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History of Mano a Mano
Mano a Mano was founded in 2000 by local community leaders, Mayor Iyla Bauer of Round Lake Park, Chief Bruce Johnson of Round Lake Park, and State Representative Mark Beaubien (R- Barrington). Noting the increasing arrival of immigrant families to the area and wanting to ensure a welcoming community, these community leaders obtained a small grant from the State of Illinois to start a resource center in a one-room storefront on Main Street in Round Lake Park.
What communities are saying
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Digna, Honduras
“The reality is that although we have safety here, navigating daily life can be exceptionally challenging here. Mano a Mano has helped me in the moments when I didn’t know where to seek help for my situation. “
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Arturo, Mexico
“I called, and I was blessed that Miss Julieth assisted me… The organization Mano a Mano, for me are my angels because I feel God put them in my path. If not, I don’t know what I would have done.”
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Cristal, Mexico
“Mano a Mano helped me feel welcome in this country. They extend a warm and friendly hand to us that we know we can count on.
To this day, they support us and offer us what they can.”
Now, two decades later, Mano a Mano is a prominent social service agency offering comprehensive & holistic support and resources to immigrant families across northeastern Illinois.