What does CHAC do?
Formed as a non-profit organization in 1998, The Chambersburg Hispanic American Center’s 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 (Hispanics) 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. All of CHAC’s clients must present appropriate documentation of their legal status 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 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. CHAC’s Latino clients are culturally diverse, coming from nineteen different Spanish-speaking countries. In CHAC’s first year, there were 108 client visits. Today, they are almost ten times that number.
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 clients with housing, employment, emergency translation, legal and medical referral, and other social services.
The following is an example drawn from real life: A single mother arrives in Chambersburg and lacks employment and housing. Though frightened, she possesses job skills and is employable. In the morning, CHAC’s Executive Director arranges a job interview for her. The client goes out and gets the job. The Executive Director then phones a Real Estate agent and seeks affordable housing for the client near her new job site. The client is taken out to view a house, and decides to rent it. Thus, by the end of the business day, the client’s situation has stabilized. She has both a job and a home for her family.
How does CHAC provide its services?
Diane Martes, CHAC’s Executive Director, provides most of CHAC’s individual counseling services at CHAC’s office at 252 S. Main Street, in Chambersburg. Several group activities are also provided, including an off-site After School Program; Citizenship classes; and English as a Second Language (ESL).
CHAC invites you to make a financial contribution to further its work. All contributions are fully tax deductible. Please make checks out to The Chambersburg Hispanic American Center and send them to 252 S. Main St., Chambersburg, 17201. CHAC’s phone number is 717-262-2480; fax is 263-2136; e-mail: chac@embarqmail.com