Centro de Información was founded in 1972 in Elgin, Illinois, to help address the needs of a small but growing Hispanic community in the northwest Chicago suburbs that had only limited knowledge of the cultural, linguistic, and legal systems of the United States. Since then, Centro has provided information and resources in Spanish in a culturally sensitive manner to assist thousands of immigrants in overcoming barriers of language and culture. Centro de Información’s mission is to empower Hispanics with the ability to effectively integrate into the greater community through the facilitation of information, education, citizenship, and well-being.

Centro de Información is now one of 34 official State of Illinois Welcoming Centers for immigrants and refugees and serves thousands of clients each year. In addition to the Welcoming Center Team, Centro is a Department of Justice accredited organization with accredited Immigration Counselors who help clients navigate immigration law, including – but not limited to – naturalization, DACA renewals, removal of conditions on residence, securing visas, asylum status and more. Centro’s Community Resources Team help clients, often in crisis situations, to access food via Centro’s emergency food pantry or signing up for SNAP, various healthcare programs and other resources. Centro has three office locations:  one in Elgin, one in Carpentersville and one in Hanover Park. 

Centro’s geographic priority is northern Kane County and far northwest Cook counties, although some clients come from Chicago and other far suburban communities. Centro’s clients over the last fifteen years have come from over 60 countries of origin. Most clients come from Mexico, Central and South America, but also Laos, Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, and many African and European countries. Two-thirds of Centro’s clients are female adults between the ages of 19 and 59 and have an income level under $15,000 per year. 

Centro’s Board of Directors is nearly 90% Hispanic with strong professional leadership backgrounds representing legal, financial, technological and municipal organizations. All Centro’s program staff are fully bilingual and bicultural. 

Our Values

The following principles form the basis for all conduct and decision-making within our organization, with those we serve, and with our greater community