Chambersburg Hispanic American Center sets record for number of people it helped in 2008
By VICKY TAYLOR Staff writer

CHAMBERSBURG -- The Chambersburg Hispanic American Center in downtown Chambersburg served a record number of people last year, according to center Director Diane Martes.

The center, which provides counseling in both Spanish and English for low-income Hispanic adults, served 366 individuals who made a total of 1,185 visits to the center in 2008, compared to 110 client visits a decade ago.

Martes said clients get help filling out paperwork and applications and are provided information about a variety of services that help them become self-sufficient and integrated into the fabric of life in their communities.

"CHAC promotes unity among various Hispanic ethnic groups and between the Hispanic and non-Hispanic community," she said. "Our community is one."

According to Martes, the top reasons for visits to the center, in addition to obtaining information about various services and getting help with paperwork, are translation of documents and referrals to various agencies, including legal services and the Department of Public Welfare.

The center helps clients obtain housing, provides a clothing clinic and runs English as a second language classes. The nonprofit agency also networks with businesses, government and nonprofit agencies to provide clients with other comprehensive services.

Although CHAC serves any low-income person regardless of ethnicity, clients are primarily Spanish speaking, and have come from 19 countries.

Martes said the larger
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Franklin County community has been supportive of the work and services the center provides, and welcomes volunteers from the entire community whether or not they speak Spanish.

"CHAC thanks Franklin County residents for their continued financial support and the donation of clothing and household goods for use by clients," she said in a press release last week outlining 2008 statistics for the center.

Founded by Martes in 1988, CHAC is a nonprofit organization registered with the state's Bureau of Charitable Organizations.

The center, at 252 S. Main St., is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Martes can be reached at 262-2480 or by e-mail at chac@innernet.net.

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Vicky Taylor can be reached at 262-4753 or vtaylor@publicopinionnews.com.

http://www.publicopiniononline.com/ci_11660916