OUR HISTORY

The Hispanic Service Center was originally named the Spanish Speaking Information Center. In 1972, several local charitable Hispanic residents began providing food, clothing, and bilingual translation services to migrant workers and Hispanic families who had settled in the area. After years of surviving on donations and small contributions, the organization was officially incorporated on October 28, 1985, and its name was changed to the Hispanic Service Center in recognition of the Hispanics who founded it. In 1986, the Hispanic Service Center became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Over time, the Center broadened its scope of services to include all minorities and others in need throughout Lapeer County, regardless of race.

On September 16, 1991, the Hispanic Service Center and Bethany Mennonite Fellowship partnered to purchase a two-unit home in Imlay City to be used as a family shelter. On March 19, 1991, the Mennonite board members signed over their ownership of the property to the Hispanic Service Center. For the past thirty years, the Hispanic Service Center has provided a temporary home to many homeless families in Lapeer County. The shelter’s goal is to keep the entire family together during times of crisis while helping them improve their living conditions. It remains the only family shelter in Lapeer County where a homeless family can stay together for up to thirty days.

The Hispanic Service Cemter has come a long way from its humble beginnings and is now recognized both locally and countywide for the assistance it provides to those in need, regardless of race. For the past forty-nine years, the Hispanic Service Center has successfully delivered a variety of services to low-income individuals facing difficult circumstances, helping them find ways to improve their lives. The Hispanic Service Center collaborates with many Lapeer County agencies to avoid duplication of services, and we are pleased that many agencies refer clients to us. As a result, the community increasingly recognizes that the Hispanic Service Center assists anyone in need, not just members of the Hispanic community.

Today, 43% of Imlay City’s population is Hispanic. Many are descendants of the original migrant families who purchased permanent homes and settled in Imlay City in the 1940s and 1950s, along with newer families who later chose to make Imlay City their home. After many years of renting, the HSC purchased a building in Imlay City in 2018 to serve as its office space.

The Hispanic Service Center continues to do everything possible to support those in our community. With the dedication and passion of our volunteers, partner agencies, board members, employees, and community supporters, we are where we are today. Everyone in our community, regardless of race, is welcomed at the Hispanic Service Center with open arms.

Written by Angie McCoy