The Hispanic Learning Center (HLC) was founded by Doris M. Goedeke. She saw the desperate needs that the recently arrived Hispanic children had in school and in life. They faced huge challenges in literacy, everyday living and adjustment to their new culture. She decided to do something about it. Recruiting her husband Tom, friends and teachers, they quickly formed a board and brought the HLC into existence. Located in Concord, North Carolina, the HLC serves the greater Cabarrus County region. The Hispanic Learning Center delivers its services free of charge and is recognized by the IRS as a 501- (c) organization. Donations are tax deductible. The first HLC location in downtown Concord was quickly outgrown. Through the generosity of Charlotte Presbytery, the HLC was given a surplus church building and moved into its present location. Imagine that you are 12 years old. You sit down in your English class. Everyday is the same. You open up your English book and you immediately feel a pronounced "reeling" sensation of spinning and confusion. You look to your teacher, hopefully she can explain some of this to you. She's too busy to help you. And worse yet, she doesn't understand your language. You have no real idea about what she is saying except that you now have a hazy thought that you might have homework tonight. Now, imagine that your parents can't read English at all. How are you going to learn? Who is going to help you with your schoolwork? With your life? This is why the HLC is here. "The best thing of all was solving problems. I like to get good grades. I do a lot of reading. I learned many new words and sounds. I solved puzzles and crosswords. My teacher helped me with my homework. The spelling contest was cool. I was the winner of it. "I enjoy being in the HLC a lot. I get to learn new things. Thanks to all of my teachers in the HLC. I've progressed a lot. They sure do know how to teach."