El Centro de Amistad (ECDA) is pleased to announce the receipt of a substantial $75,000 grant from the S. Mark Taper Foundation. This private family foundation is dedicated to enriching lives by supporting nonprofit organizations and their impactful work in communities.
ECDA remains steadfast in its commitment to expanding its reach, client engagement, and the spectrum of services provided. The newly acquired grant will be pivotal in advancing the agency’s strategic plan and fortifying its administrative infrastructure. Specifically, the funds will be utilized to identify underserved areas in the San Fernando Valley, pinpoint populations that may be overlooked, and facilitate the expansion of essential services within the community.
Luis Cervantes, Executive Director of ECDA, expressed gratitude for the support, stating, “With the backing of the S. Mark Taper Foundation, we can enhance our organizational capacity. Grants of this nature empower us to uplift underserved youth and families, enabling them to achieve self-sufficiency and cultivate supportive family environments in the San Fernando Valley.”
In addition to addressing immediate operational needs, ECDA recognizes the importance of general operating funds in assisting low-income clients not covered by MediCal. These funds will aid in assessing organizational requirements and expanding administrative staff.
ECDA is dedicated to ensuring that its clinicians and staff are well-matched to the skill sets required for their roles, boasting excellent staff retention rates, and providing wellness activities to promote self-care. The S. Mark Taper Foundation grant will support the agency’s plan to analyze compensation, benefits, and perks, ensuring competitiveness with similar organizations in the area.
Celebrating 46 years of community service, El Centro de Amistad has positively impacted over 110,000 individuals. With the support of its multilingual and cross-cultural staff, the agency annually serves 1,500 children, adults, and families. ECDA’s overarching goals include reducing risk factors leading to violence, school failure, gang affiliation, and child abuse. For adults, the focus is on addressing debilitating behaviors, promoting self-sufficiency, and overcoming employment barriers.
To learn more about ECDA’s extensive services and programs, please visit www.ecda.org.
