Hispanic Heritage Month

Dancers at the Hispanic Heritage Month event at City Hall.

The City of Orlando is pleased to join our community to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 to October 15, 2020 and recognizes the culture and traditions of U.S. residents who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America and the Caribbean. 

This year's theme is "Hispanics: Be Proud of Your Past and Embrace the Future." The theme invites Hispanics to embrace their background and be proud of their heritage, culture and nationality.

Although we have adapted our lives to our new normal and we will not be able to gather in City Hall at our traditional kickoff event this year, the City of Orlando wants to join our residents to celebrate this month by acknowledging Hispanic residents, who have helped our community in many ways during these difficult times, recognizing our Latino artists and offering virtual workshops about topics and issues concerning the Hispanic community.

As a welcoming and inclusive city, we are committed to continue celebrating our differences and dedicating this month to the rich and diverse Hispanic culture and heritage.

COVID-19 has impacted the Latino community in an unprecedented way. This year, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, the City of Orlando will host three free virtual workshops on Facebook Live about topics important to the Latino community. The workshops will feature local panelists and experts that will share tips and answer questions about staying healthy, immigration processes, as well as career and financial advice. 

Florida Department of Children and Families

EBT and Medicaid Program
1.888.356.3281 or 1.850.300.4323
400 West Robinson Street Suite 1129
Orlando, FL 32801

Food Assistance

Second Harvest Food Bank
407.295.1066
411 Mercy Drive
Orlando, FL 32805

Emergency Financial Assistance

LIHEAP –Home Energy Assistance Program
407.838.7429
2100 East Michigan Street
Orlando, FL  32806

Christian Service Center
407.425.2523
816 West Central Boulevard
Orlando, FL 32805

Jewish Family Services Center of Greater Orlando
407.644.7593
2100 Lee Road
Winter Park, FL 32789

Orange Crisis Center Assistance Program
407.836.6500
2100 East Michigan Street
Orlando, FL 32806

Employment

Career Source
407.531.1222
5784 South Semoran Boulevard
Orlando, FL 32822

Goodwill Job Connection
407.872.0770
3911 East Colonial Drive
Orlando, FL 32803

Health Care

Bliss Cares
407.203.5984
2901 Curry Ford Road Suite 106
Orlando, FL 32806

Florida Department of Health in Orange County
407.858.1400
Various Locations

Health Care Center for the Homeless
407.428.5751
232 North Orange Blossom Trail
Orlando, FL  32805

Sheperd’s Hope
407.876.6699
101 South Westmoreland Drive
Orlando, FL  32805

True Health
407.322.8645
5730 Lake Underhill Road
Orlando, FL  32807

Immigration

Orlando Center for Justice
407.279.1802
1300 North Semoran Boulevard Suite 120
Orlando, FL  32807

Catholic Charities Orlando
407.658.1818
1819 North Semoran Boulevard
Orlando, FL  32807

Immigration – Cont.

Hope Community Center
407.880.4673
1016 North Park Avenue
Apopka, FL 32712

Mental Health Services

Hispanic Family Counseling
407.382.4079
6900 South Orange Blossom Trail,
Suite 402
Orlando, FL  32809

Mental Health Association of Central Florida
407.898.0110
1525 East Robinson Street
Orlando, FL 32801

Isaret Jeffers

Isaret Jeffers

Isaret Jeffers is from Guanajuato, México, and is the founder of Colectivo Árbol, a Central Florida’s nonprofit organization that provides farmworkers with education, health and legal counseling services. During the pandemic, Isaret has distributed free COVID-19 personal protective equipment, food and milk to about 400 farmworkers’ families per week. Therefore, the city is proud to select Isaret “La Paisanita” Jeffers as a Hispanic Heritage Month Unsung Hero.

Andrés Acosta

Andres Acosta

Andrés Acosta is a first-generation Colombian American immigrant and US Navy veteran. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Andres was the main organizer for the Orlando Strong Symposium, which serves as a platform for the elected community leaders and organizations fighting the virus to better learn the need of residents to tailor their response to the crisis.

Andres played a pivotal role in the creation and execution of the Central Florida LGBTQ+ Mutual Aid Network that provides individual financial assistance, food, clothing and mental health services to individuals in Central Florida impacted by the pandemic. Thus, the city is pleased to named Andrés Acosta as a Hispanic Heritage Month Unsung Hero.

Dr. Adamar Gonzalez

Dr. Adamar González

Dr. Adamar González is from Mayagüez, Puerto Rico and after finishing her career has been in the practice of General Medicine with certifications in HIV and nutrition. Her passion has been educating low-income communities about the importance of maintaining good nutrition to have a healthy lifestyle. During the pandemic, Dr. González has provided free meals and healthcare services to marginalized communities in Central Florida during the pandemic by participating in free health fairs. Her vocation towards her patients and the community make her realize herself as an enterprising woman but sensitive to the needs of our people. That's why the city is proud to name Dr. Adamar González as a Hispanic Heritage Month Unsung Hero.

Sergio E. Padilla  

Sergio E. Padilla

Sergio E. Padilla is from Managua, Nicaragua and is the founder of Metro Orlando Hispanic CERT, an organization that offers education and courses to Central Florida residents on how to be prepared for all types of emergencies. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sergio has provided critical bilingual presentations to residents and the homeless population about COVID-19 safety measures, including how to practice physical distancing and the use of face coverings. In addition, he has delivered free meals to some of the area communities most in need. Therefore, the city is proud to name Sergio E. Padilla as a 2020 Hispanic Heritage Month Unsung Hero.

Contact Us

Phone

407.383.2073

 

Email

multiculturalaffairs@orlando.gov

 

Department or Office

Office of Multicultural Affairs
400 South Orange Avenue
Downtown Orlando
32801

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