ABOUT US
THE FOUNDER
MANOS UNIDAS
Manos Unidas first opened its doors on March 10, 2006 as a result of the joint partnership of the Latino Services Task Forces, an affiliate of Healthy Adams County, and St. Francis Xavier Church. The center is an all-volunteer community organization that promotes the integration of the growing diverse population in Adams County through programs that facilitate cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. The founder and current executive director is Amelia Contreras. She migrated from Mexico many years ago. Upon moving to Adams County she discovered a lack of support for Hispanic immigrants and their culture.
The founder and current executive director is Amelia Contreras. She migrated from Mexico many years ago. Upon moving to Adams County she discovered a lack of support for Hispanic immigrants and their culture. She created Manos Unidas as a place for the Hispanic population to seek answers to their questions and to learn the skills necessary to adequately integrate themselves into the American culture while at the same time preserving their own.
OUR HISTORY
Manos Unidas is a community organization that promotes the integration of the growing diverse population in Adams County through programs that facilitate cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.
2002
The Latino Services Task Force, an affiliate of Healthy Adams County recognized the need of the creation of a Hispanic Center. The increase of the Hispanic population started to be notable. The discussions were that in this county we are so blessed to have many services to support the families, but people were not aware of those services or did not feel confident to approach them.
2003
While this issue was always on the agenda of the Task Force, it was also recognized that the community in general should be aware of this concern and will be great to offer services to the community in general to learn to appreciate this change.
2004
The first attempt of a Hispanic-American Center was done by taking the opportunity offered by Mr. Charlie Sterner of using the Recreation Park Building. Spanish classes were offered in two sessions and Hispanic cultural activities were held at the building on Saturdays.
2006
It was until March 2006, with the support of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, when we opened the doors of the first and only Hispanic-American Center in Adams County. We started to receive volunteers especially members of the Latino Services Task Force and members of St. Francis Church with the objective of informing people and refer to community services.
2008
In October 2008 we incorporated Manos Unidas and applied to the IRS for the Non-Profit Status 501 © 3.
2009
We received the approval of the 501 © 3 Status on July 2009 retroactive to October 2008.
♦ Received funding from PADDC (PA Developmental Disabilities Council to include people with disabilities in all our programs)
2010
Manos Unidas launched a development campaign with the goal of staffing the center with a full-time executive director and office manager.
Manos Unidas facilitates the integration of the diverse and growing Hispanic community in the Adams County. Contact us to know more.
Copyright (c) 2024. Manos Unidas Hispanic-American Center. All rights reserved.
Founded by the Latino Services Task Force, an affiliate of Healthy Adams County and Saint Francis Xavier Church.