As Lou Rivera, York City Councilman announced today, the opening of Spanish-American Multicultural Resource Center in September, the Spanish-speaking community there now have something to look forward to, with a new place they can call "home."

The councilman who is spearheading the center said, this place was built to encourage poor communities not to hesitate seeking help. He added, often, these groups are hesitant to ask for assistance; therefore, there's a place on George Street where these people can come to "and feel welcome."

The new center, even though smaller, Rivera continued, can still provide vital resources to the so-called alienated in the entire county. 

Currently, the councilman shared, he is in the process of registering the resource center "as a '501(c) (3) nonprofit, with assistance from a steering committee, and HGSK Law Firm's attorney Mark Kogan.

Language Barriers

Language barriers are among the problems almost all Latinos in various states, not just Spanish-communities in York City encounter, and these have been an ongoing issue for several years now. 

New York Times, in 2014, reported that "these languages combined with prevalent illiteracy," have postured considerable obstacles to Latino immigrants' survival, from finding a job to acquiring access to health care, asking help from law enforcers and obtaining "legal redress in courts."

This phenomenon, the news outlet wrote, sometimes known as "linguistic isolation," impacts a lot of immigrant populations to changing degrees. 

Roles the Resource Center will Play in the Lives of Immigrants

According to the councilman, York City already had "the York Spanish-American Center" located on East Princess Street. However, the immigrant advocacy group, CASA took over control after the late-2017 merger.

Initially, explained Rivera, the resource center's main focus will be the utilization of alliance with companies and organizations for the empowerment of the Latino populace.

The partnership, the councilman added, will include pairing people with programs concerning healthcare, education and jobs. More so, the resource will work to better incorporate Latinos into a community, like through food and arts scenes.

Meanwhile, York City Mayor Michael Helfrich said, overall, he thinks, it is quite essential "to have centers where people are comfortable." He also said it is vital to have a center where individuals feel their own culture and language exemplified.

The center was made possible by the Crispus Attucks Association, which is the present owner of the property but donated it for free. Crispus, according to Executive Director Bobby Simpson, will also pay for the center's rent and utilities.

Another donor, Rivera shared, is W. Dale Brougher Foundation's Bob Bossert, who donated a five-figure amount. There is no specific amount given, though. 

Rivera and those helping him with the center, are currently developing a strategic plan, introducing the center as a nonprofit, and creating a vision statement.

And, while the much-awaited date of opening is only more than a couple of months away, the councilman said, there should not be any problem along the way since donations have already accelerated the process.

The resource center's grand opening takes place during the Spanish Heritage Month, happening from September 15 to October 15. 

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