Leaders of El Rescate marked the 45th anniversary of the organization by honoring individuals who champion education, culture, labor rights, and social justice. They reaffirmed their dedication to upholding the principles and legacy of Monsignor Óscar Arnulfo Romero.
The Rescue was established on May 2, 1981, in response to the civil wars and mass displacement affecting Central America. Over time, its mission expanded to encompass a range of critical services, including providing humanitarian aid, offering legal assistance to immigrants, advocating for human rights, promoting education, and empowering local communities.
Rescue was founded on the fundamental principle that no immigrant family should have to endure injustice, persecution, or hardship without support. What began as a humanitarian initiative has evolved into a dedicated organization committed to safeguarding immigrant rights, shielding families, preserving cultural heritage, and empowering communities, according to its president and chief executive, Salvador Sanabria.
The non-profit organization was established through a collaborative effort between the members of the Santana Chirino Amaya Central American Refugee Committee and the Southern California Ecumenical Council.
The organization has assisted individuals from over 47 different nationalities and has offered support to more than 500,000 immigrants to date.
El Rescate focused its efforts on responding to the large-scale refugee crisis resulting from the civil war in El Salvador, which commenced on October 19, 1979, and concluded on January 16, 1992.
A minimum of 75,000 fatalities and a range of 8,000 to 15,000 missing persons resulted from the civil war, as documented by the Human Rights Data Analysis Group.
A significant displacement of approximately 550,000 Salvadorans occurred, with an estimated 500,000 refugees seeking refuge primarily in the United States and other Latin American nations.
El Rescate was a pioneering organization in the United States and Los Angeles, marking a significant milestone in the history of Salvadoran exile by providing free legal and social services to its immigrant community.
El Rescate's humanitarian efforts were expanded in 1984 with the creation of its Department of Human Rights. This new department was established to document and expose human rights abuses in El Salvador, as well as to raise international awareness about the atrocities committed by the government in both the United States and Europe.
El Rescate currently provides a comprehensive range of services, encompassing asylum procedures, DACA, TPS, VAWA, U visas, citizenship applications, family-based petitions, renewal processes, as well as legal representation and guidance.
El Rescate offers a range of community programs that cater to the needs of its constituents, featuring resource clinics focused on immigration and citizenship, as well as workshops designed to educate individuals about their rights, develop family preparedness plans, and prepare for citizenship examinations.
The organization played a significant role in establishing the Monsignor Óscar Arnulfo Romero Clinic, and its historical archive, housed at the California State University in Northridge, has served as a vital documentation of human rights abuses. The organization also participated in the Peace Agreements, signed on January 16, 1992, at Chapultepec Castle in Mexico.
El Rescate's humanitarian efforts have extended to Tijuana, Baja California, where the organization has provided support at the Pro Amore Dei hostel, a non-profit Catholic facility catering to migrants. Additionally, El Rescate has offered assistance to retired migrants and individuals in transit through its partnership with INSAMI, the Institute of the Salvadoran Immigrant.
A video presentation showcased the "Youth Plus AI Summer Institute" for 2026, a comprehensive program that combines critical thinking, artificial intelligence, digital equity, responsible technology use, artistic expression, and theatrical performance.
Los Angeles County's Humanitarian Relations Commission honored El Rescate with the Humanitarian Relations Award on March 18, 2026, presented by Lindsay P. Horvath, supervisor of the third district.
Salvador Sanabria emphasized the organization's commitment to upholding the dignity of immigrants and providing support to families.
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary, the individual emphasized the importance of expanding access to justice, fortifying partnerships, investing in education and technological advancements, and developing the skills of emerging young leaders.
El Rescate honored three exceptional leaders during the evening ceremony, acknowledging their commitment to the organization's core values, which have been a guiding force for 45 years. Dr. Jocelyn Duarte, Executive Director of the Salvadoran American Leadership and Educational Fund/SALEF, received the "Community Leadership Award" in recognition of her dedication.
In the upcoming year of 2024, East LA College will launch its inaugural community-level Central American Studies program under the leadership of Duarte.
Dr. Stephanie Lemus, a member of the Board of Directors of El Rescate, praised Dr. Duarte's leadership, citing her dedication to education, human rights, and community development as a testament to the positive impact of service and the value of investing in emerging leaders.
Dr. Duarte expressed his sentiments, invoking the legacy of St. Romero to inspire continued efforts towards social justice and dignity for all, particularly within the Salvadoran community in Central America.
Armando Rosales Rosa, president of the FEDECREDITO System of El Salvador, was honored with the "Benefactor of the Salvadoran Culture Abroad" recognition by Francisco Pineda.
Rosales Rosa's leadership in the financial sector has been commended, with notable recognition of its efforts to promote Salvadoran cultural initiatives within the United States.
The award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to preserving and showcasing Salvador's rich cultural heritage globally, fostering a deeper connection between Salvadorans worldwide and their ancestral traditions and identity.
Xóchitl Covarrubias, chairman of the Los Angeles Chapter of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement and president of the Los Angeles County Labor Federation, was honored with the "Jorge Núñez Community Public Service Award".
Jorge, a refugee who had escaped the turmoil in El Salvador, continued to be deeply invested in the welfare of his community, even after settling in the United States. His life's work was centered on promoting peace, social justice, and supporting immigrant families, as well as public service. Jorge's dedication to these causes ultimately led to his passing in September 2020.
The Jorge Núñez award recognizes Covarrubias' dedication to advancing workers' rights, promoting social justice, and protecting community interests, with a core principle that every working family should be treated with dignity, have equal opportunities, and be able to progress.
