El Centro De Las Americas
About El Centro De Las Americas
El Centro de las Américas is the kind of place people turn to when life calls for more than one kind of help at once. In Lincoln, it supports Hispanic/Latino families and the community at large with youth leadership, GED and citizenship classes, legal aid, mental health support, and practical community assistance, all through a bilingual, bicultural team. If you want to support an organization that meets people where they are and helps with the next step, this is a strong place to start.
What sets El Centro apart is how naturally it brings assistance, education, and health together in one community center. A person can find help with applications, translation, classes, legal matters, wellness support, and more without having to start over somewhere else.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Latino Leadership Youth Program
Weekly youth leadership development for Latino and Latina youth in grades 6-12, with workshops, mentorship, community service, educational field trips, case management, and prevention-focused topics.
GED Program
Spanish-language GED classes for adults age 18 and older, with adjustable study time, teacher support, and mock exams to help prepare for the tests.
Citizenship Classes
Free citizenship classes in Lincoln and online that prepare participants for reading, writing, civics, and the Form N-400 interview, with partner legal help for applications.
Community Assistance Programs
Help with applications, job search support, unemployment forms, translation and interpretation, referrals, notary services, and other assistance such as benefits navigation.
UPLIFT Project
Legal assistance with civil cases, housing, debt collection, and employment matters through a partnership with Legal Aid of Nebraska, offered by appointment.
Women’s Support / Mujeres en Confianza
Group and one-on-one support for women facing dating violence, sexual abuse, stalking, or domestic abuse, including safety planning and connections to local resources.
Wellness Program
Health and wellness support for low-income clients and people without health insurance, including medical home support, nutrition classes, consultations, fitness groups, wellness groups, and city resource navigation.
Women’s Wellness
Breastfeeding and women’s wellness support, including workshops on parenting and child development and the Lactancia Latina group.
Vida Sana
Free onsite mental health services in collaboration with UNL’s HABLa Lab, including assessments, interventions, education, and referrals.
Tobacco Program
Tobacco and vapor prevention education and presentations for Hispanic/Latino youth and families through El Centro activities, faith-based activities, and community events.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
Educating and Empowering Hispanic/Latino Families and the Community At-Large
Who they serve
Hispanic/Latino families and the community at large in Lincoln, Nebraska, including Latino and Latina youth in grades 6-12, adults seeking education or citizenship support, people needing community assistance, and women experiencing domestic violence.
How your donation helps
- operations and programs
- youth leadership development
- education services
- health and mental health services
- community assistance and legal aid
Our story
El Centro de las Américas began as the Hispanic Community Center in 1982 and was officially registered as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) in 1983. Its work is organized around a Three Pillar Approach centered on Assistance, Education, and Health.
Need help?
How someone in need can access El Centro De Las Americas’s services.
People can contact the office by phone, in person, or through the contact form to ask about services. Some programs have direct staff contacts, GED classes meet Tuesday through Thursday, citizenship classes are offered in person and online, and UPLIFT appointments are scheduled through program staff.
Events
Latino Festival
annualAnnual community festival celebrating the cultures that make Lincoln vibrant, with food, entertainment, music, community booths, vendors, and interactive activities.
Wine, Chocolate, Tango
annualAnnual fundraising event with dinner, wine, chocolates, and Tango performances, with proceeds benefiting El Centro’s operations and programs.
Juneteenth - Malone Center
Community celebration with live entertainment, free food, small business booths, youth activities, and community resources.
Juneteenth - F St Community Center
Community celebration with live performances, ice cream, giveaways, and family activities.
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
Who can participate in the Latino Leadership Youth Program?
The program is for Latino and Latina youth in grades 6-12, and anyone interested in learning about Latino/Hispanic culture can join.
How do people access Community Assistance services?
People can reach out by phone, visit in person, or use the contact form to ask for help with applications, employment, translation, referrals, and related services.
How do the citizenship classes work?
The classes are free, offered in Lincoln and online, and cover reading, writing, civics, and the Form N-400 interview.
What support is available through Mujeres en Confianza?
It offers group and one-on-one support, safety planning, and connections to local resources for women experiencing domestic violence.
Similar nonprofits
Other ethnic & immigrant centers nonprofits in NE.