History of Mano a Mano
Mano a Mano was founded in 2000 by local community leaders, Mayor Iyla Bauer of Round Lake Park, Chief Bruce Johnson of Round Lake Park, and State Representative Mark Beaubien (R- Barrington). Noting the increasing arrival of immigrant families to the area and wanting to ensure a welcoming community, these community leaders obtained a small grant from the State of Illinois to start a resource center in a one-room storefront on Main Street in Round Lake Park.
What communities are saying
Digna, Honduras
“The reality is that although we have safety here, navigating daily life can be exceptionally challenging here. Mano a Mano has helped me in the moments when I didn’t know where to seek help for my situation. “
Arturo, Mexico
“I called, and I was blessed that Miss Julieth assisted me… The organization Mano a Mano, for me are my angels because I feel God put them in my path. If not, I don’t know what I would have done.”
Cristal, Mexico
“Mano a Mano helped me feel welcome in this country. They extend a warm and friendly hand to us that we know we can count on.
To this day, they support us and offer us what they can.”
Now, two decades later, Mano a Mano is a prominent social service agency offering comprehensive & holistic support and resources to immigrant families across northeastern Illinois.
