Our Story

Mission

Since 1999, Amigos, the Richmond Latino Center’s mission has been to empower the Latinx community to engage actively in Richmond and Wayne County and to promote learning, cooperation and respect across cultures. Our focus is on education, health, social services, and creating cultural connections. Amigos believes that cultivating understanding, working together, supporting and developing people’s potential and respect for one another will lead to a stronger community. Amigos values inclusion, diversity, and cultural understanding. To fulfill our mission, Amigos has enriched our programming by collaborating with many dedicated organizations throughout Richmond.

Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity and inclusion are at the core of our Mission and Vision. We are committed to building an inclusive community that represents and respects different cultures, backgrounds, languages, and viewpoints. We strive to create a community where diverse voices are valued. We work to create positive social change by empowering those who are underrepresented and by engaging all in respectful and creative ways.

Equal Opportunity Statement

At Amigos The Richmond Latino Center, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment for all our participants. We value diversity and are committed to providing equal opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, or any other protected status under applicable laws.

Amigos firmly believes in the principles of equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We strive to create a welcoming and respectful environment where all individuals can thrive and reach their full potential. We celebrate the diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences of our participants and recognize that their unique perspectives contribute to the strength of our community.

If any participant believes they have experienced discrimination or unfair treatment while accessing our programs or services, we encourage them to take action. Participants have the right to file a complaint if they believe their rights have been violated.

To address any concerns or complaints related to potential discrimination, participants have the option to file a complaint with the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute and the Office for Civil Rights (OCR). These agencies are responsible for investigating allegations of discrimination and enforcing relevant laws.

To file a complaint with the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, participants can:

  1. Contact the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute to obtain the necessary forms or access their website for online submission.
  2. Complete the complaint form, providing accurate and detailed information about the discrimination incident.
  3. Submit the completed form along with any supporting evidence to the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute.
  4. The Institute will review the complaint and initiate an investigation. Participants will be informed of the outcome and any further actions to be taken.

To file a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights (OCR), participants can:

  1. Contact the Office for Civil Rights to obtain the necessary forms or access their website for online submission.
  2. Complete the complaint form, providing accurate and detailed information about the discrimination incident.
  3. Submit the completed form along with any supporting evidence to the Office for Civil Rights.
  4. The OCR will review the complaint and initiate an investigation. Participants will be informed of the outcome and any further actions to be taken.

Amigos The Richmond Latino Center is committed to supporting participants throughout the complaint process. We encourage individuals who believe they have experienced discrimination to come forward and utilize the resources available to seek resolution.

Together, we can create a community that upholds the principles of equal opportunity, fairness, and inclusivity. If you have any questions or need assistance in filing a complaint, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to listen, support, and work towards a more equitable future for all.

Amigos is the only organization in this area of East Central Indiana
that provides support and services specifically to the Latinx population.

We do this by providing programming that assists, mentors, teaches skills, and nurtures youth and families to reach their fullest potential. Currently our programs consist of English Language learning, mentoring through tennis, Amigos Latinx Leadership Program, youth summer camp, Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Program and Basic Needs for families. We also offer cultural programs such as the Richmond International Food Festival to bring people of all backgrounds together to celebrate our multicultural city through music, dance, food, and health screenings. We also hold an annual event to introduce the community to a Latin American culture through food and entertainment.

We welcome your support!

Meet Our Team

Staff of Amigos 2024

Pavel Polanco Safadit
Executive Director

Katie Giffen
Resource Development and Communication Specialist

Ivonne Blanco
Community Engagement Coordinator

Patty Lamson
English Language / Social Emotional Learning Coordinator

Génesis Herrera

VOCA Advocate

Mateo Quinonez

Latinx Leadership Program Coordinator

Dolka De Motte

Latinx Leadership Program Coordinator

Tre Ronne

Latinx Leadership Program Coordinator

Charles Allen
Transportation

Howard Lamson
Senior Advisor

Elizabeth A. Black, CPA

Kemper CPA Group LLP – Accountant

Jairo Vinasco
Media Consultant – Right Tactic

Board Members

Board Members 2024

Executive Committee

  • Ben Brazil, Earlham School of Religion- President
  • Jaynee Rivas, Indiana University East– Secretary
  • Michael Deibel, Earlham College- Treasurer

Board of Directors

  • Howard Lamson, Retired, Earlham College – Senior Advisor
  • Belen Villarreal, Earlham College
  • Bill Sando, My Plastic Surgery group
  • Felix Burgos, Indiana University East
  • Jeevan Sekhar, the Well-Being Workshop
  • Michael Elorreaga, Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance
  • Toure Conley, Ivy Tech
  • Wazir Mohammed, Indiana University East