About the Spanish Community Center

Background of the Organization

The Spanish Center was founded in 1967 in the city of Joliet, Illinois, by Pete and Pat Hernandez to provide social services to the city's growing Hispanic population.  The goals of the center were:

  • To meet the everyday needs of the people in their native language

  • To make the transition of settling in the community

  • Learning English as a second language.

Overview

Over the last three decades, the Spanish Community Center has evolved from an agency helping only the Spanish-speaking people of the neighborhood to an agency committed to helping the entire community.  Today's activities and services assist and welcome all members of the Will County and surrounding area regardless of race or ethnic origin.

Services Programs Youth Activities
Citizenship Workshops Census Education Day Care Center
Employment Services Community Service Program Preschool Classes
Food Pantry  ESL Classes
Immigration Services  KidCare
Notary Services 

Our Mission

Spanish Community Center is a bilingual community center dedicated to providing education and social services.   The organization is committed to assisting our lifelong neighbors as well as assisting the newly arrived resident in settling into the community.

Special Programs

Holiday Food Baskets
Distribution based on availability and need during Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter.

Latin Music Fest
13th annual music festival Sept. 12 to 14 in downtown Joliet.