Latino Outreach Program

Program Overview:
The Latino Outreach Program provides ongoing case management and a comprehensive set of services designed to assess Latino individuals and family needs in order to aid them in becoming productive, self-reliant members of the community.

Service Area: Primary - Heart of Illinois United Way Service Area (Peoria County, Tazewell County, Woodford County, Marshall County, Putnum County & Stark County)

Services Provided:

• Bilingual Case Management
  • Assesment of client need. Staff ensures that appropriate services are provided which include, but is not limited to translation services as well as referrals to internal and external services.
  • Translation services: legal, medical, employment, immigration, etc.
• Classroom Instruction
  • Citizenship Preparation, ESL and GED classes.
• Bilingual assistance with tax preparation
• Path to Citizenship Series
  • Informational seminars on topics such as immigration, citizenship, housing, community police relations, and gang/violence prevention.
• Cultural Enhancement
  • Latino Health Fair, Por Amor Group, Cinco de Mayo Celebration, etc.
• Community Presentations
  • Presented by Agencies & community members to educate the community about various areas such as medical, banking, legal, school system and immigration, etc.
• Scouting Program
  • Cub & Boy Scout memberships for Latino youth
  • Partnership with Boy Scouts of America

Program Facts/Accomplishments:

• The 2010 US Census shows that the City of Peoria’s Latino population has doubled – increasing from 2,839 in 2000 to 5,628 in 2010.
• Last year almost 1,000 Latino individuals received services through our Latino Outreach Program.
• Friendship House has the first Hispanic Cub Scout and Boy Scout Troop in the area.
• The Por Amor (“For Love”) Knitting Group has made over 1,000 blankets that have been donated to hospitals and/or individuals for sick children and seniors.
• Since 2010, 10 individuals have obtained Citizenship through the Pathway to Citizenship Program.
• The Matthew 25 Jewelry Cooperation has sold more than 300 Matthew 25 bracelets. Members of the cooperation include 7 members from the Por Amor Group.

Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , Director of Latino Program
Peoria Friendship House of Christian Service
800 NE Madison ∙ Peoria, IL 61603
309-671-5200

This Program is funded by: