EL PUENTE LA PORTE COUNTY

ABOUT US

 In December of 1999, a group of concerned citizens supported by St. Anthony Memorial Health Centers, Michigan City Area Chamber of Commerce and the Hispanic Ministries, Gary Diocese began to meet to discuss concerns abut the well being of the growing number of Hispanics in La Porte County.  In November of 2000, a general meeting was held and resulted in the establishment of the Hispanic Outreach Program.  In 2001, as the result of an agreement between the Hispanic Outreach Program and the Workforce Development Services of South Bend, Indiana, El Puente Community Center (EPCC) was formed.  In June of 2003, El Puente signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Job works that included a provision for Job Works to provide salary and benefits for the then acting Director of EPCC.   EPCC became a 501 c 3 in June of 2003 and simultaneously began operation as an independent agency.

Highlights of accomplishments to date include, but are not limited to: 

• Assisting 25 first-time home buyers

• Adult ESL classes in Michigan City and La Porte

• ESL tutoring:  Rolling Prairie School

• Translations (court, police, hospitals, businesses, etc.)

• Three health fairs with over 950 people served

• Over 2.500 individuals served during the 2004-2005 fiscal year

• Mobile Mexican Consulate f2004 visit coordination

MISSION:

EPCC will serve as a cultural bridge between the La Porte county Hispanic community and the La Porte county community at-large to ensure access to and availability of services to enhance the quality of life in our community.   We believe the bridge will integrate the values and culture of the Hispanic community for the enrichment and betterment of the La Porte community. 

 VISION:

 EPCC will operate as a clearinghouse and resource center to meet the needs of the underserved populations within our community.  To realize its vision, EPCC will collaborate and form partnerships with existing service providers to promote and increase services including, but not limited to, health, legal, social, education, and occupational services and training.

 PURPOSE:

 The purpose of El Puente shall be subject to the provisions of it’s Articles of Incorporation and the Indiana Nonprofit Corporation Act of 1991, including, but not limited to, the following:

• Exclusively for charitable and educational purposes, and including (but without limitation thereto) the services which may be necessary to create a better community and provide bridges of opportunity for all by serving La Porte county and it’s Hispanic residents.

• To develop a coalition of citizens and organizations concerned with the well being of the growing number of Hispanics in La Porte county.

• To serve as a cultural bridge between the La Porte county Hispanic community and the La Porte county community at large.

• To promote and support a wide variety of available health, legal, social, educational and occupational services and training to the Hispanic community and Hispanic owned businesses.