In the early 1970's, the establishment of an agency devoted to serving Spanish-speaking persons was needed because of the language barriers and the different cultural perspectives that existed. Many agencies had not been able to decipher these cultural differences and were not able to serve the Spanish-speaking population. Through the efforts and foresight of clergy, political, and many community leaders, EL CENTRO DE SERVICIOS SOCIALES PARA LA COMUNIDAD HISPANA, INC. (CENTER OF SOCIAL SERVICES FOR THE HISPANIC COMMUNITY) was established.
El Centro's Articles of incorporation were official on November 25, 1974.
This non-profit corporation was organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes and as a multipleservice program offering assistance to the Spanish-Speaking community of Lorain County in the area of physical and mental health, including services directly related to prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.
On May 7, 1975, Mr. Juan "Rocky" Ortiz was named the first Executive Director of El Centro. The agency's first staff of five included seceretary, Iris Davila Arroyo, a public health nurse, Carmen Carrion Gonzalez, LPN; a mental health advisor, Reverend Gabriel Hannan, Doctor of Psychology and Associate Pastor of Sacred Heart Chapel; and a social worker, Brunilda Alvarado.
The Lorain County Health Department provided physical examinations for public assistance clients at the center twice a month and clinics were held for diabetes and high blood pressure. In addition to providing counseling, a mental health specialist at the center worked with groups and with school personnel, and dd follow-ups to see that services were provided when clients were referred to other agencies. El Centro received its State of Ohio, Mental Health Agency Certification in 1992 and has been a United Way Member agency for over 15 years.
El Centro first opened its doors at 3114 Pearl Avenue on the first floor of the Slovenian Hall. The agency later moved to 1557 E. 30th street and to 2815 Pearl Avenue. In 1992, El Centro moved to its present location at 1888 E. 31st street in Lorain.
The agency logo was created with a family of five in the front of the building (El Centro) with the church and the community in the background. the colors were werered, white, and blue, respectively. A green circle surrounded this with the words "Uno para Todos, Todos para Uno" (One for all, All for One). The logo was later revised in the early 90's and included the agency's amended name of EL CENTERO DE SERVICIOS SOCIALES, INC.
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