Cesar Chavez understood the critical role education plays in strengthening communities. In the 1960s, he and his colleagues established the Huelga School in Delano to educate the children of farm workers, enabling them to thrive and providing their children the opportunity to grow, learn, and pursue higher education, something Cesar wholeheartedly encouraged. Today, his vision lives on through the work of the Chavez Foundation. 

The Chavez Foundation’s Housing and Economic Development Fund is home to the Community Services team, which works across the Southwest in partnership with residents of our affordable housing communities. Their efforts go beyond providing resources; they create connections through organizing events like holiday celebrations, community meetings, and Know Your Rights workshops. The flagship program Sí Se Puede Learning Center is at the heart of their work, an afterschool program that helps students who may be learning English or struggling with reading and writing. The program has shown a median academic improvement of 35% across the region. These centers offer educational and social support, building confidence and creating a safe space for students to thrive.   

Joy and laughter filled the air as kids enjoyed activities at Govea Gardens, one of CCF’s affordable housing communities in Bakersfield, CA.

The Community Service Program Coordinators are vital to this effort, bringing diverse skills to their roles. They are both educators and program leaders. Their creativity and deep understanding of the communities they serve often make them role models to the students they mentor. They tailor lessons and projects to their interests, making learning fun while helping them build academic skills.  

Evette Ybarra, a Program Coordinator in Fresno, California, recalls helping a fourth-grade student struggling with multiplication tables. “In just a couple of months, she mastered them with daily practice during homework help time.” Evette shares that many of her returning students show significant academic growth. The program coordinators create a safe and supportive environment where students feel comfortable asking for help, enabling them to thrive academically and personally.

Families in our Montebello affordable housing community received new backpacks during a back-to-school event in Montebello, CA.

The Community Services team significantly impacts the broader community by managing large-scale programs and events that provide essential resources to thousands of students. One key initiative is the annual backpack giveaway, which offers free backpacks filled with school supplies and often includes a back-to-school celebration. Jessica Tomoko, the Regional Program Coordinator for Texas, noted, “Many of our students come from families where buying new supplies can be challenging, so receiving a backpack filled with everything they need makes them feel supported and excited for the year ahead.” Through effective planning and coordination, the Community Services team helps remove barriers to education, giving families peace of mind and equipping children for success.

The Sí Se Puede Learning Centers offer a safe space for students to connect and support each other. With guidance from Community Service and Regional Program Coordinators, students build confidence, achieve academic success, and grow into community leaders. These programs provide the tools and mindset needed to become inspiring leaders of the future.