Adocacy
Services and Programs
Through advocacy, inclusivity, and a commitment to systemic change, 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 network operates between English and Spanish, offering free interpretation and translation services to our clients. This includes scheduling appointments, document clarification, and accompanying clients to public service departments when needed. We also assist with passport applications.
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Centro Unido provides on-demand interpreting and translation services for agencies and organizations. We currently hold contracts with the City of Marion, McDowell County Schools, and others. For organizations requiring regular services at their offices, we establish contractual agreements involving monetary exchange to provide interpreters on-site or via three-way calls as necessary.
We have a team of trained professionals who deliver interpretation and translation services while upholding confidentiality, scope of practice, and HIPAA regulations.
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📄 Want to learn more? View our PDF pricing guide or contact us directly.
📞 Call: [Insert Phone Number]
📧 Email: laura@centrounidomcdowell.org
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.
Centro Unido & Marion Make History
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
"I am very grateful to Centro Unido for the opportunities they give to the Spanish-speaking community struggling for a better life in this country. I hope to continue encouraging the Latino community to do the same."
