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	About Us
The Latino Cultural Institute of the Midwest ("LaCIM") is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which was founded in 2005 with the purpose of preserving Latino culture and promoting a positive image of Latinos in the Midwest. To this end, LaCIM will present educational, cultural and social programs to educate a broad audience and, in the process, will bridge ethnic and cultural barriers. LaCIM will create and support programs devoted to Latino and local community audiences. LaCIM international cultural exchanges and community partnerships will allow ideal exposure and access to the vast and rich cultural heritage of the Americas.
Purpose
Here at The Latino Cultural Institute of the Midwest, LaCIM, our purpose is to preserve Latino culture and promote a positive image of Latinos in the Midwest.
Mission
LaCIM will provide and foster a better understanding of Latino culture in the community and reawaken in Latinos an appreciation for their heritage.
History
The Latino population in the United States is increasing due to immigration efforts and natural population growth among Latinos. The Census Bureau projects that "the share of ethnic and racial minorities will reach 54 percent of the total United States population and surpass that of non-Hispanic whites by 2042." By that time, the Latino population may be the largest ethnic group in the United States. Outside the state of Illinois, where the Latino population has exploded and is now the largest concentration of Latinos outside of Latin America, the growth of the Latino population in the Midwest has remained stable until recently. Now, the Iowa Latino is showing a marked growth, although relatively slow compared to the neighboring states. It is a known, but unfortunate, fact that when different ethnic/racial groups live in the same general area, some friction between them may occur. These problems, although small in comparison with other states, are beginning to occur in Iowa. There are two main groups of Latinos in the United States: The older, first generation Latinos and their children, who are already assimilated, and the recent immigrants. It is important to remember that Latinos, being from different countries, have different idiosyncrasies. LaCIM was founded to create programs to ease the transition to a new life in a new country for the recent immigrants, and to be a forum where all Latinos already living here can come to reawaken to their heritage and cultural roots. In addition, LaCIM will be an educational space where people can learn about the assets Latinos bring to community life.

The Latino population in the United States is increasing due to immigration efforts and natural population growth among Latinos. The Census Bureau projects that "the share of ethnic and racial minorities will reach 54 percent of the total United States population and surpass that of non-Hispanic whites by 2042." By that time, the Latino population may be the largest ethnic group in the United States.

Outside the state of Illinois, where the Latino population has exploded and is now the largest concentration of Latinos outside of Latin America, the growth of the Latino population in the Midwest has remained stable until recently. Now, the Iowa Latino is showing a marked growth, although relatively slow compared to the neighboring states.

It is a known, but unfortunate, fact that when different ethnic/racial groups live in the same general area, some friction between them may occur. These problems, although small in comparison with other states, are beginning to occur in Iowa.

There are two main groups of Latinos in the United States: The older, first generation Latinos and their children, who are already assimilated, and the recent immigrants. It is important to remember that Latinos, being from different countries, have different idiosyncrasies.

LaCIM was founded to create programs to ease the transition to a new life in a new country for the recent immigrants, and to be a forum where all Latinos already living here can come to reawaken to their heritage and cultural roots. In addition, LaCIM will be an educational space where people can learn about the assets Latinos bring to community life.