Mano a Mano Family Resource Center History
Mano a Mano Family Resource Center opened its doors on September 16th, 2000 as a combined effort
between the Government, Mayor Ila Bauer; Law Enforcement, Round Lake Park-Hainesville Police
Department, Police Chief Bruce Johnson; and thanks to the support of the State of Illinois
Senator William Peterson and 52nd District Representative Mark H. Beaubien Jr., who helped us
obtain a legislative member initiative grant for $100,000.00. Since then, Mano a Mano has been
awarded several grants from various organizations including United Way of Lake County, Microsoft,
March of Dimes, Roy G. Kerr Foundation, Grand Victoria Foundation, Hispanics in Philanthropy, Bank
of America, ICIRR, Lake County Community Foundation, The Chicago Community Trust and Healthcare
Foundation of Northern Lake County. The Mano a Mano Family Resource Center Foundation, Inc. was
formed in February 2001 and in October 9, 2001 obtained its 501(c)(3) status from the IRS.
Mano a Mano serves primarily Hispanic families in Lake County, most of whom recently arrived
in the area, are low-income, speak little or no English, have on average a second or third grade
education, and suffer from poor prenatal care, health, and living conditions. These families need
help finding employment, learning English, and accessing the most indispensable services to thrive
and become active members of their community. Mano a Mano responds to a critical need of immigrant
families in Lake County, especially Hispanics that are looking for services and do not have anywhere
else to go.
The services that Mano a Mano provides to the community are offered regardless of race, creed,
religion, gender, national origin, age, or disability and are unique in Lake County Illinois.
Mano a Mano has been fulfilling a significant need. Services provided by Mano a Mano are critical
to the quality of life for the underserved families in Lake County. The value of Mano a Mano is
evidenced by the continued need for expanded programs.
Mano a Mano serves more than 3000 community members annually.
|
