Spanish-language expo offers opportunities in Elgin

Near the end of a curving row of booths at Saturday's Hablamos Espanol Expo in Elgin, Stephanie Acevedo waited patiently for people to ask about prenatal care, the dangers of tobacco products and other healthy-living topics.

She didn't have too many takers. But Acevedo — who was representing the Kane County Health Department at the annual event — knew the importance of her mission.

“There are a lot of health issues in the Hispanic population,” said Acevedo, who's working with the health department through the national AmeriCorps program.

The health department was one of dozens of vendors at the expo, staged by the Elgin Chamber of Commerce at The Centre of Elgin. Sponsors included the City of Elgin and Reflejos, Paddock Publications' Spanish-language newspaper.

Visitors could learn about local banks, discover educational opportunities for kids and adults, get small-business tips from counselors and explore other topics in English and Spanish.

Flory Keller, a branch manager at a PNC Bank in Elgin, manned a booth for her company. She was there to tell customers — and potential customers — how the bank can help them manage their money better.

Spanish-language brochures on her table covered topics such as the fundamentals of good credit and the benefits of homeownership.

Ubaldo Corral brought his son, Bryan, to the event. One of their stops was at a booth where health professionals assessed the 12-year-old boy's risk of diabetes.

“His grandfather had diabetes, so it's a risk,” said Corral, of Elgin.

Elsewhere, Elgin resident George Dominguez talked to representatives from Elgin's Judson University.

His daughter, Anna, is a high-school junior, so they're getting ready to look at colleges. But he and his wife also are looking for their own educational opportunities.

“I'm trying to motivate my kids, and (it's) for the family's well-being,” he said.