Watts/Century Latino Organization

The Watts/Century Latino Organization (WCLO) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, community-based organization located in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. The organization's purpose is to empower Latino residents and foster multicultural unity by addressing social and economic needs through various community programs.

History

Founded in 1990 by community activist Arturo Ybarra, the WCLO was established in response to the changing demographics in the Watts area. As Latino families increasingly moved into the neighborhood, community leaders recognized the need for an institution dedicated to supporting and amplifying the voices of Latino residents.

Mission and Programs

WCLO's mission is to build bridges between Latino and African American communities by overcoming cultural and linguistic barriers. The organization offers a range of comprehensive programs, including:

• Homeownership and Foreclosure Counseling: WCLO provides guidance and support for residents seeking to purchase or maintain homes.
• Leadership Training: Focused on empowering community leaders.
• Community and Immigrant Empowerment: Programs aimed at enhancing civic engagement and community participation.
• Adult ESL Classes and High School Diploma Classes: Educational programs for adults seeking language skills or further education.
• School Safety Initiatives: Efforts to create safer educational environments.
• Community Garden: Offers free, organic produce to area residents, promoting healthy eating and community engagement.

Financial Overview

As a non-profit organization, WCLO relies heavily on contributions for its operations. The majority of its revenue comes from donations, which accounted for 96.2% of total revenue in recent years, while program services constituted the remaining 3.8% [2][4]. The organization's financial reports are publicly available through Form 990 filings.

Collaborations and Community Impact

WCLO collaborates with local initiatives such as the UCLA Watts Leadership Institute to enhance its community impact. This partnership involves efforts to develop indigenous leadership and community development projects, including community gardening initiatives [3]. These collaborations aim to build a comprehensive infrastructure of nonprofits in Watts, promoting indigenous leadership and social welfare.

WCLO's presence in Watts, an area known for having many nonprofits but often overlapping services, has been instrumental in fostering unity and cooperation among different groups. The organization's work helps to address the challenges faced by Watts as a "nonprofit desert" by providing focused community service and leadership development [3].

References

• The references used for this article are primarily based on non-profit databases and community engagement reports. For detailed financial information and governance structure, WCLO's Form 990 filings are recommended.