Plaza Community Services

Plaza Community Center was initiated by Rev. Dr. Vernon McCombs and Miss Katherine Higgins, and incorporated as a non-profit agency in 1916. In the fall of 1932, a training school was opened as part of Plazas educational program to provide leadership to Mexican American adults. Plaza Community Center was designed to offer leadership training, educational and welfare assistance programs, medical services, and recreational activities for children and adults. The industrial department of Plaza Community Center became the Goodwill Industries of Southern California in 1919. Plaza moved to East Los Angeles in 1954, following the dramatic shift of the Hispanic population to this area. Besides the medical services, Plaza initiated extended childcare services. Plaza moved to East Los Angeles in 1956, and continued to develop medical and family-oriented programs. In the late 70s, Plaza initiated child welfare programs using comprehensive bilingual/ bicultural methods to provide services...