Summary
El Centro de la Raza is one of three recipients of the 2008 Family Strengthening Award.
Description
Affiliate Organization:
Region:
Winning Program:
El Centro de la Raza advocates on behalf of and meets the needs of society's most vulnerable. Since 1972 ECLR has helped the low income Latino Community and other communities of color address their barriers to stability. More than 20 culturally-relevant human services wrap around a wide array of participants' needs, providing a comprehensive support net for families who range in age from infancy to late life.
The José Martí Child Development Center (JMCDC) began offering culturally relevant childcare for Latinos since the founding of ECLR in 1972. Since that time, the early learning program has grown to become the first on the West Coast to provide accredited, bilingual/bicultural childhood education. For an average 10 hours per day, preschool-age students learn developmentally appropriate material, so that they enter Kindergarten ready to succeed in school and achieve healthy and successful careers. The educational philosophy at José Martí is deeply rooted in the empowerment of children and working for social justice. By showing children that each culture is valuable, JMCDC builds self-esteem and comfort in a cross-cultural environment.
