Centro de Servicios

Meet Jaime – “I love listening and helping people.”

The Food Bank has 400 partner organizations that we depend on to distribute food out in the community. Every partner has a story, and Centro de Servicios is no different. Nestled in the Dakota District of Union City, Centro has been a partner since 1996 when Jaime Jaramillo took the helm as executive director.

Jaime immigrated to the U.S. on his own as a teenager. He struggled with homelessness and knew hunger well. To get off the streets, he entered the army, got a law degree on the GI bill, and then started a family. He spent 23 years serving low-income people in the courts, and in his free time, he would volunteer as a board member at Centro de Servicios.

“I was the worst board member in history and almost never attended meetings,” said Jaime. “But I was always serious about helping people, and eventually, they offered me the job as executive director.

Back in the 90s, Centro had a small food distribution service and had maybe 30-40 people come each week. Today, they serve over 500. Clients are from diverse backgrounds including Latin American, Asian, Indian, and Middle Eastern.

“The Food Bank is great because everyone can get something they like…and will use,” said Jaime, noting the importance of providing culturally relevant foods in a community as diverse as Alameda County—from fresh vegetables to rice and tortillas.

Jaime further shared how clients often prepare meals with food they receive from Centro to share with others. One client cooks traditional Indian food; another makes pupusas; and another makes a fruit cake.

According to Jaime, food is a magnet to bring people in for holistic support. Centro offers help with housing, utilities, and applying for public services. They offer translation support on documents and applications, and Jaime uses his legal background to offer advice on immigration, family law, and civil issues. He will direct people to his connections if someone needs legal representation.

“Working here has great rewards,” said Jaime. “I love listening and helping people. I’m 77 years old, and because I love what I do, I’m going to stick around for a while. I’ll stay until I physically can’t do it anymore. But I love it so much, they’ll probably have to throw me out!”