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Multicultural Center Moves, Expands Services

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By YVETTE C. HAMMETT, The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 30, 2008

SEFFNER - Students from Mexico, Colombia, Puerto Rico and Venezuela filled tables inside the First Missionary Baptist Church last week, socializing and chatting in Spanish and English, then breaking into groups to learn English or study for their General Educational Development certificates.

With more room to spare in its new location, the Multicultural Center, which operates inside the church, will soon expand its offerings said founder and Director Carmen Gonzalez.

"We just ran out of room," Gonzalez said of the center's previous location on Parsons Avenue in a converted house. The church, at 6720 County Road 579, opened its doors for the Multicultural Center as part of its community outreach.

"It fits right in with what we are doing," said Billie Gued, chairman of the church's deacon's board.

Gonzalez has access to a multipurpose room, a kitchen and an office, and there's plenty of parking - something the old facility lacked.

"This has been a real blessing," Gonzalez said. "We'll be able to add classes in conversational Spanish, introduction to computers, and citizenship preparations classes will expand."

The center has added a partner - H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, a member of the Tampa Bay Community Cancer Network - which offers health screenings and health education seminars. Keyla Alvarez, a research associate with the network, will visit the center monthly to reach minorities at high risk for developing cancer.

Alvarez has set up an education station at the center, offering brochures that teach in Spanish and English the importance of preventive medicine. Moffitt will give the center a $1,000 annual grant to help defray expenses.

The Multicultural Center caters to people who have relocated from other countries or Puerto Rico. Having a large room with plenty of tables to spread out will make learning easier, Gonzalez said.

Free classes in English for Speakers of Other Languages, or ESOL, and GED preparation are taught by employees of the Hillsborough County School District. The center charges an average of $5 per hour for other courses.

Because of the move, some former students have stopped taking classes, and the center is working to attract new ones, said GED instructor Patricia Hillman. She has gained students from the church.

"I've got students 17 to 83," Hillman said. "The younger ones want their GED so they can get a better job. The older ones come because they didn't have the opportunity when they were younger."

Jose Perez and Abraham Ramirez, who emigrated from Mexico, are working with teacher Rufus Brown on improving their English skills.

"It will help us with our work," Perez said, noting that both men work for Estella's Mexican restaurant on Brandon Boulevard.

"Eventually, we'll be able to help even more people," Gonzalez said.

The center is open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday. GED classes are also held from 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays.

For information on services and classes, call the Multicultural Center at (813) 246-5490.

Reporter Yvette C. Hammett can be reached at (813) 657-4532 or at yhammett@tampatrib.com.

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