CHICANO FEDERATION PUTS FOCUS ON EQUITY
Efforts amid COVID struggles celebrated at annual luncheon
The coronavirus pandemic stalled many operations, but 2020 was a year of increased work for the Chicano Federation in its efforts to improve equity in communities, CEO Nancy Maldonado said Friday.
She spoke before hundreds of people virtually and in person at the US Grant Hotel in San Diego, highlighting the nonprofit’s efforts during the crisis as part of the organization’s annual Unity Luncheon — its largest fundraiser of the year.
“When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Chicano Federation sprung into action, adapting and pivoting to the many changes and swiftly shifting gears with one goal in mind: to serve our hardesthit communities when they needed it most,” she said.
The federation serves most of the western half of San Diego County, as well as Coachella Valley and Orange County. Its response to the pandemic included the distribution of more than 15,000 COVID-19 safety kits, cleaning supplies to 2,000 child care providers, rent relief
to 3,600 families, 100 devices for distance learning and holiday meals to more than 500 families.
“If that wasn’t enough, we also had all of our programs operating, our education programs running, our preschool open, and we continue to support hundreds of women on their path towards entrepreneurship. All of this under the constraints of a global pandemic. Just imagine what we’ll accomplish this year,” Maldonado said.
Recently, the federation
and the San Diego Loyal professional soccer team launched a partnership that focuses on improving access to soccer and health programs for youth.
Landon Donovan, retired professional soccer player and San Diego Loyal Soccer Club manager, spoke on the importance of equality and standing up for justice, following previous instances where two of his players experienced discrimination while on the field and how the team decided to take a stand.
“So, how does that all tie
into the Chicano Federation? We have to be able to speak for those who can’t,” he said.
This summer, the organizations will bring free youth soccer camps to communities, Donovan added.
Friday’s event included community and scholarship award presentations, as well as live music and folklorico performances.
To learn more about the federation, go to chicanofederation.org.