Centro Latino Americano

Program Descriptions

These are the core programs that are currently being offered at Centro LatinoAmericano

Los Niños (The Children Program)

This program is at the core of CLA's services to the community. Centro’s interventions are focused on families with young children. Empowering the Latino community starts here. Los Ninos provides case management services to families with children. Parents receive support, education and advocacy to access community resources that leads to self-sufficiency. Contact: Bibiana Rodriquez bibiana@cla1.org (541)687-2667 ext. 112.

Familias Unidas (Multi-Cultural Parenting Classes)

Classes offer parents a comprehensive twelve-week-curriculum addressing parent- child communication, child development, health and nutrition, anger management, discipline and other topics in a safe, culturally appropriate and culture affirming format. Childcare and food is provided.
Contact: Bibiana Rodriquez bibiana@cla1.org (541)687-2667 ext. 112.

Mujeres en Poder (Women’s Self Empowerment)

This program is a Women’s Skill building group. Judy Castro facilitates an in depth examination of issues facing women. Various topics will be discussed, from nutrition to financial literacy, mental health to leadership development, women and health to building the future. Guest speakers from other agencies will make presentations. The participants meet on Thursdays from 6 to 8:30pm. Dinner and childcare are available. Contact: Bibiana Rodriquez bibiana@cla1.org (541)687-2667 ext. 112.

Play Group

Mothers play with their children and, with the assistance of a facilitator, explore child development and other related topics. Contact: Bibiana Rodriquez bibiana@cla1.org (541)687-2667 ext. 112.

Conexiones (Connections Program)

This program provides employment services for unemployed and underemployed Latino community members. Services include linking clients with employers, assisting with forms and resumes, and training in employment expectations, responsibilities and employee rights. Contact: Cristian Salgado (541)687-2667 ext. 116 cristian@cla1.org

Cambios (Alcohol and Drug Program)

This program provides individual and group counseling to individuals struggling with substance abuse issues. Classes are conducted in Spanish and are considerate of relevant cultural messages that impede and support clients working to regain control of their lives through sobriety. Contact: Basilio Sandoval (541)687-2667 ext. 128 basilio@cla1.org Cristian Salgado ext. 116.

Alternativas (Crisis and Referral)

Alternativa staff intervene in crisis situations, providing short-term interventions and long-term casework, linking clients and ensuring access to community resources and services. Contact: Cristina Stecca ext. 120 cristina@cla1.org

Vivienda Crecimiento (Transitional Housing Program)

Assist Latino families in accessing transitional housing through St. Vincent de Paul. Staff provides short/long-term case work, assistance with financial planning and resource referrals.Contact: Asia Reynolds (541)687-2667 ext. 126 asia@cla1.org

ESL (English as a Second Language)

We recently field testied an ESL instructional instrument using a system developed by Direct Instruction, who has national credentials in developing reading programs. It is structured and intended for monolingual Spanish speakers who are committed to learning English. These classes will teach Basic English speaking skills. We will be referring students for further language education to Downtown Languages and LCC ESL programs. We will be utilizing staff and volunteers to implement this program on a regular basis.

Tax Preparation Assistance

From February to April, AARP volunteers provide free tax preparation services to our low income clients. Bilingual staff and volunteers assist clients in filling out their tax forms. In the off season AARP volunteers train Centro staff in assisting our clients and also help our clients prepare for the coming year.