OUR HISTORY - The Central American Resource Center was founded by a group of Salvadoran refugees whose mission was to secure legal status for the thousands of Central Americans fleeing civil war, CARECEN received 501C(3) status in 1983. Over the past 25 years, CARECEN has transformed itself from a small grassroots group to the largest Central American organization in the country. Its clients have similarly changed from refugees fleeing war, to families who have put down roots in the U.S. and are building vibrant lives for themselves and their children.

CARECEN CHRONOLOGY - This chronology is part of CARECEN's on going effort to preserve and share its organizational history and highlight CARECEN's 25 year contribution to the Central American Community in Los Angeles. The chronology is designed to be an educational tool to share CARECEN and the immigrant community’s struggles and triumphs.