Program areas at Central American Resource Center - CARECEN - of California
Legal Department: In 2020, the Legal Department provided information, legal advice and services to over 20,000 people. The legal department provided: 1) free information forums regarding various immigration issues, including eligibility for various immigration benefits (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals/DACA, legal permanent residence, employment authorization, asylum, naturalization, special immigrant juvenile status, family based petitions, U visa, VAWA, T visa, and removal defense matters), and 2) legal advice and free or low cost services, including assistance with including eligibility for various immigration benefits (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals/DACA, legal permanent residence, employment authorization, asylum, naturalization, special immigrant juvenile status, family based petitions, U visa, VAWA, T visa, and removal defense matters).
Day Labor Center: CARECEN's Day Labor Center offered workforce development for an average of 100 workers daily through its Economic Development Program. At the center, workers obtained temporary work, received health education and services, received assistance with wage theft claims, and participated in ESL classes, special skills workshops, conflict resolution training, and leadership training. The Center assisted workers with all aspects of the job search and hiring process and monitored employers to ensure fairness. The center facilitated a temporary work environment with restrooms, water, and protection from the elements, where workers had an equal opportunity to become employed and obtain institutional support when they were treated fraudulently.
Parent & Youth Center: The Parent & Youth Center provided leadership development training, advocacy and policy activities, and college admissions programs. The center offered programs to refugee youth, community parents, and school aged children. The programs assisted approximately 1,000 families with its activities. For the youth, the center provided educational programs, College Head Start and leadership development programs. For the parents, the center provided leadership and advocacy programs, English as a Second Language (ESL) and computer literacy and arts and crafts classes. All of the programs offered culturally relevant services for Latino immigrant families.