Information, Referral & Advocacy
The Information & Referral program is designed to provide outreach services, information, referrals, and home visits to the Hispanic community of Leominster. These services include verbal & written translations, advocacy, and assistance in filling out forms and documents.
The Information & Referral Counselor is the liaison to the community and can help individuals with the following specific services: •Housing Services
•Health Services
•Legal Services
•Education Services
•Food Distribution
•Completing Forms
•Voter Registration
•Home Visits
•Overall Support
Youth Outreach
The Spanish American Center, Inc., in collaboration with the LUK Crisis Center, provides outreach services to at-risk youth, specifically Latino youth, ages 10-21. The Youth Outreach Workers specifically target youth who are:
•At risk of contracting Sexually Transmitted Diseases (including HIV/AIDS)
•Gang-involved
•Active substance users
The Outreach Worker targets local neighborhoods and provides information to the identified youth and makes referrals to the appropriate Counseling and Testing Sites.
Crossroads Afterschool Program
The Crossroads program is an after school program designed to assist youth from ages 12 to 18 who are at risk of repeating the school year and who might be exposed to dangers in the streets after school. The program provides a safe location in which to gather after school and receive assistance and direction with homework assignments and projects. The goal of the program is to provide an incentive for youth to stay in school and focus on graduating and furthering their education in college or higher. Participants also have the opportunity to gain knowledge through a variety of activities, seminars, excursions, and multicultural activities.
Elder Services - Ancianos Latinos Unidos
The Elder Coordinator works with the Leominster Senior Center, neighborhood organizations and cultural groups to reach as many Latino elders as possible. Services include:
•Transportation to informational programs, social activities, and events.
•Activities that capture elders' interests and break down social isolation.
•Assistance with referrals and applications for health insurance.
•Assistance with interpretation and translation.
Domestic Violence Program
Domestic Violence counselors at the Spanish American Center, Inc. provide support and resources to community members who face domestic Violence situations. Staff will intervene in a crisis and work collaboratively with clients and other agencies to meet the needs of individuals or families who are victims. Our services are comprehensive and long-term. They include:
•case management
•crisis prevention and safety planning
•individual and family counseling
•transportation
•emergency food
•emergency shelter
•individual and group support
Literacy Program
The Center provides weekly English language classes for Spanish language speakers. The classes are provided every Saturday morning. Beginner and Intermediate levels are available. Students may progress from one level to the next at their own pace. The classes are taught by a native Spanish speaker who also helps students connect to needed social, educational and employment services in the community.
Summer Nutrition Program
The Center is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to provide nutritions meals to over 300 children every summer at 8 sites throughout the North Central Area. Children are provided with breakfast, lunch, and, in some locations, dinner. In addition, they are engaged in summer recreational activities at the various sites. The goal of the program is to ensure that children, particularly those who are eligible for free or reduced lunch during the school year, are assured of healthy nutrition during the summer months. The Center makes every effort to provide culturally familiar foods for Latino children
Mission
The Spanish American Center, Inc. of Leominster is a non-profit organization, chartered in 1966 and incorporated in 1972 for the purpose of providing comprehensive services to the local Hispanic community. The agency's Mission is to serve those who are economically, culturally or linguistically disadvantaged. An estimated 10,000 Hispanic individuals reside in the Leominster community. The SAC is the only agency in the community specifically oriented to this unique population. The agency's primary goals are to:
1.Assist Spanish speaking residents to overcome barriers of
language and culture 2.Link Hispanic clients with available community services
3.Plan and implement direct services to those in need
4.Act as spokespersons for the Hispanic community
5.Educate and inform the community at large about the cultural heritage of the Hispanic community, and
6.Represent the interests of the Hispanic community at the local, state, and federal levels
The Spanish American Center, Inc. has been recognized for its stability and community leadership and is funded by the federal, state, and local government as well as the United Way of North Central Worcester County and local businesses and foundations.
