LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Centro de San Juan Diego, located in the Cardinal Valley neighborhood, marks its fourth anniversary this October. The center has emerged as a vital resource for Latino immigrants, assisting them in adjusting to life in Kentucky and the broader United States.
Situated at 1389 Alexandria Drive, the center features architecture reminiscent of churches commonly found in Central and South America. “When people walk by here, we want them to get a text message from their brain that says this looks like home,” stated Deacon Jim Bennett, the center’s director. The center serves as a cultural hub for the Hispanic community in Fayette County, a fitting location for its mission.
Centro de San Juan Diego offers over 50 services, all provided free of charge. “I used to pass by and wonder, what is that church? And the day I came in I was overwhelmed with peace,” shared Nadeen Gonzalez Andujar, who arrived in Lexington four years ago. Initially seeking a vaccine, Gonzalez Andujar soon became a volunteer English teacher, feeling that her visit was a divine sign to join the center’s mission.
The non-profit organization, initiated by Jim Bennett and his wife Dot in 2020, was designed as a “one-stop shop.” “People would come to learn English, and then find out we have counseling, or there’s a health clinic,” Bennett explained. This model has proven successful; in the past year alone, over 14,000 individuals utilized the center’s services, which encompass medical care, counseling, tutoring, and Bible studies.
With the center’s strategic location within walking distance of an estimated 10,000 Latino residents, and another 30,000 within an hour’s drive, it provides essential support to those transitioning to life in Kentucky. Rosario Ramirez, the Waypoint coordinator at the center, acts as a social worker, assisting clients with basic needs and helping them pursue educational and job opportunities. “What I’m doing here is helping people with basic needs, but I also help them strive,” she noted.
“We save them time, and we make sure they get everything they need,” Ramirez reiterated. This comprehensive approach significantly eases the adjustment process for newcomers, allowing them to thrive regardless of their circumstances. “Over a million dollars a year in services, they don’t pay anything,” Bennett added. “That’s priceless. You don’t know how many lives you’ve saved, how it motivates people.”
Centro de San Juan Diego continues to be a beacon of hope and support for many. “I see humans,” said Ramirez. “I see their needs. I see God in them.”
For assistance, the community can reach Centro de San Juan Diego at 859-692-1229.
