LA CASA DE AMISTAD
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      • Citizenship Classes
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      • Social Service Referrals
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  • Advocacy
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    • Resident ID Cards
    • Art Gallery
    • Immigration Policy
    • No Human Being is Illegal
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    • Volunteer
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  • About
    • About La Casa
    • Staff
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    • News and Notes
    • Careers
  • Donate
    • Donate
    • In-Kind Wishlist
    • Noche Annual Gala
    • Trivia Night
    • Camino Immigration Legal Services Fundraiser
    • Leighton Award
    • Donor Recognition
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OUr  HiStory

50th  anniversary

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La Casa de Amistad was formed on October 17, 1973, in response to the profound needs confronting Latino teenagers. Founded by Fr. John Phalen, C.S.C., and many other dedicated Latino community leaders, La Casa de Amistad offered various programs in an effort to assist Hispanic youth in self-acceptance and appreciation of their culture. By 1975, La Casa operated out of an old home on Warren Street on the West Side of South Bend and incorporated as an official nonprofit with just one full-time staff person. The needs of the community grew, as did the reputation of the impact La Casa had on the youth it served, and La Casa began to expand further and added a food pantry to support neighbors of all ages in need.
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In 1980 it became apparent a bigger space was needed and La Casa moved it’s operation to 746 South Meade Street to a re-purposed, two-story neighborhood general store. The Latino population in South Bend continued to grow, and La Casa remained committed to expanded programs alongside community members' requests, always there to support their journey to success in their new home of Northern Indiana. La Casa operated out of 746 South Meade Street for 40 years and expanded programs over the years to include a preschool, summer camp, computer classes, English classes, citizenship classes, and a legal clinic. Over the years, as the community's needs have evolved, so has La Casa, expanding its embrace to youth and adults, immigrants, seasonal workers, and tirelessly advocating for local families.

In 2021, La Casa completed a $3.25 million capital campaign to purchase and renovate a 40,000-square-foot commercial building that will give the organization room to grow for decades, right alongside the needs of the growing Latino community in South Bend, St. Joseph County, and surrounding counties.
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Throughout its journey, La Casa has remained steadfast in its original mission: empowering youth and families to thrive in today's complex world while nurturing a deep pride in their cultural roots. Many Latino leaders and community members have not only benefited from La Casa's services but have also actively contributed to the implementation of transformative programs. Supported by the enduring dedication of the community, La Casa de Amistad continues to respond wholeheartedly to the ever-evolving needs of its newest neighbors.

IRS 990 TAx Filings
STRATEGIC PLAN
GUIDESTAR PROFILE
IMPACT REPORT

OUR  IMPACT

We empower the Latino/Hispanic community within Michiana by providing educational, cultural and advocacy services in a welcoming, bilingual environment.
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100%  Pass  Rate

on the USCIS Citizenship exam for graduates of our English Learning program, which was awarded United Way of SJC’s Nonprofit Program of the Year​
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14,321  Volunteer  Hours

supporting youth and family programs including 40 “Alternative Spring Break” students from six colleges.​
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245  cases  filed

in our immigration and citizenship program and provided 1,357 consultations which amounts to a $175K savings for the people we serve​.
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40,000  square   feet

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1,000+  I.D.  Cards

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1:1  Instruction

of community center space at the La Casa de Amistad headquarters in South Bend, Indiana near the convenient, regional intersection of US 31 and 20.​
printed to help residents of South Bend, Plymouth, Goshen, and Elkhart interact with officials in cities, schools, libraries, and public safety.
and small group tutoring benefitting 150+ youth in our afterschool programs for K-12 students.
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OUR  PROGRAMS

​Empowering our community is at the core of our mission and espoused through our daily activities. We strive to find ways to help youth succeed, families develop, and communities strengthen through educational activities and advocacy programs that empower everyone we interact with through our programs.
Families

Social Services Referrals
Health Outreach
Family Communication
​Financial Education



Youth

Preschool
Afterschool K-5
Afterschool 6-8
Afterschool 9-12
Summer Camps
Latinx Youth Leaders
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Immigrants

Citizenship Classes
Immigration Legal Clinic
English Classes
Digital Assistance
Spanish & English Translations
​Know Your Rights Events
​
Advocacy

Immigration Policy
West Side Wednesday
Dia del Mercado
Entrepreneurship Promotion
Resident I.D. Cards
No Human Being is Illegal
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Spanish Classes

EMPOWER  PEOPLE  &
MAKE  AN  IMPACT

Donate Now
Donations to La Casa de Amistad are 100% tax-deductible.
Make a one-time gift or sign-up for monthly, reoccuring donations by using our online form. If you'd like to donate real estate, stock, or include La Casa de Amistad in your estate plan, visit our team page contact our Executive Director to talk further about these options. 
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3423 S. Michigan St.
South Bend, IN 46614
Phone: 574-233-2120
Directions
We empower the Latino/Hispanic community within Michiana by providing educational, cultural and advocacy services in a welcoming, bilingual environment.

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  • Programs
    • Youth Programs >
      • Summer Camp
      • Preschool
      • Grades K-5 Afterschool
      • Grades 6-8 Afterschool
      • Grades 9-12 Afterschool
    • Adult Programs >
      • Citizenship Classes
      • English Classes
      • Spanish Classes
      • Entrepreneurship
    • Social Services >
      • Social Service Referrals
      • Rental Assistance
      • Digital Assistance
      • Spanish / English Translations
      • Mental Health Counseling
    • Immigration Legal Services
  • Advocacy
    • Family Preparedness
    • Resident ID Cards
    • Art Gallery
    • Immigration Policy
    • No Human Being is Illegal
  • Get Involved
    • Volunteer
    • Community Breakfast
  • About
    • About La Casa
    • Staff
    • Board of Directors
    • News and Notes
    • Careers
  • Donate
    • Donate
    • In-Kind Wishlist
    • Noche Annual Gala
    • Trivia Night
    • Camino Immigration Legal Services Fundraiser
    • Leighton Award
    • Donor Recognition