Synchronized with the nascent gentrification process in the West Town/East Village area, in 1990 the Archdiocese of Chicago closed St. Boniface, a thriving Hispanic and Polish parish of more than 1200 families. A group of Hispanic families from the Christian Base Communities responded to this blow by founding Centro San Bonifacio, to encourage community solidarity, and to give structure to self-development projects in the neighborhood.
As the organization grew, the experience of the Base Communities and their roots in the tradition of Latin American liberation theology became the framework Center's vision and mission: to meet the immediate needs of poor and marginalized families, while at the same time encouraging long-term self-development and self-sufficiency.
One of our earliest initiatives was the training and mobilization of Promotores de Salud (Community Health Promoters). This is an internationally recognized model to mobilize community members for prevention, health promotion and community-building. Our Health Promoters are staff and volunteers.
Access to medical and social services has always been a prime concern for immigrants. Our Health Promoters focus on health promotion and disease prevention while working with families and local networks in the community. Much of their efforts are directed towards accompaniment, mutual support, and community self-development.
Following this self-empowerment model, Health Promoters are members of the target population they are seeking to reach: Spanish- speaking, low-income, immigrants. This approach works because Health Promoters work from within their own communities and share the same values, culture, language and life experiences.
On September 6 and 7 from 4-8pm we opened our doors to the community and supporters both old and new. Despite the rain, people came and enjoyed taquitos, arroz con gandules, fairly traded Cafe Rebelion and homemade horchata. Tables full of handicrafts from Maya works, Casa Guatemala, and Earthly Elements were in grand display and contributed to our representation of Latin culture and art. If you weren't able to make it, but are still interested in purchasing crafts and/or fairly traded coffee, stop by or contact Joanna at Ext 103. And stay tuned for our next exciting event!