Spanish Community Center: Joliet's bilingual one-stop shop for families

How it started

The Spanish Community Center (SCC) began in the late 1960s, when the Adler, Maher and Hernandez families responded to the needs of migrant families in Joliet. It first operated out of a house on Herkimer Street and moved to its current home on North Eastern Avenue in the early 1980s.

Its early goal was to meet everyday needs in people's native language: help settling into the community and learning English. Today the center describes itself as multi-ethnic, multi-racial, multi-lingual and multi-generational, and it welcomes everyone, regardless of race or ethnic origin.

Mission

In its own words, the Spanish Community Center is "a bridge to the well-being of all members in an inclusive and engaged community." It focuses on improving quality of life for Latinos, immigrants and low-income residents through educational and social services.

What the center offers

Early care and education. A bilingual, year-round day care for children ages 2 through 5, using the research-based Creative Curriculum and focused on kindergarten readiness through a Head Start partnership.

Social services. Case management in a familiar language, including the Family Resource Program, the Illinois Welcoming Center, the Family Advocacy Center, a Housing Advocacy Program and a food pantry.

Citizenship and immigration. Services for all nationalities and countries of origin. The center is registered with the Illinois Attorney General for immigration services, and services are provided to eligible individuals.

Adult education. English as a Second Language classes, citizenship workshops, parenting and nutrition classes and financial literacy, offered with local partners.

Why it matters for Joliet

The SCC calls itself Will County's only bilingual one-stop shop for social and educational services. For many families, that means one trusted place to start, whether the need is child care, groceries, housing help or a path to citizenship. The center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and a partner agency of the United Way of Will County.

How to get help or get involved

Visit the main office at 309 N. Eastern Ave., Joliet, IL 60432, or call (815) 727-3683. Housing and legal offices are at 51 W. Jackson St., Suite 210, Joliet. Office hours can change, so call ahead or check the center's website before you visit. You can also support the center through volunteering, donations or its annual dinner.

Joliet Votes is independent and is not affiliated with the Spanish Community Center. This guide is based on the center's public information and news coverage.