Our History

2000-2024 and beyond…

2020 COVID-19 Pandemic has changed the way that Centro Latino outreach to the Latino immigrant, refugee and the general public.

March 5 2020, Centro Latino stopped in-person interaction with the general public and closed the doors to help mitigate the spread of the virus.

Centro Latino continued serving the community by phone calls, texts, messenger and Zoom meetings.

The monthly Board meeting went immediately online via Zoom and interpreting and translation services, English classes, Spanish classes and tutoring are offered online at this time by the University of Missouri Office of Service Learning volunteers and interns.

In October 2020 Centro Latino was able to start the emergency Kids Meals program and the reconfiguration of the back classroom and the piano room into Zoom meeting rooms and online/hybrid classroom. This was possible through a reimbursement mini grant offered by the Department of Economic Development and awarded on October 6, 2020.

2021
We are preparing for the new future at Centro Latino. At this time the kitchen is producing meals for the children and we created a COVID-19 safe environment in our classroom.

There is a lot more to do but we are working with the best team of volunteers ever and things get done.

We are gearing up with an interior refresh and re-opening the community center building in 2021.

Update: Volunteers organized virtual English classes and in-person After School Program. Students and volunteers follow COVID prevention protocols including mask-wearing, physical distancing, hand-washing, staying home when sick, and taking temperature at entry.

2022
During the Spring semester, Centro Latino volunteers coordinated the After School Program in-person in the community center.

A volunteer plants marigolds in the garden outside Centro Latino de Salud on Sunday, in Columbia. These flowers were planted along with seeds to keep the garden growing through the spring.
JOEL GREEN/MISSOURIAN

Centro Latino’s Kitchen continues to be a source of plant-based meals in the First Ward. Check out the latest business to cook in our commercial kitchen, Gina’s Vegan A Go Go.

Check out the latest business to cook in our commercial kitchen:

Update May 29, 2022:

Local organizer contextualizes the Memorial Day holiday for his community

Update October 2023:

Columbia community center celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

OUR MISSION

The mission of Centro Latino is to empower Latinos, Latino families and the general public through provision of services and guidance in navigating the health, education and cultural resources of mid-Missouri.

Centro Latino provides assistance to immigrants as they become acclimated to their new environment with its different laws, customs, and language. Families and individuals that contact the Centro receive orientation to the community as well as physical, mental, and social support. The Centro strives to empower Latinos to live in an environment of mutual respect that encompasses personal interaction in the community as well as appropriate treatment by, and interaction with, service providers. Centro Latino helps all Latino families regardless of national origin, religion, or immigration status.

Since its inception, Centro Latino has served hundreds of Latino individuals and families. Striving to preserve the rich Latino heritage, Centro Latino has hosted numerous convivios, dances, and holiday celebrations.

DSC_1422Origins of Centro Latino

While working as an interpreter at University Hospital in 1996, Eduardo Crespi, who is a Registered Nurse, recognized the need for culturally appropriate services for the Latino community, and envisioned the Centro Latino de Salud, Educación y Cultura (health, education and culture).

In the spring of 2000, Crespi’s internship with the State Office of Minority Health created the opportunity for the Centro to become a reality. On April 1, 2000, the Centro opened its small office in Parkade Center.

To accommodate its continued growth and expanding services, Centro Latino relocated to a larger space in the Parkade Center in January 2002. With assistance from the local Habitat for Humanity, Centro Latino’s new office space was constructed within Los Tres Hermanos Mexican grocery store.

In 2005 Centro Latino moved to 206 Austin Ave. in the First Ward of Columbia.

In July 2009 Centro Latino started the renovation of an old building in the heart of the low-income neighborhood, and by April 2011 moved into its renovated permanent location at 609 N. Garth, Columbia.

In October 25 of 2011 Centro Latino purchased the building on Garth. The newly renovated building serves as the home of Centro Latino’s Public Health, Social Services, Education and Legal Access offices as well as its commercial kitchen called Comedor Popular or People’s Diner.

In April 2012 Centro Latino organized a 30 day open house for the community to tour the organization’s new home and in June 2012 held the first Fundraiser Dinner at the Comedor Popular.

CENTRO LATINO ON FACEBOOK

Centro Latino
Centro Latino Comedor Popular
Centro Latino Promotoras de Salud
Centro Latino Health Promoters African American Outreach
Centro Latino Prevención de la Violencia – Violence Prevention
Centro Latino Volunteers
Centro Latino CoMo Clase de Español
Centro Latino English (ESL) Classes (Clase de Ingles)

https://padlet.com/CentroLatino/CENTROLATINOHISTORY