Guadalupe Centers

During the early 1900's in exodus of the hardships caused by the Mexican Revolution, many Mexican nationals followed jobs to the north in areas of migrant farming, railroad and livestock. Upon their arrival to Kansas City, MO, the Mexican immigrants faced discrimination. Mexican children were not allowed into certain schools, while their parents were not allowed to shop in many places. The Mexican immigrants were also exploited in the workplace and basic services offered by area hospitals and government agencies were not granted to them. Not knowing where to turn or how to respond, the need for basic services within the Mexican community continued to grow. To answer this growing need, a Catholic women's club in 1919 decided to establish a volunteer school and clinic for the underprivileged Mexican immigrants who had settled in the West side. Naming the entity after the patron saint of Mexico, the Guadalupe Center became one of the nation's first social service agencies for Latinos and has grown to be the heart of the Latino community within Kansas City. The Guadalupe Centers, Inc. consists of 7 different programs and 8 different buildings serving the community in the areas of Health and Social Services, Education, Youth Recreation, Cultural Events, Catering Services, Summer and After School Programs. The mission of the Guadalupe Centers, Inc. is to improve the quality of life for individuals in the Latino communities of greater Kansas City. This mission will be accomplished by: 1. Providing early childhood, secondary, preparatory and adult educational programs. 2. Facilitating access to health and social services for all ages. 3. Promoting and providing Latino cultural enrichment events. 4. Sponsoring social activities that engage our diverse communities.