Programs

The Portuguese Community Center is committed to the enrichment of the quality of life of all members of the community. Opportunities for friendship, service, and lifelong learning are essential to live a full, productive life in mainstream society.

Since 1976, the POSSO has been a gathering place where community members socialize, meet old friends, experience new things, help others and receive help from others — spending rewarding time in community. For these purposes, the following programs and services are offered:

Information and Referral

POSSO maintains information on a full variety of public and private resources and services. Staff and volunteers instruct and assist clients to access these to meet their personal and social needs. An essential part of this program is language interpretation and translation.

Case Management

POSSO provides case management for people with multiple serious problems or who have difficulty negotiating the complex health and human services system who need extra support to live independently. The program provides scheduling, transportation, translation and interpretation, as well as advocacy by trained professionals and volunteers.

Free Groceries Program

POSSO is a Second Harvest Food Bank distribution center. More than 100 bags of groceries are distributed to low-income households each week. In addition, federal surplus food commodities are distributed to low-income seniors who apply and qualify for this benefit.

Nutrition Program

Providing seniors with a delicious hot lunch and an afternoon of camaraderie five times a week, this program is one of the most enjoyed by our seniors.

Blood Pressure and Medical Screening

Blood pressure and medical screening is one of our most-utilized programs. It is vital for maintaining and restoring health, and for ensuring timely treatment of potentially serious health problems.

Vida Activa (Active Life)

Leading a physically active life with regular exercise is one of the most important underpinnings of a long, healthy, and independent life. Seniors who regularly exercise have increased strength, better balance, are active and able to do the things that they enjoy, feeling better both physically and emotionally. Participants also enjoy the camaraderie of group participation.

Clube Social (Social Club)

Clube Social provides a multitude of recreational and social activities. Its members plan and participate in activities like sightseeing trips, birthday parties, luncheons, dances, arts and crafts, as well as a variety of other activities and projects both onsite and on outings.

Immigration and Naturalization

POSSO offers services to help resolve immigration issues. The most common requests are for assistance in applying for naturalization and adjustment of status. POSSO has processed thousands of applicants, saving tens of thousands of hours in processing time to both the applicants and the government.

Voter Registration

POSSO offers ongoing voter registration and holds voter education sessions before elections to promote civic involvement.