REFLECTIONS FROM OUR PRESIDENT AND CEO
Reflection on the Past Fiscal Year: Building Momentum and Deepening Impact
As I sit down to reflect on this past year, I am once again filled with gratitude and pride. This year marked the beginning of our year one implementation of El Centro’s strategic plan, a bold roadmap that will guide us toward deeper impact and greater service to nuestra comunidad Latina. What was once a vision on paper has now come to life through the hard work, creativity, and dedication of our incredible staff.
One of the most inspiring milestones of the year was achieving full capacity at the Academy for Children for the first time since the pandemic—a testament to the resilience of our families, teachers, and partners who believe in the power of early childhood education. We also strengthened partnerships in Missouri, expanding our services and outreach across state lines to meet the growing needs of our community.
This was also a year of new beginnings. We initiated the pilot cohort of our Bienvenido a Mi Casa Program, opening pathways for families to achieve the dream of homeownership. In western Kansas, we hired a Promotora Coordinator in Garden City, ensuring that our advocacy work continues to thrive in a time when such efforts are essential to the well-being and rights of the people we serve.
Crowning a year filled with hard work and passion, El Centro was honored as the Midwest Regional Affiliate of the Year at the annual UnidosUS national conference, held right here in Kansas City. This recognition is a reflection of the collective dedication of our staff, board, volunteers, and supporters who believe deeply in our mission.
As we look ahead, I am energized by the possibilities that our strategic plan holds and the unshakable commitment of our team. Together, we are not only responding to today’s challenges but building a stronger, more just future for the generations to come.
Siempre Adelante, Erica Andrade
2024-2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dr. Graciela Couchonnal | Board Chair Health Forward Foundation Ret.
Marielena Marroquin | Vice Chair Cultura Consultants
John (JD) Rios | Treasurer Gov. Affairs & Policy Advisor to Mayor Garner
Dr. Nozella Brown | Secretary Brown Consulting, LLC
Carmelita Bahamonde
Mid Continent Public Library
Jorge Soberón-Hernández Arvest Bank
Dachia Busch
Metropolitan Community College Kansas City
Fabian Gayosso
Reece-Nichols Real Estate
Matthew Kleinmann
Vibrant Health
Sandra Olivas First Federal Bank
Greg Valdovino
Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce
Dr. Andres Cantillo
Kansas City Kansas Community College
Marcela Rodriguez
Girls Scouts of NE Kansas & NW Missouri
$5,047,148* TOTAL REVENUE
Strengthening communities and improving the lives of Latinos and others through educational, health, wealth, and advocacy opportunities.
OUR MISSION OUR VISION
To be the premiere organization bridging Latinos and others, resulting in healthy, educated communities.
$3,885,707 TOTAL EXPENSES
THEORY OF CHANGE & STRATEGIC PLAN
EDUCATION
HEALTH
OUR IMPACT
ADVOCACY
Latinos
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CAPACITY
Grow a positive organizational culture by defining our agency values, improving communication, and making sure every team member feels informed and engaged.
STRATEGIES:
• Build stronger connections by improving staff feedback and internal communication
• Create and implement better orientation and training processes
• Offer more opportunities for staff professional development through external trainings
• Adjust our internal evaluation processes to better showcase our long-term impact on community change
WEALTH
SUSTAINABILTY
Increase and diversify funding sources through creative revenue generation strategies, securing more federal grants, enhancing donor engagement, and expanding corporate contributions, all to ensure the long-term sustainability and impact of our organization.
STRATEGIES:
• Develop a diverse funding plan to explore new funding opportunities each year
• Research new funding options, such as fee-for-service programs
• Strengthen corporate partnerships and expand individual donations
EDUCATION
Priority: Strengthen and Grow our Dual-Language Early Education Program
GOAL:
Develop and implement systems that will enhance the Academy's growth and deepen the community's understanding of the benefits of dual-language education.
STRATEGIES:
• Improve our enrollment process to reach our full capacity
• Ensure all students are kindergarten-ready by testing and evaluating their growth
• Provide more ongoing professional development opportunities for all our teachers
• Explore opportunities to expand access to early childhood education in Wyandotte and Johnson Counties
HEALTH
Priority: Expand our Geographic Reach and Inclusivity
GOAL:
Improve service delivery by expanding outreach and services to Western Kansas and Kansas City, Missouri, while ensuring all feel welcomed and included in their communities.
STRATEGIES:
• Expand our health education and access services in Kansas City, Missouri
• Grow the work of our Promotoras and health services in western Kansas
• Strengthen marketing and outreach efforts for our health programs
WEALTH
Priority: Strengthen Wealth Building Initiatives
GOAL:
Build a strong foundation for wealth-building by launching and expanding financial education programs.
STRATEGIES:
• Plan and pilot our new Bienvenido a Mi Casa program
• Hire and train a Casa Coach to provide one-on-one support for first-time homebuyers
• Grow Bienvenido a Mi Casa from a pilot project into a sustained, core program
ADVOCACY
Priority: Increase Community Advocacy and Engagement
GOAL:
Build a strong base of community advocates by empowering Latinos to actively engage in civic issues that impact their lives.
STRATEGIES:
• Create new communication materials and tools that provide clear actions for advocates to take
• Amplify and elevate more community voices through storytelling
EDUCATION
At El Centro, we believe every child deserves a positive first school experience and the chance to build a strong foundation for lifelong learning. We support Latino children and children of all backgrounds in developing social, emotional, language, and motor skills, with a special focus on literacy to prepare them for kindergarten. As a fully accredited NAEYC program, we provide dual-language early childhood education that engages families in both Spanish and English—grounded in cultural understanding and humility.
children received dual-language early childhood education at the Academy throughout the past school year
hours of professional development was provided for teachers
children graduated kindergarten ready, having learned letters and numbers in both English and Spanish and social-emotional skills for better wellbeing
26 23 30 3
families received scholarships totaling $29,280 for tuition assistance during the school year, thanks to our funding partners
children were able to attend the Academy with full tuition assistance provided through our partnership with The Family Conservancy and Head Start
Mental Health providers joined AFC through our partnership “Anchors of Tomorrow” with the Hall Family Foundation, serving our students, their families, and our Academy staff
FAMILIES RISE AND CHILDREN SHINE
At El Centro’s Children’s Academy, every child deserves the chance to start school confident and ready to learn. Last fall, a mother of five came to us overwhelmed— facing eviction, food insecurity, and uncertainty about how to care for her youngest son. With the support of our Family Advocate and Emergency Assistance Program, El Centro helped her family secure housing, cover rent and utilities, and even ensured Christmas morning was filled with food, warmth, and gifts.
Meanwhile, her youngest son began his journey at the Academy. At first, he cried each day, fearful and withdrawn. With consistent emotional support, comfort items, and guidance from our Mental Health Specialist, he slowly found his confidence. By May, he proudly graduated—smiling, writing his name, counting in English and Spanish, and ready to enter kindergarten with joy and strength.
This is the impact of El Centro: lifting families through crisis and preparing children to flourish.
HEALTH
At El Centro, we believe everyone deserves access to quality healthcare services and resources essential for their wellbeing. We ensure equitable access for Latino immigrants and families through personalized, one-on-one support in Spanish. Our bilingual staff, who share similar cultural experiences, walk alongside families with cultural understanding, compassion, and humility, so everyone has access to healthcare and coverage.
1,622
insurance navigation services were provided, assisting families with enrollment into Medicaid and referrals for Medicare enrollment
155
individuals enrolled in healthcare coverage through the Marketplace exchange
101
women completed their mammogram during our hosted mobile mammogram days
34
individuals were assisted with specialty care appointments, surgeries, and exams, totaling $27,968
HEALTHCARE, HOPE, AND A PLACE TO BELONG
When 67-year-old Jesús arrived in Kansas from California, he felt lost and alone. With no family nearby and his health needs unmet for years, he carried the weight of uncertainty about where to turn. That changed the day he walked into El Centro. What began as a search for basic guidance became a lifeline. Our team not only helped him find work and navigate paperwork, but also connected him to free medical and dental services, scheduled long-overdue doctor’s appointments, and ensured he had access to the healthcare he desperately needed.
For Jesús, El Centro has become more than a resource—it is home. “Here, they’ve never said no to me,” he reflects. “There’s always a smile and guidance that gives me peace of mind.” When his son later arrived from California, he too was welcomed with the same care, confirming that El Centro is a family for those who might otherwise face illness and hardship alone.
539
individuals received $202,190 in assistance through our AccessKC partnership for prescriptions, equipment, glasses, hearing aids, and dental emergencies
983
children and adults were enrolled into SNAP for improved access to healthy food and household financial stability
WEALTH
At El Centro, we believe everyone deserves the information and education needed to achieve their personal and professional goals. We empower Latino immigrants and families to build wealth through innovative outreach, engaging workshops, and tailored educational opportunities. As a result of increased financial knowledge and skills, Latino families are buying homes, starting businesses, and creating lasting wealth.
16
families participated in our pilot of Bienvenido a Mi Casa, with 5 families having purchased their first house
250
individuals learned the essential steps to buying a home for the first time at our monthly classes
524
individuals learned to budget, plan healthy meals, and shop smarter in our Comprando Rico y Sano classes.
150
participants increased their education on personal finances learning about credit building, how to maintain a household budget, and how to save and growth their personal wealth
FROM DETERMINATION TO DIPLOMA
Education is a pathway to financial growth and long-term opportunity. Soledad, a wife and mother of three, exemplifies this vision. Determined to earn her GED, she enrolled in El Centro’s virtual Spanish-language GED classes, offered in partnership with a local professor. “As a mother, many times my children had activities after school,” she shared. “With my phone or iPad, I was able to take my classes from the car or school.”
Having completed middle school in Mexico, Soledad faced challenges balancing study time with family responsibilities. Yet her determination paid off—she proudly received her GED, becoming an inspiring role model for her children. Motivated to continue her education, she plans to take English classes next, with the goal of pursuing a career in accounting. “To all the Latina moms out there: take time for yourselves. Work on your education. Programs like this one at El Centro can make a huge difference,” she encourages. Through programs like these, El Centro helps families build the skills and confidence necessary to achieve financial independence and professional growth.
650
participants gained skills and knowledge to improve their careers and small businesses through attending our computer, small business, and GED classes
350
people gained employment support, including job leads, hiring info, and resume preparation
ADVOCACY
At El Centro, we believe advocacy belongs to everyone—it is the thread that runs through everything we do. Everyone should play an active role in promoting access, equity, and empowered lives. As an organization, we engage in public meetings, speak out for our communities, and advocate for clients during services. We also empower our staff and community members to participate in elections, because our vote is our power.
553
Latinos participated in our Know Your Rights classes and workshops, gaining knowledge and receiving resources to help them be prepared
45 30 191
DACA recipients renewed their status through our DACA Renewal Clinics
Latinos received assistance to become naturalized citizens through our Citizenship Clinics
clients were assisted with free Power of Attorney letters as a part of family protection planning workshops
TRANSFORMING STRUGGLE INTO STABILITY
Everyone should have the right to stand up for themselves and their families and advocacy is a powerful tool for justice and empowerment. When a painter came to our Olathe office seeking support, he revealed that a subcontractor had refused to pay him for his work. Fearful of retaliation and potential immigration consequences, he and several coworkers had remained silent, unsure of their rights and options.
With guidance from our Community Educator, they learned about their labor rights and how to file a complaint. A special meeting was organized for all affected workers, leading to a group complaint submitted to the Department of Labor. Within two weeks, the investigation was underway. Armed with knowledge, confidence, and ongoing support from El Centro, the lead worker is now starting his own painting business, and along with his eight coworkers, is taking business and accounting classes while preparing to file taxes as LLCs. Through advocacy, education, and empowerment, El Centro transformed a situation of fear and exploitation into one of opportunity, justice, and long-term financial stability.
622
community members were registered to vote by our team of 10 Promotoras
454
passport applications were completed with clients, in addition to 189 birth certificate requests and 226 notary services
2024-2025 FUNDING PARTNERS
El Centro gratefully acknowledges the support of the following corporate, foundation, and service donors.
ALMA
$100,000 and Above
● CleanAirNow
● Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation
● Family Conservancy – Head Start Contract
● Hall Family Foundation
● Health Forward Foundation
● Kansas Health Foundation
● REACH Healthcare Foundation
● Thrive Allen County
● Unidos US
● Unified Government of Wyandotte County – ARPA
● United Way Impact 100
COMUNIDAD
$1 - $49,999
● AccessKC - AcruxKC
● Alliance Data System
● Alliance for a Healthy Kansas
● Bank of America
John and Effie Speas Foundation
● BCCAT Family Foundation
● Benevity Employer Match
● Breidenthal-Synder Foundation
● Capitol Federal Foundation
● Children’s Mercy
● City of Olathe – CDBG
● City of Overland Park – CDBG
● Climate + Energy Project
● Commerce Bancshares Foundation
● Community Care Network of Kansas
● Community Catalyst
● Cooper Family Foundation
● First Federal Bank
● Frank & Margaret McGee Foundation
● Garmin International
● Giving Machines Kansas City
● Graham Family Fund
● Hispanic Federation
CORAZÓN
$50,000 - $99,999
● George K. Baum Foundation
● Greater Kansas City Community Foundation
● KDHE – Migrant Farmworkers
● Start Young - GAP
● Kansas Department of Children and Family ServicesChild Care Assistance
● Kansas Department of EducationChild & Adult Care Food Program
● Stanley H. Durwood Foundation
● Wyandotte Health Foundation
● Human Service Fund –
Johnson County Government and
— City of DeSoto
— City of Edgerton
— City of Gardner
— City of Leawood
— City of Lenexa
— City of Merriam
— City of Mission
— City of Olathe
— City of Overland Park
— City of Prairie Village
— City of Roeland Park
— City of Shawnee
— City of Spring Hill
— City of Westwood
● Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City
● Johnson County – CDBG
● Kansas Department of Health & Environment –Health and Safety
● Kaiser Group LLC
● KC Healthy Kids
● Olathe Mayor’s Children’s Fund
● McGee Family Foundation
● Menorah Heritage Foundation
● Molina Healthcare Foundation
● Moneta Charitable Foundation
● Oppenstein Brothers Foundation
● PayPal Giving Fund
● R&C Charitable Foundation
● RX Foundation
● Shumaker Family Foundation
● Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth
● Sporting KC
● Synchrony Financial Foundation
● The Research Foundation
● UMB Bank
● Unified GovernmentHollywood Casino
● Union Pacific Foundation
● United Way Utility Assistance Fund
● Vibrant Health
● W.K. Kellogg Foundation
2024-2025 INDIVIDUAL DONORS
We are so thankful for the individuals who contributed to our mission this past year and made our work possible.
MADRINAS/PADRINOS
$500 & over
Brenda Almaguer
Erica Andrade
Kaler Bole
Graciela Couchonnal
Justin Gust
William Hamilton
Peter Kohnstamm
Dr. Kelli Mather
Patrick Miller
Elizabeth Reynoso
John “J.D.” Rios
Michael Robbins
Roy & Silvia Robinson
Mark Rooney
Drue Thomas
Stephanie Quinn
PRIMAS/PRIMOS
$100-$499
Robert Aguilar
Krystal Anton
James & Nancy Bell
Cinthia Betancourth
Annette Box
Karina Bravo-Zamora
Randy Callstrom
Andres Cantillo
Adriean Castro
Irene Caudillo
Karla Cervantes
Dr. Gene Chavez
Kendy Cuevas
Rozanne Devine
Ivonne Galindo
Saira Galvan
Fabian Gayoso
AMIGAS/AMIGOS
$1 to $99
Roxanne Bailey
Ana Barrios
Daniling Borges
Erica Britt
Dr. Nozella Brown
Maryely Cadena-Zarate
Yvette Carias-Solis
Ivonne Carmona-Molina
Joel & Lisa Cox
Shulamit Crevoshay
Josefina Diaz
Lety Diaz
Sandra Elizondo
Caterina Falcetta
Elizabeth Fernandez
Gladys Figueroa
Isabel Flores
Wendy Garza
Stephen Glassner
Virginia Gordillo
Nicolette Gutierrez
Lori Hanson
Leilani Haywood
Julie Jones
Ronald Kester
Matthew Kleinmann
Schylon Kubic
Irma Lara
Melinda Lewis
Shannon Lewis
Clarissa Lopez
Karla Lopez
Veronica Luna
Daniel Margolies
Jacob Marshall
Rosie Martinez
Jessica Miller
Mayra Murillo-Espinoza
Brittany Ortiz
Brianda Paredes
Maria Perez
Weston Pringle
Anahi Gonzalez
Ben Gust
Kerry Higgins
Beatriz Ibarra
Mary Lou Jaramillo
Maria Jimenez
Rene Larsen
Ramon Martinez
Wendy Moreno
Robert Ortiz
Enderlys Piña
Julia Reza-Valenzuela
Marcela Rodriguez
Stephen Roling
Steve Rose
Joseph Ungashick
Elizabeth Ramirez
Erin Reazin
Sonia Rivera
Matthew Roth
Maria Sanchez-Medina
Sandra Santiago-Flores
Sash Selvaraj
Haile Sims
Margaret Sommer
Laura Sykes
Mike Talboy
Vickie Urieta
Leigh Wagner
