Chicanos Por La Causa

About

CPLC is the only community development corporation in Arizona that offers extensive services in both urban and rural areas. Its service delivery system is expansive enough to effectively reach thousands of low-income people. In its perpetual drive to provide needed services, CPLC continually assesses the needs of its communities throughout the Southwest. The results of these assessments inform CPLC’s planning process for development of programs and services that will address the needs of its constituents, regardless of ethnicity, gender, age, or creed.

Through thoughtful planning, CPLC established and currently focuses on the following services :

Over the years, CPLC has developed a wide array of services and programs that continue to strengthen the state of Arizona. In addition to social services, CPLC espouses affiliates and maintains subsidiaries that fortify its presence within the communities it serves.

History

In 1967 (Incorporated in 1969), a group of young Latino men and women came together to collectively strategize on how to improve the quality of life for Arizona’s Mexican-American population. Out of many meetings and long hours of discussion, Chicanos Por La Causa, (CPLC) was born. Recognizing their desire and dedication, the Southwest Council of La Raza, which would later grow to become the National Council of La Raza, made an initial investment in the newly formed organization. With the financial assistance, CPLC implemented programs targeting rural development issues. Additionally, CPLC lent much needed support to Cesar Chavez and the United Farm Workers.

Within a year, CPLC expanded its services by offering bilingual referral services to the impoverished, urban communities located in South and Central Phoenix. Through assistance from the Ford Foundation, local financial institutions, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), CPLC began developing its own programs targeting economic and workforce development as well as housing counseling.

Growth within CPLC continued all through the 1970s. With the assistance of an energized Board of Directors with valuable knowledge in community development and fiscal expertise, CPLC secured a significant federal grant to implement its comprehensive economic development strategy in the battle against poverty. By capitalizing on Phoenix’s rapid growth, the organization laid the foundation for the CPLC we know today. Aggressive fundraising strategies and fiscal responsibility helped CPLC to survive the federal cutbacks administered in the 1980s.

Under the stewardship of its executive management and strong Board of Directors, CPLC has grown to become the state’s largest Hispanic community-based organization with services and/or programs operating in all of fifteen Arizona’s counties. Today, CPLC maintains a strong commitment to its communities, having built a wide cadre of services within four major service areas—education, economic development, social services and affordable housing. It is one of the few non-profit organizations operating in Arizona that offers programs and services impacting every stage in the human life-cycle.

Mission statement

Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc. (CPLC) is a statewide community development corporation (CDC), committed to building stronger, healthier communities as a lead advocate, coalition builder and direct service provider. CPLC promotes positive change and self-sufficiency to enhance the quality of life for the benefit of those we serve.

Vision statement

CPLC is a progressive, community-based organization recognized locally, nationally, and internationally as a model for responsive, integrated human and economic development. CPLC is a benchmark, culturally proficient organization whose unifying voice and advocacy builds alliances, bridges borders and empowers communities.

Board of directors