Chicano Federation of San Diego County

Our children deserve mental health support that honors them fully, their culture, their family, their story. 💛

Since 2021, Chicano Federation’s Children’s Mental Health Program has provided culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and family-centered therapy and mental health education for children ages 0-5 and their families.

Now, with a generous investment from the Rest Haven Children’s Health Fund, serving the unmet needs of children in San Diego & Imperial Counties since 1909, we’ve expanded to serve youth ages 6-17!

More kids. More families. More access. 🙏
For more information, please call: 619-285-5600

When Chicano Federation began exploring the relaunch of the Leadership Training Institute (LTI), Dr. Ted Martinez was one of the people who never stopped reminding us why leadership development matters.

For decades, he has been a mentor, advocate, connector, and champion for our community. He has invested in future leaders by building programs, opportunities, making introductions, offering guidance, and encouraging people to recognize their own potential. He has a gift for seeing what someone is capable of and inspiring them to take the next step, often before they are ready to take it themselves.

This year, Chicano Federation was proud to present Dr. Martinez with a Legacy Award and announce the creation of the Dr. Ted Martínez Jr. Leadership Advocacy Award, a new tradition that will honor an LTI alumnus each year whose leadership reflects the values he has modeled throughout his life: service, advocacy, community, justice, and a commitment to lifting others.

Thank you, Dr. Martinez, for your years of service, your generosity, your belief in Chicano Federation, and your dedication to developing leaders. We are honored to celebrate your contributions and grateful for the example you have set for all of us.

This weekend, we celebrated another incredible cohort of graduates from Chicano Federation’s Leadership Training Institute (LTI). 🎓

Over the past several months, these leaders have dedicated themselves to learning, growing, building relationships, and developing projects focused on issues that matter deeply to our communities, including housing, health and wellness, education, and advocacy.

LTI exists because we know that when community members have access to the tools, knowledge, and support to lead, lasting change becomes possible. We are beyond proud and grateful to each Fellow for their commitment, vision, and willingness to step forward in service of their communities.

We were also honored to present the inaugural Ted Martinez Legacy Award. Dr. Ted Martinez played a pivotal role in helping relaunch the LTI Fellows Program and has spent years mentoring and investing in community leaders across San Diego County. His belief in the power of leadership, mentorship, and collective action continues to shape LTI and inspire future generations. It is only fitting that an award recognizing exceptional LTI Fellows will carry his name for years to come.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026! This may be the end of the program, but it is only the beginning of what you’ll accomplish. Our comunidades are stronger because of you! ❤️

Thank you to our LTI supporters:
💛Dr. Ted Martinez Jr. & Lidia S. Martinez | Ted Martinez Jr. Lidia S Martinez

🧡Prebys Foundation | The Prebys Foundation

💙 Southwest Airlines | Southwest Airlines
The official airline of Chicano Federation

💚UCSD Park & Market | UC San Diego Park & Market Ed Abeyta

When our comunidades face real challenges, the people in this room choose to respond. 💪🏽

Behind every seat filled, every conversation sparked, and every moment that moved us — there were partners who said YES before the room was even set up. Who show up for our comunidad not just on the day of, but throughout the year! 🙏

Swipe to meet the sponsors who made this year’s Unity Luncheon possible, and whose investment goes far beyond one afternoon.

We are deeply grateful. Mil gracias de corazón. ❤️‍🔥

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our 2026 Unity Luncheon! 🩷

We are incredibly grateful for this growing network of advocates, partners, volunteers, donors, and community leaders who show up with generosity, conviction, and corazón. People from all walks of life and across generations who understand that lasting change is something we build together. Gracias.

We reflected on the power of comunidad, celebrated the extraordinary legacy of Ms. Rachael Ortiz, and shared an exciting new chapter: Chicano Federation’s union with Barrio Station.

For over 55 years, Barrio Station has been a place where young people found mentorship, families found support, and community found connection. Today, we have the honor of helping carry that history forward while expanding what is possible for future generations.

This year’s theme, From Moment to Movement, reminded us that meaningful change happens when people recognize their power and choose to use it in service of others.

The momentum is real. The work continues. And we’re just getting started.

📸 View event photos:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/LXhYbrmWDD8tFd7x6

We are holding the Islamic Center of San Diego and the families impacted by this horrific act of violence close to our hearts.

Yesterday’s attack is devastating. And it does not exist in a vacuum.

For years, Muslim communities across this country have faced growing threats, harassment, and Islamophobic rhetoric that continues to fuel fear, division, and violence.

The Islamic Center is not only a place of worship, but also a space where children learn, families gather, and connections are built. An attack meant to terrorize one community is a threat to all of us.

Everyone deserves to exist, gather, and worship without fear. As an organization committed to justice and collective care, Chicano Federation stands in solidarity with our Muslim neighbors in grief, care, and action.

We encourage those who are able to support the families impacted to visit 🔗ICSD.ORG or the Instagram page to find their donation links.

We condemn Islamophobia and will continue to speak out against racism, hate, and violence in all its forms. In moments like these, we must choose love over fear, humanity over hatred, and unity over silence.