28 Sep Héroes e Historias: Gracie Garcia

In 1966, community services director Gracie Garcia was six years old when her Tejano farmworker family of 8 packed their bags and made the journey from Texas to Oregon to work in the fields. As farmworkers, Gracie and her family lived in migrant camps for several years and tried to save money to one day own a home of their own. After about three years, their dream became a reality – they established roots by purchasing a house in Hillsboro, Oregon.  

Over fifty-five years have passed since they made the trek to the Pacific Northwest and Gracie Garcia has established a name for herself by being a long-time community organizer and advocate in Washington County. She serves as Bienestar’s Community Service Director and has been working in the organization for 16 years. Gracie initially started as a resident services coordinator, but due to her dedication, hard work, and expansion of services at Bienestar, she got promoted as a manager and is now a director.  

Through Gracie’s leadership, the distinguished Promotores program was implemented and has been led by her since its launch. The program and the Community Services department has been a crucial pathway for thousands of Latinx and farmworker families to give them hope, prosperity, and resources to thrive. 

Gracie states that the most rewarding part of her job is witnessing first-hand the professional and personal development of residents and the Promotores. Gracie states, “It brings me a lot of joy when they call me and tell me they got their GED….it means a lot when you give them hope and an opportunity to grow and develop.”