El Centro Hispano was founded by Sister Elaine Willett of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Jonesboro in 1997 as an outreach program for the largest growing minority in the region. In 2003 El Centro Hispano was incorporated as a certified 501(c)(3) non-denominational non-profit organization (Hispanic Community Services Inc.,) and a couple of years later Gina Gomez became the executive Director. In 2017, the leadership team brought their community together to construct a new facility that was 85% paid for at the time of construction. It is now bursting at the seams after only 6 short years. The building will soon be undergoing an expansion project due to El Centro Hispano’s unprecedented growth. In the past three years alone, its dedication to high-quality service allowed it to triple its budget and double its staff. This growth is partly because of the strong Executive board made up of 14 diverse experts in their field including doctors, researchers, executives, entrepreneurs, and mental health professionals from different backgrounds. El Centro Hispano’s rich history and internal capacity make it a hub for trustworthy investments, community collaboration, and cultural understanding.

The organization’s culturally responsive programs and services span six key areas: education, health, social, cultural, legal, and civic engagement. Following the needs of the community, El Centro Hispano began offering after-school and leadership programs since its inception. La Escuelita, a bilingual afterschool program offers one-on-one literacy support for English language learners and Hispanic Emerging Leaders Program (H.E.L.P.) offers career and college preparation for Hispanic high school students. Adult education programs are also continually offered with English, Spanish, and citizenship classes during multiple sessions throughout the year. The organization has continued to remain sensitive and develop new initiatives as needs arise. In 2021, thanks to national and state funders, it launched a statewide pre and postnatal education program in Spanish for Latina mothers called La Cuna (or The Cradle). Participants receive vital knowledge about their pregnancy along with free car seats, breast pumps, and diapers as a part of the program. Similarly, through its “Salud Mental Para Todos” (or Mental Health for All) program, El Centro Hispano has brought mental health awareness, psychoeducational interventions, and professional referrals to Spanish-speaking communities across the state. Education and access to oral health resources and services, are also a priority for the organization.

In the spirit of financial advancement and wealth building, it launched Emprendiendo in 2023 – a program equipping entrepreneurs with business development training necessary to build a successful brand. These few programs offer a vignette into the organization’s comprehensive approach for all ages that promises continual growth with no signs of slowing down.

El Centro Hispano’s growth is due in part to exceptional leadership that is “building opportunities, working together.” The organization is committed to respecting different opinions, backgrounds, and cultural beliefs in order to provide for the needs of the Hispanic community at large. This has led to delivering on promises and receiving awards as the key to the city of Jonesboro. Statewide continues to grow with recognitions including Naomi Cottom’s Community Health Worker of the Year 2023 and statewide recognitions awarded to members of El Centro Hispano’s staff. The organization was named NEA’s Top Outstanding Business of 2024 in the Nonprofit category and has previously been invited to represent the Hispanic community as part of Governor Hutchinson's State Police Taskforce, Latino Covid Taskforce, and the 2020 Census. As El Centro Hispano makes its mark on Arkansas, lives are being changed, leaders are being empowered, and Latin American immigrants are achieving minority representation for the organization’s central mission: to provide community leadership that improves quality of life and supports youth enrichment.