soul strengthen our clients and empower our community. Therefore, Centro develops and offers holistic programs that provide a continuum of care in a culturally affirming environment that nourishes the heart, mind, body, and spirit.

Our organization develops and offers holistic programs that: (a) focus on the whole family; (b) help individuals acquire multiple skills; and (c) affirm our culture while providing bridging opportunities to the wider community.

Target Population: Centro serves Latino children, youth and families who live in: • The surrounding Phillips neighborhood (which is nearly one-quarter Latino). • Other neighborhoods in Minneapolis. • The greater metro area, with strong representation from suburban Hennepin County but also from every single county in the Twin Cities metropolitan region.

Centro experienced almost a 50% increase in service levels between 2005 and 2006—reaching 28,178 community members in 2006. We anticipate continued growth in the coming years and project serving over 30,000 people annually in 2009.