Reading, PA – The Centro Hispano CASA Senior Center, known locally as Mama Angie’s Casa De La Amistad, celebrated its 35th year of service to the city’s older Latino community. Opened in 1988, the center provides a welcoming space where seniors can enjoy social activities, health programs and bilingual support.
Community and Faith at the Heart of the Center
“Casa De La Amistad,” which translates to “Friendship House,” reflects the center’s mission, said Michael Toledo, President and CEO of Centro Hispano. Toledo noted that the organization has been serving the Greater Reading area for 60 years, and the senior center is a vital extension of that legacy.
“The majority of the seniors that come here do come from Latino backgrounds. It’s where our older adults come to engage,” Toledo explained. He emphasized that the center’s bilingual, bicultural staff creates an environment where participants feel comfortable and valued.
Activities That Promote Health and Happiness
Daily programming includes group exercise three times a week, dancing, dominoes, and educational classes. Residents like Luc Martinez appreciate the lively atmosphere. “I just come here to have fun,” Martinez said, adding that she also volunteers to teach English as a second language. “When you hear people saying, ‘I learn,’ you feel so happy.”
Nutrition education is a cornerstone of the center’s wellness efforts. Yajaira Stone, Director of Human Services for Centro Hispano, leads classes on healthy eating. “At that age, you have to eat healthy,” said Yadira Garrido, a Reading resident who attends the sessions. Stone explained that simple acts such as translating letters or helping seniors complete paperwork bring “peace” and greater understanding to participants.
Meals and Fellowship
Breakfast and lunch are served daily, featuring a blend of American and Latin cuisine. “We make sure that the meals we serve for our seniors have a blend of both American and Latin cuisine,” Toledo said. The center sees up to 150 people each day, many of whom live alone and rely on the community for companionship.
Garrido expressed the deep bonds formed at the center: “I make friends here. I love them with my heart. I love them.” Martinez echoed that sentiment, noting that every activity “has a purpose” and brings “peace, happiness and joy.”
Supporting Independence and Family Values
The senior center’s mission aligns with traditional family values by fostering intergenerational support and encouraging seniors to remain active, independent members of their families and neighborhoods. By offering language assistance, nutrition guidance and social connection, the center helps older adults maintain dignity and self‑reliance.
“Having a place and people that they trust where they can come is beneficial,” Stone said. The center’s volunteers and staff continue to embody the Christian principle of serving one’s neighbor, reinforcing the community’s commitment to caring for its elders.
Looking Ahead
As the Centro Hispano CASA Senior Center looks to the future, leaders remain focused on expanding health programs and ensuring that every senior who walks through the doors feels welcomed, respected and valued. The center’s 35‑year milestone stands as a testament to the power of faith‑based service, family‑centered care, and the enduring strength of the Reading Latino community.
Original reporting: Allentown News – 6abc Philadelphia — read the source article.
