81R31621 MG-D
By: Chavez H.R. No. 2101
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, For more than four decades, the Centro de Salud
Familiar La Fe has remained committed to improving the quality of
life for citizens of El Paso; and
WHEREAS, The organization was launched in 1967 by a group of
South El Paso parents who wanted to address the housing and health
care needs of the families and children living in the Segundo
Barrio, which is historically one of the poorest neighborhoods in
the nation; La Fe began as a makeshift clinic, and it struggled in
its early years, coming close to shutting its doors on many
occasions; however, the institution prevailed with the dedication
of its volunteers and staff members and the generous support it
received from a number of local, state, and national entities,
including civic leaders, businesses, and religious groups; and
WHEREAS, By the 1990s, La Fe had become one of the first
community health centers in Texas to receive accreditation, and it
was designated as one of four pilot programs in former President
Clinton's Volunteers in Service to America initiative; since that
time, La Fe has been praised for its holistic approach and as a
successful model for comprehensive community development; and
WHEREAS, Today, La Fe is led by CEO Salvador Balcorta, and
while it has remained true to its mission of providing vital
assistance to residents of the border region, it has also realized
its broader vision of becoming a multiservice organization; it has
approximately 400 employees and 22 medical, housing, social
services, and cultural sites throughout El Paso County, including a
child and adolescent wellness center, a cultural and technology
facility, and a preparatory charter school; moreover, La Fe has
become a major player in El Paso's redevelopment plans, and it
continues to grow; among its future projects are a middle school, a
culinary arts training kitchen, a credit union, a legal center, and
a 91-unit apartment complex designed to serve low-income families
and working professionals; and
WHEREAS, The Centro de Salud Familiar La Fe is a truly
noteworthy social services institution, and its efforts have helped
ensure a brighter future for countless Texans; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby honor the Centro de Salud Familiar La Fe on its
outstanding contributions to the community and extend to all those
associated with the organization sincere best wishes for continued
success with their important work; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for La Fe as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.