Hogar Hispano: More Space, More Service

By Alfonso Aguilar
HERALD Staff Writer
(From the issue of 5/9/02)

FALLS CHURCH — For the fourth straight year, Hogar Hispano’s offices are expanding. They are still on the same floor, in the same building in Falls Church, but now they occupy additional suites, which prompted Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde to say, after blessing the new facilities, "I think I blessed the whole complex."

Hogar Hispano added suites 302, 307 and 310, in which a gathering took place last week, with blessings, international appetizers and a cake emblazoned "More Space – More Service."

"The need is so great that we have no option but to grow," said Father Charles C. McCoart, executive director of Catholic Charities, "and I feel very proud that since 1998 Hogar Hispano has grown every year."

Nancy Jane Shestack, executive director of Hogar Hispano, explained that new offices will be used for citizenship workshops, seminars, trainings and computer and English classes.

"A dozen people who lost their jobs after Sept. 11 will be taking computer classes, and four law students will be working in one of the new annexes," said Shestack.

"Hogar Hispano is a precious gem," said Father Charles C. McCoart after Bishop Loverde congratulated all the personnel, volunteers and friends of Hogar Hispano.

Celebrants enjoyed food from China, Panama, Afghanistan, Turkey and Ethiopia, which reflects the diversity of Hogar Hispano, although its primary clients are of Hispanic origin.

Hogar Hispano is a not profit group that offers a wide range of services to immigrants without regard to religious or ethnic background. Its programs include legal and social services, computer classes, preparation for citizenship and English as a Second Language. A video about Hogar Hispano, presented in one of the new suites, says that there are 175 volunteer English instructors.

Some services are offered in many languages at little or no cost. Hogar Hispano is located at 6201 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, telephone 703/534-9805.

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