In May 1991, devastating riots rocked the Mount Pleasant, Columbia Heights, and Adams Morgan neighborhoods of Washington DC. The result of tensions between the African American and Latino communities grew untenable and it became clear that both communities and area law enforcement, as well as several community residents, needed to gather to discuss how to empower the residents of these neighborhoods to view diversity as a strength instead of a weakness. In 1997, these community members founded Multicultural Community Service.
Since its founding, MCS has grown into a strong and reliable community organization, recognized for its effective research-based programs, commitment to the community, ability to reach and provide services to linguistically marginalized groups, and capacity to equally serve various segments and sectors of Washington’s diverse population and professional community. In 2006, MCS was chosen by the US Department of Education to establish Washington DC’s only Parent Information Resource Center (DC PIRC), in concert with similar organizations in each of the 50 states. This program ran until 2012.
MCS is unique among Washington DC organizations in its outreach to the diverse communities of DC rather than serving one demographic group. Among the organization’s specific strengths are the following:
- MCS has earned the respect and trust of the community through its effective programs and successful outreach, serving those who are hard-to-reach through commitment to one-on-one contact.
- Through its interpretation and translation services, MCS is able to reach community members in over 30 languages, uniquely enabling it to interact with the community in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner.
- MCS is progressive and cutting-edge, basing its programs on current academic research and utilizing the latest technology for simultaneous interpretation based on the United Nations’ model.
Disclosures
Copies of the Multicultural Community Services’ IRS Form 990s are available upon request. For other information, please send in your request by email to info@mcsdc.org.