by Araceli Martínez
In a joyous ceremony, the Mission Neighborhood Centers Inspiring Success celebrated the 125th anniversary of its founding, honoring the 11 families who in 1987 founded this non-profit organization as a club to serve immigrant girls in San Francisco.
A special recognition was given to the founders Eva and Rachel Wolfsohn who in 1911 opened the main campus which is located at 362 Capp Street, and which during the 125th anniversary, was renamed with the surname of the Wolfsohn founders.
“In its beginnings it was a community center to help women in need. And from there we have this building created 25 years ago, and it was during that time that it became Mission Neighborhood Centers, and has helped countless families, women and children. Some of them may be in the audience,” said Beverly Hayon, chair of the board of directors.
“Because of the assistance and support of MNC and other organizations, they have all made a difference and led successful lives in San Francisco and beyond.”
She so mentioned that the MNCs will continue, as long as they have support.
“Anything you can do to support the work of MNC is going to be appreciated, and make a difference in San Francisco.”
Supervisor Connie Chan recognized the work done by the MNC during the pandemic. “They sheltered a lot of working families with their rent relief program, and with hot meals and grocery deliveries.”
She also commended the staff for 125 years of giving. “I must say that as a representative of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (API) community, I am very appreciative of the language support you provide to Chinese-speaking immigrants in our communities. They deserve another 125 years.”
Joaquín Torres, the appraiser for the city and county of San Francisco, recognized not only the MNCs but all the organizations that joined in the celebration.
“There is a metronome of service that all of you provide to children, families, seniors. And throughout this pandemic, there was a different rhythm and tenacious leadership that was built out of necessity, which ensured that our communities were taken care of to stay healthy.”
He said that is the success we can aspire to when we work together.
“I feel very honored to be able to be part of this community.”
The San Francisco appraiser presented an award to Supervisor Chan because she said that together they can help the diverse and beloved communities.
Richard Ybarra, executive director of the MNC, said that because the organization’s name was so difficult to pronounce, he named the campus that has been the mainstay of 15 fields throughout the city after Wilson.
He stated that future plans include more college preparation for youth economic development, focused on earnings, benefits and benefits; and in food services and moving to affordable housing.
“Our plans encompass all ways to continue the legacy of NCMs and positively impact thousands of lives by developing leaders and health.”
During the MNC celebration, the leader of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, was the guest of honor and the Mexican consul in San Francisco, Remedios Gómez Arnau, was a special guest.
House Speaker Pelosi said that 125 years ago, Rachel and Eva Wilson planted the seeds of compassion that have borne fruit over the years, through generations in San Francisco.
“The NCMs are a model of national importance. That is why we have been able to attract core support because we have a plan that matches their vision. We have been able to secure $2 million for next year that funds a measure to renovate the child care center.”
She added that they passed legislation to build 220,000 affordable homes in California.
“Every time I come here and I am with organizations that represent our diversity, I see that the future is inevitably diverse, and it is blessed with many children who are the future of our country and deserve to succeed.”
Diplomat Gómez Arnau said that when the MNC was created, San Francisco was a very prosperous city, considered the Paris of the West with a very small Latino population.
However, she mentioned that 125 years later, they are the largest and fastest growing ethnic group. “They represent 39 percent of the total population of San Francisco, which probably makes it the most diverse city in California, where they represent 50.1 percent of its inhabitants.”
She added that Latino children make up 21 percent, 19,000 in K-12 schools.
“Thanks to the work of organizations like MNC, over the years, Latinos and other ethnic groups have received services for children, youth and older adults.
