El Centro de la Raza


“But the end is reconciliation; the end is redemption; the end is the creation of the beloved community. It is this type of spirit and this type of love that can transform opposers into friends. It is this type of understanding goodwill that will transform the deep gloom of the old age into the exuberant gladness of the new age. It is this love which will bring about miracles in the hearts of men.” -- Martin Luther King, Jr.
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This mural welcomes visitors to El Centro: Explosion of Chicano Creativity, 1972, completed 1997 – Daniel DeSiga
Plaza Roberto Maestas Beloved Community began providing 112 families with affordable homes on October 1, 2016. Located on the grounds of the award-winning nonprofit El Centro de la Raza in Beacon Hill, Seattle, the plaza represents the lifetime dream of the late Roberto Maestas and his wife Estela Ortega, two visionaries who saw a place that welcomed all people, all races.  

KABF was happy to support El Centro de la Raza with a second grant in 2017.  As their executive director Estela Ortega explains:
"El Centro de la Raza provides a unique blend of services and advocacy that results in stronger, more effective programs. Our programs have been referred to as the 'University of El Centro de la Raza' because of how we prepare our people for their future as fully involved members of our society."

Know Your Rights training sessions, help with paying taxes, and free bilingual legal clinics are just a few of the reasons people come to El Centro de la Raza.
El Centro’s staff understand the needs a person might encounter, and they have effectively sought to assist with all. Emergency services include help with groceries through their food bank, as well as help with obtaining healthcare and housing. Their outreach to women veterans and veterans of color have improved the lives of many. Their crisis advocacy includes information and referrals. They provide support for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. There’s help for child care, money to help prevent evictions, and infant mortality prevention classes. Comadres Women’s Group is a support group for Latina women to network and  support each other. Many immigrants have left their friends, families and neighbors. Starting over is daunting and lonely and El Centro recognizes the need for connection.

KABF is proud to be part of the El Centro de la Raza community. For more information, click here.