CEUS HISTORY

Comité En Unión para Salvadoreños (CEUS) was formed in Hudson County, NJ, in 1992 by four Salvadoran refugees seeking to strengthen and develop their community, and help other immigrants in their struggles. Two of the four Salvadoran women who started the group – Blanca Molina and Alma Martinez - are still involved.

In 1995, CEUS opened the first office in New Jersey run by and for Salvadorans. The same year, CEUS incorporated as a non-profit organization under the laws of the State of New Jersey. And two years later, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service granted CEUS 501(C)(3) tax-exempt status. In 1998, CEUS moved to a 2,500-square-foot office at 4511 New York Avenue, Union City, NJ, which is now known as Centro Comunitario CEUS. 

The CEUS budget is largely funded by group activities. These include fees from clients of the legal services and education programs, member payments, general donations and group fundraising raffles and other events. The group has also received a number of foundation grants.

The Presbyterian Church's Self-Development of People program, in 1995 and 1996, awarded CEUS funds to start a women's empowerment group. Three grants awarded by the Mott Foundation, from 2003 to 2005, supported leadership development and community organization activities. CEUS also received training from the Center For Community Change of Washington D.C.  And in 2006 and 2007, RTS, a Brooklyn-based foundation, awarded CEUS grants to support the legal services program.