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ABOUT US
OUR VISION
At LA SED, we are dedicated to promoting the social and economic development of the Hispanic community and all residents of Southwest Detroit.
Our mission is to enhance the well-being of families, seniors, and youth by providing advocacy, essential services, and opportunities that support education, economic mobility, and the pursuit of the American Dream.
THE WORK WE DO
We believe in breaking down barriers and opening doors to opportunity. Over the decades, we have:
• Established the Ford Motor Company/LA SED Senior Center to support seniors’ independence and well-being.
• Created a Youth Center offering a safe place for academic enrichment and sports.
• Launched an Education Coalition to improve bilingual education and increase Latino college enrollment and graduation rates.
• Assisted 150 individuals in becoming U.S. citizens in 2015-2016 alone.
• Became a certified Health Navigator and MI Bridges partner, helping families access vital state services.
OUR HISTORY
Latín Americans for Social and Economic Development, Inc. (LA SED)
Today, we proudly celebrate 60 years of LA SED-Latin Americans for Social and Economic Development, Inc.—a vital institution founded in 1965 to serve, uplift, and empower the Latino community in Detroit. The story of LA SED begins with Msgr. Clemente Kern of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, a visionary and lifelong advocate for the Hispanic community. As early as the 1950s, Msgr. Kern recognized the importance of culture in building community. He founded the first Corktown Dancers, a traditional Mexican dance group, under the instruction of Mrs. Carmen Cortina. Through these cultural programs, he created a space where Latino families could celebrate their roots and share their heritage with the broader community.
Witnessing the growing needs of the community-and the lack of bilingual and culturally responsive services-Msgr. Kern envisioned something greater: an agency dedicated entirely to the well-being of Latin Americans in Detroit. That vision became LA SED.
In 1969, LA SED became an independent nonprofit and moved into its current home at Vernor and Scotten, with the support of the Archdiocese of Detroit and UAW. The first board of directors reflected this collaboration. Over time, leadership expanded to include community members who brought invaluable experience, passion, and insight.
For six decades, LA SED has been a cornerstone of support-offering education, social services, cultural programming, and advocacy. We honor the legacy of Msgr. Kern, the dedication of early leaders like Mr. Israel Leyton, Mr. Gustavo Gaynett, and the generations of community members who have helped shape our mission.
Here’s to 60 years of service, tradition, and empowerment—iy vamos por muchos más!
HOW WE SERVE
For nearly 60 years, LA SED has been a trusted resource in Southwest Detroit, offering a wide range of bilingual programs:
Youth & Family Programs
- After-School & Summer Youth Enrichment – Providing academic support and personal development.
- Food Distribution & Emergency Assistance – Offering food, clothing, and utility assistance.
Senior Services (60+)
- Bilingual Senior Program – Exercise classes, daily hot lunches, wellness programs, and doctor-supervised health monitoring.
- Social Services Support – Helping seniors live independently with dignity.
Community & Advocacy Services
- Immigration & Citizenship Services – Assisting with citizenship applications and legal consultations.
- English as a Second Language (ESL) & Translation Services – Helping residents develop English proficiency
- Legal Aid & Expungement Assistance – Partnering with Legal Aid & Defender Association and Project Clean Slate.
- MI Bridges & MDHHS Assistance – Helping residents apply for SNAP, Medicaid,
- Medicare, SER, and other benefits.
- Utility & Basic Needs Support – Providing essential services to those in crisis.
Whether you need assistance or want to support our mission, LA SED welcomes you. Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive community in Southwest Detroit.
PARTNERING FOR A STRONGER COMMUNITY
For nearly 60 years, LA SED has been a trusted resource in Southwest Detroit, offering a wide range of bilingual programs:
- Michigan Department of Civil Rights
- Wayne County Friend of the Court
- Social Security Administration
- Legal Aid & Defender Association
- City of Detroit Project Clean Slate (Expungement Assistance)Youth & Family Programs
STORY ABOUT US
OUR TEAM
Co-Founder
Max Turner
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