ARCC’s Chief Executive Officer pays tribute to former Executive Director on the Mercury News. Her letter was published by the Mercury News on February 7, 2015. Read the letter here.
Former Executive Director and Community Leader Jose Montes de Oca’s story about his work and legacy to the community on the Mercury News can be found here.
Remembering key Hispanic leader
Thank you for the article on the death of José Montes de Oca (Page 1B, Feb. 2). José left an indelible mark on our community, and his name will forever be linked to Alum Rock Counseling Center. His tireless dedication to Chicano culture informs the agency’s long-standing reputation for programs that are culturally humble and linguistically accessible. In 1974 José helped to create an organization that today serves more than 6,000 clients each year. Today 76 percent of ARCC staff identify as Hispanic/Latino, serving a client base in which 68 percent identify similarly; and more than 70 percent of both staff and our clients are bilingual Spanish/English speakers. Today we continue to offer services directly in the neighborhoods he championed. José Montes de Oca is a vital part of the past, present and future of this agency.
Patricia Chiapellone
CEO, Alum Rock Counseling Center