In the News

Centro in the News

Centro to host 41st annual celebration in South Madison

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - Centro Hispano Dane County, a nonprofit serving Latine communities, will host its 41st annual celebration on Dec. 7, 2024, at its new home, Calli in South Madison. -15WMTV
Nov 30 2024

Own It: Building Black Wealth announces new partnerships with Centro Hispano, Anesis Therapy.

“Own It: Building Black Wealth,” a private sector network of Madison-area professionals in the real estate, banking, and financial industries focused on advancing financial education, homeownership, and economic prosperity within Black and brown communities in the greater Madison area, announced two new partnerships with local non-profits on Monday — Centro Hispano of Dane County and Anesis Therapy. -Madison 365
Nov 18 2024

Una Tarde con Denice Frohman: Centro Hispano to host youth-focused poetry event ate the new Calli building.

Centro Hispano will host “Una Tarde Con Denice Frohman” on Thursday, Sept. 26, 5:30 p.m., the first big event at their brand-new building on Madison’s South Side. The event will feature inspiring New York-based poet and performer Denice Frohman and will be dedicated to “honoring the richness of Latinx culture and creating a space where community members can come together to express themselves and reflect on their shared experiences. -Madison 365
Sep 25th 2024

Centro Hispano to host community forum with Dane County executive candidates tonight.
Candidates for Dane County executive will speak with the community to answer their questions on their campaign platforms and push the importance of the election at a forum tonight at 5 p.m. organized by Centro Hispano to reach Madison’s Latino population and answer their questions. This year’s county executive election is slated to be extremely competitive with four people running after Dane County Executive Joe Parisi retired after 13 years in the position. -Madison 365
July 26th 2024

El Mercadito de Centro
Centro’s “mercado” community market restarts July 25, to mark its 10-year anniversary! Making use of Centro’s new exterior and interior plaza at 2403 Cypress Way and seizing this gorgeous weather, Mercadito is ready to take on the rest of the summer and bring the familiar, delicious and nostalgic Latin-American flavors to the Southside of Madison. -Isthmus
July 25th 2024

As new director of programs, Norma Gallegos Valles looks to help Centro Hispano continue to grow and evolve
Norma Gallegos Valles, who has been with Centro Hispano of Dane County since 2019, was recently promoted to be the new director of programs at the leading non-profit organization serving the Latinx population in Dane County. “I think what makes me so excited about this position is that I get to work with every program in a closer way. I get to deepen relationships with my colleagues, managers and staff,” Gallegos Valles tells Madison365 in an interview at Calli, Centro’s brand-new building. “I think maximizing the synergy of our programs is something that I’ve been enjoying as I’ve been transitioning into the role. -Madison 365 July 4th 2024

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services welcomes 48 new US citizens at special naturalization ceremony at Centro Hispano
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin welcomed 48 new citizens from 29 countries during a special naturalization ceremony Monday at the new Centro Hispano of Dane County building on Madison’s South Side. “I’m very familiar with this naturalization ceremony. I’m a naturalized citizen, originally from El Salvador, and I know how many complex emotions might arise during this ceremony,” Menéndez Coller said. “Every single Monday at Centro we start our week with an intention: I want you to plant your feet firmly on the ground, reflect on the sounds, the food, the people and the loved ones that got you to this place on the lands where you were born. My intention for you is that you will always carry them in your heart with dignity, humanity and respect.
-Madison 365 July 2nd 2024

An intentional goodbye
After 22 years it was time for Centro Hispano to say goodbye to its longtime home on Badger Road. Staffers were packing for Centro’s big move into its new $18 million, 25,000-square-foot headquarters on Cypress Way, but with any transition there is a sense of loss, so the organization set aside March 13 for an intentional goodbye.
Ch’umilkaj, a multi-disciplinary artist from Guatemala, gave a brief, impromptu musical performance before leading staffers outside for a farewell ceremony. Ch’umilkaj built a fire with a base of multi-colored candles and directed staff on how to approach the fire to make a spiritual offering, or “mejlem,” in Kaqchikel, the indigenous Mayan language Ch’umilkaj uses in her art to promote the culture of her people. Once all were done the staffers resumed their positions in a semi-circle and embraced each other in hugs.
-Isthmus May 2nd 2024

Inside Centro Hispano's new space, function and meaningful
Gov. Tony Evers, U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan, Madison Mayor Sayta Rhodes-Conway and dozens of leaders in south central Wisconsin’s Latino community gathered in Centro’s new courtyard Friday morning to observe a sacred blessing of the new space, receive tours of the building, and listen to Latin music in a grand opening.
Visitors walking through the doors of Centro Hispano of Dane County’s new facility will encounter a sleek, modern, building that honors the community's heritage through design.Many of the building’s architectural elements reflect the desire for the organization to have “a safe, strong, sustainable home.” Located on the corner of Hughes Place and Cypress Way in Madison, every piece of the new building's design is intentional — for function, meaning or both.
-The Cap Times April 26th 2024

Dane County project helps Latinas in Wisconsin save for retirement despite low wages
The Latina Savings Project through Centro Hispano of Dane County says bridging the financial literacy gap with a trusted source builds wealth after leaving the workforce.
Latina women are among the longest living, yet lowest earners in America, leaving them vulnerable to retirement without savings.
That’s according to a report from Centro Hispano of Dane County’s Latina Savings Project, which aims to change that by increasing financial wealth for Latinas across the nation.
The report showed that with increased financial literacy from a trusted source and a savings match incentive, 70 percent of participants met their financial savings goals for six months, despite low to moderate earnings.
-WPR April 25th 2024

Editorial Centro Hispano's Calli Project merits Support
The most exciting reaction of the moment is Calli, a new building at the corner of Hughes Place and Cypress Way on Madison’s south side that is expected to be completed this spring. The $20 million project will allow Centro to dramatically expand its services. As the group explains: “In the last 10 years, Centro has tripled the number of staff, tripled the budget size, and doubled the number of programs. Campaign Calli will make it possible for Centro to expand its reach and keep up with the needs of our growing Latinx community.” -The Cap Times February 14th 2024

Reyes Magos Traen Alegría al Centro Hispano con Regalos para Niños
Como parte de la celebración anual de la festividad de los Reyes Magos y la Epifanía en el mes de diciembre, el Centro Hispano del Condado de Dane ha llevado a cabo su destacado evento de los "Reyes Magos". Este evento generó gran expectación entre las familias latinas de nuestra comunidad, no solo de la capital, sino también de las ciudades circundantes que llenaron las instalaciones del Centro. -La Comunidad News Online January 20th 2024

On the brink of a big move, Centro Hispano to host last Tres Reyes Celebration at its current buildong on Saturday
Centro Hispano of Dane County will host its annual Tres Reyes Celebration on Saturday, Jan. 20, 10 a.m.-noon at its headquarters on Madison’s South Side. The Tres Reyes Celebration is a long-standing tradition at Centro, a signature event that brings hundreds and hundreds of children and their families together to celebrate the three kings at a community celebration that includes face painting, traditional snacks and hot chocolate, professional photos with the Tres Reyes and more. The Tres Reyes Magos (Three Wise Men) are really the seekers of dreams from my perspective,” Dr. Karen Menéndez Coller, executive director of Centro Hispano of Dane County, tells Madison365. “They represent all of us and they’re really giving a gift to the next generation and the future of hope to those who will make things better for everyone. And that’s what our kids represent at Centro Hispano -Madison 365 January 19th 2024

As Madison's Latino community expands, so does Centro Hispano's Role
“You'd be shocked at how few places have bilingual things available,” Menéndez Coller said. “Yet, this is the fastest growing segment of the population.” Centro Hispano is a scrappy organization, she said. The new building will certainly allow them to provide more services, but she’d like the wider community to recognize what the organization contributes now. “Acknowledge us and the wisdom here,” she said. “Come to the table as an equal and do your part" -The Cap Times December 18th 2022

Centro Hispano in Final Stage of Building its new home: Construyendo la Comunidad Plaza
In 2024, Centro will be moving to its new building on Hughes Place, just around the corner from its present facility on Badger Road. It’s a huge facility that is costing $18 million to build. They are also raising an additional $2 million of transitional funds to allow Centro to solidify and expand its programming as it also looks to see what the future holds. What is central to Coller and the staff of Centro is that it is a building where people feel at home, a community plaza where they can have their needs met, whether through service or companionship. The new building will have the ambiance of the community plaza uniting it from the open spaces outside to the community spaces to the staff offices. It will welcome all within its facilities.. -The Capital City Hues

Centro Hispano to Build $10-$15 million Center in South Madison: Plaza Transitioning
Back in the early 2000s, Centro Hispano moved from the facility that is now owned by Omega School to its present facility at 810 W. Badger Road across from the Goodman South Campus because it quickly grew out of its first owned facility. And while the building was much larger, its space wasn’t conducive to a large growth in its programming and the number of people it served every year. -The Capital City Hues

Boosting Centro's Connections
Centro Hispano’s expansion of programming for kids is an exciting step forward for the nonprofit, driven by a brand-new. Centro runs the Juventud, Escalera and Avanzando programs, which serve middle through high schoolers and into the college transition, respectively. Kids are referred to Centro’s programs by school staff or recruited to join through community outreach, and programming typically focuses on re-engaging students “who are perceived by school staff or community referrals as floating by … or needing a stronger connection and confidence in who they are,” notes Coller. Students receive academic support, leadership development and family connection through a variety of means: tutoring, field trips, listening to speakers and workshops. -Brava Magazine September 26th 2023

Centro Hispano, feeling urgency on new building, gets a touching gift
Centro Hispano is $2.5 million from its fundraising goal for a new building thanks to a $250,000 pledge from the PRL Keystone Foundation in honor of the late Juan Jose Lopez. Lopez, who served on the Madison School Board from 1994 to 2006 and was its first Latino member, died in June. The longtime community leader left his mark on thousands in the Madison community as a board member or founder of multiple Latino organizations and a former executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of Dane County and Briarpatch Inc. -The Cap Times, September 1st 2023

Affirmative action decision a blow to all of us
I believe in opportunities — allowing our young people to make their choices from a host of different paths and possibilities, with the encouragement of family and community. Without the support of my family and the sense of community that I felt in my heart I would never have had the courage to venture to school at UC Berkeley, eight hours away from the San Gabriel Valley in Greater Los Angeles County where the warmth of my mom’s comfort and those who know me best, my sister and brother remained. For some of us, determination and “ganas” is what keeps us going, what pushed us to finish educational careers, despite all the barriers and judgement that prevented us from easy access to those opportunities in the first place. -The Cap Times, July 1st 2023

Centro Hispano otorga becas a estudiantes latinos para educación superior
El Centro Hispano del Condado de Dane es una de las principales organizaciones sin fines de lucro dedicada a mejorar la situación financiera de la comunidad latinx, en especial estudiantil, de nuestra comunidad.
El sábado 24 de este mes realizó su almuerzo anual en uno de los ambientes de Madison College TRUAX; para otorgar becas a estudiantes de High School, de Madison College y de postgrado de la Universidad.Este año, Centro Hispano otorgó seis becas de 4,500 a estudiantes del último año de secundaria, cuatro becas de $10,000 a estudiantes universitarios (College) y una beca a un estudiante de postgrado de la Universidad de $20,000.
-La Comunidad News Online, Jun 29th 2023

Centro Hispano’s Becas Awards Luncheon will provide Latinx youth scholarships for higher education
The Becas Program, an integral part of Centro Hispano’s mission, aims to alleviate financial barriers faced by Latinx students in the pursuit of their dreams. “Centro Hispano recognizes the immense potential and talent within the Latinx community. The agency is dedicated to ensuring Latinx students have access to the resources they need to succeed in higher education,” Centro Hispano said in a press release. “The Becas Program is a manifestation of our organization’s commitment to equity, inclusion and empowerment. With the support of Centro’s Becas (Scholarships) Committee, we are pleased to once again make a significant impact this year.” Centro’s Becas recipients display strong leadership potential, Centro community involvement, and financial need, according to a press release from Centro, and the scholarships not only provide crucial financial assistance but also serve as a vote of confidence from the community that seeds a sense of ambition and fosters a sense of belonging for the next generation. -Madison 365, June 23rd 2023

El Mercadito returns to provide food, culture, community on Madison's South Side
Madison’s El Mercadito is back in full swing as the city’s Latinx community came together to celebrate their respective cultures for the first time in 2023 on Thursday. Organized by Centro Hispano and hosted at its building in south Madison, El Mercadito offers an opportunity for attendees to experience different Hispanic cultures. The event occurs weekly at Centro Hispano where vendors offer food, crafts and groceries. Most importantly for Centro Hispano is that El Mercadito helps create a sense of community. -Madison 365, May 29th 2023

Dane County awards $6.85M for construction of new Centro Hispano building, expanding services for the community
Dane County Joe Parisi, Centro Hispano Executive Director Karen Menendez Coller and Findorff representatives on Tuesday announced Dane County has allocated $6.85 million to support construction of a new building for nonprofit Centro Hispano at the corner of Cypress Way and Hughes Place in Madison, Wis.The County Board approved two resolutions to fund the facility, with a $2 million allocation through county American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, county officials said. The other resolution accepted $4.85 million from the State of Wisconsin’s Neighborhood Investment Fund to be put towards Centro’s construction costs, county officials added -The daily reporter, May 26th 2023

Dane County accounces $6.85 million towards new home for Centro Hispano
The county announced Tuesday that $6.85 million would be used to help fund the new headquarters at the corner of Cypress Way and Hughes Place. The move comes after the Dane County Board approved using $2 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds and $4.85 million from the state's Neighborhood Investment Fund for the project."Centro Hispano’s work has had a profound impact on the Dane County community," County Executive Joe Parisi said. "By growing with Dane County, Centro will be able to expand its services to even more people".
-Fox 47, May 23th 2023

Centro Hispano highlights new building, continued growth at annual Strategic Update Breakfast
The Centro Hispano Annual Strategic Update has been a tradition at Centro for a decade. At the event, Centro’s board of directors and leadership provide an update on the agency’s work in the community to Centro’s closest friends and supporters. “My hope is that this is a place where you come to learn and grow and you understand how you can also heal and how you can let your walls down so we can be vulnerable with each other,” Menéndez Coller says. “Because real change requires that and that’s what’s important.”
-Madison 365, May 2nd 2023

New Centro Hispano community center begins construction
Centro Hispano began construction of a new facility to serve the Latinx community in Madison on Feb. 22. Centro Hispano is the leading nonprofit that serves Madison’s Latinx population. Their programs focus on youth, families and communities by offering employment services, community workshops, classes and celebrations. Centro Hispano’s current facility is located on West Badger Road.
-The Daily Cardinal, March 1st 2023

Calli: Centro Groundbreaking

Centro is excited to invite the community to a very special groundbreaking on February 22 at 3:00 pm. This event marks the beginning of construction for Centro’s new home and will take place at the site on the corner of Cypress Way and Hughes Place. Centro continues to fundraise to reach its $20 million campaign goal and has raised $16.4 million to date. We plan to serve at least 1,000 more community members a year in our new facility, double enrollment in our afterschool and workforce programs.
-Isthmus, February 12th 2023

"This is a true community event". Centro Hispano to host annual Tres Reyes Magos Celebration on Saturday"

This will be the last time we will celebrate at our current location at 810 W. Badger Rd. and that just makes it even more meaningful and poignant. We hope to see everyone on Saturday (for toys) and Sunday (for bikes and books) at Centro, to share stories and space together. Our annual Three Kings Celebration honors community and is a celebration of the hopes and dreams of the Three Kings and our families. It’s a celebration that honors our youngest, most powerful leaders — our children.
-Madison 365 , January 19th 2023

A Feast of Friendship and Fun

There is no better cure for midwinter chills than the warmth of Centro Hispano's annual Tres Reyes Magos. Centro's festive walls depicting a town square is the perfect backdrop for this event. There was face oainting and books given away. The children were treated with hot chocolate and Rosca de Reyes that is traditionally served.

-The Capital City Hues, January 2023

“8 Madison area developments to watch in 2023"

Cultural and community centers such as the Center For Black Excellence and Culture and Centro Hispano’s new building Calli are expected to begin construction. Calli: Centro Hispano’s new community center, Calli, will be at the corner of Hughes Place and Cypress Way. It will more than double Centro Hispano’s capabilities in terms of serving a fast-growing local Latino community.
-The Cap Times, December 29th 2022

“Widening our Roots to Grow into Tomorrow:” Centro announces annual celebration to raise $150,000 for current programming

“We hope everyone will join in the celebration and make a gift, large or smaller, in their name, that of their loved one, for Centro and for the collective future of this community,” said Centro Hispano Executive Director Karen Menendez Coller in a statement.Centro’s mission is “Empowering Youth, Strengthening Families, and Engaging the Community” and aspires to a vision where Dane County will be a community where Latinx families can aspire upward, to reach their personal goals and dreams because they feel engaged and strengthened with the tools for success. -Madison 365, December 12th 2022

Dane County Equity Grants Announced

Dane County has awarded $55,000 to six area organizations as its 2022 Partners in Equity – Racial Equity & Social Justice grant recipients. The 2022 PIE-RESJ Grant recipients are: Centro Hispano – BECAS Scholarship Program ($15,000)
The BECAS Scholarship Program at Centro Hispano is a community-wide effort (donors, students, Centro, and other partners) that aims to reduce the most significant barrier to higher education for Latinx students - financial need. The Centro BECAS scholarship program helps youth and families with a history of engagement with Centro make these transitions and overcome barriers through family wrap-around and scholarship support.
 - The Stoughton Courier Hub , December 5th 2022

Endres Manufacturing Foundation Announces grant awards

This November, the Endres Foundation received 50 grant applications. The Endres Foundation also partners with the UW Philanthropy Lab Class, and will match their grants of $25,000 to the following agencies: Dear Diary, Inc - $7,500; Centro Hispano of Dane County - $5,000; River Food Pantry - $5,000; Working Capital for Community Needs, Inc. - $5,000, OccuPaw Guide Dog Assoc. - $2,500.
-Waunakee Tribune, November 29th 2022

Centro Hispano of Dane County receives $1 million grant from CUNA Mutual Group's Foundation to help build its new facility on the Southside

Centro Hispano of Dane County (Centro) has received a $1 million grant from CUNA Mutual Group’s Foundation, for campaign CENTRO. The campaign aims to raise $15 million to build a new home for the Latinx community on Madison’s southside and seed expansion of the organization’s workforce and educational programs. 
Centro hopes to complete the campaign by the end of this year. The investment from the Foundation is the largest ever received by Centro from a corporation. The organization has raised over $11 million so far to its goal. 
-Centro Hispano, August 25th 2022

Centro Hispano awards over $100,000 to Latinx youth at BECAS awards Luncheon
Centro Hispano of Dane County presented over $100,000 in scholarships to young scholars at the Madison College Truax on June 18 as the organization hosted its annual BECAS (Scholarship) Awards Luncheon. Centro’s BECAS Program is based on providing equity in scholarship opportunities to students who have participated in Centro’s youth programs. The scholarships are used to help cover the cost of higher education. The BECAS Luncheon awards scholarships to high school seniors, college students, and — for the first time this year — a graduate BECAS Scholar was celebrated.
-Madison 365, July 7th 2022

Centro Hispano’s new home to be a place of culture, learning and celebration
The people, its mission of community service, and the vibrant art and murals inside and out give Centro Hispano of Dane County's modest home its soul.
But Centro's building at 810 W. Badger Road on the South Side, once a printing company, is inadequate to meet the needs of the region's fast-growing Hispanic population.
Which is why, after nearly 40 years serving the community including the past 22 at the same location, Centro has launched a $15 million fundraising campaign to build a new facility and provide seed money for programming that will make the nonprofit a more inviting, larger hub for culture, education, training and celebrations.

-Madison.com, July 3th 2022

Centro Hispano’s Annual Strategic Update introduces Centro’s campaign for a new home
Centro Hispano Executive Director Karen Menéndez Coller updated the community on the struggles the organization has seen through the pandemic but also the many triumphs including their work to increase their school partnerships, introduce new workforce programs and address housing support needs.

-Madison365, April 29th 2022

Centro Hispano’s Esperanza program brings holistic framework to mental health
In 2016, Centro Hispano Program Planning & Evaluation Director Evelyn Cruz noticed a glaring pattern in the survey responses she received from the organization’s patrons: overwhelmingly, one of the two unmet needs indicated by Latine community members was their access to mental health resources.

-Madison365, April 12th 2022

U.S. Rep. Pocan: Announces federal funding for Centro Hispano of Dane County
Rep. Mark Pocan said, “I was proud to work with Dane County and advocate for Centro Hispano of Dane County, securing $200,000 for this organization. Centro Hispano provides key services to the Latino community and these funds will help them serve a growing population with even more support. I want to thank County Executive Joe Pariso and Karen Menéndez Coller for bringing this project to my attention.”

- wispolitics.com, March 26th 2022

Jamie Quam named new development director at Centro Hispano of Dane County
“I am so excited to have Jamie join the team at Centro. Every day I am inspired by the dreams and determination of our staff and community,” Karen Menéndez Coller, executive director of Centro Hispano, tells Madison365. “I am proud to get to work and grow with Jamie as Centro and our partners transform the economic and social well-being of the Dane County Latinx community. Jamie will be Centro’s second development director in our almost 40-year history.”

-Madison365, March 16th 2022

Centro Hispano gets $4.8 million from Evers Admin to build new headquarters on the south side
Centro Hispano of Dane County (Centro) has received a $4.8 million grant from the State of Wisconsin as part of the Neighborhood Investment Grant Program, the organization announced in a press release Monday.

-Madison365, Marzo 7th, 2022

Centro Hispano’s annual Tres Reyes Celebration will be a walk-thru event this year
“There is just so much tradition in the Tres Reyes holiday for Latino families. For me, memories of being a part of events like that in El Salvador where I grew up … it’s more than the three kings coming for the birth. It’s about the symbolism in the community and neighborhoods coming together to celebrate culture,” says Karen Menéndez Coller, executive director of Centro Hispano of Dane County. “It’s part of our heritage. Trying to keep that here at Centro Hispano is really important, especially right now where so many people are feeling so excluded from so many things that are happening in this country.”

-Madison365, January 6th, 2022

Centro Hispano to host 6th annual virtual “Evening of Dreaming” event tonight
A collaboration with PBS Wisconsin, the event over the past few years has featured award-winning author Reyna Grande, cutting-edge filmmaker Philip Rodriguez, local artists and chefs for a Pop-Up Exhibition, and the popular band Las Cafeteras. Tonight’s “Evening of Dreaming” will be, according to Centro Executive Director Karen Menéndez Coller, a “time to unwind and really take the reins on what it means to be Latinx in this community.”

-Madison365, December 2nd, 2021

“Look around you … this is your family.” La Movida Radio celebrates achievements of Latino community at 11th Annual Hispanic Heritage Luncheon
“Every single voice matters. You put it out there. You speak up. You share your stories. You tell them what you think,” Dr. Karen Menéndez Coller, executive director of Centro Hispano, told the crowd at Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center Oct. 13. “Because nobody knows our stories the way that we do and that’s very important.”

-Madison365, October 14th, 2021

Dane Co. proposed budget includes $2 million for nonprofit expansion
The budget proposes spending over $747 million, including $2 million to begin construction on a new space from Centro Hispano, where the budget announcement was held. The nonprofit helps give services to Dane County’s Latino population, including providing resources to immigrants.

-WMTV, October 2nd, 2021

Karen Menendez Coller: We need a path to citizenship
A recent Texas court ruling ordered the partial end to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), which allows immigrants to stay in the United States if they were brought here by their parents when they were children and they do not have citizenship or legal residency status.

Wisconsin State Journal, July 24th 2021

Doctor plays key role in vaccinating Dane Co. Latinx community
Over 50 percent of the Latinx individuals living in Dane Co. have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. UW Health says one Madison doctor played a key role in getting shots into arms.

NBC15.com, July 8th, 2021

El Mercadito de Centro
Imagine it is a Wednesday afternoon in July 2019. You are driving south on Park Street. On the corner of Badger Road you see colorful booths of crafts, vegetables and food. You hear Spanish music playing and see the vibrant dancers dressed in perfect folkloric attire. You might even wonder if you are still in Madison or if you followed a magical path that took you straight down to the border into the whimsical mix of cultures that exists in Central and South America. You’ve arrived at El Mercadito!

edibleMADISON, June 2nd, 2021

“Annual Strategic Update” will highlight Centro Hispano’s resiliency and growth
For almost a decade, Centro Hispano of Dane County has hosted its “Annual Strategic Update,” an invitation-only event that brings together Centro staff, board, stakeholders, and community partners for an intimate conversation and high-level update about everything going on with Centro. his year, the event will take place Thursday, May 20, 9-10 a.m., and will be virtual and open to the public.

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Madison365, May 13th, 2021

Centro Hispano program to encourage savings among Latina women
“With longer life-expectancies than other demographic groups, Latinas have a greater need to save. Yet there are significant obstacles to successfully building wealth which leaves many Latinas facing older age with fewer assets,” said WISER president Cindy Hounsell.

Madison365, May 6th, 2021

Chef’s Table Morel Dinners to benefit Centro Hispano
There’s just something about morel mushrooms — the don’t-blink-or-you’ll-miss-it season, the thrill of the hunt, the flavorful, earthy, meaty payoff — that captivates foragers, foodies, hobbyists and chefs alike. Next month, thanks to a collaboration between Orange Shoe Gym owner Scott Michel and Food Fight Inc. co-founder Monty Schiro, morel lovers will get the chance to feast on chef-prepared morels while supporting local nonprofit Centro Hispano of Dane County with every bite.

Channel 3000, April 20th, 2021

ONLINE: ¡Sabores Latinos!
This virtual cooking class featuring Sujhey Beisser of Five Senses Palate will instruct participants in creating dynamite Latin flavors, specifically beef or mushroom empanadas and the secret behind guasacaca, the thin avocado salsa that makes literally everything taste better.
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Isthmus, April 16, 2021

Dane County groups optimistic, cautious about community justice center
Dane County is in the preliminary steps of establishing a justice center, which would offer court services in a community-based setting and offer additional resources to anyone in the community.

- The Cap Times, February 26th, 2021

“Framing the Future” training program celebrates the completion of its first cohort
Madison College has been offering a special educational training called “Framing the Future” for a pre-selected group of professional staff workers from Dane County’s Division of Children Youth & Families and Centro Hispano — 11 people total — that has been helping the gain skills for upward mobility.

-Madison365, February 24th, 2021

Translators play pivotal role in breaking COVID-19 language barriers
Dane County public health officials are breaking language barriers to ensure everyone has access to COVID-19 resources.Communities of color are experiencing higher rates of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths. It’s been that way since the pandemic began. Latinx communities have nearly 2 times greater case rates compared to white communities, according to Wisconsin Dept. of Health Services.

-WMTV, February 22nd, 2021

Madison City Council selects agencies to distribute federal rent assistance funds
Madison is set to receive about $7.5 million from the federal government to help prevent evictions and promote housing stability among eligible households. The City Council adopted a resolution Tuesday authorizing up to 90% of the funds to the Tenant Resource Center with the rest allocated to designated community organizations.

- The Cap Times, January 20th, 2021

Madison Ald. Shiva Bidar reflects on serving city with ‘heart and head’
As a member of the Madison City Council, Ald. Shiva Bidar sat through all-night meetings to vote on controversial developments, played an integral role in police reform efforts, advocated for the Latinx community and even organized an event to meet with the Dalai Lama.

- The Cap Times, December 14th, 2020

John Nichols: Shiva Bidar never ran for mayor, but let’s not end the speculation just yet
Her work was broadly recognized, with honors that included the 2019-20 UW Outstanding Women of Color Award, the 2018 Centro Hispano of Dane County Visionary Award and the 2018 Wisconsin LGBT Chamber Advocate of the Year. Yet, she chose not to enter the 2015 and 2019 races for mayor, despite urging from many Madisonians who believed she could be a transformational leader for the city.

-Madison365, December 3rd, 2020

Centro Hispano is one of 61 recipients of Kids Fund help this year
Among the 61 local nonprofits that received grants from the Capital Times Kids Fund during 2020 was Centro Hispano, the nearly 40-year-old organization that serves Dane County’s Hispanic community and which has a wide network of programs serving Latino youth.

- The Cap Times, December 2nd, 2020

How Madison’s Latino community is pulling together to survive COVID
In the eight months since the pandemic first gripped Wisconsin, it’s taken a disproportionate toll on Latinos. Though Latinos make up just 6% of Dane County’s population, they are 15% of the 27,375 cases confirmed in Dane County as of Nov. 30, and 14% of total hospitalizations.

-Madison365, December 2nd, 2020

As new operations coordinator, Leslie Jump Rodriguez gives support to Centro Hispano and its programs
When Leslie Jump Rodriguez enrolled in a 10-week finance training program almost two years ago, she had no idea that the program would lead her to Centro Hispano, a prominent organization that serves the Latinx community in Madison.

-Madison365, November 6th, 2020

“Ultimately, we are the community that we serve:” Maria Paula Lujum embraces change as youth programs manager at Centro Hispano
Maria Paula Lujum has always been interested in being a part of the change she wants to see in the world.“Professional development and growth have always been part of who I am, of my DNA, my cultural DNA,” she tells Madison365. “And therefore, I’ve always tried to align my core values with everything that I do. And that includes professional opportunities.”

-Madison365, November 5th, 2020

Centro Hispano shows RESILIENCE through the pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic canceled this year’s Gala for the first time in over 30 years, but for the leadership and staff of the organization, it is giving Centro Hispano a chance to focus on RESILIENCE – its first community-wide appeal.

-Madison365, October 20th, 2020

Confusion over census deadline changes raises accuracy concerns
The 2020 census deadline is again in question, after U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross said counting would end Oct. 5, despite a federal judge ruling it could continue through the end of October. In Madison, these changes are raising fears of an undercount.

-WMTV, September 29th, 2020

Centro Hispano announces cancellation of Annual Gala, focus on RESILIENCE community-wide appeal
To protect families and the community during the COVID-19 pandemic, Centro Hispano of Dane County announced on Thursday that they have decided to cancel its Annual Celebration Gala event this year for the first time in its history.

-Madison365, September 17th, 2020

Immigrant Journeys from South of the Border comes to Beloit
Immigrant Journeys from South of the Border ¡Mi travesía hasta Wisconsin! exhibition will be featured Sept. 1-15 at the Beloit Public Library, 605 Eclipse Blvd.A project of the Wisconsin Humanities Council in partnership with Centro Hispano, this exhibit shares personal stories of eight Latino immigrants (from Mexico, Uruguay, Honduras and Colombia) who make their home in Wisconsin today.

Beloit Daily News, August 26th, 2020

Editorial: Highlighting the work of Centro Hispano of Dane County
I have not quite twenty editorials yet to present to you before I retire, and while there are important issues we’ll need to address in the next three weeks, I do want to highlight some of the extraordinary assets this editorial board has supported over the years. And one of the most important has been Centro Hispano.

Channel 3000, August 24th, 2020

Latinx community leaders dig into covid disparities
Latinx community leaders participated in a webinar this past Wednesday, August 12, to discuss ongoing strategies to address the disparities and inequities among immigrant families.

-Madison365, August 14th, 2020

Centro Hispano receives more than $150,000 in funding from nation’s largest Latino civil rights and advocacy organization
Centro Hispano of Dane County has been awarded over $150,000 in grants for its programs from national funder UnidosUS, the nonprofit announced on Thursday afternoon. UnidosUS, previously known as NCLR (National Council of La Raza), is the nation’s largest Latino civil rights and advocacy organization.

-Madison365, July 16th, 2020

Evjue Foundation announces grants, including pandemic relief
The board of the Evjue Foundation, the charitable arm of The Capital Times, has announced a new round of grants totaling $305,000 to local nonprofits, including an additional $70,000 to area food pantries struggling to meet the needs caused by the coronavirus crisis.

- The Cap Times, July 8th, 2020

Need for rental assistance grows as Dane County issues funding
In just two weeks, more than 4,000 Dane County renters have applied for help to pay their bills. Many are still hurting as the pandemic continues. Some still aren't back to work yet, because they face another month of rent due on July 1.

-Madison (WKOW), July 1st, 2020

'An amazing feeling of relief': Immigrant community cheers DACA ruling
“The emotional impact is huge,” Menendez Coller said. “I can't even describe the burden that this has lifted from so many people in the community.” Anticipating the court’s decision against the backdrop of the pandemic, she added, was “an incredible load to carry,” noting the financial impact as well as the daily emotional turmoil that DREAMers face.

- The Cap Times, June 21st, 2020

Madison Latino Consortium steps in to provide safety net, cash to undocumented families
Even in normal times, the money is tight at Rosa’s home. The 42-year-old mother of three school-age boys and her husband, a restaurant worker, brought in just enough to make ends meet.

- The Cap Times, June 4th, 2020

Madison's Centro Hispano fund drive to aid undocumented workers
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down much of the economy and added to the insecurity felt by those living in vulnerable communities, raids by federal immigration officers in 2018 and 2019 shook Madison’s Latinx community and brought into closer focus the need for the outreach provided by Centro Hispano.

- The Cap Times, May 2nd, 2020

Editorial: Centro Hispano’s essential work is more important than ever
Centro Hispano’s annual strategic update is typically a joyous and thoughtful gathering of friends and supporters and advocates enjoying breakfast, hearing about the work of this vital community organization and its vision for the future.Thursday morning we did it digitally.

-Channel 3000, April 23rd, 2020

Centro Hispano hosts first-ever Virtual Strategic Update
Business leaders, elected officials and community partners came together online on Thursday morning for the first-ever Virtual Strategic Update for Centro Hispano of Dane County.

-Madison365, April 22nd, 2020

A Fund for Women pivots to immediate needs, grants $90,000 to four local nonprofits
The fund is granting $30,000 to the Latino Consortium for Action and $20,000 each to YWCA Madison, Domestic Abuse Intervention Services and the Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness.

-Madison365, April 22nd, 2020

Latino Consortium for Action Announces Creation of Emergency Relief Fund for Latinx Community
The Latino Consortium for Action has announced the creation of a new Emergency Relief Fund which will benefit those most affected by COVID-19 in the Latinx community. LCA made the official announcement online through Madison365’s Facebook page on Friday morning.

-Madison365, March 27th, 2020

Madison-area Latinx Immigrants Remain Hopeful and Resilient as Coronavirus Pandemic Impact Hits Hard
COVID-19 has hit the United States – and Madison – hard this past week and much of the country is now under some level of economic shutdown. In so many ways, it is hitting Dane County’s undocumented Latinx community the hardest and adding a new layer of fear and trepidation as a community that makes up a major part of the restaurant and service industry is suddenly without employment and the means to support their families.

-Madison365, March 23rd, 2020

Dane County leaders push for 2020 Census participation
On Monday, Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway joined Rep. Shelia Stubbs and County Executive Joe Parisi alongside community leaders from Centro Hispano, Madison College, and others to pledge support for and share resources to encourage participation in the 2020 Census.

-Madison (WKOW27), February 17th 2020

The first annual Femmestival celebrates culinary, visual arts
The first annual Femmfestival festival, a celebration of culinary and visual arts, is happening Feb. 23 in the event space at Garver Feed Mill on Madison’s east side. A partnership between Madison’s Culinary Ladies Collective, Centro Hispano and Garver Events, one of the goals of Femmestival is to highlight women and nonbinary people who may fly under the radar of Madison’s food scene says Francesca Hong, co-owner of Morris Ramen and one of the founding members of the collective. “We want to carve out a space for folks who aren’t always represented,” Hong says.

-Madison Magazine, February 12th, 2020

Design for a Difference seeking nominations for 2020 project
Design for a Difference works with FLOOR360, local interior designer volunteers and local businesses to help transform spaces into beautiful and functional spaces that allow the non-profit to focus on their services. Over the last five years, more than 20,000 people have been impacted by this project and almost $2 million dollars has gone back to the community for these renovation projects. Funds donated by FLOOR360, the interior designers and local businesses.

-NBC15, February 12th, 2020

Local “Support Puerto Rico” Effort Looks to Bring Relief to Island Devastated by Earthquakes
A 6.4 magnitude quake hit Figueroa’s home island of Puerto Rico really hard last week toppling homes and schools. On Saturday, a magnitude 5.9 quake shook Puerto Rico again causing millions of dollars of damage along the island’s southern coast and leaving roughly 59,000 customers without power, according to the island’s power authority.

-Madison Magazine, January 14th, 2020

How far we’ve come and still need to go in Madison
A lot of people who care about this city and region have been anticipating 2020 for what feels like a long time. It’s been a convenient target year for marking our progress on the issues that faced our community at the start of the new century. Suddenly 2020 is here, and its significance feels substantial.

-Madison Magazine, January 4th, 2020

Crossing barriers: Nonprofits seek to reach growing Spanish-speaking immigrant population
Fixing the language barrier to meet people’s needs is a tough task, though. But some organizations are trying to break down the language barrier that might be preventing the Latinx immigrant community from accessing their resources.

-Madison365, December 24th, 2019

Student shares story of personal journey to America
Madison College student Gilberto Osuna-Leon was 3 years old when he and his family arrived to the United States from Mazatlán, Sinaloa. The decision to move transpired when Osuna-Leons’ 16-year-old brother, Javier decided he wanted to move in what Osuna-Leon described as “the motivation to experience the American Dream.”

-The Clarion, December 12th, 2019

Centro Hispano's Becas scholarships help students advance in higher education
During the luncheon, five students, including Jonatan Hugo Garcia-Morales, Erika Aracely Portillo, Samir Soberon-Chehade, Brito and Flores Ruiz will receive scholarships to attend colleges of their choice. All of the high school students were involved in programming at Madison's Centro Hispano, most notably the Escalera Program which provides tutoring, career workshops, guest speakers, resume building workshops, ACT/SAT prep and summer internships.

-Cap Times, December 7th, 2019

Centro Hispano’s Becas Luncheon an Inspiring Celebration of Higher Education
One of the greatest obstacles that young Latino scholars face when it comes to pursuing higher education is the cost. For many young DREAMers, this barrier is exacerbated due to the fact that they are ineligible for in-state tuition at many colleges. Scholarships can provide a big boost to a student and that will be the impetus for Centro Hispano of Dane County’s 2019 Becas (Scholarships) Luncheon this Saturday, Dec. 7 at the UW Discovery Building.

-Madison365, December 5th, 2019

Evening of Dreaming with Las Cafeteras and LaDama
Centro’s Evening of Dreaming, presented in collaboration with Wisconsin Public Television and the Wisconsin Union Theater, focuses on celebrating the diversity of our cultures in thought-provoking and whimsical ways.

- Madison 365, November 15th, 2019

Hundreds of Students March, Rally at State Capitol to Defend DACA
Hundreds of Madison high school and college students marched in record-cold temperatures to the state Capitol building in downtown Madison Tuesday – joining dozens of student walkouts and marches in major cities across the United States – to send a message to the United States Supreme Court to vote in favor of protecting Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

-Madison365, November 13th, 2019

Centro Hispano Receives $1 Million Community Impact Grant From Wisconsin Partnership Program
The Wisconsin Partnership Program at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health has announced a $1 million Community Impact Grant awarded to Centro Hispano of Dane County and its academic and community partners that will advance the quality of accessible linguistically and culturally competent services that support the mental health of the Latino community in Dane County.

-Madison365, October 22nd, 2019

Madison College Celebrates Goodman South Campus Opening
Many community leaders joined the celebration on Saturday to note how important the campus had been to their organizations and groups of people they served. Daniels shared the mic with leaders from Ho-Chunk Gaming Madison, Hmong Institute, Centro Hispano, 100 Black Men of Madison and Mount Zion Baptist Church.

-Madison365, September 30, 2019

Sí Se Puede: Wisconsin’s 34 Most Powerful Latinos, Part 3
Norma Gallegos Valles is a morning show co-host at Madison’s La Movida Spanish radio station and workforce manager at Centro Hispano.

Madison365, August 21, 2019

Diverse, Global Artists to Perform for Five Nights at Sessions at McPike Park
“Our original intent was to make McPike Park accessible and appealing to the whole city,” says Bob Queen, founder and organizer of the Sessions at McPike Park. “We went out to do that by partnering with groups from throughout the city. I think we’ve pretty much achieved that – that that park is not another Marquette neighborhood park … it’s a valuable treasure for the whole city to enjoy.”

- Madison 365, August 6, 2019

YWCA Madison to Honor Eight Women with 45th Annual Women of Distinction Leadership Awards
Marisela Gomez Castellanos will be honored with the inaugural Women of Promise Award, open to women 30 years of age or younger, is an opportunity for the community to recognize the contributions of a young woman doing outstanding work in the greater Madison community, as well.

-Madison365, April 30, 2019

Centro Hispano to Host Latino Construction Job/Career Fair
The Latino Construction Job/Career Fair is a chance to meet contractors looking to hire a diverse skilled workforce, talk to professionals who work in the skilled trades who will answer questions, and to find out about free training opportunities. It will be a fun event but also productive in starting folks in great careers in construction.

-Madison365, April 29, 2019

Madison-area Latino community health needs, strengths outlined in new report
While 75% of Latinos are employed, a key challenge is that more than 40% hold poverty-wage jobs and half of those have no health benefits, the report said. Additional challenges are a lack of adequate transportation, affordable childcare and access to primary care.
-State Journal, April 24, 2019

The ultimate guide to Madison farmers' markets
One spot Sarakinos suggests visiting is the Mercadito del Centro, a Wednesday afternoon market at Centro Hispano of Dane County. Mercadito is modeled after markets you’d find in Latin America. Sarakinos says Mercadito introduces the Madison community to Latino farmers and types of vegetables they might not find elsewhere.
- Madison Magazine, April 23, 2019

Latinos in Finance: Developing a pipeline of Latinx leaders in banking
As a bilingual Latina in banking services, Maria helps to increase access to financial services for Latinos who are underbanked, thanks to the training she received as part of the UnidosUS Latinos in Finance Initiative.
-Unidos US, April 22, 2019

Latino lawmakers celebrate Cesar Chavez Day, advocate for undocumented immigrants
The event was a celebration of the beloved Latino labor leader, civil rights activist and co-founder of the National Farm Workers Association. But it was also at times a commentary on how Gov. Tony Evers’ policies around immigrant residents differ from his predecessor Scott Walker's.
- The Cap Times, March 30, 2019

Centro Hispano mayoral forum highlights concerns of Madison's Latino community
At a mayoral candidate forum at Centro Hispano Monday, Madison Mayor Paul Soglin and challenger Satya Rhodes-Conway addressed issues of concern identified by the city’s Latino community that include mental health care, employment and safety.
- The Cap Times, March 26, 2019

Madison Mayoral Candidates Will Face Off Tonight at Centro Hispano’s “Foro de Candidatos Para Alcalde”
The event will feature Madison’s two mayoral candidates – current Madison Mayor Paul Soglin and challenger Satya Rhodes-Conway. Lupita Montoto, the program director at La Movida Radio, will moderate the event. Last fall, Montoto was a panelist in the first gubernatorial debate for the state of Wisconsin as Republican Gov. Scott Walker and Democrat Tony Evers squared off two weeks before the Nov. 6 election.
-Madison365, March 25, 2019

Centro Hispano Continues Its Long-Standing Tradition on El Día de Reyes
El Día de Los Tres Reyes Magos (Three Kings’ Day) represents the height of the Christmas season for many people who originate from Latin American countries and is the day that we remember how the wise men brought their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to Jesus. Centro Hispano of Dane County traditionally hosts its annual Tres Reyes Magos celebration on a Friday, however, this year Centro has moved the annual event to a Saturday...
-Madison365, January 9, 2019

For Centro Hispano, the theme for 2019 is hope
The theme for Centro Hispano of Dane County in 2018 was action, said executive director Karen Menendez Coller. Some of that action was planned and proactive, like expanding Centro’s services, but other moves were reacting to crises, like jumping into action when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) came to town in September...
-The Cap Times, December 27, 2018

2018 Centro Hispano Annual Awards Gala , Strength in Service
In the middle of Hispanic Heritage month, on September 25th, Centro Hispano held its 29th Annual Gala after a tense week in the Latino Community. This year's gala theme was "Accion" and was focused on celebrationg the heroes, both sung and unsung, who have been taken action for our community at this important time in our history and celebrate they did...
-The Capital City Hues, October 15, 2018

La Movida Honors Community Leaders at Annual Hispanic Heritage Luncheon Celebration
Dr. Patricia Téllez-Girón, associate professor for the University of Wisconsin & Family Medicine Department and chair of the Latino Health Council, has won many awards for her amazing work she’s done in the Madison community. But she was particularly excited about winning the Community Leader of the Year Award at the 8th Annual Hispanic Heritage Luncheon Celebration at the Monona Terrace and Community and Convention Center on Oct. 12...
-Madison 365, October 15, 2018

Federal Agents Arrest 30 State Immigrants
Federal Immigration, Customs and Enforcement officers took Wisconsin by surprise over the weekend with a series of targeted arrests. Between Friday and Sunday, ICE agents arrested nearly 30 people: 11 in Madison and 18 elsewhere across the state, including two in Milwaukee, two in Green Bay, and five in Wausau...

- Urban Milwaukee, September 25, 2018

ICE detains 6 immigrants in Madison, city officials say
Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents detained at least six immigrants in Madison without prior communication with the Madison Police Department, city officials said Friday...
- Wisconsin State Journal, September 22, 2018

ICE arrests take Madison officials by surprise
Madison officials believe six people were taken into custody Friday by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in a targeted effort in the city. The arrests came as a surprise to city and police officials and few details are known about the situation...

- The Cap Times, September 21, 2018

Centro Hispano’s 29th Annual Gala Will Feature Community Awards, Including New Marcus S. Miles Volunteer Award
Centro Hispano hosts a variety of events and activities throughout the year, but their most famous event – the 29th Annual Celebration Gala – will be held at the Park Hotel in downtown Madison on Friday, Sept. 28 and will be a chance to honor outstanding community members, many of them unsung heroes, who have impacted Centro and the greater community...
- Madison 365, September 17, 2018

The Latino Consortium for Action United We Stand! Part 2
Several years ago, Latino leaders in Dane County began to realize that they needed to be more proactive in their communications and coordination and so the Latino Consortium for Action was born. The LCA is an informal group that meets one Saturday per month to discuss and share...
- The Capital City Hues, September 17, 2018

The Latino Consortium for Action United We Stand! Part 1
Back in the 1980's when it was first founded, Centro Hispano was pretty much the only non-profit, social-service agency in town except for Centro Guadalupe run by the Catholic Church on Beld Street. And Centro Hispano's executive director was pretty much the only Latino leader in many community spheres, although there were Latinos who help positions of some authority at high education institutions in Madison...
- The Capital City Hues, September 17, 2018

Biking Becomes More Accessible on Madison’s South Side
Speaking from the experience of biking hundreds of times from Madison’s east side to Centro Hispano, Urban League, Omega School, Penn Park, Genesis Center, Fountain of Life Church, Boys and Girls Club and other places on Madison’s south side, it’s not an exaggeration that you take your life in your hands every time you make your way around not particularly bike-friendly Park Street and Badger Road...
- Madison 365, September 14, 2018

Proyecto Voluntario Martes at Centro Hispano Gearing up for Learning
Back in 2006, United Way of Dane County worked with Latino leaders in the Madison area to produce Cuéntame Más, the first comprehensive report on the needs of the Latino Community in Dane County. The committee that puts out the report was co-haired by Fabiola Hamdan and Salvador Carranza...

- Capital City Hues, September 3, 2018

Local Families Holding Fundraiser for Madison-Area Immigrants Facing Deportation and Separation
Dozens of local families will be holding a fundraiser, “Kids Helping Kids & Families,” to raise money for area immigrants with emergency issues on Sunday, August 12, 9 a.m.-noon, at Octopi Brewing, 1131 Uniek Dr., in Waunakee. Emergency issues include legal assistance to families and children facing deportation and separation...

- Madison 365, August 9, 2018

World-Famous Novalima Highlights Night of Latin Flavor at Tonight’s First Central Park Session
The first of six free Central Park Sessions kicks off tonight with the Novalima Select Session that will feature an evening of great Latin music at Madison’s beautiful Central Park – now called Milt McPike Park. More importantly, money will be raised throughout the night for Centro Hispano of Dane County...
-Madison 365, August 1, 2018

Advocates speak out for undocumented Janesville resident with pending visa application
Maria Portugal is an undocumented immigrant. Three years ago, she applied for a special visa reserved for victims of violent crime. Her application is pending. She's lived in Wisconsin for over 20 years. Three of her five kids were born in the U.S...
- The Cap Times, July 25, 2018

Puerto Rico Relief Fund Event Night
The Puerto Rico Relief Fund of South Central Wisconsin invites you to this special event on Friday, July 27, 5:30 p.m. at Centro Hispano of Dane County. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about the community projects funded and to learn how to continue to make connections and how to continue to be part of the rebuilding of the island to support the Puerto Rican people...

-Madison 365, July 20, 2018

Central Park Sessions Announces Season 5 Line-Ups
The line-ups for season five of The Central Park Sessions was announced today and it will feature talented musicians and diverse music from all over the world. The music will take place at McPike Park (formerly Central Park) on Wednesdays and Thursdays at the beginning of August...
-Madison 365, July 11, 2018

Karen Menendez Coller: On this day of action, take action!
Dear Editor: The current national climate targeting immigrants and refugees is completely unacceptable. Families belong together, growing and thriving, no matter their background or immigration status. Opting to leave your home country is no easy decision. It is often the only one left to escape violence and turmoil. The chance to seek refuge is not a crime — it is the foundation of this country and of the American Dream...
-The Cap Times, June 30, 2018

Protesters call for immigration reform in Madison
Marchers gathered across America Saturday protesting children being separated from their parents at the U.S.-Mexico border. In Wisconsin, the Families Belong Together protests in Madison, Stevens Point, Oshkosh, Eau Claire, La Crosse and Milwaukee were expected to draw thousands of people...
-NBC15, June 30, 2018

Annual fundraiser at Centro Hispano encourages action, celebration in a time of crisis for Latinos
After an outcry from immigration advocates, faith leaders and politicians, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to stop separating children from their parents when they try to cross the southern border. For Latinos around the country, that crisis was one of many, said Karen Menendez Coller, executive director of Centro Hispano, pointing to the end of protected status for Salvadoran migrants, DACA recipients hanging in legal limbo and a constant barrage of rhetoric where families are being used as “pawns” in a battle for immigration legislation..
 -The Cap Times, June 21,2018

Community calls for action regarding Trump family separation policy
Leaders in the Madison community gathered at the state Capitol Wednesday morning to discuss Trump’s migrant separation policy. They said President Donald Trump’s zero tolerance policy is causing trauma to the young children separated from their parents at the border...
-NBC15, June 21, 2018

State Reps, Community Protest Inhumane Family Separation Policy, Walker Deploys National Guard
State Representatives JoCasta Zamarripa and Chris Taylor joined child advocates, pediatricians, and religious community members Wednesday morning in opposing the ongoing separation of migrant children from their families at the U.S.-Mexico border. The opposition comes as Governor Scott Walker ordered two dozen Wisconsin National Guard members to Arizona’s southern border on Monday, with more expected to be deployed in coming weeks...
-WORT FM, June 20,2018

Wisconsin Democrats keep pressure on immigration policy
Wisconsin Democrats are keeping the pressure on Republicans over President Donald Trump's immigration policy of separating children from parents who cross the border illegally. Assembly Democrats held a news conference in the state Capitol on Wednesday to rail against Trump, the separation policy and Republican Gov. Scott Walker for sending National Guard troops to Arizona this week to assist border patrol agents...
-NBC15, June 20, 2018

Program provides students free meals during summer
Students who don’t have sufficient food access receive two meals per day at school, but what happens to these children while they are on summer vacation? The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) steps in. According to George Reistad, Madison’s Food and Policy Coordinator, the program, which launched Monday, provides free meals for students when school is not in session... -The Cap Times, June 19, 2018

Task force makes law enforcement recommendations
During autumn of 2016, local immigration and refugee communities experienced a significant increase in anxiety, fear and unease which threatened family stability, trust in law enforcement, and overall community safety and well-being. Local law enforcement and non-profits asked the Law Enforcement Leaders of Color Collaboration (convened by United Way of Dane County and NAACP of Dane County) to evaluate trust between law enforcement and immigrant/refugee communities, similar to its Use of Force work...
-Sun Prairie Star, June 18, 2018

Community provides free meals for students all summer long
Madison, Wis (WMTV) A free summer food program for students launched Monday afternoon providing breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks to children 18 and under at 50 sites citywide. The city of Madison, REAP Food Group, Madison Metropolitan School District, Madison Parks, Public Health Madison & Dane County and Centro Hispano partnered to provide the meals. Special efforts will take place at Elver, Leopold and Southdale parks and Centro Hispano this summer, led by REAP Food Group...
-NBC15, June 18, 2018

“The Rise And Fall Of The Brown Buffalo”
Anyone who has read Hunter S. Thompson knows it is often difficult in his works to separate reality from fiction… or from drug-induced hallucination. So, in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, when Thompson described his attorney as “a 300-pound Samoan,” we should all know to take that with a grain of salt. In fact, Thompson’s attorney was the Chicano civil-rights activist, novelist and lawyer Oscar Zeta Acosta, a force of nature, and a far-cry from Thompson’s bizarre caricature...
-WORT FM, June 18, 2018

Free lunch starts Monday throughout Madison
Who said there's no free lunch? Kids and accompanying adults will be able to disprove that starting Monday, when the annual free summer food program begins at 50 sites throughout Madison. The program is a joint venture by the city, the Madison School District, Madison Parks, Centro Hispano, the REAP Food Group and Public Health Madison and Dane County...
-Wisconsin State Journal, June 15, 2018

Immigration And Refugee Task Force Addresses Driving Without A License
A task force looking at issues that affect immigrants in Dane County is calling for a state driver's card to be made available to all residents, including those living in the state without legal documentation. "This will increase safety for all while adding the benefit of providing a revenue stream for the state of Wisconsin through required fees and insurance premiums," said Centro Hispano director Karen Menendez Coller...
-Wisconsin Public Radio, June 15, 2018

Summer food program launches next week
A number of public and nonprofit partners are joining together to improve the Summer Food Program, which starts next Monday, officials announced. The City of Madison, REAP Food Group, Madison Metropolitan School District, Public Health Madison & Dane County, Centro Hispano and other community partners are expanding the Summer Food Program, which provides free meals to all children 18 and under at 50 locations throughout the city...
-Channel 3000, June 14, 2018

Madison Groups Hosting Mayor Marquez Garcia of Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, Today
The Latino Chamber of Commerce, the office of Mayor Paul Soglin and members of the Puerto Rico Relief Fund of South Central Wisconsin will host a welcoming reception for Toa Baja Mayor Bernardo Marquez Garcia tonight in downtown Madison at Industrious, 25 W. Main Street...
-Madison365, May 29, 2018

Centro Hispano to Welcome Award-Winning Documentary Filmmaker Phillip Rodriguez for 3rd Annual Evening of Dreaming – Acción
Centro Hispano of Dane County has announced that it will be presenting an exclusive screening of the Rise and Fall of the Brown Buffalo, a film by Phillip Rodriguez, for its 3rd Annual Evening of Dreaming – Acción on June 22nd at 6 p.m. The event is presented in collaboration with Wisconsin Public Television...
-Madison 365, May 25,2018

Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice awards volunteers for undocumented immigrant advocacy work
The annual El Día de los Niños celebration that took place in Madison earlier this month included fun activities for kids and resources for parents. In the past, lots of people lined up for free picture IDs for the kids that are then connected with the AMBER Alert system. But this year, Fabiola Hamdan, an organizer of the event and the Dane County immigration affairs specialist, noticed that there was no line at all. Why? Parents were afraid to put down their name and address...
-Wisconsin State Journal, May 24, 2018

Dane County families celebrate Dia de los Niños
Celebrating Dia de los Niños has become a tradition in Madison. On Saturday, the Latino Children and Families Council hosted their 15th annual event free to local families. Activities, crafts, games and music were all dedicated to kids.
-Channel 3000, May 5, 2018

15th Annual El Día de los Niños Celebration at Goodman Community Center Making Sure Parents and Children are Okay
For the past 15 years, El Día de los Niños has almost been a rite of spring on the first Saturday of May. It is as if the children come out of their cubby holes and once again run and play outdoors and performing indoors as their parents learn about community resources...
-The Capital City Hues, April 30, 2018

Centro Hispano Lays Out Future Plans at Strategic Update Breakfast
“When you talk to parents and when you ask them why they moved here, they will say the answer is pretty simple, ‘Por una vida mejor.’ For a better life … and better future,” said Centro Hispano Board of Directors President Mario Garcia Sierra. “...
-Madison 365, April 30, 2018

“We Want to Make Centro Stronger.” New Deputy Director Brings Years of Community Commitment
Last September, Centro Hispano made an exciting announcement welcoming Evelyn Cruz to its staff as its new deputy director. Centro has been around for 35 years, and Cruz is now part of a team serving hundreds of families in the Madison area. Since its beginnings in 1983, Centro Hispano has provided a range of programs that support Dane County’s Latino population that focus on youth, families and the community...
-Madison 365, April 16, 2018

Madison Alder Shiva Bidar Speaks on Immigration at Madison Downtown Rotary Immigration Heartaches and Joy
Perhaps without intending it, the Madison Downtown Rotary, at its weekly Wednesday luncheon on March
14, made a strong statement about immigration and its impact on American society...
-The Capital City Hues, April 16, 2018

Project BIG STEP to Host Latino Construction Fair
Project BIG STEP will be holding a Latino Construction Fair on Tuesday, April 10, at Centro Hispano for people looking for a career in construction. Project BIG STEP works with labor leaders and employers in construction to keep business competitive and promote family supporting jobs. Project BIG STEP is supported by a partnership between Dane County and the Building Trades of South Central Wisconsin...
-Madison 365, April 4, 2018

The Dane County Immigration Affairs Initiative Dealing with Fear and Giving Hope
It was a natural thing to do when Dane County Executive Joe Parisi established the immigration affairs specialist position last October. Immigrants live across the Greater Madison area and Dane County. And many are impacted by Dane County Human Services while they become integrated into the fabric of the community and become self-sustaining members...
-The Capital City Hues, April 2, 2018

Lawyer, author encourage Madison Latinos to tell their stories, 'papers or no papers'
With President Donald Trump's comments about Mexican immigrants, increased fear of immigration enforcement and the uncertain status of the DACA program, undocumented people are keeping low profiles. But at Centro Hispano on Sunday, Cesar Vargas, an immigrant rights activist who was brought to the country illegally as a child, told members of Madison's Latino community not to hide from, but capitalize on their past...
-The Cap Times, March 19, 2018

Local leaders, DACA recipients urge solution to program that shields undocumented youth
Madison political and nonprofit leaders urged national lawmakers Monday to take action on a federal program that protects hundreds of thousands of young, undocumented immigrants from deportation...

-Wisconsin State Journal, March 6, 2018

'It's a shameful day': On original DACA expiration date, Madison advocates anxious for action
March 5 was the original expiration date for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which offers legal protection for immigrants who were brought to the country illegally as children. The policy, established by President Barack Obama's administration in 2012, didn’t actually end on Monday, due to a legal challenge working its way through the court system...
-The Cap Times, March 5, 2018

A Message from Karen Menéndez Coller, Executive Director of Centro Hispano of Dane County
Centro Hispano of Dane County fully supports a clean, permanent solution, for Dreamers and ALL immigrant families. DACA has helped youth in our community access education and employment, contribute to the greater Dane County community, and, most importantly, to live without fear that they will be ordered to leave the country they call “home.”...

Los Tres Reyes celebration returns to Madison's Centro Hispano Friday
Expect a big crowd at Madison's Centro Hispano on Friday for one of the organization's biggest events of the year: Los Tres Reyes. "It is one (the) most successful and popular events at Centro Hispano," said Deputy Mayor Gloria Reyes. "It gets packed." The Los Tres Reyes, or “Three Kings,” event will take place at Centro Hispano, 810 W. Badger Road, on Friday, Jan. 12 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m...
-The Cap Times, January 11, 2018

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