[Editor’s note: The following is an open letter from the board of El Centro Latino on the recent decision to shut down its facility in Carrboro.]
We regret to inform you that El Centro Latino has closed.
For the past few years, El Centro Latino has been dealing with many challenges including reduced grant funds and individual donations, leadership and staff transitions, as well as the economic recession. All of these factors have made it difficult for El Centro Latino (ECL) to continue pursuing its mission.
On Wednesday, Nov. 18, the Board of Directors faced the tough reality that ECL does not have sufficient funds to continue operating at its current capacity. It is with great regret and sadness that the Board wishes to inform the entire community that ECL closed its doors to the public on Wednesday, Nov. 25.
The Board is not dissolving the organization and will host a community-wide meeting in January to discuss in more detail the plans for the organization and how to best meet the needs of the Latino community of Orange County. Details about the meeting will be sent out at a later date.
Board members wish to thank all of the staff for their hard work, dedication and commitment. ECL is proud to have helped improve the lives of thousands of Latino immigrants in Orange County since 1999 through programs such as individualized employment assistance, English as a Second Language classes, after-school enrichment, cultural events and more. We are also grateful for all the support we received from our volunteers, community members, other organizations, churches, local government, businesses, foundations and donors.
The Board would like to acknowledge and thank Ilana Dubester, Interim Executive Director, for her work to structure and organize El Centro Latino in the last six months. We are fortunate to have had her help during this transition.
To the entire Orange County community, please accept our sincere gratitude for your support and your understanding. If you would like additional information about this notice or the meeting in January, please email eclcarrboro@gmail.com
Respectfully,
The Board of Directors of El Centro Latino