About Us

El Concilio has more than 40 years of experience in providing services, programs, advocacy and creating partnerships to support the needs of the Latinx community in the greater Kalamazoo area.As a liaison between potential clients and service agencies, the Council seeks to meet the needs of a special population often hindered by language barriers, cultural differences, and unfamiliarity with service agencies and institutions.

Through the programs and services offered, the goal of the Council is to assist Hispanics in attaining self-sufficiency and a higher level of social and economic well-being.  The Council also strives to nourish and encourage the diverse cultural heritage of the Hispanic population.

The Hispanic American Council has been advocating and providing culturally sensitive services for Hispanics since 1981. In the early 1970’s, a group of Hispanics affiliated with St. Joseph’s Catholic Church met regularly to recite the rosary and discuss issues affecting the Hispanic community.

When an elected official made a public racial remark this group organized into The Spanish-Speaking Steering Committee to educate the community about Hispanics, their needs, and their contributions to Kalamazoo.  This committee grew into the Hispanic American Council and became a 501(c)3 organization in January 1981.

On November 2nd of 2017, El Concilio became the new official name of the Hispanic American Council – El Concilio will continue serving the Latino community of greater Kalamazoo and partners.