Adocacy
About
Advocacy for interpretation networks and foreign affairs focuses on promoting access to quality language services and fostering global collaboration. This includes ensuring individuals with limited English proficiency have access to critical resources, advocating for professional interpreter networks to support clear and accurate communication, and addressing cross-cultural understanding in foreign affairs. By bridging language and cultural gaps, these efforts aim to enhance inclusivity, facilitate international diplomacy, and empower diverse communities to engage meaningfully on a global scale.
Mission
Linguistic access for all residents of McDowell County. To empower individuals and communities by providing access to professional interpretation services, promoting cultural understanding, and advocating for equitable communication in all aspects of society, ensuring no voice goes unheard.
Vision
To ensure that residents of McDowell County can meet their needs and carry out their daily tasks without fear of encountering a language barrier.
Services
Through advocacy and inclusivity, we are enhancing the quality of life in our community, breaking barriers, and building a stronger, more connected future for all
Interpreting Network
At Centro Unido, we believe in linguistic justice and have built our interpretation network on the foundation of effective communication. Our interpretation network operates between English and Spanish, offering free interpretation and translation services to our clients. This includes scheduling appointments, assisting with document clarification, and accompanying clients to public service departments when needed.
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For organizations requiring regular interpretation services at their offices, we establish contracts with monetary exchange to provide interpreters on-site or through three-way calls as necessary. We have a team of trained professionals who deliver interpretation and translation services while upholding confidentiality, their scope of practice, and HIPAA agreements.
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Program Coordinator:
Laura Bustos
Foreign Affairs
​Proof of identity and access to personal documentation remains one of the biggest barriers our community faces. Through our Foreign Affairs program, we work to address this by providing community members with essential resources, including access to lawyers, attorneys, and consulate appointments. We are proud to have built a strong partnership with the Mexican Consulate, which allows us to offer direct support to individuals seeking documentation and legal assistance. During the Consulate's last visit to our office, they were able to assist over 400 individuals, helping them secure proof of identity and access personal documentation critical to their well-being.
We achieve this through trainings, forums, and workshops facilitated by certified QPR Suicide Prevention and Mental Health First Aid staff.
In partnership with Sanarai, we offer free therapy sessions with licensed professionals who understand the language and culture of our community. These confidential virtual sessions are tailored to meet individual needs, providing a safe space for mental health support.​
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Please note: We are NOT certified to provide mental health diagnoses or treatment.
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Program Coordinator:
Laura Galindo
Language Access Plan
In June 2024, the City of Marion in McDowell County, North Carolina, took significant steps to enhance language accessibility for its residents. The City Council unanimously approved a comprehensive Language Access Plan aimed at ensuring that all community members can access essential resources and services in their preferred languages.
This initiative was the result of a yearlong collaboration between the Building Integrated Communities (BIC) program at UNC-Chapel Hill, the City of Marion, and Centro Unido Latino Americano (CULA).​The Language Access Plan includes policies such as the availability of language assistance services and support for multilingual staff.
Demographic data presented during the City Council meeting highlighted that 20% of Marion's population speaks a language other than English, including Spanish, Hmong, Tagalog, and American Sign Language. Additionally, around 8.2% of residents self-rate their English proficiency as "less than very well," indicating a need for language assistance services.
​Following the approval of the Language Access Plan, the city hosted its inaugural Youth Summit Fiesta, where students presented on local issues, including language access. The event also featured cultural celebrations, underscoring Marion's commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for all residents.
​For more information on the Language Access Plan and related initiatives
Testimonial
"The therapies with Sanarai have been helping me to develop my self-esteem. They also have been helping me to navigate with my daily routines. I recommend women to take therapy with Sanarai, especially if they are going through menopause."
