José Martí Child Development Center Expands to Serve More Families!
We are thrilled to announce that our new José Martí Child Development Center (JMCDC) is officially open, adding three brand-new classrooms to our Beacon Pacific Village location! This exciting expansion increases our capacity to seven classrooms, allowing us to serve even more children and families in our community.
At JMCDC, we believe that every child deserves a strong start. Our community-based program welcomes children ages 15 months to 5 years old, offering a bilingual, bicultural curriculum that goes beyond traditional early education. Through our curriculum, we celebrate cultural diversity, promote social justice, and encourage family involvement, creating a nurturing environment where children can thrive.
Our approach is holistic, blending age-appropriate developmental activities across the four key domains of development—cognitive, social/emotional, physical, and language. We empower children to build self-awareness, develop cultural pride, and gain the self-esteem needed to excel in kindergarten and beyond.
La Cocina Cooking Classes
Love was in the air—and on the plate—at our Valentine’s Edition Ceviche Cooking Class! On February 13th, community members gathered at La Cocina Popular for an evening of flavor, fun, and philanthropy. Led by Chef Marcos Arellano, participants learned the art of crafting fresh, zesty ceviche, transforming simple ingredients into a vibrant, delicious dish.
From lively laughter to the squeeze of fresh limes, the night was all about celebrating connection, whether with a partner, a friend, or a shared love for good food. Attendees enjoyed a hands-on experience, tasting bites bursting with flavors of tradition and culture.
But this event was more than just a night out—it was an opportunity to make a difference. Every ticket purchased directly supports El Centro de la Raza’s 43 programs and services, benefiting children, youth, families, and seniors.
We are so grateful to everyone who attended, donated, and shared in the joy of this event. Your support helps us build a just and inclusive community, where culture and connection thrive.
Missed this class? Stay tuned for more La Cocina Cooking Classes—each with a unique twist and a chance to give back.
2025 Robert Filipe Maestas Legacy Award Application Now Open – Nominate Inspirational Leaders
The 2025 Legacy Award Application is now available! This award is designed to recognize individuals who exemplify our mission of Building the Beloved Community through multi-racial unity and dedicated efforts to eliminate poverty, racism, and social inequity. We invite you to nominate and share the application with those who have made a meaningful impact in our community. Additionally, we encourage people of all races, ethnicities, ages, and gender identities to apply for this prestigious award.
Please use this link to access and share the application.
Thank you for your continued dedication and commitment to our mission. Your nominations and applications help us celebrate the inspiring work taking place around our comunidad.
