Progreso Hispano Changes Name

A Mount Vernon outreach organization, , has changed its name to Progreso Literacy and Citizenship Center.

The organization unveiled the new name to board members and community supporters this week in an email. The organization was founded in 2001 to provide services to the local Hispanic community, but the organization's mission has broadened and it now serves people from other countries as well, said Executive Director Cristina Schoendorf.

"We changed the name to better reflect what we do in helping all immigrants reach their dreams," Schoendorf explained. "Progreso has evolved into an agency that welcomes all immigrants from around the world."

The Progreso Literacy and Citizenship Center has served immigrants from more than 33 different countries, speaking 17 different languages. Participation in the organization's three main programs — English as a Second Language, Citizenship and Technology — have continued to thrive.

"Progreso continues to pursue its mission of supporting and empowering immigrants to improve the quality of their lives and of their communities through education and leadership development," the announcement read.