Community Development Corporation

  In 1997, in the aftermath of NAFTA and its displacement, trauma and impact on women and workers, La Mujer Obrera established El Puente Community Development Corporation, to create economic opportunity with/for displaced women workers and other low income community members, especially those living and working in the South Central barrio, the former Garment District of El Paso.
El Puente’s mission is true to its name. Virtually unparalleled in the country as a grassroots Mexican immigrant women’s organization involved in development tied to empowerment, El Puente serves as a bridge to new sources of economic, educational and community development.

To generate economic opportunity, El Puente focuses on:
• Job Creation
• Micro-enterprise Development
• Social Enterprises
• Small Business Support

To strengthen community members’ skills and knowledge, El Puente includes:
• Workforce Training and Basic Skills Education
• Access to Technology
• Entrepreneurial Training

To promote community development, El Puente builds community capacity while sustaining cultural roots through:
• Neighborhood revitalization and Housing
• Cultural enrichment and arts programs
• Urban Agriculture and Healthy Living initiatives

With these programs, in conjunction with its parent La Mujer Obrera, El Puente has achieved outstanding results and recognition for women’s empowerment and community economic development including:
• Conversion of four dilapidated buildings into a hub for dynamic neighborhood revitalization

Seven social purpose businesses:
Rayito de Sol Daycare
Café Mayapan
Uxmal Apartments
Lummetik Trading Company
Mercado Mayapan Festival Marketplace
CDBES
PLAN MAYACHEN