Although the Latino Upstate Summit was started by the great leadership of Lourdez Iglesias, and in
the last two events it has been put together by many different leaders of the Hispanic Community of
Upstate New York, the core-base of this overall event is focused and founded in the collaboration and
involvement of Hispanic-based non-for-profit organizations of the same region.
Centro Cívico Hispanoamericano, Inc. (CCH) is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt organization which was
founded in 1975. Centro Cívico was organized after a group of Hispanics and non-Hispanics identified
a need for creating a viable access mechanism for the growing Hispanic community in the Capital
District. Since its inception, CCH has been actively involved in developing a variety of projects,
providing services, and coordinating services throughout the Hispanic community. As its main platform,
CCH has adopted the following as the central elements in the organizations mission statement:
address social needs
Centro Cívico Hispanoamericano serves as a strong advocate for economically and socially
disadvantaged Hispanics through programs and services designed to improve their status in the
community.
THE IBERO-AMERICAN ACTION LEAGUE (www.iaal.org)
The Ibero-American Action League has been providing services to the community since 1968. Over the
years, we have progressed into an agency that has 21 sites and employs 270 diverse employees.
We are particularly proud of the different programs that we offer and how every day we help change
lives and ensure self sufficiency for those that we serve
As we celebrate our accomplishments and look forward to continuing our quest for a better tomorrow,
we must reflect on what the future status of Latinos in this country will be and what will the
Census report about Latinos in the year 2010. Will our community be prosperous during the next
decade, or will the Latino population continue to grow significantly in numbers while remaining a
struggling community as is indicated in the Census and all studies done during the 90's?
As we look into the future Ibero will continue to move forward with its mission and vision, ensuring
that the agency continues to provide quality care and advocacy for those who are underrepresented and
underserved in our community.
CENTRO CIVICO OF AMSTERDAM (www.centrocivico.org)
(specific information about this organization will be coming here soon - please, check again)
HISPANOS UNITED BUFFALO (www.hubwny.com)
(specific information about this organization will be coming here soon - please, check again)
PUERTO RICAN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AND RESOURCE CENTER (www.pryd.org)
Located in the heart of the Hispanic/Latino community of Northeast Rochester, the Puerto Rican Youth
Development and Resource Center is an agency that reaches all youth in the Greater Rochester Area
with emphasis on Hispanic/Latino youth.
Our mission is to advocate for and enhance the quality of life of Hispanic children, youth, and their
families and thereby help build a better community in the Monroe County area. This is achieved by
providing services in the areas of education, health, leadership development, cultural enrichment,
employment, and by providing positive role models. Our special emphasis is on youth who face
socio-economic challenges.
Among its services, the Puerto Rican Youth Development and Resource Center offers individualized
risk-reduction counseling, substance abuse counseling and referral to treatment, academic behavioral
counseling, facilitates referrals to local medical, financial and legal services, and the
coordination of health insurance benefits (Medicaid, SSI, DSS).
P.R.Y.D. also promotes youth clubs, annual fair and conferences, runs a computer technology center
for youth and their families and organizes the Annual Hispanic Leadership and Youth Conference and
annual neighborhood fairs.
P.R.Y.D. is one of the New York State Education Department's Liberty Partnership Programs.
SPANISH ACTION LEAGUE (www.spanishactionleague.com)
Also know as "La Liga", the Spanish Action League seeks ways that the community can empower themselves on the way to self-sufficiency. Through opportunities, economic development and education
the community will prosper as a whole.
Since 1969, the Spanish Action League has strived to help a community that faces so many barriers
everyday; for instance, the people we help, often do not speak English, and have difficulty
adjusting to foreign cultural norms. We bridge the cultural and experiential gap, and give our
clients comfort to hold on to in times of crisis. We strongly believe in what we do for the
community, and will continue to fulfill our mission long into the future.
If you ever have any questions regarding our organization, are interested in volunteering your time
for any events, or sponsoring an event feel free to call Shannon Ryan at (315) 475-6153, extension
218 or email at execassistant@laligaonline.com.
FINGER LAKES HEALTH SYSTEMS AGENCY (www.flhsa.org)
The Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency (FLHSA) is the leader in community based health planning and
works to promote the health of the region's population by:
