In 2013, Centro’s leadership, staff, and community members identified the need to invest in the creation of a program emphasizing leadership development, community activism, and enrichment activities as a means of grounding Centro as a community-based agency. In 2014, Centro began to define steps to develop such a program in partnership with the community, Centro created the Wellness Program, whose goal is to proactively develop health and wellness educational opportunities fueled by input from the community to reduce observed health disparities among the Latino population. The program is divided into two components: 1) Food and Culture and 2) Training of community wellness workers.
Throughout the year Centro also provides a constant space for Latinos of Dane County and their allies to gather. We hold over 100 community events a year that bring together local leaders and community members to shape the future for Latinos in Dane County, celebrate our cultural identity, and engage our community. Our signature community events -- the Tres Reyes Celebration, Day of the Dead Celebration and weekly Mercadito bring hundreds of families to our agency each year. Our 18,000 square foot facility, two parking lots and community gardens offer plenty of unique spaces to accommodate a variety of activities and events simultaneously.
Learn more about our Adult & Family Programs
Food and Culture
Our goal is to develop a holistic approach to food and nutrition by incorporating community values, food traditions, and culturally appropriate definitions of health among the Latino community in Madison and Dane County.
Objectives:
Throughout the year Centro also provides a constant space for Latinos of Dane County and their allies to gather. We hold over 100 community events a year that bring together local leaders and community members to shape the future for Latinos in Dane County, celebrate our cultural identity, and engage our community. Our signature community events -- the Tres Reyes Celebration, Day of the Dead Celebration and weekly Mercadito bring hundreds of families to our agency each year. Our 18,000 square foot facility, two parking lots and community gardens offer plenty of unique spaces to accommodate a variety of activities and events simultaneously.
Learn more about our Adult & Family Programs
- Career Pathways -- in the areas of healthcare and finance.
- Wellness Initiative -- grassroots wellness program focused on food equity, nutrition and health
- Community events -- we host an average of 100 community events each year
Food and Culture
Our goal is to develop a holistic approach to food and nutrition by incorporating community values, food traditions, and culturally appropriate definitions of health among the Latino community in Madison and Dane County.
Objectives:
- Implement educational programs to increase knowledge and awareness about resources available in the community for Latino families.
- Create links with different cultural backgrounds in an environment welcoming of all religions, ideology, color, and/or gender/orientation.
- Increase awareness of the importance of food justice as a tool of community empowerment.
- Allow spaces for children and adults to learn and explore together and for children to explore through all their senses.
The Wellness program has 6 essential components:
1. Family Garden Classes
2. Farmers’ Market
3. Let’s Get Healthy this Summer and Winter
4. The Earth Made my Lunch
5. Zumba
6. Community Wellness Workers
1. Family Garden Classes
2. Farmers’ Market
3. Let’s Get Healthy this Summer and Winter
4. The Earth Made my Lunch
5. Zumba
6. Community Wellness Workers
"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go accompanied" -African proverb.