Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | April 4, 2022 | Worcester Business Journal 7 referred to as a cranky old priest. Gomez maintains great reverence for Bafaro. "He actually changed his name to Miguel because of his fondness for the Latino community," Gomez said. "Father Miguel was Italian, from Worcester, and in the '60s and '70s he was sent off to Latin America on missionary work. When he came back, he saw the limitations and the needs of the Latino community." Bafaro worked with a number of recognized community leaders like Luis Perez as well as Hector and Lidia Reyes, to create Centro Las Americas. e original mission included three tiers. "First, to be a spot for all Puerto Ricans that were living in Worcester at the time where they could celebrate, meet, share information, and have important community discussions," said Gomez. "Second, to be a conduit for helping the Puerto Rican community transition into Worcester and make it their home. And third, to be a repository of Puerto Rican and Latino culture, and share it with the city at large." CENTRO's demographics have grown beyond the Puerto Rican community to serve all immigrant groups and other historically underserved populations, said Gomez. By his most recent estimation, 62% of CENTRO's current clients are of Latino descent. An investment in health CENTRO's gross margin budget has not previously allowed for a substantial investment in telehealth or an electronic records system. e new federal funding will not only reduce the cost of providing health care, Gomez predicted it will reduce the number of hospital stays and the length of stays. Like most healthcare and human service providers, CENTRO is navigating a staffing shortage. "We have to do everything we can to effectively train and work to retain the staff we have," Gomez said. "Altogether, this funding is going to allow us to do that in a very effective way thanks to God and to people like Congressman McGovern and Seven Hills President … David Jordan." Jordan congratulated CENTRO on receiving the community project funding award, praising the organization's efforts to, "Enhance their electronic health records systems, which in turn will better assist them in supporting the many health and human service clients they serve throughout the year." McGovern visited CENTRO on March 24 to announce and celebrate the line item award with the organization's staff. "I fought hard for the inclusion of community projects in this appropriations bill to deliver vital support to worthwhile causes," McGovern said in a press release. Congressman Jim McGovern (D-Worcester) announces the $1-million federal award to CENTRO in a press conference on March 24. W Business Stepping Stone? We Can Help From the Ground Up. Many of the best ideas in business start with one inquiry, one possibility, one opportunity. And you may only get one chance for your idea to make a first impression. At Fletcher Tilton, our experience in representing leading privately-held companies in Massachusetts has provided us with the knowledge needed to assist you with your business venture from beginning to end. And every step along the way. Call Mark Donahue 508.459.8029 or Todd Brodeur 508.459.8038. Real Knowledge in Real Life FletcherTilton.com W O R C E S T E R | F R A M I N G H A M | B O S T O N | C A P E C O D W O R C E S T E R • F R A M I N G H A M • B O S TO N • C A P E C O D • P R O V I D E N C E CEO Juan Gomez delivers remarks at the March 24 press conference.

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