Centro Hispano Daniel Torres Inc

Programs: Information and referral advocacy programsafety net program providing direct referrals to social service agencies that provide assistance with completing applications, advocacy, translation/interpretation, and notary services. This triage area of the center provided over 5,000 information and referral sessions last year. Senior center programminga community center for adults over 55 years of age, striving to prevent the crippling psychological and physical effects of isolation. This program utilizes a holistic approach and offers services such as individual case management, group activities, health classes, computer classes, exercises, and culturally-appropriate nutritional daily meals. Last year we served over 50,000 meals to our seniors. Medical interpreting programprogram provided to assist spanish speaking citizens by providing interpreting and translation services for medical appointments. Prevention education on domestic and sexual violence initiativein collaboration with berks women in crisis, we work to educate and raise awareness of the latino community on domestic violence, increasing access to support services for victims of domestic violence in a manner that is culturally and linguistically appropriate, and providing training to agencies and organizations that support and assist those involved with domestic violence. Meals on wheelsas the local vendor for the meals on wheels program for the city of reading, we provide nutritious meals to homebound seniors. We collaborate with berks encore in our community to provide meals to seniors who are both homebound and for seniors who attend senior centers. Last year we served over 130,000 meals to senior citizens. Helplink initiativeprogram assists individuals and families in finding the benefits, programs, and local resources needed to cope with difficult economic circumstances through the state compass system (an online application system for pennsylvanians to apply for many health and human service programs). Tax assistance programthe tax assistance program supports low to middle income workers in assisting them with preparation of tax returns. The program helps these clients determine if they are eligible for the earned income tax credit. The program is available for those who are disabled, elderly, or those who are limited in their english speaking abilities. Certified volunteers provide free services for those who qualify. This service will prepare clients' federal and state income tax returns for free by asking them a series of questions which will assure an accurate tax filing. Last year the program served over 300 clients.

education initiative and scholarship programthis program, which is a collaboration between the hispanic center and the five area colleges (kutztown university, penn state berks, alvernia university, albright college, and the reading area community college), provides culturally and linguistically appropriate services for parents and students who seek guidance and support in navigating the college application process. We also have an endowment managed through the berks county community foundation that offers scholarships for latino students in berks county who are pursuing post-secondary education. Opening doors parental engagement initiative this program is centro hispano's commitment to parental engagement. Opening doors program is a curriculum focused on helping parents understand their role as their child's first teacher. Community cultural and arts festival programthis program is focused on raising awareness of the rich cultural diversity of the latino community in berks county. Through the arts, our mission is to break down barriers, promote collaboration, and stimulate engagement across the culture. The event seeks to enhance cultural competency and share the contributions that the latino culture has had in the area of music, dance, literature, and art in the greater berks county community.