The History of El Centro De Amistad: Thirty Years Ago

Tomas E. Martínez PhD.

In 1977, El Centro De Amistad Inc. was founded by a group of concerned residents of the Canoga Park “Barrio” community.  This concern grew from the social activism of the times, as Latinos, especially from this impoverished area, grew concerned for the needs of the families that struggled with problems of unemployment, crime, poverty and drug abuse. Of special concern was the youth of the area.  Residents in the area were encouraged and financially supported by the nonprofit organization, San Fernando Mental Health Centers Inc. and their Board of Directors.  Mrs. Lila Berman the Executive Director of this mental health agency had visions of creating another Comprehensive Federal Mental Health Center, however the federal funding was never created.

El Centro De Amistad began as a storefront program of three staff, a Director, a mental health/drug counselor and a case manger. Service was provided on Owensmouth Ave. in Canoga Park, CA. Services at that time were targeted to the large youth-at-risk “gang” community. The long history of drug use in the community also required services linked to drug rehabilitation programs. Tarzana Treatment Center staff provided the supervision.  This relationship continued with the community advisory board providing direction to the program.

In 1984, the opportunity existed for the agency, El Centro De Amistad Inc. to become a self-governing entity with a functioning Board of Directors. The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health Services, with the assistance of then Supervisor Michael Antonovich, agreed to assume responsibility for the implementation of a $68,000.00 contract to provide Community Mental Health Outreach Services.

Since 1984, this agency has provided Community Mental Health Services and has expanded to two site locations in the San Fernando Valley, Canoga Park and the City of San Fernando. These services include; Individual, Group, and Family Therapy, Medication Support Services, and Case Management. In addition, this agency’s school based mental health services are located in twenty schools throughout the Valley. The year 2007 is the thirtieth year anniversary for ECDA. Thirty years later, El Centro De Amistad has a developing budget of almost 2.5 million and impacts and treats over 1,000 families every year providing free (Medi-cal) mental health services to poor or low-income families.