Company Profile
Center for Latino Progress - CPRF
Company Overview
The Center for Latino Progress – Connecticut Puerto Rican Forum is the largest Latino human development organization in Connecticut. Since 1978, we have supported the local Latino community, fostering individual and community growth, and creating opportunities for all. We understand that a strong economy helps business and communities to thrive. And, that supporting the people who power the economy is key. As our Latino population continues to grow, there is a great opportunity to advance together. After all, we may have a different heritage, but we are all part of the same future.
Program and service areas:
- Education & Training: Contextualized ESL , job readiness and vocational programs for adults and youth. The Center plays a critical role in equipping participants with the life skills, work skills and life experiences that help them thrive in their communities.
- Immigration: The Center is recognized and accredited by the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) to provide legal and linguistically appropriate services, and culturally competent naturalization programs to the growing immigrant population in the area.
- BiCi Co. (Bicicleta y Comunidad): BiCi Co. is the Center’s social enterprise unit. It is the only bike community space in the Hartford region with a bike outlet and a safe space for bike enthusiasts and future riders. It is about promoting an opportunity to improve youth and adult safety, while also increasing our community’s mobility and access to jobs in the City of Hartford.
- Transport Hartford Academy: The Hartford Transit Academy engages community members and leaders who want to be advocates for a cultural shift toward healthy, active, “car-lite” lifestyles, and a new way of thinking about transportation and mobility in the Hartford Region, into champions for change. The HTAC will seek ways and opportunities to arm participants with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to sweep up this shift — including municipal policies and exercises that encourage active transportation — and to become champions for change at the individual, neighborhood, and citywide levels.
Company History
As per an invitation from US Department of Labor in 1978, this organization opened its doors first as the National Puerto Rican Forum. In 1993 spun off as an independent nonprofit with a new name and new body of directors as the Connecticut Puerto Rican Forum. During the decades the agency flagships programs have been with workforce development focus for youth and adults with a deep emphasis on contextualized programs. In 2009, the agency began the process to become a Bureau of Immigration Appeals recognized (BIA) agency in response to clients’ demand for legal immigration services. Along with obtaining the BIA Recogniton in 2011, the agency adopted an additional name and today is known as the Center for Latino Progress-CPRF. The Center for Latino Progress-CPRF is the only Latino serving organization in the state of Connecticut recognized by the BIA with BIA accredited representatives in the staff.
Notable Products / Brands
BiCi Co. Transport Hartford Academy
Notable Clients
Capitol Workforce Partners, City of Hartford