"Any situation in which some men prevent others from engaging in the process of inquiry is one of violence; ... to alienate humans from their own decision making is to change them into objects." -Paulo Freire

Centro Romero is a community-based organization that works with the under-served community members on the Northside of Chicago, primarily those of Latino decent, and aims to provide opportunities to these residents.  Centro Romero places a strong emphasis on the development of the whole family unit and leadership in order to promote individual and community growth. They aim to provide quality social and adjustment services to a multi-ethnic community; stimulate personal, family, and community development through education and collaboration with human service agencies; and offer social, cultural, and recreational activities for all community residents.

SERVICES

Centro Romero offers a wide variety of services to its members, however the four main programs include:

• Adult Education
• Women's Programs
• Legal Assistance
• Youth Learning and Leadership

The Adult Education Program provides English classes to students for free. These classes range from English as a Second Language (ESL), Spanish GED, and Citizenship Exam classes. One on one tutoring is also available to those who need help in specific areas. The Women's Program primarily targets problems with domestic violence and has created a Women's Leadership Development Project, mutual aupport groups, and Special events/art/cultural programs. Those who work in Legal Assistance focus on translating documents, participating in court representations, and administrative assistance. Centro Romero even has a Youth Program which provides after school tutoring (both in groups or one on one), recreational activities, special projects in the arts and sciences, holiday celebrations, field trips, and mentoring. Aside from the various programs that the center offers, there is also great participation in computer skill training, grant writing, administrative support, etc. 

PARTICIPATION

I believe that Centro Romero provides its services with a great emphasis on participation. The teachers, volunteers, and rest of the staff understand that teaching is very complex, and when teaching those who are in serious need of help, it can be a very long and slow process; however, they are patient, persistent and dedicated to help the students learn. Centro Romero is not quite a charity, for it does not simply give money to those who need help. Rather, they work for social change by providing education. While charity is very intimate and does provide immediate results, education is much more valued at the center because it allows each individual to apply what they learn to the real world, at the same time as raise awareness of social issues. The students are able to start a new life and obtain opportunities that would have otherwise been very difficult to get. Centro Romero really pushes for active participation by its staff and volunteers because they are the ones who start making this change possible. Also, Centro Romer's programs target problems at institutional levels rather than individual levels, which will provide for progress on a much wider scale. They will help build a community whose participants are able to assimilate into the American culture and start progressing in society. Centro Romero works within a framework that requires participation by the staff, students, teachers, and outside community. As more individuals become involved, the potential for change keeps growing.

Below is a link to Centro Romero's website:

Image source: https://twitter.com/CentroRomero