In 1973 a number of concerned and compassionate members of the White Plains community met to discuss the growing Hispanic population in White Plains and their urgent need for a variety of social services. After many conversations and numerous meetings, the group, which included the current Executive Director, Isabel E. Villar, formed a charitable organization – El Centro Hispano – dedicated to offering the much-needed services.

Born out of a concerned response to a very real need, El Centro Hispano was established in January 1974 under the auspices of the White Plains Community Action Program in the Chapel Hall at St. Bernard’s Roman Catholic Church. It remained part of the Community Action Program until 2000 when it became a separate entity with its own self-governing Board of Directors. El Centro Hispano is a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt charitable organization.

The area’s Hispanic population has grown exponentially since 1974 and so has the need to provide a wider range of programs and services. Over the years El Centro Hispano has continually adapted to meet the ever expanding needs of its clients and every year since its founding, more and more individuals have received direct services at El Centro Hispano.