Centro Hispano Comunitario de Nebraska, also known as Centro Hispano, is a left-of-center advocacy organization based in Columbus, Nebraska, offering educational and business programs to immigrants in Nebraska. 1 Centro Hispano receives support from left-of-center organizations including the Center for Rural Affairs. 2
Programs
Created in 2009, Centro Hispano Comunitario De Nebraska offers community programs including immigration services and educational opportunities to immigrants in Nebraska. 1
Centro Hispano’s immigration program offers legal assistance from individuals who specialize in immigration law, 3 In 2023, Centro Hispano reported opening over 400 new immigration cases. 2 The organization also offers educational services to those looking to earn graduate-equivalency degrees (GED) as well as programs aimed at enhancing computer skills. 3 Also in 2023, the organization helped more than 670 adult learners and reported nine GED graduates. 2 Centro Hispano aids entrepreneurs with navigating the business and commerce system in Nebraska 3 and reported helping over 760 entrepreneur participants and registering five new businesses. 2
Centro Hispano also advocates for immigration issues with elected representatives. In 2013, Centro Hispano attended a town hall meeting in Columbus, Nebraska, with former U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE). 4
Events
In 2023, Centro Hispano hosted a gala sponsored by organizations such as ACLU Nebraska, Berkshire Hathaway, Center for Rural Affairs, Great Plains State Bank, Nebraska Public Power District, Pinnacle Bank, and Unity In Action. 2 The event raised over $32,000 for the organization. 2
Finances
Centro Hispano’s tax returns for 2021 reported total revenue of more than $550,000, total expenses of just under $470,000, and total assets of about $94,000. 5 Centro Hispano’s 2023 Impact Report described incoming grants totaling more than $1 million, with total revenue exceeding $1.15 million. 2
Organizations that have donated to Centro Hispano include the Cooper Foundation and Nebraska Presbyterian Foundation as well as the left-of-center Sherwood Foundation, an organization founded by the daughter of Warren Buffett; and the Weitz Family Foundation, a left-of-center grantmaking organization. 6
Leadership
Karina Perez is the executive director of Centro Hispano. 7 Perez sits on the board of CASA Connections and the Center for Rural Affairs. 8 Perez is also an ex-officio member of the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce 8 and is an at-large member of the Nebraska Community Foundation. 9 She studied at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. 8
Quelbin Izaguirre is the board chair of Centro Hispano. 6 Izaguirre is the Chief Operating Officer at NeighborWorks, a non-profit organization providing affordable housing opportunities. 10
References
- “Home.” Centro Hispano. Accessed September 8, 2024. https://www.centrohispanos.com/.
- Rep. 2023 Impact Report. Centro Hispano Comunitario De Nebraska. Accessed September 1, 2024.
- “Programs.” Centro Hispano. Accessed September 1, 2024. https://www.centrohispanos.com/programs.
- UnidosUS. “This Week in Immigration Reform – Week Ending August 16.” UnidosUS, August 26, 2021. https://unidosus.org/blog/2013/08/17/this-week-in-immigration-reform-week-ending-august-16/.
- Centro Hispano Comunitario De Nebraska, Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990), 2021 https://apps.irs.gov/pub/epostcard/cor/364653827_202112_990_2023012520809965.pdf.
- “About.” Centro Hispano. Accessed September 1, 2024. https://www.centrohispanos.com/about-us.
- “About.” Centro Hispano. Accessed September 8, 2024. https://www.centrohispanos.com/about-us.
- “Karina Perez.” Nebraska Community Foundation, May 24, 2023. https://www.nebcommfound.org/about/board-of-directors/karina-perez/.
- “Board of Directors.” Nebraska Community Foundation, December 9, 2021. https://www.nebcommfound.org/about/board-of-directors/.
- “We Want to Help Everyone Find That Place They Can Call Home.” NeighborWorks Northeast Nebraska. Accessed September 1, 2024. https://nwnen.org/about-us/.