OUR MISSION
The Center of Help’s mission is to empower, educate and connect immigrants with resources to promote self-sufficiency, and to advocate for the successful integration of the immigrant community into Anne Arundel County and the surrounding areas.
Welcome to the Center of Help, a beacon of hope and a home of empowerment for the immigrant community in Anne Arundel County since 1999. Our organization, a recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit, has tirelessly worked to break cycles of poverty and adapt to the ever-changing needs of our community.
We focus on three key areas of service: Family Services, Educational Services, and Health & Mental Health Services. Our Family Services are designed to strengthen the familial fabric of our community. We assist families in navigating complex care systems, enhance the well-being of our youth, and foster robust family relationships. Our goal is to build resilience and empower our clients to reach their full potential.
Our Educational Services are centered on providing unique educational opportunities and fostering a culture of lifelong learning. We offer Citizenship classes and English language programs to equip our community members with the knowledge they need to succeed in their new home. These educational tools serve as the stepping stones to a brighter future.
Our Health & Mental Health Services are designed with a deep understanding of the unique challenges immigrants face. We provide bilingual mental health support and resources, ensuring no one has to navigate these challenges alone.
The Center of Help stands as a steadfast partner for immigrant families, assisting them to overcome hurdles, navigate unfamiliar systems, and achieve self-sufficiency. We’ve built trust, provided support, and left a lasting impact on thousands of lives. Today, we invite you to join us in this mission. Your help can change a life. Together, we can continue supporting our neighbors and make our community even stronger.
The Center of Help’s Case Navigation program assists immigrants in connecting with essential systems of care. Our experienced case navigators undergo rigorous training to provide guidance and support on a range of topics, including government application processes, legal resources, health programs, translation and interpretation, notary services, and more. We are committed to helping immigrants navigate complex systems and processes, so they can access the resources and services they need.
The Center of Help’s Pro Bono Immigration Legal Clinics provide free legal advice to immigrants who need assistance with a range of immigration matters. In partnership with Mid-Atlantic Legal & Immigration Services, we offer legal support to immigrant families and individuals who need help with obtaining visas, permanent residence, naturalization, and issues related to deportation or immigration detention, among other immigration issues.
The Strengthening Families program is a 14-session program designed to bring together Hispanic parents and children to strengthen family relationships. The program includes parenting education, social and life skills, problem-solving and decision-making skills, and family gatherings and activities to provide opportunities for fun and meaningful experiences that strengthen relationships. Each session also includes a family dinner and childcare to encourage participation and provide a supportive environment for learning and growth. Additionally, the program provides incentives to recognize participants’ progress and engagement.
Maria de la Paz Youth Outreach Center (MPYOC) is a daily after-school program and safe space for immigrant/Hispanic youth in middle and high school. The program promotes holistic wellness by integrating classes and activities such as martial arts, yoga, art therapy, mindfulness, and conflict resolution. The program also offers support in setting and working towards personal goals, math tutoring, and other academic resources to help students succeed.
A flexible and adaptive educational program for Spanish speakers who have not completed elementary or middle school. Plaza Comunitaria combines in-person and online sessions to accommodate the learning pace of each participant. In partnership with the National Institute of Adult Education (INEA by its abbreviation in Spanish), Plaza Comunitaria offers elementary and middle school diplomas and encourages graduates to continue their education with high school studies.
A weekly class for Legal Permanent Residents seeking U.S. citizenship. Participants practice reading and writing in English, learn U.S. history and civics, and perform mock interviews to prepare for the citizenship interview.
English as a Second Language (ESL) classes are divided into introductory, elementary, intermediate, and advanced levels. The ESL program complements the Community Plaza and Citizenship Class programs.
Computer Literacy classes are divided by modules that cover from introductory to intermediate level. This program provides the computer skills necessary to face the new technological challenges of the 21st century.
Our Mental Health Program offers free therapy to uninsured immigrants experiencing distress. We feature a bilingual (Spanish and English) licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with over 40 years of experience who provides culturally sensitive care. Our program aims to address a variety of mental health concerns, empower individuals to build resilience, and ultimately enhance their overall quality of life.
A program that incorporates Mental Health First Aid as a tool to build safer and more caring communities across Anne Arundel County. Health Ambassadors recognize and respond to people experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis or concern and connect them with appropriate care. This is a program carried out in collaboration with the Department of Health and delivered through door-to-door community engagement, mental health awareness sessions, and participation in focused community events.