The English as a Second Language programs provided at El Centro de la Raza's inception in 1972 demonstrated the urgent need for other social services. Even during the early days of the occupation, we were repeatedly asked to address the issues of homelessness, unemployment and discrimination. These early services were delivered piecemeal and without funding until they were consolidated into the Frances Martinez Community Service Center (FMCSC) in 1983.

The center is named in honor of a Chicana farm worker who devoted herself o helping her community, even when she was terminally ill. Her work and her memory provide a powerful inspiration for all of us. In keeping with that inspiration, we are dedicated to the principle of providing community services with the dignity and respect that each of us would want for ourselves and our family. Many of our staff routinely work beyond their paid hours to address the high demand for these services.

Building and reinforcing relationships with individuals and organizations throughout the city and country are primary activities of the FMCSC. We constantly strive to foster multiracial understanding, empowerment, and participation in the democratic processes to address some of the root causes of poverty, such as alienation and apathy.

The daily challenge within FMCSC is the bilingual (Spanish/English) staff to manage EL Centro de la Raza's social services so that individuals seeking assistance are offered the opportunity to also be of service to others. Rather than merely providing social services as an answer to society's large problems, we offer our community's citizens opportunities for involvement, empowerment, education and change. We have found that a person or a

The El Centro de la raza's Community Service Center in named in honor of Frances Martinez. She was a Chicana farm worker who devoted herself to helping her community.

family's self-esteem and sense of hope can be restored in the realization that they have something to offer-and gain-in building community and affecting positive social change. Persons who participate in the FMCSC's services are updated on current activities and cultural programs offered at EL Centro de la Raza and are encouraged to become involved. Examples of participation include creating publicity for community events, hosting international visitors, assisting with our youth empowerment program and serving in our kitchen or food bank.

We welcome everyone to visit our center, share in our work and enrich our vision for a better future.