October 8, 2025

Latino Center of the Midlands Breaks Ground on $10 Million Expansion Project will grow facility by 50%, uniting programs under one roof to serve more families

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Omaha, Nebraska, October 28, 2025 — The Latino Center of the Midlands (LCM) will host a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, October 28, from 4:00 to 5:35 p.m. at its headquarters undergoing significant structural changes, located at 4821 South 24th Street in Omaha’s historic South Omaha neighborhood.

“We are creating a facility that reflects the strength and aspirations of our community,” said Albert Varas, CEO and President of Latino Center of the Midlands. “For over five decades, we’ve walked alongside families in South Omaha. This expansion allows us to grow with them, breaking down barriers, expanding programs and serving more youth and families each year.”

The $10 million renovation project will expand the current footprint by nearly 50%, enabling LCM to unite its programs under one roof and significantly increase capacity to serve the growing Latino community.

“We’re grateful to play a part in this transformative investment,” said César García, Executive Director of Canopy South. “The Latino Center’s expansion is a huge win for the entire South Omaha community—opening more pathways to health, education, and opportunity.

The renovated headquarters will feature:

• Innovative Learning Spaces: Modernized classrooms designed to enhance GED, ELL, citizenship and literacy programs.
• Dedicated Youth Areas: Safe and welcoming spaces where young people can learn, grow and thrive.
• Teaching Kitchen: A fully equipped kitchen to support nutrition education and promote health and well-being.
• Community Spaces: Flexible multipurpose spaces that bring neighbors together to connect and collaborate.

During construction, services will continue without interruption at a temporary location just one block away at 4937 South 24th Street. The project is expected to be completed by January 2027.

“This is more than a groundbreaking, it’s a celebration of South Omaha’s promise,” said Mayor Jon Ewing Jr. “The Latino Center has long been a cornerstone in our community, and this expansion ensures its impact will only grow stronger for generations to come.”

“The Latino Center is a testament to the drive and vision of Nebraska’s Latino community,” said Yesenia Peck, president of the board, Nebraska Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “We look forward to the ways it will keep building opportunity and prosperity for Omaha.”

 

About Latino Center of the Midlands

The Latino Center of the Midlands, formerly the Chicano Awareness Center, is the largest Latino-serving organization in Omaha, focusing on educational support, workforce development, and leadership opportunities. For more information, visit www.latinocenter.org.

 

About Canopy South

Canopy South promotes a culture of collaboration to transform neighborhoods and improve outcomes for South Omaha residents. As the “community quarterback,” we bring together the essential components for holistic revitalization: high-quality mixed-income housing, an equitable cradle-to-career education pipeline, economic vitality, and community vibrancy. We unite local partners, coordinate with government programs, and advocate for long-term investments at all levels. By tapping into the neighborhood’s existing strengths and relationships, Canopy South drives progress that is rooted in community voice and sustained through deep partnerships. As one of 28 members of the Purpose Built Communities network, we bring a nationally proven model for lasting, people-centered neighborhood revitalization. Learn more at canopysouth.org.

Media contact:

Sara Wilson, swilson@smithkroeger.com, 402-699-1458