La Maestra Foundation Donation Page
La Maestra Foundation was established in 2003 and created by board members and staff from La Maestra Family Clinic, Inc (LMFC), a nonprofit and Federally Qualified Health Center established in 1990 in City Heights. LMFC developed a holistic, solution-based approach to addressing upstream social determinants of health called La Maestra Circle of Care® to address the full spectrum of health, not just medical services. In doing so, La Maestra is building a safe and positive space for the overall well-being of communities.
The mission of the La Maestra Foundation is to provide and support advocacy and community services that improve the overall well-being of low-income, culturally diverse individuals and families in San Diego and guide them along the path to self-sufficiency. La Maestra develops and integrates various social services essential for low-income, underserved youth and adults to be healthy and thrive.
La Maestra offers various upstream, comprehensive social services integrated through interdepartmental communication and referral protocols. Upstream, comprehensive social services include job training and placement, transitional housing, after-school and summer programs, a community garden, a print shop, an intergenerational center for all ages, microcredit and microenterprise programs, and a food pantry.
The video below features testimonials of students participating in the after-school and summer program, Center for Youth Advancement. In 2013, La Maestra created CYA, a summer and after-school youth enrichment program. The program provides at-risk, low-income youth ages six to 18 with youth leadership and life skills development activities such as hands-on academic projects, tutoring and homework assistance, daily nutritious snacks and meals, a gardening program, skateboarding sessions, field trips, yoga and mindfulness classes, restorative circles, athletics, art and dance, music education, Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM) courses, and career exploration sessions. CYA has developed a comprehensive curriculum integrating academic, behavioral, and social-emotional learning practices. CYA is designed to empower youth and increase experiences that foster growth, inspire curiosity, and strengthen life skills.