Originally published by The Reading Eagle. 

Written by Steven Henshaw.

Addressing an audience of more than 100 people gathered on the sidewalk Wednesday in front of the Daniel Torres Hispanic Center’s prominent new space in downtown Reading, Michael Toledo paid homage to a man whose statue stands nearby and would have loved to see it come to fruition.

Toledo, president of the center, recalled that 12 years ago, soon after he began his tenure as president, the late Albert R. Boscov, whom he described as a pillar of the community, suggested to him that the organization should have its own home. Boscov, according to Toledo, even offered to help find him one.

“This man said: ‘Mike, I’ve been in the community a long time. I’ve seen a lot of things, and I can tell you as sure as we’re sitting here that the Hispanic Center’s role in our community is going to be so important given the demographic shifts and trends we are seeing that it’s important for the Hispanic Center to have its own home.’”

At the time, Toledo said, the center was not in a financial position to take Boscov up on his offer.

“And I believe I may have been the only person to say no to this gentleman,” he said, adding that Boscov offered to stand with him when he was ready to move.

With support from federal, state and local elected officials and community partners — many of whom were on hand for the ribbon cutting for the new center at Second and Washington streets, in the space formerly occupied by Panevino restaurant across from RC Theatres – Reading Movies 11 & IMAX — it has finally come to fruition.

The Hispanic Center recently moved into the larger and more modern space at Reading’s western gateway, three blocks west of its longtime leased space at Fifth and Washington streets, to better meet the need for programs and services to the Reading area’s growing Latino population.

“That pillar of our community is here today in spirit and in statue,” Toledo said. “Mr. Albert Boscov. Albert, you’re a man of your word. Thank you.”

Boscov was a businessman, philanthropist and stalwart supporter of the city. The larger, modern space will allow the Hispanic Center, also called Centro Hispano, to better meet the needs of the community and stands as a sign of Berks County’s unwavering commitment and support, Toledo said.

“It’s a tangible reminder of our mission to inspire, to support to enhance the acculturation of the growing Latino community through collaborative initiatives designed to enable individuals and families to improve their quality of life,” he said.

U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, a Chester County Democrat whose district includes Reading, said she has enjoyed a positive relationship with Toledo in her four years in Washington and is pleased that city and county officials have directed some of the funding they received though the American Rescue Plan to the center.

The organization played a vital role in providing nutritional and educational resources to youngsters during the pandemic shutdown in 2020 and helped with vaccine distribution, the congresswoman said.

“Through the collaborative and positive relationships we have with one another, we aren’t merely surviving right now,” Houlahan said. This ribbon-cutting ceremony is a physical example of a thriving community. I’m excited to see where our bright future may lead us.”

Pennsylvania Secretary of Aging Robert Torres said he last visited the center on March 5, 2020, and it left him with a positive impression. He was struck by the vibrancy of the center, with its music and conversation, fiercely competitive games of dominos and a delicious lunch.

“All of us faced and have overcome so many challenges since then,” he said. “This new center is a testament to the resilience and long-standing commitment that Centro Hispano and Casa De La Amistad (the name of the senior center) has had in providing quality services and supports to older adults in the Reading community.”

Torres said the critical importance of the 500 state-supported senior centers cannot be underscored enough. After the centers closed during the shutdown, Department of Aging officials faced new challenges for meeting the needs of older adults who relied on the centers for meals and socialization.

“And for those participating in the centers for socialization we had to think of new ways to engage them to prevent the negative physical and mental aspects of being isolated, which I know is one of Casa’s main reasons for existing.”

The number of Latinos 60 and older is growing as it is with the general population.

“This is a place where people meet with friends, socialize and get services as well, and over the years Centro Hispano has only grown in its importance to the community,” state Sen. Judy Schwank said.

She credited Toledo’s leadership and the dedication of the staff.

The senator also had some news to announce: the awarding of a $250,000 state grant to support the new facility.

To the delight of many in the audience, she made her announcement in Spanish as well as English.

Reading Mayor Eddie Moran said he built a relationship with the center many years ago when he was a federally licensed health insurance agent and has been a strong supporter because he saw the kinds of services the center provides daily to the Latino population.

With City Council’s support, he awarded $500,000 from the city’s appropriation of federal American Rescue Plan funds to the Hispanic Center.

“You can be sure that any time Centro Hispano says, ‘Eddie we need help,’ we will be there,” the mayor said.

Berks County Commissioner Michael Rivera, a center board member and former chairman, took the podium flanked by his two fellow commissioners, Kevin Barnhardt and Christian Leinbach. Rivera said he was grateful his colleagues supported allocation of $300,000 in ARP funds controlled by the county.

City Council President Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, a center board member, thanked the mayor and her City Council colleagues for their support.

She said the center played an integral role in her father’s final months before he died this year.

“Centro will always, as a result, hold such a special place in my heart because you care,” Cepeda-Freytiz said. “You take care of the most vulnerable members of the community. And for that part, we as a city and community need to be grateful. We need to still advocate and fight for more resources, service and opportunities.”

Before cutting the ribbon, Toledo said the road to the new center was paved decades ago by the likes of Daniel Torres, after whom the center is named, and Frank Colon.

“It’s their hard work, dedication and forward thinking that set us on the path,” he said.