Templo Calvario Community Development Corporation

Templo Calvario Community Development Corporation's mission is to empower and educate communities through a focus on economic development, educational opportunities, faith and community mobilization. TCCDC delivers thoughtful education and empowerment programs that equip children, teens, and families from socioeconomically disenfranchised communities with the information, skills and resources they need to achieve long-term economic success and financial stability.

Founded in 2003, TCCDC has established itself as a trusted community partner dedicated to promoting racial equity and addressing long-standing cultural and socioeconomic barriers faced by socioeconomically disadvantaged families in Orange County. Originally focused on serving Santa Ana families, TCCDC has expanded its effective programming across the county, providing comprehensive quality programs that equip individuals with the information, skills, and resources needed to transform their circumstances and achieve economic health and stability. To achieve this goal, over the past two decades, TCCDC has developed and implemented effective educational and financial empowerment initiatives, all aimed at taking a holistic approach to addressing the root causes of inequity and economic insecurity among families.

From every entry point into our programs, the children, adolescents, teens, and adults we serve are provided opportunities to advance their personal circumstances and amplify their voices. As a result of our wrap-around services, TCCDC has witnessed the following outcomes among program participants: children and youth demonstrate improved academic and behavioral outcomes; families and individuals increasingly gain financial security; and more Orange County families and individuals are financially empowered and able to help others navigate through roadblocks.

Over the past year, TCCDC has continued to make significant strides in advancing the well-being of the families and individuals we serve. Our programs have demonstrated impactful results, contributing to the academic success of children, the financial empowerment of families, and the strengthening of our community. As a result of our wrap-around services, TCCDC has witnessed the following outcomes among program participants:

Enhanced Academic Performance: Children and youth enrolled in our programs have shown significant improvement in academic performance and behavior.
Increased Financial Stability: Families and individuals who participated in our financial literacy programs have increasingly gained financial security.
Community Empowerment: Many families in Santa Ana have become financially empowered and are now able to assist others in navigating through financial challenges.

As we look to the future, the needs of families continue to shift and change as a result of the rising costs of housing, utilities, and other household necessities. TCCDC remains committed to meeting the needs of our community holistically, with the following goals, while also expanding our effective programs to reach underserved communities across Orange County:

Expand Collaboration: Collaborate with more community groups to broaden our reach and impact.

Strengthen Partnerships: Mobilize community partners to develop effective solutions addressing the evolving needs of Santa Ana families.

Holistic Support: Continue to provide comprehensive, wrap-around services that support the entire family unit, adapting to the ongoing economic and social challenges.

Templo Calvario CDC is seeking the following support:

1. Increased Financial Support: To expand and enhance TCCDC’s capacity to respond to evolving client needs and adjust our wrap-around support services effectively.

2. STEAM Programming and School Uniforms: For our K-5 Charter School, Edward B. Cole Sr. Academy (EBC Academy), ensuring students have the resources necessary for success.

3. Volunteers: Needed for school events (working with children and families), professional training on public speaking and presentations for Parent Leaders, mentorship for high school students in the Banking on Our Youth program, service on TCCDC’s Board of Directors and/or Advisory Board.

4. Community Partners: Connections to foundations and corporations to expand our network of supporters and volunteers as well as other community-based organizations to partner with to expand our reach.

Templo Calvario Community Development Corporation has historically served the City of Santa Ana and its neighboring cities. This year, we continuing to actively expand our services to other cities in Orange County that have a concentration of underserved neighborhoods, such as Santa Ana, Tustin, Anaheim, Orange, Garden Grove, and La Habra.

I am extremely grateful to have a board of directors and staff members that always have the right attitude in addressing challenges in our community. Half of our city’s population is foreign-born. Over eighty percent of the youth in our school district qualify for the free and reduce lunch program. This picture may be troubling for many, but for our team, it’s an opportunity to dig deep and partner with local stakeholders and those that support us and believe for many life-changing opportunities. Our programs go to the heart of the issue with the belief that change will take place. With this attitude we see true change taking place every day. We believe in our city, our families and our city’s youth! Rev. Lee de León

I love Santa Ana and admire the impact that TCCDC has had on the city. While I’m definitely partial to education, I love that TCCDC is concerned about the whole person – including its focus on economic empowerment. TCCDC is making a huge impact, in spite of the recent challenges of navigating the pandemic. It will be important for us to consolidate the gains of the last few years and increase TCCDC’s capacity to empower lives. TCCDC’s programs are transformational, so I’m grateful that we’re looking at expansion. We have a powerful culture – now, it needs to be an enduring, powerful culture.