Our Story
More Than 35 Years of Walking with Mothers and Families
Centro Tepeyac was founded in 1990 to respond to the growing needs of Hispanic women facing unexpected pregnancies in the Washington, D.C. area.
At a time when Spanish-language ads were increasingly promoting abortion as an easy solution, local pro-life leaders—Fr. Bill Ryan, Tom Grenchik, and Dr. Bill Hogan—worked with Cardinal James Hickey to create a place offering compassionate support, practical help, and hope.
With the support of the Archdiocese of Washington, it began as a small office with one staff member answering calls from women in need.
1990
It all started here
1993
We made it official
1995
Now in Silver Spring
1,000+
Families served every year
Our Mission
We encourage, educate, and empower women and men to make life-giving decisions for themselves and their unborn children.
We do this by being the first point of contact through gentle, compassionate client advocacy, practical support, and walking with our clients every step of the way.
Our Values
At Centro Tepeyac, everything we do flows from a deep love for the women and families we serve.
- Dignity: We honor the dignity of life, believing in its sanctity from conception to natural death.
- Compassion: We meet each woman with kindness, listening without judgment and walking with her in care.
- Empowerment: We equip women with the support and tools they need to move forward with confidence.
- Catholic: Our work is guided by our faith and inspired by our patroness, Our Lady of Guadalupe, who reminds us to serve with love and tenderness.
- Community: We surround every family with a network of support, so no one has to walk this journey alone.
Guided by Our Lady
Why “Centro Tepeyac”?
Named after Tepeyac Hill in Mexico, where Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared to St. Juan Diego in 1531, Centro Tepeyac embraces her message of dignity, love, and protection for every human life.
Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas and the Unborn, continues to inspire our mission to accompany women and families with tenderness, respect, and unwavering support.
Growing to Meet the Needs of Families
In 1993, Centro Tepeyac became an independent nonprofit organization, allowing it to grow beyond the limitations of diocesan funding.
Recognizing that Montgomery County had a rapidly growing Hispanic population and limited Spanish-speaking pregnancy support services, Centro Tepeyac moved to Silver Spring in 1995, opening its doors near St. Michael the Archangel Parish.
What began by serving fewer than 50 women each year soon expanded dramatically.
By the Numbers
- 1990 – Approximately 40 women served
- 1995 – 200–300 women served annually
- Late 1990s – More than 1,000 women served each year
- Today – Thousands of women, children, and families have found support, encouragement, and hope through Centro Tepeyac
A Trusted Community Partner
For decades, Centro Tepeyac has worked alongside local healthcare providers and social service agencies, helping women navigate pregnancy, prenatal care, Medicaid applications, housing concerns, and other challenges.
Many women who faced language barriers, financial difficulties, or uncertainty found a welcoming place where they could receive:
- Free pregnancy tests
- Parenting education
- Material assistance
- Referrals for medical care
- Emotional and spiritual support
- Guidance in building a stable future for themselves and their children
Continuing the Mission
More than three decades after its founding, Centro Tepeyac remains committed to its original purpose:
To ensure that every woman knows she is not alone, every child is welcomed, and every family is offered the opportunity to flourish.
“Through the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe, we continue to accompany mothers with hope, compassion, and love.”
Come Visit Us
Want to see firsthand how lives are being changed? We’d love to welcome you.
Reach out directly to schedule a tour of our center. Our Executive Director, Mary Cardoza, would be happy to connect with you.
Centro Tepeyac Women’s Center
12247 Georgia Ave
Silver Spring, MD 20902
Monday-Friday: 10 am – 3 pm
Call or text Mary Cardoza: (301) 325-9454
