Serving Families Since 1919

According to the National Register for Historic Places, the Guadalupe Centers is the Longest Continuously Operating Agency Serving Latinos in the United States.

History

During the early 1900’s in exodus of the hardships caused by the Mexican Revolution, many Mexican nationals began to leave their homeland in pursuit of a better life for both themselves and their families. These Mexican immigrants followed jobs to the north in areas of migrant farming, railroad and livestock. While many stopped in the already predominant Mexican-American Southwest, others went further north and decided to settle in the Westside Community of Kansas City, Missouri.

Upon their arrival, the Mexican immigrants faced yet another hardship. Discrimination. Mexican children were not allowed into certain schools, while their parents were not allowed to shop in many places. The Mexicans were also exploited in the workplace and basic services offered by area hospitals and government agencies were not granted to the Mexicans. Not knowing where to turn or how to respond, the need for basic services within the Mexican community continued to grow.

To answer this growing need, a Catholic women’s club in 1919 decided to establish a volunteer school and clinic for the underprivileged Mexican immigrants who had settled in the Westside. Naming the entity after the patron saint of Mexico, the Guadalupe Center became one of the nation’s first social service agencies for Latinos and has grown to be the heart of the Latino community within Kansas City.

OUR COMMUNITY

Take a Look At Our Rich History

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Who We Are

Founded in 1919, Guadalupe Centers’ mission is to improve the lives of Latinos in the Kansas City region and remains the longest continuously-operating organization serving Latinos in the United States, according to the National Register of Historic Places.

Guadalupe Centers operates out of 12 different facilities throughout Kansas City and provides community-based services in the areas of Health and Human Services, Education, Youth Recreation, Workforce Development & Adult Education, and Summer & After School. Guadalupe Centers serves over 20,000 individuals annually. Guadalupe Centers, Inc.(GCI) is the proud founder and home of the Guadalupe Centers Charter Schools (GCCS). GCCS is a PreK-12 charter school system with over 1,600 students enrolled and is sponsored by the Missouri Charter School Commission.

C-Team

Embracing our Latino legacy, and our opportunity to serve all cultures, the Guadalupe Centers, Inc. is dedicated to improving the community and the quality of life for people of all ethnic backgrounds, and to the celebration of cultural heritage.

Beto Lopez

Chief Executive Officer
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Ed Yerington

Chief Operating Officer
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Shannon Spradling

Chief Financial Officer
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Diane Rojas

Chief Program Officer
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Dr. Alicia Miguel

Chief of Schools
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Jason Wood

Chief Development Officer
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Board Members

Paul Rojas

Chairman Emeritus

Westside Housing Association Retired.
Steve Busser

Treasurer

Evergy, Vice President, Business Planning & Controller
Linda Clark

Board member

KCATA
Raquel Garcia

Board member

University Health
Kevin Prenger

Chairman

ECCO Select
Christine Thomas

Secretary

The University of Kansas Cancer Center
Michael VanBuskirk

Board member

Newmark Zimmer
Miguel Meneses

Board member

University Health Physicians
Cici Rojas

Board member

Ticco Productions LLC
Joe Marquez

Board member

United States Department of Justice
Tony Carreño

Past Chairman

Yellow Corporation
Timothy Flook

Board member

Clay County
Carlos Salazar

Board member

United Way of Greater KC
Gabe Hernandez

Treasurer

Burns & McDonnel
Michael Barrera

Board member

Kansas City District Office at U.S. Small Business
Ed Reyes

Board member

Reyes Media Group
William Cox

Board member

Kansas City University
David Tinoco

Board member

SSI/NCS
Ashley Papenberg

Board member

Children’s Mercy
Philip Tinoco

Board member

Newmont Mining
Nancy Simons

Board member

Blue Valley Neighborhood Association
Rich Shier

Board member

Community America Credi Union

Annual Reports

2021 Annual report

2022 Annual report

Beto Lopez

Chief Executive Officer

Beto Lopez, our esteemed President and CEO, is the driving force behind the Guadalupe Centers (GC). With an unwavering commitment to community service and a wealth of experience, he has ushered in a new era of transformation since joining GC in 2017 as Chief Operating Officer. Beto’s professional journey began in the dynamic worlds of commercial real estate brokerage, development, and banking, where he honed his expertise for over 25 years. His educational foundation includes an undergraduate degree from Rockhurst College in 1991 and a Master of Business Administration from Baker University in 1994. Starting as a business development specialist at the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City right after graduation, Beto Lopez wasted no time in making his mark. In 1995, he earned the prestigious “rookie of the year” award at Cohen-Esrey Real Estate Co, showcasing his innate talent as a standout sales agent. Venturing into the financial sector, Beto held key positions at renowned institutions such as US Bank, Arvest Bank, and CommunityAmerica Credit Union, solidifying his reputation as an expert in small business and commercial lending. Before his pivotal role at GC, Beto was a valued partner at ARO Real Estate Development Company, contributing invaluable insights to the ever-evolving real estate landscape. Beyond his illustrious career, Beto’s dedication to community service shines. In 2017, he was elected as a city council member in Lee’s Summit, and his leadership prowess led to his appointment as Mayor Pro-Tempore. He secured re-election for a second term in April 2022. Beto Lopez firmly believes in giving back to the community, a commitment evident in his active participation on numerous volunteer boards and commissions. These include current roles as a City of Lee’s Summit City Council member and Mayor Pro Tem, a board member of KC Scholars, a trustee at the Greater KC Chamber of Commerce, a board member of KC Common Good, an executive board member of the Mid America Regional Council, and the President of the Guadalupe Education Systems Charter Board. His past contributions are equally impressive, including coaching Girls Competitive FastPitch Softball at KCSA and Athletics Club and serving as an appointed

Edward Yerington

Chief Operating Officer

As Chief Operating Officer of Guadalupe Centers, Inc., Edward manages the personnel, resources, logistics and daily operations of the organization. A decorated United States Marine Corps Veteran, Edward Yerington’s career includes 20 years in the Marine Corps as a logistician and later a recruiter. He has worked as Director of Operations and managed multiple crews at Kauffman Stadium as well as managed a variety of security services for the Federal Protective Services. Edward takes pride in having integrity and being loyal to his customers and business partners. His service in the military contributed to his ability to accomplish any project he takes on. He is known for being dependable and effectively delivering projects on time and within budget. With a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Park University and a Master’s degree in Project Management (MPM) from Keller University, Edward always focuses on project budget, quality and schedules. Kansas City became his home more than 20 years ago and together with his wife, enjoys spending time with their daughter and son. He is an active volunteer member of the Truman Community Improvement District (CID) Board. In his spare time, Edward enjoys coaching youth sports, supporting local governments and first responders.

Shannon Spradling

Chief Financial Officer

Shannon Spradling has been involved in education and non-profits for over 30 years. He received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Missouri Southern State University majoring in accounting and finance. Upon completion of college, he worked for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for five years. There he served as an accountant in the School Food Service Section, budget analyst in the Desegregation Section and as a consultant in the School Finance Section. Spradling then moved to Kansas City to work for the Genesis School, Inc., an alternative school serving inner city youth, as the Chief Financial Officer/Director of Administration. During his seventeen years at Genesis, he completed his Masters in Business Administration from Rockhurst University with an emphasis in management. In addition to completing his MBA, Spradling consulted with other non-profits, including St. Mark United Inner City Services and founded Heartland Hoops, an organization for teenage youth. From 2008 – 2010, Spradling worked for the Missouri Charter Public School Association as the Chief Administrative Officer, consulting with Missouri charter schools. In 2010, Spradling left to directly consult with charter schools, non-profits, and universities in Missouri. Spradling now serves as the Chief Financial Officer for one of the fastest growing non-profits in Kansas City, Guadalupe Centers, Inc. and Guadalupe Educational Systems, Inc. Guadalupe Centers’ annual revenue has grown from approximately $5.5 million in 2010 to a projected $43 million in 2023. In addition, he continues to consult with other charter schools and non-profits. Finally, Spradling serves on the Board of Directors as the President for the Helen S. Boylan Foundation.

Diane Rojas

Chief Program Officer

Diane Rojas is the Chief Program Officer for the Guadalupe Centers, Inc. Her professional background includes more than 40 years of social service experience, a B.S. degree in Psychology from Emporia State University, Gerontology internship from Emporia State University, and three years of nursing training from Research Medical Center, Kansas City, Missouri. Diane joined Guadalupe Centers in 1984 and because of experience gained over many years, is recognized city-wide for her valuable knowledge of health and human services programming targeting the Latino community. Currently, Ms. Rojas oversees programming for the agency in the following areas: family support, workforce development & adult education, comprehensive services for older adults, substance use treatment, youth development, early childhood education, and special community health initiatives. In 2013, Mrs. Rojas was honored with the Gladstone Elementary School “Hero of the Year” award, one of the most meaningful community awards of her career recognizing work done in the Greater Kansas City community.

Jason Wood

Chief Development Officer

Jason Wood is a transformative leader within the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors, renowned for his ability to catalyze significant organizational growth and societal impact. Over a distinguished career spanning over two decades, Jason has masterfully navigated organizations through the complexities of change, securing disruptive market share growth and markedly enhancing revenue and value. His unique blend of visionary leadership, strategic insight, and entrepreneurial spirit has consistently propelled brands to prominence in fiercely competitive markets. Jason’s adeptness in crafting and executing fundraising strategies that deeply resonate with donors has propelled organizations to achieve and surpass their financial goals, transforming the landscape of philanthropy and community engagement. At the core of Jason’s approach is a deeply ingrained understanding of the importance of building authentic relationships. This guiding principle has shaped his tenure at Kinetic Fundraising, ACE Scholarships, and United Way. He has secured substantial funding through innovative campaigns and initiatives and fostered a culture of generosity and commitment among stakeholders.
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