El Centro has grown from a small group of committed young Dominican women who met in a nearby church to a full-fledged agency with strong linkages to the more established community organizations and local institutions. Below are some of El Centro 's programmatic successes:
I. Educational Development:
These programs promote English-language proficiency and civics/citizenship participation, provide students with the basic educational skills needed to secure employment or pursue higher education, and introduce newly arrived immigrants to mainstream society. The Abigail Mejía Community Technology Center also offers literacy classes and computer access to the surrounding community. Approximately 150 students are enrolled during each cycle.
II. Economic Development:
This program helped approximately 300 women obtain gainful employment, or start their own micro enterprises. Under this program the “Happy Kids” Family Day Care Network and Home-Health Aide Training Program provided training and skill-building opportunities.
III. “Nuevo Amanecer”/“New Dawn” and “Renacer”/”Born Again”
is a comprehensive Domestic Violence Program that includes crisis intervention, a 24-hour hotline, counseling, advocacy, support groups, and services to approximately 150 women and 270 children per year to empower them to live violence free lives.
IV. Rising Families General Preventive Program
is designed to prevent child abuse and neglect and foster care placement by empowering women and preserving families. It includes counseling, support groups, parenting skills, information and referrals for approximately 90 families.
V. El Centro del Desarrollo de la Mujer Dominicana en Puerto Rico
The DWDC opened its first chapter office for Dominican women in Puerto Rico in 2003.