HISPANIC CENTER LEHIGH VALLEY

Social Services:This program provides various services to individuals in the community The program provides assistance to community members, with various life skills issues such as applying for social security, health insurance, housing, utilities as well as referrals to various government and other private agencies. During the fiscal year 2024-2025, our staff supported 445 households through 559 visits, offering navigation services such as translation, interpretation, and help with public benefits, while also connecting families to resources like WIC program for nutrition supplementation and nutritional education for mothers and their young children and to local organizations that provide emergency housing. To meet these and other challenges, the program has transitioned to an evidence-based model built around four core services, navigation assistance, referrals, wraparound case management, and employment support, ensuring families receive the right level of help and a clear path toward stability and independence. Other services include employment preparation, counseling, and job fairs. With a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, the program also organized six job fairs, reaching over 100 individuals. In addition to job fairs, the program provided access for 335 participants to services such as job readiness, job placements, and enrollment in skill-based training in collaboration with a local healthcare network.Senior Center:This program is designed to provide senior citizens in the local community social activities, meals, fitness, as well as nutritional and health education. During the fiscal year 2024-2025, the Center served 63 seniors with over 15,000 meals, social events, educational activities, and health screenings in partnership with local providers. The program also provides multi-generational awareness through visits from local schools and an annual back-to-school event which served 125 families and 475 children providing backpacks, school supplies and 80 free haircuts. Seniors also received help navigating housing and benefits, participated in fitness classes, and celebrated cultural traditions together. For many, the Center remains both a vital resource and a place of belonging.Food Pantry:This program provides emergency food access to individuals and families within its service area. The program receives food from local food banks as well as donations from various retail establishments and community organizations. Culturally appropriate foods are included in the items distributed to families in need. During the fiscal year 2024-2025, the food pantry served 754 households, including 255 first-time visits, resulting in a total of 3,302 encounters and distributing 286,849 pounds of food to families in need.Latino Leadership Alliance:This program provides assistance with education advancement and leadership development for students in the Latino community within the Lehigh Valley by awarding scholarships for excellence in their academic achievements. In addition, those students have access to committee members for guidance and encouragement if needed.