Casa Central

Casa Central Casa Central transforms lives and strengthens communities with a special focus on Hispanics.

In the 1950’s, Polish, Yiddish, Ukrainian, Belarusian, Slovak, and Lithuanian languages could be heard along the side streets of West Town, Logan Square, and Humboldt Park. The steady migration of seasonal workers from Puerto Rico and Mexico brought a substantial population of Hispanics to Chicago, adding the Spanish language to this culturally diverse mix of Chicago’s inner city. In the midst of a foreign culture, many immigrant workers soon found themselves unprepared for Chicago’s urban environment and struggled to find housing, clothing, food, and employment. By 1954, called to meet the need of newly arrived immigrants, a group of multi-denominational Hispanic pastors rented a storefront at 1671 West Ogden Avenue, in the heart of a predominantly Hispanic neighborhood. They called this center Casa Central Evangelica and began providing counseling and aid to those in need. As their scope and services expanded, the agency became known simply as Casa Central. Reverend Daniel Alvarez, a pastor and social worker in New York City, came on board as the Director of Casa Central in 1964 – a position he held for the next 25 years. At the time he arrived, Casa Central operated with budget of $26,000 and a staff of three employees, but the agency soon evolved from its humble beginnings. Casa Central has since grown into a cornerstone for the Hispanic community, with a staff of over 550 employees and a network of social service programs that reach nearly 20,000 individuals each year. Casa Central delivers an innovative spectrum of services, strengthening families and supporting growth at every stage, from children to seniors and offers day care and after school sessions that support children and youth and help them build a strong foundation., an array of services, including transitional housing for families experiencing homelessness, violence prevention and intervention, and employment training. Through these services, Casa Central strives to assist families to move towards self-sufficiency and an emotional and physical well-being. Our programs give older adults the opportunity to continue to live social and independent lives. Through our onsite Adult Wellness Center and Home Care Services program, older adults receive professional assistance in health and daily living activities. Children who received their first winter coats and doctor check-ups from Casa Central in the 1950s and 1960s have now grown into successful adults with their own children in Casa Central’s after-school programs and their parents in its senior programs. The agency has touched the lives of multiple generations of families in Chicago’s Hispanic population and continues to transform lives and strengthen communities.

10/12/2026

The Chicago Community Trust

10/12/2026
We are tremendously proud to celebrate Casa Central Board Member Berto Aguayo, Associate at K&L Gates, who has been name...
10/07/2026

We are tremendously proud to celebrate Casa Central Board Member Berto Aguayo, Associate at K&L Gates, who has been named one of Crain’s Chicago Business’ 40 Under 40 for 2026!

This well-deserved recognition celebrates Berto’s leadership, dedication, and commitment to making a meaningful difference in our community. Casa Central is fortunate to have his passion, perspective, and leadership on our Board of Directors as we continue our work to uplift children, families, and older adults throughout the Chicago region.

Congratulations, Berto, on this outstanding achievement! We’re proud to have you as part of the Casa Central family.

https://www.chicagobusiness.com/recognitions/40-under-40/ccb-meet-class-2026/

Casa Central is proud to celebrate Ashlee Pinto-Zurita, Deputy General Counsel at Builders Vision, on her well-deserved ...
10/07/2026

Casa Central is proud to celebrate Ashlee Pinto-Zurita, Deputy General Counsel at Builders Vision, on her well-deserved recognition as one of Crain’s Chicago Business’ 40 Under 40. This honor reflects her exceptional leadership and accomplishments.

We’re also thrilled to welcome Ashlee as the newest member of our Board of Directors!

Ashlee brings tremendous legal expertise, thoughtful leadership, and a deep commitment to making an impact. We look forward to the insight and perspective she will bring as Casa Central continues its work to help children, families, and older adults throughout the Chicago region thrive.

Congratulations, Ashlee, and welcome to Casa Central! We’re so excited to have you on our team.

https://www.chicagobusiness.com/reprints/40-under-40-2026-ashlee-pinto-zurita/

There was plenty to celebrate at Casa Central’s Adult Wellness Center! In honor of National Adult Day Services Day, part...
10/01/2026

There was plenty to celebrate at Casa Central’s Adult Wellness Center! In honor of National Adult Day Services Day, participants and staff came together to recognize the meaningful role Adult Day Services play in promoting independence, wellness, connection, and an enhanced quality of life for older adults. The celebration also highlighted the friendships, sense of community, and positive experiences that make our program so special.

Participants also celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month by sharing traditions, taking part in cultural activities, and honoring the vibrant heritage and many contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities.

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Join us for Casa Central’s Harvest Fest 2026 this Friday, September 25, from 2:30 to 6:00 p.m. at the corner of Californ...
09/23/2026

Join us for Casa Central’s Harvest Fest 2026 this Friday, September 25, from 2:30 to 6:00 p.m. at the corner of California Ave. and Evergreen Ave. in Humboldt Park, Chicago!

Bring the whole family and enjoy a free afternoon of delicious food, nutrition education, community resources, and fun.

We’re excited to welcome Chef Roberto Perez of Urban Pilón, who will team up with Loisa for a live cooking demonstration featuring Loisa seasonings and products. Through food education and storytelling, Urban Pilón works to preserve and celebrate the rich culinary traditions of Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, and Latin America.

Be sure to stop by our Mercadito, where we’ll offer free groceries and fresh fruits and vegetables while supplies last.

Come celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Casa Central and enjoy an afternoon filled with food, culture, community, and fun. We can’t wait to see you there!

Join us for Casa Central’s Harvest Fest 2026 this Friday, September 25, from 2:30 to 6:00 p.m. at the corner of Californ...
09/21/2026

Join us for Casa Central’s Harvest Fest 2026 this Friday, September 25, from 2:30 to 6:00 p.m. at the corner of California Ave. and Evergreen Ave. in Humboldt Park, Chicago!

Bring the whole family for a free afternoon of food, nutrition education, community resources, culture, and fun.

Experience the rhythms and traditions of Puerto Rico with Los Médicos, an Afro-Puerto Rican bomba collective dedicated to honoring the island’s African-rooted music and dance traditions. Los Médicos will lead an interactive Bomba workshop and performance, inviting attendees of all ages to experience this vibrant cultural tradition through music, movement, and participation.

Be sure to visit our Mercadito, offering free groceries and fresh fruits and vegetables while supplies last.

Come celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Casa Central through food, culture, community, and fun. We can’t wait to see you there!

ILVotaYa.com is online!Casa Central is proud to join the Illinois Latino Agenda and partner organizations across the sta...
09/11/2026

ILVotaYa.com is online!

Casa Central is proud to join the Illinois Latino Agenda and partner organizations across the state in launching ¡Vota Ya! — Illinois' Latino Voting Hub, a website that centralizes the information and resources our community needs to make our voices heard this November.

The site brings together voter registration, ways to vote, voter rights, and nonpartisan information regarding the November 3 ballot.

If your organization has a voter resource that belongs on the site, message us.

ILVotaYa.com ya está en línea.Casa Central está orgulloso de unirse a la Illinois Latino Agenda y a organizaciones por t...
09/11/2026

ILVotaYa.com ya está en línea.

Casa Central está orgulloso de unirse a la Illinois Latino Agenda y a organizaciones por todo el estado para lanzar ¡Vota Ya!, Illinois' Latino Voting Hub. Un sitio centralizado que reúne toda la información y los recursos para los votantes latinos de Illinois.

El sitio reúne el registro de votantes, las formas de votar, los derechos del votante e información no partidista sobre la boleta del 3 de noviembre.

Visite ILVotaYa.com. Si su organización cuenta con un recurso electoral que debería estar en el sitio, escríbanos.

Public Hearing Notice: https://www.casacentral.org/assets/1/6/Casa_Central_Public_Hearing_Notice_9-18-26.pdf
09/04/2026

Public Hearing Notice:https://www.casacentral.org/assets/1/6/Casa_Central_Public_Hearing_Notice_9-18-26.pdf

Address

1343 N California Avenue
Chicago, IL
60622

Opening Hours

Monday 7am - 6pm
Tuesday 7am - 6pm
Wednesday 7am - 6pm
Thursday 7am - 6pm
Friday 7am - 6pm

Telephone

+17736452300

Website

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