| Central American Conflict
During the 1970s and 1980s, many Central American countries struggled through civil wars: Central American people were plagued with political repression, kidnappings, and disappearances, which led to a rising death toll. This repression forced many people to seek safe haven in other countries, particularly the United States. This transition for Central American refugees was very difficult. The United States’ refusal to recognize incoming Central Americans as political refugees hindered their ability to obtain legal permanent residence status, subsequently a high standard of living.
Today, these Central American refugees are still struggling to attain legal permanent residence status in the United States. Although their status remains in legal limbo, the refugees have become an integral part of their communities and have made substantial social, cultural and economic contributions to the United States.
Centro Romero’s Beginning
In 1982, a group of Salvadoran refugees living in Chicago decided to form an organization to assist other incoming Central American refugees. In honor of the Mons. Arnulfo Romero, an El Salvadoran martyr, this organization became known as Centro Romero. Mons. Romero was known as a defender of the people, a voice of the voiceless; these ideals remain at the core of Centro Romero's mission.
Services to the Community
When Centro Romero began operating, its first goal was to stabilize the refugee population's immigration and economic status. Centro Romero began providing basic food, job placement, housing orientation and assistance with immigration procedures of the INS. In 1984 Centro Romero grew to serve the needs of other Latino community members that had immigrated to the United States.
As the need for Centro Romero's services grew, staff and volunteers identified that a lack of English language skills was a major barrier for many Latino immigrants in securing employment with decent working conditions. Centro Romero responded to the need and began offering ESL and basic literacy courses; to help clients develop the necessary skills to survive and prosper in the United States.
Through the early stages of programming additional client needs we identified. High levels of domestic violence became recognized in the Latino community. Centro Romero responded by starting up a women’s program to assist victims of domestic violence by providing case management, support groups and leadership development. Additionally, Centro Romero began the Youth Learning and Leadership Program to provide academic support to help immigrant and refugee children transition into the American school system successfully.
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Funding
In 1985, Centro Romero received its first grant of $50,000 from the Chicago Public Library to provide Literacy Service for the Hispanic Community. By 1986, Centro Romero was incorporated and able to apply for funding from foundation and government entities. In 1986 IRCA (amnesty) legislation became law and many immigrants came seeking legal assistance to apply for the immigration benefits, which expanded our immigration legal assistance beyond the Central American refugee community. In 1988 and 1989 Centro Romero received $250,000 to provide educational services for people that became legal temporary residents through IRCA (amnesty).
After the IRCA funding ended, Centro Romero experienced difficult times. In 1991 and 1992 Centro Romero almost closed its doors. The closure was averted due to the income generated by assisting the immigrants under the Temporary Protection Status (TPS) granted by the Department of Justice for Salvadoran Nationals. The income generated enabled Centro Romero to raise the necessary fund to keep operating.
The Role of Volunteers
Since our beginning, volunteers have been our greatest resource. The founders, 12 Salvadoran refugees, performed any and all tasks that were needed to develop Centro Romero. Our founders did everything from cleaning the offices to teaching the adult education classes, administrative duties, shopping for supplies, etc. Many volunteers have been with Centro Romero for more than 10 years.
The tradition of strong volunteer participation continues. Today, only two staff members were not volunteers before they joined the staff. Centro Romero has a strong philosophy of developing indigenous leadership from our own community; many develop professional skills through their volunteer efforts.
The Future
Centro Romero’s future is bright and mission is resolute. Centro Romero will continue meeting the changing needs of a Latino community that continues to grow rapidly. In the coming years Centro Romero will continue to maintain a presence in this community, expand its financial resources and work toward owning and operating its own community center.
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