Centro Hispanic of Dane County

Centro Hispano History
Centro Hispano was founded in 1980 by local Cuban refugees, known as "Marielitos", arrive in Madison as part of a refugee resettlement program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Initially related to the needs of Cuban refugee's and much of the agency's services focused on language and cultural related needs of adults. Over the years the Latino community in Dane County had grown and along with it, Centro Hispano's programs and services had expanded. Today, Centro Hispano's largest programs are those that serve Latino youth in Dane County Schools. At the same time, they agency's cultural, educational and social service programs for adults have also grown. From the strong foundation Iida Thomas Contreras and others gave the agency, Centro has grown to have 17 paid staff and an operationaly budget of over $700,000 annually. In 2006, Centro Hispano became the owner of an 18,000 square foot facility at 810 West Badger Road in the heart of Madison's south side. In 2006 Centro Hispano served over 5000 individuals through its programs.

February 1983
Centro Hispano of Dane County opens its doors. Ilda Thomas is appointed Executive Director.

September 1983
The first Fiesta Hispana, celebrating Latino culture and history, is held at the Capitol Concourse.

March 1990
Dora Zuniga becomes Executive Director of Centro Hispano of Dane County.

August 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.

June 2001
"New Routes" Jail Diversion Program begins

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.

August 2004
Peter Munoz named Executive Director of Centro Hispano