Centro Hispano
History
- June 1980 Cuban refugees, known as "Marielitos", arrive in Madison as part of a refugee resettlement program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
- Frustration and anger build among the Marielitos as language and cultural differences lead to misunderstandings and lack of employment opportunities. Situation highlights need for a Latino focused, Spanish speaking community-based organization.
- February 1983 Centro Hispano of Dane County opens its doors at 112 North Fairchild Street. Ilda Thomas is appointed Executive Director. With 8 employees, the agency's goals are to provide language services to non-Enlish speaking Latinos in the areas of employment and housing as well as to build bridges to enhance understanding and respect within the local community.
- September 1983 The first Fiesta Hispana, celebrating Latino culture and history, is held at the Capitol Concourse.
- June 1988 Centro Hispano moves its offices to 1810 South Park Street. The agency has 14 employees, providing services to approximately 900 clients and an annual budget of $300,000.
- March 1990 Dora Zuniga becomes Executive Director of Centro Hispano of Dane County.
- Augus 1990 Centro Hispano holds its first annual banquet. 350 people attend.
- 1990 Census shows there are 5,477 Latinos in Dane County.
- Between 1992 and 1995, the agency begins to expand programs to Latino youth focusing on educational assistance and summer employment. New programs are also started for first-time home buyers and AIDS/HIV awareness. Centro now serves approximately 1,200 clients annually.
- September 1997 Juan Alvarez becomes Executive Director of Centro Hispano. The agency increases its focus as a Latino advocate to the general community. Annual budget exceeds $400,000.
- January 1999 Lucia Nunez becomes Executive Director of Centro Hispano of Dane County.
- The 2001 Census results indicate there are now 14,387 Latinos in Dane County, a 150% increase since 1990. Estimates of Census undercount place the number of Latinos in Dane County at nearly 20,000.
- June 2001 "New Routes" Jail Diversion Program begins. Study conducted in Dane County reveals over 17% of bench warrants are issued to Latinos, even though they represent less than 4% of the population. Language barriers seen as a major contributor to the problem. Program offers Spanish language assistance to low-level offenders in understanding and navigating through the criminal justice system.
- October 2001 Centro celebrates its 12th Annual Banquet. 600 people attend. 10 scholarships are awarded.
- December 2001 Centro Hispano has 17 employees serving over 1700 clients annually with an annual budget of just over $500,000.
- March 2002 Centro Hispano purchases a building at 835 West Badger Road on Madison's southside.
- August 2004 Peter Munoz named Executive Director of Centro Hispano
- February 2005 Centro Hispano moves into its new building at 810 West Badger Road.