Centro La Familia Advocacy Services is a non-profit organization that has been empowering individuals to access life-sustaining resources since 1972. It all started when a group of students from the Chicano studies class of Fresno City College noticed that many families seeking services from the Department of Social Services were being turned away due to language barriers and government form complexities. Determined to make a difference, they set up a table outside the offices, assisting these families with filling out forms and translating.

Since then, Centro La Familia has grown into a multi-service agency that provides a wide range of social service and education programs to underserved and unserved residents in both rural and urban areas of Fresno County. They serve more than 15,000 clients annually, offering assistance to community members facing transportation barriers. With a dedicated and specialized bilingual staff, they reach over 150,000 individuals through outreach and education programs, presentations, workshops, and special events.

Their executive director, Margarita Rocha, has been leading this organization for more than two decades, supported by a compassionate staff. Centro La Familia continues to evolve and expand, responding to the ever-changing social climate and helping the most vulnerable members of the community. They rely on grants and donations to support their crucial programs and appreciate any support from individuals who share their mission of empowerment and hope