The People Who Founded AAMA
In 1969, Houston’s East End was plagued with problems of drug abuse, school dropouts, teen pregnancy and juvenile crime. A small group of students, businessmen and teachers banded together to discuss how they could reduce drug abuse, keep teens in school, provide wholesome recreational opportunities and prepare students to become leaders. As a result of their discussions, the Association for the Advancement of Mexican Americans was formed in 1970. The first board included:
- Luis Cano
- Froilan Hernandez
- Ninfa Laurenzo
- Roland Laurenzo
- David Martinez
- Yolanda Navarro
Offering recreation and other programs out of an old house on Sampson Street, AAMA received its first grant of $40,000 to provide youth services in 1971. Now, 38 years later, AAMA’s budget exceeds $15 million and the organization helps more than 23,000 people annually.
Historic Highlights
- 1970 – Association for the Advancement of Mexican Americans founded
- 1973 – George I. Sanchez School founded
- 1976 – Drug prevention program begun
- 1978 – Casa de Esperanza - later named Casa Phoenix – opened
- 1982 – Named NCLR Affiliate of the Year
- 1985 – Golf Tournament held for first time, raising $1,000
- 1986 – Largest fundraising gala held featuring San Antonio Mayor Henry Cisneros
- 1987 – Adelante program for adults created
- 1988 – AAMA formed a Community Development Corporation to develop affordable housing
- 1990 – AAMA purchased Houston Office Center on Gulf Freeway
- 1991 – Developed key partnership with HISD to assist school dropouts
- 1994 – First Health and Human Services program started along Texas/Mexico border
- 1996 – State Board of Education named GIS as one of the state’s first Charter Schools
- 1997 – Hispanic Magazine recognized GIS as one of "Five Schools of Excellence"
- 1999 – New $4.2 million Multi-purpose Educational Center opened
- 2001 – AAMA Family Healthcare Clinic opened
- 2001 – GIS San Antonio opened
- 2003 – Washington, D.C. office opened
- 2005 – GIS Alumni Association formed
- 2005 – GIS Houston added 7th grade
- 2007 - Construction begins on the AAMA Learning Center.
Plans for AAMA's future include opening new George I. Sanchez School campuses in Houston and across the state, extending the reach of AAMA Adelante, and expanding the services offered through Health & Human Services.
|
Schipul Web Design |
Tendenci® Membership Management Software