El Centro Hispano Named Top Nonprofit in Northeast Arkansas
In a recent ceremony hosted by Talk Business & Politics and Arvest Bank, El Centro Hispano was honored as the top nonprofit in Northeast Arkansas for 2024. The organization, founded in Jonesboro in 1997, was recognized for its outstanding services and programs aimed at improving the lives of immigrants in the region and across the state.
El Centro Hispano, led by executive director Gina Gomez, offers a wide range of services in areas such as education, social support, cultural enrichment, health, legal assistance, and civic engagement. The organization has been instrumental in providing bilingual professional development and education, including programs like Emprendiendo (Entrepreneurship) for aspiring and current business owners.
Since its inception, El Centro Hispano has grown significantly, expanding its reach beyond Northeast Arkansas to cover other parts of the state. The organization’s impact has been felt by thousands of individuals, with approximately 10,000 services provided each year, primarily to Hispanic communities.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, El Centro Hispano has secured over $1.1 million in funding from national organizations to support the health and well-being of the community. The organization’s budget and assets have tripled in the past two years through successful fundraising efforts and stakeholder commitment.
Gomez emphasized the organization’s holistic approach to public service, focusing on improving multiple aspects of clients’ lives through a multidimensional service repertoire. El Centro Hispano’s success in reaching immigrant populations and advocating for Spanish-speaking community members has made it a leader in the nonprofit sector in Arkansas.
The organization’s dedication to empowering individuals and facilitating cultural transitions has earned it recognition as a vital resource for underserved communities. With plans to expand its facility and programs, El Centro Hispano is poised to continue making a positive impact on the lives of those it serves.