HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Rebuilding your life in a new country can be intimidating, especially when you don’t know the language. This is exactly why the Latino Learning Center exists, to help the immigrant population integrate into the community. In 2022, they will celebrate 43 years of service to the Greater Houston area.
Oliver Jimenez first entered the center in July 2020, hoping to get one step closer to his goal of pursuing a new career. The non-profit organization, located in East Downtown, offers affordable classes for technical instruction in air conditioning and electricity.
“I wanted to learn a skill, something that I could start building on. They actually teach people really well, and it’s something that will get you on the field. So we can get hands-on training, which I I really wanted to do it,” said Jimenez.
For the past 43 years, the Latino Learning Center’s services have also included housing assistance for seniors from a wide range of backgrounds, as well as English language courses for the Spanish-speaking community.
Rodolfo Gonzalez, president and CEO, said it’s all about giving the immigrant population the resources to build a new life here in the US.
“We need to be together and united. I’m passionate about being united with our brothers who come from different parts of Latin America in our city, to do their work better,” Gonzalez told ABC13 in spanish.
Jimenez completed the 12-week course in September. He said it has opened up more opportunities for him to grow and progress in his career.
“My goal is to get a master’s license and then work at a subcontractor, which is an outside company,” he said.
As for the Latino Learning Center, Gonzalez said they hope to continue serving the community for years to come and expand their impact beyond Houston.
“I believe and I am sure that we have a great future ahead of us. We are planning to renovate the building. We are planning to open new educational programs. We want to reach more communities,” Gonzalez said.
For more information, visit the Latino Learning Center website.
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