In an innovative approach to youth violence prevention, Centro Hispano’s “Knights at the Movies” initiative is making a significant impact on the local community. Spearheaded by Michael Toledo, President and CEO of Centro Hispano, this program offers a unique combination of family bonding and entertainment.
The initiative began in response to a call to action from the mayor, encouraging non-profit organizations to develop creative youth violence prevention programs. Centro Hispano, newly located across from the R/C Reading Movies 11 & IMAX movie theater, saw an opportunity to engage with youth in a novel way. “We thought there might be an opportunity to do some youth programming where we provide meals for youth to eat and then go watch a movie together,” explained Toledo.
Thursday nights screening was the new Twisters film, a standalone sequel to the 1996 movie Twister. Before the movie, families gathered inside Centro Hispano for a meal, along with tornado themed experiments by the Reading Science Center.
Over the first few months, the initiative saw increasing participation, evolving into an intergenerational program. “We started seeing more youth coming to the events, but also parents and families with their kids, becoming an intergenerational type of programming that has taken off, and sold out the last five weeks,” Toledo noted.
The success of “Knights at the Movies” lies in its ability to bring families together. As Toledo put it, “Families that eat together, stay together.” The program offers a modern twist on this traditional idea, fostering family unity and ensuring a safe environment for kids. Held twice a month, typically every other Thursday, the events are free for families who register on the Centro Hispano website. “We wanted to take away that barrier of access so families can come together and enjoy each other’s company. Eating together and watching a movie together,” Toledo emphasized.
Initially funded by a city grant, the program now operates with support from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. Despite the change in funding sources, the mission remains the same. “I just love seeing families coming out together, visiting the Hispanic Center, seeing and learning about the programs and services that we provide,” said Toledo. “Knowing that this is another organization these families can come to for service, support, and programs. The fact that we can be that anchor organization in the community, the heart of the city, fills me with joy.”
The “Knights at the Movies” initiative not only provides a fun outing for families but also strengthens community ties and showcases the valuable resources offered by Centro Hispano.
