CARECEN was envisioned and founded by Central American refugees. During the 1980’s CARECEN took a lead role in advocating for and defending the rights of Central American refugees fleeing armed conflicts in their home countries. For decades, forced migration from the region has continued to surge. In response to the present humanitarian crisis at the border and the phenomenon of caravans traveling North from the region—CARECEN’s Refugee Project has been on the ground providing humanitarian aid, accompaniment, support services and advocacy to the thousands of Central American refugees coming to the United States.

CARECEN provides education and leadership development programs for youth and adults through its Youth and Parent Center and citizenship classes. All programs are at no or low cost to the community and aim to support immigrant families so they can succeed in school and work.