Press Conference: Sociedad Mutualista Obrera Mexicana (SMOM) Unveils Protected Landmark Monday April 16 at 10:00

Sociedad Mutualista Obrera Mexicana (SMOM) Media Advisory

Adrian Garcia and Sociedad Mutualista Obrera Mexicana (SMOM) leaders will unveil a brass Protected Landmark marker attached to the SMOM Building façade to communicate this location’s importance to Houston’s diverse heritage to all people of all generations. Garcia and SMOM representatives will make statements and take questions Monday, April 16 at 10 a.m. at 5804 Canal Street.

The SMOM Building, long a home away from home for the Mexican community has received Protected Landmark Designation status by the City of Houston. The historic building has played an essential role housing the Mutual Society of Mexican Workmen for 40 years to assist East End families in their times of need is now recognized by Houston.

Former Houston City Council Member and Harris County Sheriff, Adrian Garcia, having supported the organization and operated his city council outreach office there, initiated the City of Houston Protected Landmark process to honor SMOM’s cultural impact and the building’s architecture.

Historically, SMOM has provided medical care access and aid to homeless low-income families, handicapped and senior citizens, veterans and anyone in need in the East End.

“The SMOM organization and this historic building are the lifeblood of East End communities,” Garcia, now candidate for Harris County Commissioner for local Precinct 2, said, “We’re all so pleased Houston leaders recognize the incredible contributions and fellowship centered here.”

“We can’t express enough how very grateful we are to Adrian Garcia,” said Mamie Garcia, former past SMOM president and now a trustee. “He started the process years ago as a Council member to make the SMOM Building a Protected Landmark for the betterment of the organization and the East End community and he got it approved. We are so honored to have him
on our side.”

SMOM is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that raises funds for the facility and a variety of services. It’s mission is to provide community services to improve the quality of life for youth, senior citizens, veterans and low-income families in the East End Community and surrounding areas and to increase cultural, social, and recreational opportunities for the
community’s residents.

April 10, 2018

For more information contact
Johnny Mata at (832) 723-3110 or jnmatal@att.net
Doug Peterson at 281.782.2721 or dougpetersonHTX@gmail.com

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