Centro has been a reliable source of tools for the empowerment of people throughout its history. The organization has played, and will Continue to play, a crucial role in the healthy development of our increasingly diverse community of Washington County. Centro is a trusted member of the Latino Community and the community at large. We serve primarily Western Washington County by providing education and empowerment programs such as English as a Second Language, Spanish Literacy, Computer Technology, Cultural Values, Leadership Training and community organizing, Information and Referral.

Our Mission | Objectives

Our Mission:

Centro's mission is to promote social and economic development, meet basic human and community needs, and increase cultural consciousness and understanding among diverse groups of the community.

Objectives:

-- Promote human dignity, respect for the earth and a sense of belonging among members of the

   community.

-  Provide education training opportunities to enhance the skills needed to acquire dignified

   employment.

-  Provide an opportunity to express cultural values through the arts in order to enrich the community

   and increase awareness and the appreciation of other cultures.

-  Foster civic participation and responsibility in bringing out the common good.

-  Support members of the community by providing bilingual information and referral services.
 

History

Centro Cultural of Washington County was founded in 1972 by a group of immigrant families who decided to make their permanent home in this area to raise their families.  These families brought together their dreams and talents to create an organization that has been a leader in the transformation of the Latin culture in Washington County.  The Latino population in this area has the biggest growth in Oregon according to the federal census.  While the general population grew 44% (from 14,401 to 49,735), between 1990 & 2000, the Latino population grew 245% during the same period.