Lupe Valadez
CFHC Founding Board Member

Commitment, compassion, respect and integrity — these words describe the fundamental principals on which Chicago Family accomplishes its mission.

These words also describe founding board member Lupe Valadez. Valadez has long been committed to the mission of Chicago Family and the community. He has been involved in developing the resources needed to help the organization and community maintain its history and pride.

We recently spoke with Valadez.

Q: How did you become involved with the founding of the Center?

A: In middle ‘70s, I was the elected financial secretary of United Steel Workers of America Local #65. Our offices were located in the center of South Chicago, and at the time the local union hall was the hub of neighborhood activity. Besides banquets and fundraisers, there was much political activity at the hall. Residents knew that if one wanted to get anything started the best place to go was union hall. Carmen Mendoza, who became the first Executive Director of the Center, along with Ed Nugent, Fathers Maloney and Brummel brought the concept of the center to the union hall, which is when I got involved. I was asked to assist with the project, and of course, being born and raised in South Chicago, I agreed. There was a definite need in this community for added healthcare services.

Q: What made you realize that this type of service was needed in the community?

A: The steel mills were once the economic engine of South Chicago. During prosperous times, the community thrived. However, once the steel mills began closing, the community too, took a hit. People were losing their jobs, and healthcare benefits. Also, many other businesses, including doctors, began moving out of the community. We needed a place that would provide affordable, high quality healthcare to this community and its residents.

Q: What is your connection to South Chicago and surrounding communities?

A: I am a lifelong resident of South Chicago. I was born just across the street from the church on 91st and Brandon, where I was baptized, confirmed, and active in sports. I went to Our Lady of Guadalupe. I come from a family of six brothers and one sister all of whom were raised here. I only left the community for a short time from 1955 to 1963. It was when I returned that I became very involved in the Union.

Q: Why is Chicago Family important?

A: The Center provides quality and affordable healthcare to people in the community. The growth of the Center is a great indicator of the need. Maybe more so now than ever people in the community need affordable healthcare and we’ve been able to provide it.

Q: Of what accomplishments are you most proud?

A: I am proud and honored to have been part of this project since its inception. The most amazing accomplishment has been the tremendous growth we have experienced. The Center started as just a little sliver of a building. The building was so small that it couldn’t hold more than a few people. We received money from the government and the Claretians to expand and, lo and behold, it grew to the point that we needed a larger space. This new building is the third construction project for the Center, and it’s only going to get bigger.

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