In 1989, a United Way task force addressed the needs of the Latino Community in Oklahoma County including the development of a pool of leadership to represent Latino interests on boards and commissions. At the end of 1990, the task force facilitated the development of a new program. Every agency in the United Way System was invited to submit a proposal to incubate a Latino Program, which would later become an autonomous agency.

The Neighborhood Services Organization (NSO) and Community Council of Central Oklahoma’s joint proposal was accepted and the Latino Community Development Agency (LCDA) was established in March 1991 as a program of the Neighborhood Services Organization. The LCDA was set up through the auspices of NSO for two to three years before becoming a separate agency. It had its own board of directors and budget while operating under NSO bylaws and 501(c)(3) certification. A 15-member board of directors was established, comprised of four members appointed from the NSO board, four members from the Community Council of Central Oklahoma board of seven Latinos from the community.

In April 1991, Patricia B. Fennell was hired as Executive Director. An initial United Way allocation of $42,000 provided funding for salaries for the Executive Director and secretary. NSO provided in-kind support for office space, supplies, and some personal support for payroll, bookkeeping, and consultation. The LCDA received its articles of incorporation in July 1993 and began autonomous operation on January 1, 1994, as a separate agency from the NSO. Thanks to extensive community volunteer commitment, staff enthusiasm, and creative partnerships, the LCDA has made great strides. The LCDA has gained local and national recognition as a responsible and stable organization serving as the crucial point for contact with and for the local Latino Community.

A diversified board of directors oversees the agency operations and several committees’ agency activities in the areas of education, economic development, health, mental health and substance abuse prevention, communications, development, and personnel. Many Latino and non-Latino individuals participate in the work of these committees. In 1995, the LCDA obtained a building housed in the heart of the Latino community, designating it as the Riverside Community Center.