Centro Latino empowers Latinos, Latino families and the general public through provision of services and guidance in navigating the health, education and cultureal 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.
2020-2026 & beyond…
2020
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.
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.
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.
2022
During the Spring semester, Centro Latino volunteers coordinated the After School Program in-person in the community center.
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 local, small business cooking veggies at 609 N. Garth:
Local organizer contextualizes the Memorial Day holiday for his community
Volunteers gather for gardening day at Centro Latino
2023
Luis Lara-Hernandez for 2023 Hickman High School King fundraises for Centro Latino
Worley Street Roundtable community meetings monthly at Centro Latino
Columbia community center celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
2024
After school tutoring program serving elementary youth in spring and fall semesters
Columbia community center kickstarts spring with native plant garden
“Thank you to the Missouri Prairie Foundation for awarding Centro Latino de Salud with one of their $800 Prairie Garden Grants! Thanks to their funding, the Centro has constructed a native plant garden that will be used to support pollinators, educate the community, and beautify the neighborhood. For more on the Missouri Prairie Foundation and their mission, visit moprairie.org“
Celebramos dia de los muertos con la ofrenda comunitaria y una cena
2025
Conversación y Comida: What’s Alpha Gal? with Eze Pojmann & Dinner from Gina’s Vegan A Go Go
Centro Latino’s home at 609 North Garth Avenue is being recognized as a 2025 Most Notable Historic Property by the City of Columbia Historic Preservation Commission!
Conversación y Comida: Gardening with Laura Jones + Garth & Sexton Tree Tour with Stephen Bybee
Conversación y Comida: Harvesting & Storing Produce
Conversación y Comida: Purple Martins with Eze Pojmann
Conversación y Comida: Edible Native Plants featuring Dr. Natia Navarette-Tindall
Servicios en espanol con la Reverenda Heather McCain
Gracias CoMo Roller Derby for donating raffle proceeds in October!
2026
Love Your Block grants ‘add texture to people’s lives’
Pamela Martinez teaches Adult Spanish Classes & Spanish classes for Kids
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)