SEATTLE — It started in Seattle as a peaceful protest half a century ago.
"In the 70s, there was a lack of essential resources and a community center for the Latino voice. So we wanted to respond to that," said Daniela Lizarraga with El Centro de la Raza.
That response to the lack of equity for Latinos in our area eventually became, El Centro de la Raza.
"El Centro de la Raza is the center for people of all races," said Lizarraga. "We have 43 culturally and linguistically integrative programs for our youth, our children, adults and seniors. We have workforce development programs. We have a senior hub. We have a food bank; we have several navigation services. We have preschool. We have just an array of services mainly to meet the needs of our community.”
One of those needs for this growing part of the community is housing.
"We have affordable housing currently here in Beacon Hill the Plaza Roberto Maestas we have 112 unit community," said Lizarraga. "We're developing affordable housing in Columbia City. We have our Federal Way Community Campus that also provides an array of services for our King County residents."
While Latinos are the center's main focus, their services are accessible to all.
"It's not just for the Latino community. We welcome all individuals with open arms," Lizarraga said.
It's that kind of caring why Providence Swedish continues to support the center's mission.
"Providence Swedish and El Centro de la Razza are both trusted pillars in our community thriving to provide health equity access and social services to our community," said Lizarraga. "This is a blessing to have a supportive partner like Swedish-Providence."
"We know that these communities are disproportionately served and so providing linguistically and culturally relevant programs for this community really supports our goals and promoting equity in these diverse communities," Swedish’s Program Manager Pinky Herrera said.
What started as a peaceful protest has become an empowering place of hope.
"Our guidance and support is life-changing for them," Lizarraga said.
Sponsored by Providence Swedish