What began as a grassroots effort in the late '90s has become an integral part of our community and a vital resource for Henderson County's Latinx community. Located on Grove Street in an unassuming house is the Latino Advocacy Coalition, more commonly known as El Centro, on the of the oldest Latinx community centers in Western North Carolina.
Serving on average 3,000 people annually, the Latino Advocacy Coalition provides crucial support to a population existing in fragile economic situations and experiencing the threat of family separation. The Center works to help Latinxs overcome barriers to inclusion by increasing access to education opportunities and local community resources.
El Centro has a strong history of collaboration. Throughout its existence, the Center has partnered with more than 50 organizations, often seeking out services that the Latinx population needs easier access to, while also serving as a resource for understanding the everyday realities of the Latinx community.
Community Foundation of Henderson County awarded El Centro an $18,000 grant in 2018 as an effort to help them maintain and expand Adelante Henderson County. This project focuses on Spanish adult education and emergency family planning through the Families United program.
Presently, Families United is focused on working with Latinx families to create individualized family emergency plans, in addition to collecting any necessary documents. Fostering El Centro's history of collaboration the Center is partnering with Pisgah Legal Services.