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Círculo de la Hispanidad, Inc. History

In 1980 the idea of Círculo de la Hispanidad, Inc. was just a dream. Círculo's story of present and growing success is rooted in the experience of our founder and Executive Director, Gil Bernardino. When Gil, a teacher from Spain , first arrived as an immigrant in 1974 he began working at the Long Beach Youth Board, serving as an active member of the Long Beach Spanish Brotherhood, and teaching in the Long Beach Adult Education Program. It was there that he first recognized the many diverse needs of his Hispanic community.

To give form to the Círculo of his imagination, Mr. Bernardino joined together in the 1970s with two dedicated and talented allies: Barbara Dubow , a bilingual community organizer and successful grant writer and Pat McCormack, Director of Long Beach Youth Services, who generously offered crucial advice and direction. Both helped transform Círculo “the Idea” into Círculo the viable, enduring organization it is today. Gil and Barbara remain leaders of this remarkable organization which stands today, more than ever, as a vibrant testament to the power of dedication, productive idealism, and enormously hard work. Since 1980 they have dedicated their lives to building a strong, progressive organization that would help this family-centered hard working community of new arrivals fulfill their promise to grow stronger together as productive members and citizens in their new country of choice, the United States of America .

Círculo was awarded its very first grant in 1980 by New York State , which was matched by another grant from the Nassau County Youth Board. Círculo became an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to community service. Círculo has been able to competently serve the community, while growing and developing itself, thanks to their commitment and personal sacrifices.

"When nothing is sure everything is possible"