The Latino Family Center provides Latino families with the
resources and support they need to raise healthy and happy children. It is part
of the larger Allegheny County Family Support Network. The services of the
center include, but are not limited to, in-home services focusing on child
development, parenting support, prenatal support, family goal setting, literacy
activities, parent support groups, infant and toddler groups, family fun
nights, and referral services and assistance with medical, legal, and mental
health services.
In addition to various classes offered through the center,
they also offer two specific programs. The first program, Parents as Teachers
(PAT) works with parents and their children to help get them ready for kindergarten.
The second program offered by the center is Immigrant Services and Connections
(ISAC). This program connects immigrant families to services when they are
experiencing difficulties with access because of language or cultural barriers.
The program is a six partner collaboration between: Jewish Family &
Children’s Services, Northern Area Companies, South Hills Interfaith Movement,
Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council, Casa San Jose, and Alleghany Intermediate Unit
Latino Family Center.
The director of the center, Rosamaria Cristello, graduated
from IUP in 2011 with a BA in Regional Planning and a BS in Geography
(GIS/Cartography). Currently, Rosamaria is a graduate student in the University
of Pittsburgh’s School of Public and International Affairs. In addition to being
director, Rosamaria stands as Immigrants and Internationals Advisory Council
co-chair of Allegheny County Department of Human Services.