Mi Centro is a community-based non-profit organization in Pierce County, Washington dedicated to advancing Latino and Indigenous Native families by providing social services and educational programming while honoring heritage and culture through the arts. They offer a diverse range of services designed to meet the unique needs of the community. Their Arts & Culture programs celebrate and preserve cultural heritage through artistic expression, while ESL classes help individuals improve their English language skills, opening doors to greater personal and professional opportunities. The organization also provides family support services, offering resources to strengthen family units and promote overall well-being.
Mi Centro focuses on college readiness, empowering students to pursue higher education, as well as teaching basic computer literacy class to the people in their community. Thanks to the Community Outreach Grant funded through the Washington State Department of Commerce’s Community Reinvestment Project, United Way of Pierce County was able to get them the funds for new laptops for their courses.
“When we first heard about this grant, we were already thinking about how we were going to provide laptops or tables to the folks we were already working with, specifically doing college readiness. We also hosted our first computer literacy class that we wanted to continue,” Priscila Desiderio, Deputy Director of Mi Centro said. “We were unsure about how we would secure funding, given the limited opportunities for technical assistance.” With the grant money they received, Desiderio and her team were able to move forward with the planning for their courses and are now able to use their technology for their courses, as well as lend out laptops to the students going through any of their courses. This eliminates the stress of having to find or bring a personal laptop.
“Having the flexibility and the opportunity to be truly intentional with our goals is a tremendous blessing, and that’s what excites me the most.” Desiderio stated when asked what the grant meant to them. “We’re making sure the needs of the community are being met.”
Mi Centro's dedication to providing comprehensive services and honoring cultural heritage makes it a cornerstone of support for Latino and Indigenous communities in the region. Through their programs and initiatives, they continue to empower individuals and families, fostering a more inclusive and vibrant community. United Ways of the Pacific Northwest and United Way of Pierce County are proud to support the work of Mi Centro now and in the future.
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