Programs and Services

DEFERRED ACTION FOR CHILDHOOD ARRIVALS

If you are in need of legal assistance, or have questions about DACA, Centro de Información’s immigration team is here for your support.

What is DACA?

On June 15, 2012, the secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a memorandum allowing undocumented individuals who came to the U.S. as children and met certain guidelines to apply for DACA.

Who Qualifies? 

  • Came to the US under the age of 16

  • Under 31 years old before June 15, 2012

  • Physically present in June 15, 2012

  • Have been living in the US since June 15, 2007 to present

  • Are currently in school or graduated from a High School or GED program in the U.S.

  • Do not represent a threat to National Security or public safety

Benefits 

DACA recipients receive permission to live and work in the U.S. for two years (may be renewed). DACA recipients may apply for a social security number and in most states a driver’s license. DACA recipients may apply for permission to travel abroad.

To meet with an immigration counselor, please call: (847)695-9050.

Call Immigration Services for Questions or to Make an Appointment Immigration Services (847)695-9050 Ext 300

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IMMIGRATION SERVICES

Centro’s immigration team is accredited by the Department of Justice. Their broad knowledge of immigration law and procedures enable them to offer counseling on immigration benefits and risks for each individual client. Consultations are low cost thanks to grants from the Illinois Coalition for Immigration and Refugee Rights and the Illinois Access to Justice program

For an appointment to meet with an immigration counselor, please call: (847)695-9050.

Services

  • General Consultation

  • Citizenship and Naturalization

  • Renewal of Legal Permanent Resident Card

  • Adjustment of Status in the USA

  • Employment Authorization Card

  • Family Petition/Consular Process

  • “U” VISA, VAWA and assisted Asylum

  • DACA Deferred Action Renewal

  • Affidavit of support

  • Removal of Conditions on Residence

  • TPS (Temporary Protection Status)


Call Immigration Services for Questions or to Make an Appointment Immigration Services (847)695-9050 Ext 300

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ACCESS TO JUSTICE PROGRAM

Through a new program called Access to Justice, Centro can now offer a variety of immigration processes for free. Department of Justice accredited representatives or immigration attorneys from Beyond Legal Aid can answer questions and offer immigration education and legal services at Centro de Información’s Elgin office.

To qualify for the new Access to Justice Services, you must be low-income and an Illinois resident.

Consultations cost $40.00.

Call for a consultation: 847-695-9050, Ext. 300. Appointments are available every Thursday and Friday from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m.

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The Community Resources Team counsels clients on their eligibility to apply for a number of public benefits that are available to State of Illinois residents regardless of immigration status. This means helping low-income, immigrant families and other individuals with limited English proficiency who are striving toward economic independence to gain access to resources needed for proper health, well-being and financial self-sufficiency.

Assistance in applying for:

  • All kids (ages 0-19)

  • Medicaid

  • HBIA (immigrants ages 42-64)

  • HBIS (immigrants ages 65+)

  • TANF (temporary assistance for needy families)

  • Renewal for any public benefit above

  • SNAP program, LINK card activation (food stamps)


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HEALTH INSURANCE

Looking for health insurance that fits your health needs and budget? Medicaid or All Kids could be the answer.

What is included?

  • Doctor visits

  • Hospital stays

  • Preventitive care

  • Prenantal and maternity care

  • Mental health care

  • Needed medications

  • Vision and dental care, for children only

Who is eligible?

  • Children and teens up to age 19

  • Parents and other adults

  • Pregnant women

  • People with disabilites

  • Youth in foster care

  • U.S. citizens and certain lawfully present immigrants

    may be eligibile

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EMERGENCY FOOD PANTRY

Centro de Información has an Emergency Food Pantry located at our main office in Elgin. Its principal purpose is to serve the needs of the Hispanic population, with special attention given to food that Hispanics might eat on a daily basis.

The Emergency Food Pantry needs a constant flow of food donations in order to meet the needs of the community. Centro is fortunate to have a supportive network of corporate, church, and community resources and volunteer, but we are always in need of additional donations and helpful hands.

Hours of Distribution, By Appointment Only, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays 1-4 pm.

If you would like to volunteer or contribute to our pantry, please contact us at (847)695-9050.

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Centro’s Welcoming Center Team offers comprehensive support to assist new immigrants and refugees to integrate in the community in a linguistically and culturally sensitive manner. This includes helping with crisis, advocacy, and removing barriers to integration

Services

  • Immigrant Family Support Program

  • Crisis support

  • Informative Workshops

  • Employment Information

  • Housing Information

  • Interpretation/Translations

  • References to lawyers, emergency food Pantries, mental health, healthcare

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PARENTING SKILLS CLASSES

Centro de Información provides parenting classes in both English and Spanish. These courses are made up of nine, two-hour classes which meet once a week over a nine-week period.

Throughout the course, parents have opportunities to seek advice, share concerns, and relate to other parents. Attendees will receive small assignments to do at home and will be required to pass a final exam in order to complete the course.

If parents have been referred by the Department of Children and Families Services (DCFS), the instructor will make up to four home visits during the nine weeks of the course. If parents have been referred by the court or a private agency, the cost will be based on the agency and court requirements.

For more information, please contact us at (847)695-9050 EXT.303

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Centro de Información provides a diverse range of services and resources to the community. Our team of counselors are skilled in delivering culturally appropriate and relevant services, such as:

  • General Information and Referrals

  • Interpretation and Translation of Written Communications,

  • Housing, Employment, and Immigration Advocacy

  • Information Fairs

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Additional Services