What does CHAC do?
Formed as a nonprofit organization in 2000, The Chambersburg Hispanic American Center’s (CHAC) objectives are to bridge the language and cultural divide that sometimes hinders new Latino residents from accessing services for which they are eligible. CHAC’s main goals are to integrate Latinos into the local community and help them to improve the quality of their lives. Most of our work is carried out through one-on-one counseling in Spanish and English, offered at no cost. CHAC connects people with jobs, housing, and various social services.
All of the individuals assisted by CHAC must present appropriate documentation in order to be eligible for CHAC’s referral services to other agencies and programs. CHAC’s requirements for service are the same as those other agencies.
Whom does CHAC serve?
CHAC primarily serves low-to-moderate income Latino adults living in the Borough of Chambersburg. CHAC is their “single point of contact” enabling them to access services for which they qualify. CHAC helps any low-to-moderate income person regardless of ethnicity. The Latino people served by CHAC are culturally diverse, coming from nineteen different Spanish-speaking countries. In CHAC’s first year, there were 108 visits. In 2008, there were more than 1150 visits by 366 different individuals.
Why is CHAC’s work important?
No other service agency in Chambersburg has a similar capacity to reach out to the Latino population. CHAC assists people with housing, employment, emergency translation, legal and medical referral, and various social services.
The following example really happened: A single mother arrives in Chambersburg and lacks employment and housing. Though anxious, she possesses job skills and is employable. In the morning, CHAC’s Executive Director arranges a job interview for her. The mom goes out and gets the job. CHAC's Executive Director then phones a Real Estate agent and seeks affordable housing near her new job site. The young mother is taken out to view a house, and decides to rent it. Thus, by the end of the business day, her situation has been resolved. The new resident has both a job and a home for her family.
How does CHAC provide its services?
Diana Martes, Executive Director and CHAC's only employee, offers individual counseling at CHAC’s office at 252 S. Main Street, in Chambersburg. Several group activities are also provided, such as Citizenship classes and English as a Second Language (ESL). CHAC has an affiliation with The Hershey School and works with local educators and churches to promote education among low-income students. CHAC is primarily supported by the charitable contributions of individuals, churches, and businesses.
CHAC invites you to make a financial contribution to further its work. All contributions are fully tax-deductible. Please make checks out to CHAC or The Chambersburg Hispanic American Center and send them to 252 S. Main St., Chambersburg, 17201. CHAC’s phone number is 717-262-2480; e-mail may be sent to chac@innernet.net.