Nothing
is more important THAN CARING! El Centro de Servicios Sociales, known as El Centro, is the only Latino non-profit advocacy organizationin in Lorain. Their mission is to enhance the socio-economic status of the Greater Lorain County community by providing essential social, educational, cultural, and community development services.
Founded in 1974, El Centro is now considered a leader in non-profits and a recognized Latino organization in Ohio. It has unique and creative programs that have been used as a model and inspiration for other non-profits.
El Centro provides services for the Lorain County community through five core program areas:
Community Health & Supportive Services 231! GO Youth Leadership
Community Development
Money Management
El Dorado Senior Program
"We make ourselves available to the community at multiple points of service." - Victor Leandry, Executive Director Known for their collaborative model, El Centro partners with many other organizations to bring needed services to our community. Some of the collaborations include English classes with Lorain County Community College, a food pantry with Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Ohio, free legal clinics with Cleveland Legal Aid Society, Mental Health Services and Counseling by agencies with MHARS, Mental Health Navigator line, Spanish 211 Information and Referral in collaboration with United Way, health fairs with local hospitals, and many others. El Centro also has a strong national footprint as we are a very active affiliate of UnidosUS, the largest Latino civil rights organization in the United States. We currently provide two national curriculum programs - Padres Comprometidos (Parent Engagement) and Comprando Rico y Sano (a nutritional class to learn how to buy healthy food while on a budget). Due to the coronavirus, El Centro’s doors remain closed to the public, and most of the services are being offered via phone or using technology platforms such as video conferencing.
l a c ol ni a r ol e h t @ | m o c .l a c ol ni a r ol
We encourage the community to call the main line at 440-277-8235 for additional information or to request services.
2800 Pearl Avenue, Lorain, Ohio 44055 Lorain Local Magazine | page 10
