Independencia Center Marks 30 Years of Aid

For the last three decades, Anaheim Independencia Community Center has been a focal point in this primarily Latino community.

Tucked in an unincorporated area north of Katella Avenue between Gilbert Street and Magnolia Avenue, the center recently celebrated 30 years of serving the community.

Independencia provides recreational activities, exercise, meals and tutoring for children, to steer them away from gangs and crime. It offers other programs for senior citizens, and a food distribution program for families in need.

The center’s leadership also has helped better the area by getting streets paved and sewers, street lights and sidewalks installed.

The center’s aim: “To make people’s lives better,” said Gloria V. Lopez, founding director.

The center opened on Aug. 1, 1967, in a rented house. During late 1967 and in 1968, the center operated out of two residences. From 1968 through 1981, it used space inside Sacred Heart Mission. In 1981, the current facility on Garza Street opened.

Manuel Ontiveros, president of the board of directors, called the facility a “safe haven for the community. It’s important for the community to have a place to come.”