Tackling Behavioral Health Challenges to Create Thriving Communities: Insights from MAAC’s Board Retreat

On Friday, August 23, 2024, MAAC ended the first day of its board retreat with a thought-provoking panel discussion titled, “The State of Our Region: Tackling Behavioral Health Challenges to Create Thriving Communities.” This powerful conversation brought together leaders in behavioral health and community members, to explore the most significant challenges and opportunities in San Diego. The panel was facilitated by Dr. Darjené Graham-Perez, a MAAC board member, and esteemed leader and champion for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) at Walden Family Services.

The discussion began with Dr. Luke Bergmann, Director of Behavioral Health Services for San Diego County, who provided an overview of the region’s behavioral health landscape. Dr. Bergmann emphasized the urgent need to shift from a crisis-driven system to one focused on prevention, citing a staggering statistic: 94% of individuals with diagnosable substance use disorders never receive adequate addiction treatment. He stressed that investing in harm reduction and prevention programs is essential to saving lives and engaging more people in recovery. Following his remarks, Dr. Bergmann was joined by Dr. Gaurav Mishra, Chief Behavioral Health Officer at San Ysidro Health, and Dr. Nellie Tran, Executive Director of the Center for Counseling & Engagement at SDSU. Together, they discussed the current state of behavioral health services, identified critical gaps in care, and proposed policy and program interventions to enhance the well-being of San Diego’s communities.

A Call to Action: Bridging Gaps in Behavioral Health Care

Throughout the panel, the speakers reinforced the need for holistic approaches to behavioral health, ones that extend beyond clinical care to include education, policy change, and community-based interventions. MAAC’s core areas of work—Economic Development, Education, Health & Well-being, Housing, and Advocacy & Leadership Development—are integral to addressing the social determinants of mental health. By fostering collaborations across sectors and focusing on comprehensive solutions, MAAC continues to champion thriving, healthy communities. Following the panel, attendees had the opportunity to engage further during a reception, where they shared their reflections on the discussion. The atmosphere was filled with conversations about the panel’s insights and the steps needed to drive real change in San Diego’s behavioral health landscape. Click here to view the full picture gallery.

Interested in getting involved with MAAC? Please reach out to communications@MAACproject.org to learn more!

MAAC Takes Bold Step by Increasing Minimum Wage to $20 per Hour

Effective November 21, 2024, MAAC, a leading community-based organization in San Diego County, has increased its minimum wage to $20 an hour while maintaining all other benefits intact. This decision reflects MAAC’s proactive commitment to its workforce and mission, independent of union negotiations, ensuring that its staff members are supported amidst the region’s high cost of living. This minimum wage increase directly benefits 92 employees across the organization, providing them with improved financial stability.

“At MAAC, we believe in taking decisive action to support the people who make our mission possible,” said Arnulfo Manriquez, President & CEO of MAAC. “Our decision to raise the minimum wage and align salaries will impact a total of 228 team members with incremental increases between 2%-15% effective immediately. This demonstrates our commitment to being a leader in supporting our staff, addressing the cost of living, and elevating early childhood education standards in San Diego County. We are proud to make these changes voluntarily, recognizing the urgency to act now, not years down the line.”

In addition to the minimum wage increase, MAAC realigned salaries for 136 employees in its Child Development program, ensuring compensation matches or exceeds the median salary levels of local elementary school districts. This alignment reflects MAAC’s dedication to elevating preschool education and supporting the professional development of its teachers and staff who work with children from birth to age five.

These adjustments make MAAC one of the first community organizations in San Diego County—and likely the state—to meet compensation goals that the federal government has set for 2031, underscoring its leadership in addressing today’s economic realities. These changes were only possible through increased fundraising across the organization and structural changes in our Child Development Program and in partnership with the Office of Head Start.

A Proactive Commitment to Supporting Employees

MAAC’s decision to raise wages comes from a strong commitment to its mission and its team. Presently, the minimum wage requirement for the state of California is $16, the City of San Diego is at $17.13 and the highest city minimum wage in California is at $19.08 in West Hollywood, MAAC’s move to increase pay to $20 per hour demonstrates the organization’s resolve to lead the way in staff support without waiting for union-driven negotiations or external mandates.

In addition to competitive wages, MAAC continues to provide its employees with powerful professional development opportunities, comprehensive benefits, including robust health plans and other essential resources designed to support their well-being and professional growth.

MAAC and Palomar College Celebrate the Success of Inaugural Cohort of Early Care & Education Apprenticeship Program

Celebrating the Next Generation of Early Childhood Educators

MAAC and Palomar College proudly recognized the successful completion of its first cohort of the Next Level Early Care & Education (ECE) Apprenticeship Program at an event held on March 3, 2025, at Palomar College. The event honored the hard work and dedication of 20 teacher apprentices, marking a significant milestone for the future of early childhood education in San Diego County.

The Next Level ECE Apprenticeship Program is the first early childhood education apprenticeship program in Southern California and the second in the state of California to be officially recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor and the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards. Through this innovative two-year program, teacher apprentices earn while they learn—completing college coursework through Palomar College while gaining paid, hands-on experience at a MAAC early learning center under the guidance of a mentor. Upon program completion, participants are qualified to apply for their Associate Teacher Permit and prepared for full-time employment working with children in our local communities.

“This program is a testament to the power of collaboration, the strength of our community, and our shared commitment to the children in our care,” said Dr. Alexis Aviña, MAAC’s Chief Early Childhood Education Officer. “By investing in our apprentices, we are investing in the future of our children and families.”

Dr. Star Rivera-Lacey, Superintendent/President of Palomar College, highlighted the program’s impact, stating, “The beauty of this program and our partnership with MAAC is that we’ve removed the obstacles that often stand in the way of student success. By offering college courses in the community, covering tuition and childcare costs, and providing paid on-the-job training, we’re not only creating a workforce pipeline for high-quality early childhood educators but also providing economic mobility opportunities for families across North County.”

During the event, Arnulfo Manriquez, MAAC President & CEO, emphasized the program’s profound impact, stating, “this initiative is more than just about creating jobs—it’s about transformation. Many of our apprentices come from MAAC families, creating a full-circle impact where those we once served are now stepping up to serve the next generation.”

Program Highlights

The first cohort’s achievements reflect the program’s success in developing a skilled and diverse early childhood education workforce:

• 20 apprentices successfully completed the program, with an impressive 92% retention rate.
• Apprentices reflect diverse backgrounds, including recent high school graduates and working parents balancing family, school, and career aspirations.
• 100% of participants identify as individuals from historically underrepresented communities, with 95% identifying as English language learners.
• Collectively, apprentices completed 40,000+ hours of on-the-job training and attended over 50 professional development workshops.
• 19 apprentices have applied for their Associate Teacher Permit, and 11 have already secured permanent roles in MAAC’s Child Development program.

Staff Highlights

MAAC would like to recognize the dedicated team whose hard work and commitment were instrumental in making this program a success. A heartfelt thank you to Abigail Velazquez and Stephen Andrew, MAAC Apprenticeship Specialists, and Barbara Garcia, MAAC ECE Apprenticeship Program Manager, for their leadership and dedication to program apprentices.

MAAC is also grateful for their valued partners—ECEPTS, Palomar College, and San Diego Workforce Partnership—for their collaboration in bringing this program to life. Additionally, appreciation goes to Palomar Family Counseling Services for providing essential mental health support and Jewish Family Services for their invaluable workshop contributions.

What’s Next? Expanding Opportunities for Future Educators

With Cohort 2 already underway and applications opening for Cohort 3, MAAC and Palomar College remain committed to growing the program, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring more aspiring educators receive the support and training needed to thrive in the field of early childhood education.
As the program’s official apprenticeship sponsor and intermediary, ECEPTS continues to provide technical assistance and support to ensure the program’s long-term growth and sustainability.

Cohort 3 of the Next Level ECE Apprenticeship Program will welcome 32 apprentices, an expansion from the 23 spots available previous cohorts. Applications are now open until April 30, with participant selection taking place in May. The next cohort will begin in July 2025.

Apply Today! For more information about MAAC’s ECE Apprenticeship Program and to apply, visit MAACproject.org/NextLevel-ECE.

2025 – The Vista Press: “MAAC and Palomar College Celebrate the Success of Inaugural Cohort of Early Care & Education Apprenticeship Program”

2025 – Palomar News: “MAAC and Palomar College Celebrate the Success of Inaugural Cohort of Early Care & Education Apprenticeship Program”

Students Speak: My Experience Attending the UnidosUS Changemakers Conference

By Emelly Chavolla

I recently had the chance to attend the Unidos Sponsored Change Makers conference in Washington, D.C. I was chosen to represent my school, MAAC Community Charter School (MCCS), and it meant a lot to me. I felt really proud to be selected and wanted to make the most out of the opportunity. It’s my second conference I attend to and it was great being able to experience this again.

Before the conference, I did some research on the housing crisis in Chula Vista, California, where I live. I’ve noticed how hard it’s been for many people in my community to afford housing, and I wanted to learn how I could help make a difference. Going into the conference, I was excited to meet others who care about the same issues and learn more about how change can actually happen.

While I was there, I had the chance to speak with Juan Vargas, a United States Representative. It was an amazing experience to talk to someone who actually helps make laws. We also met Senator Adam Schiff, which was really enlightening. Hearing from people who work in government made me realize that even students like me can be part of something bigger.

Besides the conference itself, the whole trip was really exciting. I had never been to Washington, D.C. before, and it was full of new things to see and do. Our principal Tommy Ramirez and Vice Principal Ms. Soto took us around the capital, and we got to visit a bunch of cool places. My favorite place was the Air and Space Museum. It was incredible to see all the exhibits up close—especially the space stuff!

Overall, I had such a great time. I got to meet students from all over the country, learn new things, and got to see parts of the world I had only seen in pictures. I’m really grateful for the chance to go and represent my school. It’s an experience I’ll never forget.

From left to right: Adolfo Ventura (Vice President & Chief Programs and Operations Officer, MAAC), Emelly (Student, MCCS), Anahli, (Student, MCCS), Jeremiah (Student, MCCS), Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tommy Ramirez (Director, MCCS), Claudia Huerta (Director of Economic Development, MAAC), Andres (Student, MCCS), Mary Soto (Assistant Director, MCCS).

Why Housing Matters to Me

The reason I care about this specific topic is because I’ve seen students without stable housing, and I’ve seen my own family struggle with rent and finding a home. As we watch housing prices soar to unbelievable heights, it’s become clear that something needs to change. My mom is a single mom with three kids, and with no one to help her pay the rent, we’ve had times where we have almost been kicked out of our apartment due to my mom owing money. We’ve had cards delivered to our door saying we have three days to pay the rent or we’re out of our apartment. Me personally, I don’t like seeing my mom struggle with money, especially with my sisters who aren’t even 16 yet.

According to some reports, the average home price in the U.S. is now around $400,000, and in our community, it is more than twice that amount—an amount that is simply out of reach for most of us young people, especially me, who is 18 years old and wants to have a house of her own but makes very little money.

Now, you may ask yourself, what can we do about this situation? Well, there can be many ways. For example, we can have more affordable housing options, the government can take action to regulate the housing market in a way that benefits everyone. We can also expand emergency shelter spaces, especially for families and children. We can also offer more support services like counseling, transportation, and maybe even job assistance for families facing homelessness.

In conclusion, my big focus is on expanding the supply of affordable housing, both for low-income renters and first-time homeowners. The high cost of housing is a barrier for the future of young people and many families.

Support Future Leaders Like Emelly

Emelly’s experience at the UnidosUS Changemakers Conference is a testament to the power of education and community support. MAAC Community Charter School provides transformative opportunities for students to grow, learn, and become the changemakers of tomorrow.

You can help make these experiences possible by supporting MCCS. Your donation can help fund programs that empower students to become leaders, advocates, and agents of change.

Donate today and invest in the future of our students.

From left to right: Noerena Limón (Board Member, MAAC), Liz Ramirez (CEO, The Chicano Federation), Jeremiah (Student, MAAC Community Charter School), Dr. Goran Bozinovic (President & CEO, Boz Institute), Susan Arias (Chief Growth Officer, MAAC).

Mariposas Negras: A Call to Climate Migration and Displacement

MAAC was proud to partner with the San Diego Latino Film Festival to present, Mariposas Negras, a documentary that sheds light on the devastating effects of climate migration. Following the screening, MAAC hosted a panel discussion facilitated by MAAC Board Member, Noerena Limón, featuring the CEO of the Chicano Federation, Liz Ramirez, the President & CEO of Boz Institute, Dr. Goran Bozinovic, and Jeremiah, a student from MAAC Community Charter School (MCCS). Their conversation touched on the harsh realities of displacement due to climate change, systemic failures in recognizing climate refugees, and the urgent need for collective action.

The Human Cost of Climate Devastation

Liz Ramirez opened the discussion by reflecting on the painful parallels between the film and real-life events in San Diego. She recounted the devastating floods that displaced families in Delta, one of Chicano Federation’s affordable housing complexes, many of whom were already refugees fleeing war, violence, and environmental collapse.

“They lost everything when they fled and left their home, and then they lost everything again during the floods,” Ramirez shared. “For some of us, we witnessed very heavy rain, but for these families, recovery is still ongoing.” Her words underscored the prolonged and often invisible struggles of climate-impacted communities, emphasizing the need for continued support long after the media coverage fades.

The Legal Gap: Climate Refugees Without Recognition

Dr. Goran Bozinovic addressed a critical issue highlighted in the film: the lack of legal recognition for climate refugees. While international asylum laws protect those fleeing political or racial persecution, climate migration remains a gray area.

“We are significantly behind in both understanding and responding to climate migration,” Dr. Bozinovic explained. “The data is clear and overwhelming, yet our legal and political systems lag in acknowledging and addressing this crisis.” He pointed out that systemic inaction is driven not by a lack of information but by a failure to prioritize long-term environmental justice over immediate political and economic concerns.

Environmental Injustice at the Border

Jeremiah, a student from MCCS, brought a local perspective to the conversation, discussing the environmental crisis in the Tijuana River Valley. His research, conducted with fellow students, revealed severe pollution affecting coastal communities on both sides of the border.

“People just walking near the beach are impacted, Navy SEALs training in the water get sick, small businesses shut down, it’s a really big issue,” he stated.

While attending the UnidosUS Changemakers Conference in Washington, D.C., Jeremiah and his classmates shared their findings with policymakers to advocate for urgent action. While progress has been slow, he remains hopeful that continued advocacy will bring meaningful change.

The Gendered Impact of Climate Disasters

A poignant moment in the discussion revolved around the film’s depiction of women and children as the most vulnerable to violence and exploitation during climate crises. Ramirez shared firsthand accounts of how women in San Diego’s flood-impacted communities faced mistreatment and intimidation from landlords, often due to their immigration status. She shared, “At Chicano Federation, we connected these women and families to legal and community resources to protect them.”

She also highlighted the resilience of women, sharing a story of a resident who turned her upstairs apartment into a communal kitchen for displaced families. “Women show up for each other time and time again. It’s our duty to do the same.”

A Global Crisis Requires a Global Response

Dr. Bozinovic expanded on the idea that climate injustice knows no borders. “The Tijuana River crisis is an international problem,” he noted. “Water and air don’t recognize political boundaries, yet we continue to treat these issues as localized rather than global.” He also emphasized the role of scientists in not just collecting data but also communicating it effectively to drive policy change.

“We need young people to think globally, develop empathy, and really understand that this is everyone’s problem,” he urged. “Hopefully with direct conversation, and more urgency, critical individuals will pay more attention to this.”

A Call to Action

The panel concluded with a sobering but hopeful message: the fight for climate justice requires all of us. From students advocating in Washington to community leaders providing on-the-ground support, every effort counts. Mariposas Negras served as a stark reminder of the human cost of climate change. It challenged us to move beyond awareness and into action—because for many, the future is already here.

At MAAC, we are committed to building resilient communities and empowering individuals to fight for environmental justice. Whether through our education initiatives, advocacy efforts, or direct support for impacted families, we stand with those affected by climate migration. Through programs like MAAC Community Charter School (MCCS), we equip young leaders with the tools to advocate for change. Our economic development initiatives support families in rebuilding their lives with access to job training, financial education, and small business resources.

Join us in making a difference, because a stronger, more just future begins with all of us.

Thirteen Years as CEO. Sixty Years of MAAC. A Moment to Reflect, Recharge, and Move Forward.

By Arnulfo Manriquez, President & CEO, MAAC

This week, I had the privilege of standing before more than 500 MAAC team members and partners at our 12th Annual MAAC Impact Conference. Every year, this gathering serves as a powerful reminder of who we are and why we do this work.

It’s more than just a conference. It’s a reset. It’s where we reflect on what we’ve accomplished, recognize the dedication of our team, reconnect with each other, and recommit to the mission that’s guided us for the past 60 years. It’s our annual booster, and this year, it felt more important than ever.

Looking Ahead with Purpose

We know the path forward won’t be easy. We’re facing real challenges: tightening funding, rising costs, growing need. We may have to make difficult decisions. But that doesn’t shake our resolve.

Instead, it sharpens our focus. With the board’s recent approval of our updated Strategic Plan, we’re doubling down on four priorities:

• Economic Mobility – We want families to thrive, not just get by.
• Sustainability – We’re expanding funding streams to ensure our work endures for decades to come.
• Policy & Influence – We’re raising our voice to help shape the systems and decisions that impact our communities.
• Employee Well-Being – Because we can’t serve others unless we’re taking care of our own team.

I also shared something personal at the conference. My children are grown now. The house is quieter. And while part of me expected this stage to bring calm, I find myself more driven than ever. Because this work is not just what I do, it’s who I am. And I know many of my colleagues feel the same way.

The Call to Action

As we mark MAAC’s 60th anniversary, I challenged our team to think forward:

• How will you unite with others?
• How will you uplift someone in need?
• How will you use your skills and voice to move our mission forward?

This is a moment to not just keep going but to lead. To adapt. To look at every challenge as a chance to reimagine, refine, and renew.

If you’re reading this and wondering how you can support – partner with us, invest in this work, or simply reach out. The journey ahead will require all of us. But I believe in our people, our purpose, and our power to keep moving forward.

Gracias,
Arnulfo Manriquez
President & CEO, MAAC

Lifting Voices, Lifting Communities: Reflections from the 2025 San Diego Regional EDC Retreat.

By Arnulfo Manriquez
President & CEO, MAAC
Board Member, San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation

Last month, I had the privilege of attending the San Diego Regional EDC’s annual delegation retreat as a board member, joining a powerful group of community, business, nonprofits, and civic leaders for three days of deep dialogue in Palm Desert. Each year, the EDC takes a delegation to a different city to learn how regions across the country are tackling the biggest issues of our time: homelessness, job creation, housing access, childcare, early education, and inclusive economic growth.

This was different, it was a retreat. It wasn’t just about learning what other regions are doing. It was about taking an honest look at ourselves, as a region, and asking how we continue to build a San Diego where everyone, no matter their background, has the chance to thrive.

Nonprofits Belong at the Table

As one of only a few nonprofit leaders in the room, I felt a strong responsibility to represent not only the community-based sector, but the people we serve. MAAC has been doing this work for 60 years. In fact, we were founded the same year as the San Diego Regional EDC in 1965. Yet we didn’t begin crossing paths with EDC until about eight years ago.

Since 2017, we’ve worked together more intentionally to uplift communities, close economic gaps, and build real pipelines for underserved families, particularly our Latino population, which makes up 34% of San Diego County. And yet, our representation is still lacking, in education, in elected leadership, and in executive positions across industries, government and institutions.

That gap isn’t due to lack of talent. It’s due to lack of access and opportunity. That’s where our work comes in.

Housing Is Not the Finish Line. It’s the Launchpad.

There was a lot of conversation at the retreat around the cost of housing, permitting delays, and the need to build more units at higher density. I agree—we absolutely need more housing, faster and smarter.

But I also brought a different perspective. Affordable housing is not the finish line. It’s the starting point.

At MAAC, we don’t just build housing. We build pathways. Affordable housing should be temporary for most; it should be a steppingstone to something greater. Our goal is to lift families out of poverty, to help them eventually buy a home, start a business, or send their children to college. And to do that, we need programmatic approaches, not just construction plans. Because housing alone doesn’t solve poverty, opportunity does.

Education Is the Bridge to Thriving Wages

One of the core themes of the retreat was talent pipeline development. That means investing in people; making sure our communities have the chance to earn certifications, associate degrees, or bachelor’s degrees that lead to thriving jobs, not just surviving ones.

When one-third of San Diego County is considered low-income and 65% of that group is Latino, we can’t talk about economic growth without addressing access to post-secondary education. Whether through community colleges, job training programs, or technical certifications, we must remove barriers and open doors. That’s what MAAC was created to do.

The DEI Conversation – Beyond the Words

A particularly challenging but necessary conversation at the retreat was the growing pressure to remove the term DEI—Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion—from federal language, materials, and programming.

At MAAC, we’ve already removed all DEI references from our website and communications. But I told the group: this doesn’t change our work. Because DEI isn’t just a term, it’s a value. And we’ve been living it long before the acronym existed.

We were born out of the Civil Rights Act. We are a mirror to our community. Our staff looks like the people we serve. Our leadership grows from the neighborhoods we’re rooted in. So while removing DEI from our materials may be a new compliance step, it will never change who we are or why we do what we do.

In fact, I believe this shift can free us from simply checking boxes and move us back to being truly representative at every level, without limitations or performative benchmarks.

Looking Ahead

The retreat’s goals were clear:
• Have honest dialogue about inclusion
• Understand the data behind inclusive growth
• Re-energize leaders across sectors

We did all of that and more. We listened. We pushed each other. We faced uncomfortable truths. And we came out stronger.

There is still work to do. But I left Palm Desert proud; proud of where we’ve come since 2017, and proud to be part of a group that’s committed to building a region that works for everyone.

Let’s keep going.

Arnulfo Manriquez
President & CEO, MAAC
Board Member, San Diego Regional EDC

MAAC’s 2025 Parent Engagement Summit Showcases the Power of Family Engagement and the Impact of Head Start

MAAC’s 2025 Parent Engagement Summit brought together over 400 families, educators, and community partners for a dynamic day of learning, empowerment, and advocacy. Held on Saturday, April 26, at MAAC’s North County Administration Office, the annual summit highlighted the critical role families play in children’s early learning journeys.

From interactive workshops on positive parenting to sessions focused on early learning and leadership, the event provided parents and caregivers with tools and resources to strengthen the connection between home and school, demonstrating the foundational support systems Head Start helps create.

Dr. Alexis Aviña, Chief Early Childhood Education Officer at MAAC shared “Through the Parent Engagement Summit, we’re not only building connections between home and school, but also activating families to be champions for their children and advocates for programs that uplift entire communities.

The fund provides immediate support to families in crisis through gas cards, bus passes, and grocery cards, helping bridge the gap while longer-term support is arranged. The community can join MAAC in uplifting families across San Diego County by supporting the Family Emergency Relief Fund at MAACproject.org/donate.

Events like the Parent Engagement Summit are made possible through the support of Head Start funding, which enables us to create safe, uplifting spaces where families can connect with resources, build skills, and strengthen their roles as advocates and leaders. These experiences are critical to family well-being and children’s long-term success. For that reason, we urge our community to help protect and expand access to Head Start by making your voice heard. Visit go.nhsa.org/take-action to advocate for Head Start today.

MAAC is selected as a 2025 California Nonprofit of the Year by Senator Steve Padilla

Chula Vista, CA — May 21, 2025 — MAAC is proud to announce its selection as a 2025 California Nonprofit of the Year by Senator Steve Padilla representing California’s 18^th Senate District. MAAC is among more than one hundred nonprofits statewide recognized by their state senators and assemblymembers for making outstanding contributions to their communities

“It’s an incredible honor to be recognized as a California Nonprofit of the Year,” said Arnulfo Manriquez, MAAC President & CEO. “This recognition belongs to our staff, partners, and community members who work every day to uplift one another and ensure every individual has the opportunity to succeed.”

“MAAC has played a vital role in strengthening our communities for decades,” said Senator Steve Padilla. “Their work uplifts families, builds economic opportunity, and creates lasting change across our region.”

Power in Community: 60 Years of Dreams Taking Flight

This year on July 8th, MAAC celebrated its 60th anniversary, marking six decades of service, impact, and resilience. To honor this milestone, we brought together community partners, staff, and board members for a series of discussions called Power in Community: 60 Years of Dreams Taking Flight. Together, we reflected on our shared history, reviewed the four priorities of our new strategic plan, and looked ahead to the future we will continue to build side by side. 

At both our South Bay and North County gatherings, leaders past and present shared stories about the journey that brought us here. The conversations acknowledged how much has changed since MAAC's founding in 1965 when President Lyndon B. Johnson signed legislation prohibiting employment discrimination and communities across the nation were demanding equal access to housing and opportunity. While some of those struggles remain today, one thing has not changed: MAAC's role as a trusted partner and advocate. 

"MAAC doesn't step back, we step forward. We don't see obstacles, we see opportunities. We don't divide, we unite," said Arnulfo Manriquez, MAAC President & CEO. These gatherings also included special recognition from our local leaders. National City Mayor Ron Morrison presented a proclamation declaring July 8th as MAAC Day, describing MAAC's work as building "bridges" for people to cross the most difficult chapters of their lives. Vista Councilmember Jeff Fox and Assistant City Manager Imelda M. Huerta also honored MAAC with a proclamation, underscoring the organization's impact across the region. 

One reminder echoed throughout the conversations: community is not just a place or an organization. It is people, relationships, and trust. For 60 years, MAAC has built that trust, and with the support of our partners and neighbors, we will continue to strengthen opportunities for generations to come. Be part of the next chapter of MAAC’s story. With your support, we can continue building pathways to brighter futures.