Founded in 1977, Mar Vista Family Center is located in a Hispanic area of Los Angeles that was created by Lucia Diaz, Executive Director. Construction had to stop on the new Family Center because of lack of funds. Glorya Kaufman stepped in and donated enough money to fund a new recreation floor and resume the building project in 2008.
This marvelous center with its hard working staff and its leader Lucia Diaz have done miraculous work with gang prevention and created a center that truly serves and uplifts the Mar Vista community.
The mission of the Mar Vista Family Center is to provide low-income families with quality preschool education, youth enrichment, and educational tools to create positive change in their lives and in their communities.
Every program adheres to the basic premise that it is critical to empower children, teens and adults to play vital and responsible roles – as decision makers, community leaders, mentors, classroom volunteers, and fundraisers.
Every year, 600 children and teens attend Mar Vista Family Center’s effective Youth Programs, which encompass academics, leadership training, college prep, sports and the arts.
Hundreds more youths, who have heard about Mar Vista Family Center’s programs, have put their names on our waiting list, hoping that they too will be able to join.
