RESOLUTION NO. 030921

Recognizing the Gran Inauguracin of the Guadalupe Centers, Inc.

WHEREAS, on August 15 and 16, 2003, the Guadalupe Centers, Incorporated will celebrate the Centers expansion and tradition of service to the people of Kansas City; and

WHEREAS, Guadalupe Center is the oldest continually operating Latino organization in the United States. The Mexican Revolution in 1910 motivated many people to leave Mexico and go northward in pursuit of opportunity, and while many of these emigrants stayed in the American southwest, many traveled further and settled in Kansas City; and

WHEREAS, hardship and difficulty remained part of their lives as they faced discrimination and the exploitation of the workplace. To help face these challenges, a Catholic womens club decided to start a school and clinic to serve the people who settled mostly on the Citys west side. Named Guadalupe Center after Mexicos patron saint, the Center opened in 1919. It was operated under the auspices of the Roman Catholic Church until 1974; and

WHEREAS, today, Guadalupe Centers have grown from las casas blancas-- three white houses to a center operating at nine sites, with 100 employees, a $4.5 million operating budget and now celebrating a new $7 million expansion. Located at 1015 Avenida Cesar Chavez, the Guadalupe Centers, Inc. provides a pre-school, grade school and a high school, services for senior citizens, and will offer training in the culinary arts in addition to other programs. Guadalupe Centers, Incorporated exemplifies the best of America in its focus on Hispanic culture and social services; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:

That the Mayor and Council hereby salute Guadalupe Centers, Incorporated for the tradition of service to the Hispanic community of Kansas City, and offer congratulations and best wishes on the Gran Inauguracin of the Centers new structure; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution be spread upon the Minutes of the Council in testimony thereof and that a copy hereof be presented to the Guadalupe Center, Incorporated with the recognition and support of the Mayor, Council and citizens of Kansas City for the many people responsible for the Centers continued success.

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