Since 1974, Echo Park's El Centro Del Pueblo has helped "at risk" youth and their families face and triumph over issues like unemployment, substance abuse, child neglect and AIDS prevention.
Many, many families have been touched by its programs, which now include athletic leagues for youth.
Earlier this year, CEO Sandra Figueroa-Villa was honored by Supervisor Gloria Molina as the First District “Woman of the Year" for her success at securing the organization's future.
Now El Centro has picked pick up yet another honor, PepsiCo's Adelante Award, given at the Alma Awards taped last Sunday.
Community Service, youth development and family engagement are all hallmarks of the Adelante Alma Award, which recognizes those who work tirelessly to move their community forward.
Be sure to tune in to the Alma Awards, at 7 p.m. on Telemundo and 8 p.m. on Channel 4, this Friday, September 21st.
El Centro sits in the middle of a quickly changing community.
It has responded by hosting an annual and widely attended Day of the Dead celebration, as well as important forums such as the recent one on hate crimes.
Leadership includes community stalwarts like Armando Barragan of Barragan's Restaurant, former Lions president Fredy Perez and Conrado Terrazas of Assembly member Gil Cedillo's office.
Located at 1157 Lemoyne St., El Centro del Pueblo can be found online at elcentrodelpueblo.org.
