El Centro Hispano Named Top Nonprofit in Northeast Arkansas
In a recent ceremony hosted by Talk Business & Politics and Arvest Bank, El Centro Hispano was honored as the top nonprofit in Northeast Arkansas for 2024. The organization, founded in Jonesboro in 1997, was recognized for its outstanding services and programs aimed at improving the lives of immigrants in the region and across the state.
Founded by Catholic sister Elaine Willett of Blessed Sacrament, El Centro Hispano was established in response to the growing Hispanic population in Jonesboro in the mid-1990s. Recognizing the lack of support programs for these newcomers, Willett formed the organization, which later became a nonprofit in 2003. Gina Gomez was hired as the executive director the same year.
El Centro Hispano offers a wide range of services in six key areas: educational, social, cultural, health, legal, and civic engagement. The organization has seen significant growth over the years, expanding its reach to cover other parts of the state and providing approximately 10,000 services annually to Hispanic community members.
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, El Centro Hispano has secured over $1.1 million in funding from national organizations to support the health of the community. The organization’s budget and assets have tripled in the past two years through fundraising and stakeholder commitment.
Gomez emphasized the organization’s holistic approach to public service, empowering clients to help themselves through a multidimensional service repertoire. El Centro Hispano has become a leader in the nonprofit sector in Arkansas, providing essential services to immigrant populations and serving as a voice for Spanish-speaking community members in rural areas.
The organization’s success and impact have been recognized by public agencies across the state, solidifying its position as a vital resource for the Hispanic community in Arkansas.
