Non-profit reports growth for the fiscal year
Serving 10,000 people a day, mainly Latinos
Arnulfo Manriquez, President and CEO of Chicano Federation, one of San Diego’s largest and long-established non–profit agencies, marks his one-year anniversary at the organization.
Highlights of this past year include:
· Growth in the operating budget from $16.4 million to $18.5 million
· Established new Leadership Team Structure and is actively recruiting for Controller Position
· Expanded services into North San Diego County, serving an additional 280 children at or below poverty level
· Created 60 new permanent jobs for our local economy
· Became the third Head Start grantee in San Diego County in over 20 years
· Established a Strategic Alliance with the Small Business Administration
· Added a new HIV awareness program for Latina women
· “Adopted” a non-profit foster care organization called La Cuna, now operating as a subsidiary
· Redesigned the organization’s website, www.chicanofederation.org
“It’s been a year of growth and change,” said Arnulfo Manriquez. “We have momentum and now our focus is to reconnect with the greater community and invite San Diegans to learn more about what we do and how we do it. Our mission is to create and promote empowering opportunities for the community. Through our various programs and services we help 10,000 San Diegans a day who need it most.”
Chicano Federation impacts the community on many levels, including youngsters enrolled in early education programs, children who are receiving healthy balanced meals daily, seniors who live in affordable housing, children in foster care who need a home, and women who learn how to open a small business.
Under Manriquez’ leadership, Chicano Federation was one of two local non-profit organizations to be awarded Bank of America’s prestigious Neighborhood Builders Award of $200,000, in addition to leadership development for the CEO and an Emerging Leader of the organization. The award is part of the Bank’s Neighborhood Excellence Initiative, a nationwide philanthropic program, which recognizes and rewards community-based organizations that are making integral contributions to community revitalization. Chicano Federation was also awarded a $25,000 grant this year from Alliance Healthcare Foundation.
“Arnulfo has worked very well with the Chicano Federation’s Board of Directors to navigate tough budget challenges at a time when demand for our services is increasing,” said Board Chair Vic Salazar. “Seventy-percent of the people we serve fall below the federal poverty level. All of our services empower people to self-sufficiency and stability in the long-term.”