El Centro de las Américas has been a cornerstone of the Latino community in Lincoln, transforming lives for more than forty years. As a nonprofit organization, El Centro has consistently provided essential educational and social services, empowering Latino families to thrive and reach their full potential. To best serve their community, El Centro has evolved far beyond its initial mission, adapting to the changing needs of Nebraska’s growing Latino population. Today, it is a dynamic hub where education meets advocacy, where youth find mentorship, and where families navigate complex systems with dignity and support.  But El Centro's true strength lies in its ability to build bridges between generations, languages, and communities.

A Lifeline for Latino Families

One of El Centro’s most critical roles is helping Latino families transition into life in the U.S.. From English language classes to legal support, El Centro offers practical tools for navigating everything from healthcare access to employment searches.  For newcomers, El Centro is often the first stop to find resources and support. The multicultural and bilingual staff themselves provide culturally sensitive guidance that facilitates understanding and secure more success for the families.

Celebrating and Preserving Latino Culture

Latino Festival  
This year, Lincoln is preparing to dance, taste, and celebrate as the much-anticipated Latino Festival that returns on Saturday, September 13, at the Antelope Park /Shildneck Bandshell area, from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM, the park will come alive with the vibrant sounds, flavors, and rhythms of Latino heritage. This free event continues to grow not just in size, but in impact.

More than just an enjoyable afternoon, the Latino Festival is a powerful celebration of unity and cultural pride. As Lincoln’s Latino population continues to grow, this annual tradition has become a key moment in the city’s calendar, a time for people of all backgrounds to come together, honor our shared humanity, and explore rich cultural traditions.

Club de Juventud Acumulada   
Acknowledging the significant contributions of seniors within the Latino community, the program was founded on respect, community engagement, and cultural preservation.  Celebrating aging with dignity and joy, Club de Juventud Acumulada provides a supportive environment for Latino seniors in Lincoln to participate, learn, and flourish. El Centro also provides assistance to seniors with technology assistance, Medicare, Medicaid, retirement, medical appointments, and more, on a daily basis. The program emphasizes cultural heritage through activities such as traditional foods, crafts, music, and storytelling, promoting a celebration of diverse backgrounds and the opportunity for seniors to share their traditions with future generations.

The group convenes every Wednesday from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM and all are welcome.  Weekly activities include:

• Workshops on affordable housing
• Health and wellness sessions
• Mornings featuring music, dance, and cultural exchange

For additional information, call Marcela Inzunza at (402) 474-3950 ext. 117 or email her at marcelai@elcentrone.org

Improving Health

Mental Health Support - Vida Sana Project
For years, mental health has remained a silent struggle for many Latinos, often complicated by stigma, language barriers, and a shortage of culturally competent providers. At El Centro, mental health is no longer an afterthought, it is a priority.  El Centro provides mental health services in collaboration with the Department of Psychology at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln through the Vida Sana program, offering free, confidential counseling to children, adults, couples, and families. All services are offered in Spanish or English, and therapists are trained to understand the cultural nuances that shape Latino mental health experiences. To access this services community members can contact Carolina, El Centro Mental Health Specialist, at 402-314-8334 / 402-474-3950 Ext. 108 or email her carolina@elcentrone.org

Maternal Child Health Program
El Centro’s Maternal Child Health program is reaching out through a collaborative effort with the Cultural Center, WIC, MilkWorks, medical providers, and doulas to create a supportive space for education, empowerment, and community connection. By assisting mothers and babies with health system navigation, Medicaid application, help in finding a primary care provider, and access to essential resources such as food, transportation, and specialty care, El Centro is making a meaningful difference in maternal and infant health. Services are thoughtfully designed to be culturally appropriate and responsive to the unique needs of the community.

Whether preparing for a first child or navigating the postpartum journey, the program provides the care, support, and sense of community every parent deserves. For more information, call Lerit Mora at (402) 474-3950 ext. 103 or email her at lerit@elcentrone.org