Mineola, NY - County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi announced today that the Nassau County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) has issued $2,775,000 in tax-exempt civic facility revenue bonds to enable the Hispanic Counseling Center (HCC), a not-for-profit organization, to purchase, renovate and equip a 21,476 sq. ft. office building located at 344 Fulton Avenue in the Village of Hempstead.

"I am very pleased that we are able assist the Hispanic Counseling Center in providing essential programs and services to an underserved community," County Executive Suozzi said. "This project is an important element in revitalizing Hempstead Village's community development. The bonds will finance a new home for the HCC's needed counseling services and after-school programs serving Nassau County's diverse Hispanic population."

Since its establishment in 1977, the Hispanic Counseling Center has been serving a growing and diverse Hispanic population. According to Census 2000, there has been a 43% increase in the Spanish-speaking population of Nassau County in just 10 years. The Village of Hempstead is home to 56,554 residents, 31.8% of whom are Spanish-speaking. Many residents also lack the education and financial resources to fully acculturate into American society.

"HCC clients can turn to HCC without fear of linguistics or cultural misunderstanding," said the Executive Director of HCC, Gladys Serrano. "Each month, HCC serves 900 clients and their families in thirteen programs."

HCC is a New York State licensed nonprofit agency providing mental health treatment, child and family support services and other services in a bilingual, and bicultural setting. Also, HCC provides alcohol/substance abuse treatment and prevention, and vocation programs. HCC is a resource center for immigrant Hispanics and a gateway for their families into American society.

The IDA uses non-taxpayer dollars to help expand and bring business to Nassau County and has provided over $1.5 billion in funds and created or retained over 68,000 jobs.