WHO WE ARE
Our Mission
Increase access and opportunities for Latinos and influence the systems that serve them.
Valuing the dignity of every human being, respecting cultural beliefs and traditions, and recognizing the strength and resilience of our diverse Latino community, Hispanic Services Council is a bridge that links the community to opportunities that help them thrive and achieve their fullest potential.
Values
WHO
As part of the community since 1992, our shared immigrant, cultural, and language experiences allow us to connect more deeply and earn the trust of the community. We build on these connections to more meaningfully engage with and advocate for those we serve.
WHAT
We transform lives through information, education, resources, and advocacy. We serve as a bilingual, bi-cultural connector to other providers in human and social services, government, and education. We address disparities in education, health, and civic engagement to help others achieve full integration and equitable access to opportunities.
HOW
We treat people with dignity and respect, understanding that we all have different and unique life experiences in our home countries and in the United States. We amplify the voices of those who feel they don’t have a voice.
WHY
We believe all people deserve equitable access to opportunities that let them achieve a higher quality of life and contribute more fully to their families and communities.
Our History
Founded in 1992, Hispanic Services Council (HSC) is a private, non-profit organization focused on improving the lives of Latino children and their families in Hillsborough County. The brainchild of social service professionals, HSC was initially an informal network that offered bilingual translation, information and referral services through the Linea Hispana (Spanish Hotline).
We reframed our work in 2011 to focus on Education, Health, Economic Mobility and Civic Engagement, which represent our commitment to changing the policy, environmental and systematic conditions impacting Latinos. HSC’s work centers on listening to those we serve and developing access to opportunities that result in an educated, healthy, and engaged Latino community.
HSC serves as the cultural and language conduit for families who are seeking stability in the United States, alleviating the isolation felt by those who are trying to overcome language and cultural barriers to lead productive lives. We help them through challenges such as securing adequate housing, gaining U.S. citizenship, enrolling their children in school, and finding health services. Our relationships with providers alleviate the frustration of those who may not have the language or cultural capacity to connect more fully with the families they are trying to support.
Our People
The Hispanic Services Council is governed by a board of directors who provide program and operations oversight and are responsible for setting the organization's mission, vision and goals. HSC Board members are Latino leaders within their respective organizations and represent various business sectors including private industry, non-profits, and state and local governments.
Education
Civic Engagement
Community Coordinator
La Red de Padres Activos/The Network of Active Parents - Middle School
Community Coordinator
La Red de Padres Activos/The Network of Active Parents - Middle School
Community Coordinator
La Red de Padres Activos/The Network of Active Parents - Middle School
Community Coordinator
La Red de Padres Activos/The Network of Active Parents / - Middle School
Maria Duenas
Community Coordinator
La Red de Padres Activos/The Network of Active Parents – Middle School
Zay D'Quiala
Housing Specialist
La Red de Padres Activos/The Network of Active Parents
Luis Salazar
Volunteer Resources Liaison
La Red de Padres Activos
Project Director / DOJ Fully Accredited Representative
Immigration Legal Services and Advocacy (ILSA)
Administration
Steve Costner
Finance Manager
Community Coordinator
La Red de Padres Activos/The Network of Active Parents - Elementary School
Health
Community Coordinator
La Red de Padres Activos/The Network of Active Parents - Elementary School
Project Director
La Red de Padres Activos/Network of Active Parents
Parenting Skills Coordinator
La Red de Padres Activos / The Network of Active Parents - Middle School
Community Coordinator
La Red de Padres Activos/The Network of Active Parents - Elementary School
Community Coordinator
La Red de Padres Activos/The Network of Active Parents – Elementary School
Community Coordinator
La Red de Padres Activos/The Network of Active Parents - Elementary School
Damaris Rivera
Family Resource Specialist
Pathways to Hope
Executive Director
Maria was hired in 1996 as HSC’s first Executive Director and has more than three decades of experience in the nonprofit sector. She holds a BA in Political Science from Furman University and a MA in International Affairs from The George Washington University. Prior to joining HSC, Maria served as Director of Programmatic Operations for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute and as Director of the National Census Project for the National Association of Latino Elected Officials (NALEO). Born in Colombia, she came to the US when she was seven years old and has lived in Dunedin since 1995. She says, “I am amazed and humbled by the resiliency of our immigrant community, as exemplified by my parents’ journey to become fully contributing members of society in the United States. I am committed to compassionately supporting and encouraging people on this journey in honor of my parents who walked this path with honor, hope and pride.”
Our Funders
HSC is grateful for the generous support from our funding partners, including Cigna, Children's Board of Hillsborough County, Florida Blue Foundation, Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), Hispanic Federation, National Institutes of Health (NIH), New Americans Campaign (NAC), UnidosUS, and United Way Suncoast.
Public Disclosure
HSC makes the following information available for public disclosure and review: relationships with providers alleviate the frustration of those who may not have the language or cultural capacity to connect more fully with the families they are trying to support.
● Form 1023
● Form 990
● Organizing/Governing Documents
● Conflict of interest policy
● Financial statements.
These documents are available at:
HSC's Administrative Office
7825 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Ste. 102
Tampa, FL 33614
Monday-Friday, 8-5 p.m.