Race and Culture: The Latino Learning Center helps the immigrant population integrate into the Houston community

HOUSTON, TX (KTRK) — Rebuilding life in a new country can be intimidating, especially if you don’t speak the language. This is exactly why the Latino Learning Center exists, to help the immigrant population integrate into the community. In 2022 they will celebrate 43 years of service in the greater Houston area.

Oliver Jimenez first entered the center in July 2020 hoping to get one step closer to pursuing a new career. Based in East Downtown, the non-profit organization offers affordable air conditioning and electricity technical instruction courses.

“I wanted to learn a skill, something to build on. You teach people really well and it’s something that puts you on the field. So we can get hands-on training, which is something I really wanted to do,” Jimenez said.

For 43 years, the Latino Learning Center’s services have included housing assistance for seniors from a variety of backgrounds, as well as English classes for the Spanish-speaking community.

Rodolfo Gonzalez, the President and CEO, said it’s about giving the immigrant population the resources to start a new life here in the United States

“We must be together and united. I’m passionate about being united with our brothers who come to our city from different parts of Latin America to do their jobs better,” Gonzalez told ABC13 in Spanish.

Jimenez completed the 12-week course in September. He said it gave him more opportunities to grow and advance in his career.

“My goal is to get a master’s degree and then work at a subcontractor, which is an outside company,” he said.

Referring to the Latino Learning Center, Gonzalez said they hope to continue to serve the community and expand their impact beyond Houston in the years to come.

“I believe, and I am sure, that we have a great future ahead of us. We plan to renovate the building. We plan to open new educational programs. We want to reach more communities,” Gonzalez said.

Visit the Latino Learning Center website for more information.

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