Programs and Services
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.
If you qualify for this program the consultation is free.
Call for a consultation: 847-695-9050, Ext. 300 or 301 Appointments are available every Thursday and Friday from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
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
For more information, please contact our office at (847)695-9050.
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.
Immigration Program Staff:
Veian D’Abreu, Coordinator of Immigration Services (847)695-9050
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.
WELCOMING CENTER
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
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
Call 847-695-9050 to make an appointment.
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)
Immigration Program Staff:
Veian D’Abreu, Coordinator of Immigration Services (847)695-9050
PARENTING SKILLS CLASSES
Centro de Información provides a parenting classes in both English and Spanish. These courses are made up of nine, two-hour classes which meet once a week on Wednesday morning 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. 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.
Topics Included
Understanding yourself and your child
Understanding beliefs and ideas
How to encourage your child and yourself
Listen and talk with your child
Help children to cooperate
Discipline that makes sense
Choosing your approach
Just for Parents
Money Management
For more information, please contact us at (847)695-9050
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
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)