RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Immigrants have been crucial to Chicago's growth and strength of community since its founding, and in every generation new immigrants bring their unique skills, talents, and histories to the City of Chicago, and
WHEREAS, The support of immigrant communities through legal aid, family and youth services, and adult education has historically depended on cultural, not-for-profit organizations, and
WHEREAS, Those missions, born out of many cultures, faiths, traditions, and languages are worthy of the support and recognition of the City of Chicago, and
WHEREAS, Centra Romero has for 35 years provided aid and support to Chicago's immigrant community, honoring the spirit of its namesake Saint Oscar Arnulfo Romero, and
WHEREAS, co-founder and current Executive Director Daysi J. Funes, herself a refugee from El Salvador in the 1980s, has for 35 years provided the organization with steadfast leadership and support, and
WHEREAS, Centra Romero has grown in its 35 years to support and empower Chicago's Latino/a community, with a full-time staff comprised primarily of immigrants and refugees from all across Latin America, including El Salvador, Mexico, Colombia, and Ecuador, and
WHEREAS, In 2018, Centra Romero's staff of 38, with the help of 408 volunteers who provided 11,983 service hours, served and empowered 13,695 persons across three main service programs, and
WHEREAS, Celebrations were held this year, including the 35th Anniversary Gala at the Hotel Allegro, commemorating Centra Romero's contributions to Chicago and its immigrant communities, now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and members of the Chicago City Council, assembled here on this 26th day of November, 2019, do hereby honor and congratulate Centra Romero for its 35 years of service, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy ofthis Resolution be prepared and presented to Centra Romero as a symbol of our esteem.