Maria Betancur

Progreso Latino, Inc.

Progreso Latino was founded in 1977 to serve Rhode Island's Latino and immigrant communities. Local Hispanic leaders saw that the state's existing infrastructure did not adequately meet the needs of the rapidly growing Latino immigrant population. A small group of community leaders came together to form a multi-cultural, multi-service agency with a mission of helping to build a stronger, more self-sufficient Latino community. Since then, PL has grown into the state's largest Latino community organization, serving thousands of people each year through over a dozen core programs and services. We have moved from our original storefront office staffed by a few committed activists to a four-story building in the heart of the city that houses over 50 employees. We have developed critical programs that serve as models for community agencies across Rhode Island. Progreso Latino's programs include adult education, early childhood education, senior services, health and wellness, workforce development, youth development, domestic violence intervention and prevention programs, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, immigration and social services, and emergency food relief. We have developed strong relationships with community partners throughout the state, and have touched the lives of tens of thousands of individuals.