Since the topic of our newsletter pertains to independence, Mr. Flores was instrumental in working for positive change in the lives of Hispanics and others throughout his community.  He served as the Executive Director for two advocacy programs during the 1960s and 1970s that sought to help people become self-sufficient.  As Executive Director of the Community Service Organization in Fresno, California, he led an organization whose main focus was to organize the Hispanic community into local organizations that could promote and make positive changes within their community in areas which for many years had been ignored by the "establishment."  They encouraged people to became involved in their local communities and before long, many people were seeking office for their city councils, school boards, local committees, et cetera, and began to emerge as leaders within their own communities.  He also served as the Executive Director for what was then known as the Concentrated Employment Program (later known as the Fresno City/County Manpower Commission), which served the entire county of Fresno, providing education and skill training to unemployed and unskilled workers, many whom were Hispanic.  Several participants, after receiving their training and entering the job market, eventually started their own businesses and, to this date, continue to prosper.  The 1960s and 1970s saw the emergence of many from within the Hispanic community from their own personal "cage."  Today, for some, the struggle continues; however, I encourage you all to remember that as long as you get up when you get knocked down, you will have that chance to succeed!  By staying down, you never will!

When he's not writing books, Mr. Flores makes presentations to local, regional and national groups, using dichos to motivate his audiences. You can contact him for speaking engagements at (559) 456-0128 or at his personal email at jaflores1246@comcast.net