News & Events Spotlight

Community Foundation Awards Landmark Grant

The Spanish American Center recently received a $100,000 grant from the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts in support of financial stability services for clients in North Central MA. This grant will strengthen initiatives which build healthy and resilient communities, advancing the Center’s mission to empower Hispanic and Latino individuals and other underserved populations to break through barriers of language, poverty, and access to achieve economic stability.
 
“This grant is truly transformational for the families we serve,” said Neddy Latimer, Executive Director of the Spanish American Center. “We have all seen that working people are struggling to keep up with the increasing costs of living and housing, to the point where they must choose which basic needs to cover. The Foundation’s investment will aid families on their path toward stability, something that benefits our whole community.”       
 
Founded in 1966 and now celebrating its 60th year, the Spanish American Center is the oldest social services organization in Worcester County dedicated to serving the Hispanic and Latino community. Today it is governed by a majority Latino Board of Directors, led by a Latina Executive Director, and staffed by mostly bilingual, bicultural employees. Over the decades, the Spanish American Center has broadened its services in response to the needs of the community, while staying true to its vision: a safe, healthy, peaceful, and prosperous community where every person can participate fully.