The Maura Clarke – Ita Ford Center and OBT:
A Legacy of Courage, Service, and Empowerment

A Legacy Born of Sacrifice

In the late 1970s, during El Salvador’s brutal civil war, Maryknoll Sisters Maura Clarke and Ita Ford, along with Sister Dorothy Kazel and lay missionary Jean Donovan, answered the call to serve communities torn apart by violence. These courageous women worked tirelessly to assist displaced families, advocate for human rights, and provide critical support to those in need.

On December 2, 1980, they made the ultimate sacrifice when they were abducted and murdered by government forces while serving their mission. Their tragic deaths not only brought international attention to the violence in El Salvador but also inspired a legacy of service that continues to transform lives today.

The Birth of MCIF

Carrying forward their spirit of compassion and dedication, Sister Mary Burns, SC, established the Maura Clarke – Ita Ford Center (MCIF) in 1993. The Center began with a focused mission to empower immigrant women in Bushwick, Brooklyn, providing them with educational opportunities to improve their lives and strengthen their communities. This vision of empowerment through education perfectly embodied the values that these courageous women lived and died for.

A Transformative Partnership

In 2016, a transformative merger between MCIF and Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow (OBT) created an even stronger force for positive change in our communities. This strategic partnership strengthened our commitment to education, empowerment, and opportunity, leading to expanded services that now reach over 1,500 individuals annually through comprehensive programs including:

• English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
• Computer and Digital Literacy Courses
• High School Equivalency Programs
• Workshops supporting participants navigate healthcare systems, immigration processes, government programs, and community support services

The impact of our work extends far beyond the classroom walls. Every individual who walks through our doors becomes part of a continuing story of hope, resilience, and transformation.

As we remember the courage and commitment of the Maryknoll Sisters Maura Clarke and Ita Ford, Sister Dorothy Kazel, and lay missionary Jean Donovan, we remain dedicated to their vision of a world where education and opportunity are accessible to all. Their spirit of service and sacrifice guides our work as we continue to empower individuals to reach their full potential and create positive change in their communities.