For over 46 years, MACSA has been recognized as a leader in serving the Latino community. MACSA's mission, culture and core values have guided the organization's culturally proficient service delivery and program development. MACSA's core values are based on mutual respect and cultural appreciation.
Mexican American Community Services Agency, Inc., MACSA traces its origins to 1964 when a group of community activists joined together to identify ways to help the emerging Latino community respond to injustices such as discrimination, racism, poverty, police brutality, educational inequity, and inadequate access to public services.
MACSA's first director, the late Lino Lopez described the social landscape of Santa Clara County in the 1960's this way, "To the average person the impression is that if people live freely in all sections of the community, then they must live free of segregation and discrimination. This first impression is immediately erased when one looks behind the façade that is customarily erected by the community power structure constructed to give such an appearance... Behind the banks and the supermarkets and behind the landscaped arterial ways there are slums, there are hovels, there are hungry people; the discards of society." Those most affected, according to Mr. Lopez, were Mexican Americans.
Since that time MACSA has remained steadfast and committed to improving the quality of life for youth, families and seniors. MACSA offers programs throughout Santa Clara County, in particular in East and Central San Jose, Morgan Hill and Gilroy. MACSA's commitment to progressive community change is demonstrated through the numerous youth development programs offered at youth centers, schools, library and community sites. MACSA has earned local, state and national acclaim for its "cutting edge" youth programs.
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