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| Centros Across Missouri... |
Under the guidance of Eduardo Crespi and using the Centro Latino of Columbia as a successful model, three other Centro Latinos have been established throughout the stat of Missouri. Each Centro Strives to serve the specific Latino population of its respective community. Collaboration among the four Centro Latino offices will ensure that health care and social service providers will effectively serve the growing Latino population for years to come.
- Milan
In order to meet the increasing needs of a growing Hispanic population, Centor Latino of Milan opened it doors to the community of Sullivan County in 2001. Under the direction of Valentina Mensa, the Milan Centro has become a viable entity capable of serving the local Latino population and has formed many partnerships with governmental agencies, education, cultural and health care providers. Some of Milan’s many services include English classes, cultural event to celebrate Hispanic Heritage month, health information and referrals, translation services and an after school program for children. Without a full-time staff, Centro Latino of Milan utilizes volunteers, primarily from Truman State University, to realize its many programs and services. The Milan Centro Latino works as a bridge to solve the communication problems that exist between Latinos and non-Latinos, enhancing integration and unity within the Sullivan County community.
| Contact: |
Valentina Mensa |
Phone: |
660-445-2025 |
email: |
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- Lake of the Ozarks
The Human Resource Network, a coalition of community agencies from the Camden County area, met in August of 2002 and determined that a Centro Latino of the Ozarks was needed to reach the growing population of Hispanics with culturally appropriate services. A steering committee led by Enrique Muruato was formed to create bylaws, board representation, and 501 © (3) status. Drawing from the other Centro Latinos’ existing bylaws, in March of 2003, Jenny Wiley of NAMI-MO compiled the by-laws for the new Centro Latino. Similar to the other Centro Latinos, Centro Latino of the Lake of the Ozarks will provide services in the areas of heath, education, and culture.
| Contact: |
Enrique Muruato |
Phone: |
573-392-8765 |
email: |
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- MU Student Chapter of Centro Latino
During 2002, Scott Schoenleber has worked to form a student chapter of Centro Latino at the University of Missouri. This chapter will allow Centro Latino to recruit on campus, establish and enrich a relationship between the participants of the "After School Program" and higher education, and create a mentorship program between Latino high school students and college students to show them the great opportunities that are available at the college level. Originally stemming from a desire to improve campus involvement in volunteer activities, Scott says his idea was inspired during a class he took last fall. He remarks, “The community involvement class I took last semester really taught me that I can to something to make a difference, and I figured starting an organization on campus to improve volunteer involvement was a good way to start.”
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