Guadalupe Centers, Inc.

Specialties

The mission of the Guadalupe Centers, Inc. is to improve the quality of life for individuals in the Latino communities of greater Kansas City.

We will accomplish our mission 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.

History

Established in 1919.

During the early 1900’s in exodus of the hardships caused by the Mexican Revolution, many Mexican nationals began to leave their homeland in pursuit of a better life for both themselves and their families. These Mexican immigrants followed jobs to the north in areas of migrant farming, railroad and livestock. While many stopped in the already predominant Mexican-​American Southwest, others went further north and decided to settle in the Westside Community of Kansas City, Missouri.

Upon their arrival, the Mexican immigrants faced yet another hardship. Discrimination. Mexican children were not allowed into certain schools, while their parents were not allowed to shop in many places. The Mexicans were also exploited in the workplace and basic services offered by area hospitals and government agencies were not granted to the Mexicans. 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 Cath

Meet the Business Owner

Cris M.

Business Owner

Cris joined the CGI staff as Youth Director in 1978, and was promoted to Executive Director in 1980. Cris has offered visionary leadership to the Center during his tenure and is nationally recognized as an innovative leader among Hispanic community based organizations. His leadership has been instrumental in developing new Guadalupe Center, Inc. programs and bringing Guadalupe Center to its present level of operation. He has been the recipient of many local, national and international awards.