Mayfair Community Center is Committed to San Jose’s Youth

Today, there are many problems that our under-served communities face. Yet we often do not know about the many options and alternatives available the community has to deal with them. But as the old saying goes, “union hace la fuerza,” or “we are stronger together.” With this motto, the Mayfair Community Center stands strong. The center is an organization that advocates for and tends to the needs of the community, particularly those on the Eastside.

And with the current gang problem that young people have to deal with, a theme that doesn’t look like it has an end, La Oferta went to Mayfair Community Center and spoke to Director Ed Solis, who explained to us how they are helping young people avoid dangerous life choices.

How did Mayfair Community Center begin in San Jose?

This center was started in San Jose in 1968. It started in a small house with two offices and a room for social activities with the idea to serve the people. Two years ago with the help of the city of San Jose, who gave 23 million dollars for the whole project, we were able to get a new location for Mayfair. It is a large space with recreational areas for the community in East San Jose.

What services does the center provide, and who are they directed to?

This center offers many recreational programs and is filled with activities for the entire community. We do not exclude anyone, or look at their immigration status, the only real requirement is to want to be part of us. We have a pre-school for children under three, but people come here with smaller children as well. So for them we work jointly with Escuela Popular who provide us with their space and helps with daycare. Escuela Popular also offers free daycare service for parents who are attending the English classes we provide at Mayfair.

We also have educational programs for the young and the elderly. We work with Somos Mayfair in helping those who don’t have diabetes but are at high risk of getting it later in life. We also provide diabetes education with Health Trust, who helps those who do have diabetes. This way no one gets left out.

Speaking of the youth, what is it that they need to come into the center? And what are the services that provide?

The only thing the need is to want to be part of the center, and to help us out with the programs we offer. We offer many free services for children from 10 to 18 years of age -- educational programs, computer labs, English, music, and art classes. We also offer sports programs like basketball and soccer.

What do you think is the most urgent issue young people are dealing with these days, and how can Mayfair help?

One of the biggest issues is the inundation of gangs. Our center has seen this problem that has been growing, even more so recently, up close. That is why we have training programs for young people to look for other options to look forward to, such as jobs and schooling. Together with other organizations help, Mayfair provides different educational programs for everyone of them.

What needs does the center have?

We need people to help us in all areas. We need bilingual personnel and would like to City to help us find them.

What programs do you think should be developed for young people?

First we need more hours and days for our young people to be with our programs. We have a goal of working with 100 young people a day. With the recreational programs we would like to open the pool, since right now we only have it eight weeks out of the year.

Mayfair Community Center invites you to be part of all the services that we offer and to let us do what Is our great honor -- to serve our community.

For more information call (408) 794-1060 or visit the center at 2039 Krammer Ave. San Jose, CA 95116.