The Latino Center of the Midlands, formerly the Chicano Awareness Center (CAC), was organized in 1971 to address concerns about the education of Chicano youth, but as the organization grew, the mission and direction of the CAC began to adapt to the community’s needs. The change would bring new programs, new community members, and a new name – the Latino Center of the Midlands (LCM). Our mission is to enhance the lives of the Heartland Latino Community by supporting the education and development of our youth and adults; promoting comprehensive engagement of our families in all facets of their lives; and by fostering leadership through a variety of services and activities. Our Adult Basic Education (ABE) program provides accessible, high-quality educational programs to help community members overcome communication, education, and employment barriers and achieve a higher quality of life. Classes are scheduled to accommodate the needs of the adult learner. Our Family and Community Well-Being (FCW) program provides quality comprehensive social service assistance, outreach, and education to help community members achieve overall wellness through direct interaction with the community, partnering with organizations, and advocacy. Our Pathways to Success (P2S) program helps families and students set goals, improve school attendance, enhance pro-social engagement, and cultivate leadership potential that will help them succeed in school and life. P2S currently provides a parental engagement program and assistance at Marrs Middle School and four high schools: Bryan, Omaha South, Bellevue East and Bellevue West. Our Siembra Nebraska internship program provides internships for local high school and college students in urban agriculture, multimedia, business, construction, public health, and more. In the five different internship programs, interns are able to develop leadership skills through on-the-job experience and mentorship opportunities.
