El Centro del Pueblo was established in 1974 as a non-profit community service agency for the purpose of alleviating and mitigating the negative affects of gang violence. We are dedicated to improve the quality of life for children, youth and families through prevention, intervention, and education through a coordinated range of services in Central, Northeast and South Los Angeles.
El Centro provides services for families in a culturally, ethnically and linguistically competent basis. We draw from our collaborative partners with Korean, Pilipino Chinese, and Central American and African-American families to provide services.
Incorporated as a non-profit entity under the laws of the State of California, El Centro del Pueblo’s mission is to provide social services such as counseling, drug prevention, social rehabilitation, employment, outreach, education, health services, HIV/AIDS education and prevention services and youth services in an effort to improve the quality of life of the diverse communities of Los Angeles County.
Our most recent accomplishments have been our collaborative efforts in working to resolve family issues to prevent violence The Los Angeles County Department of Children’s Services has recognized our collaborative efforts and has contracted with us to provide family preservation services in lieu of foster care. We have also been recognized by the Los Angeles County Probation Department for providing day-treatment and in-home services in lieu of probation camp. Our current AB90 Youth Delinquency Prevention Program was a major program participating in these efforts for over 15 years. We have worked with youth from the various rival gangs in the Central area of Los Angeles who have participated in counseling, leadership, recreation and employment skills training as well as in many of our other programs.
The primary goals of these programs are to enhance self-esteem and social adjustment skills among youth as well as reducing negative activity. Referrals are obtained from local schools, law enforcement agencies and the Los Angeles County Probation Department resulting in juvenile justice system diversion.
El Centro Del Pueblo recognizes the need to provide services in a collaborative basis with other agencies that have history and trust among the communities they serve. We have made concerted efforts to establish or participate in collaborations, networks and coalitions for community empowerment. Some of our past and current collaborating partners of our youth focus programs include Search to Involve Pilipino-Americans (S.I.P.A.), Chinatown Service Center, Elysian Valley United, Childrens Institute, Rampart Police Department – JIPP Program and Heart of L.A.
In our North Central Los Angeles Family Preservation Network, some of our past and current partner agencies include Excel Family Intervention, Jovenes Inc., Child Alliance, Koreatown Youth and Community Center (KYCC), Helping Other People Excel (H.O.P.E.) and Eggleston Youth Center.
The structure of the corporation is that the administrative responsibilities are vested in a Board of Directors composed of uncompensated volunteers from the community. The function of the Board is to provide formulation of policy, fiscal and program accountability. Authority for implementing the program is delegated by the Board of Directors to the Executive Director. The staff of the organization is bilingual and culturally sensitive, and has knowledge and experience in implementing the program mission. Our target population is represented in the composition of our Board and staff.
El Centro’s work over the years with businesses, housing, zoning, marketing and other aspects of business and economic development has afforded job training and employment opportunities for the thousands of youth and adults in our of programs. We serve over 4,000 families annually with over 70 staff members and a budget of $5.5 million.
Our fiscal capability to administer grants with the City and County of Los Angeles has been proven by over thirty two years of community-based service. Our accounting procedures are in compliance with the City of Los Angeles’ Controller’s Office and the Los Angeles County Auditor-Controller.
