2022 Impact Report

2022 IMPACT REPORT LATIN AMERICAN LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATION FUND

2022 brought a variety of new opportunities to the LALDEF community.

From maximizing our social impact to reaching new corners of the community, the future has never seemed so optimistic for Casa Bienvenida.

Sasa Olessi Montaño President, Board of Trustees

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to our supporters and volunteers, as none of this would be possible without their contributions.

Please join me in celebrating the impact of LALDEF’s services this past year.

As Executive Director of LALDEF, I am delighted to present our 2022 Impact Report. This report highlights our organization's accomplishments, and most importantly, the strength of our community.

It is an honor to assist our clients in navigating the challenges of immigration and empowering them at every step along the way. Together, we will continue to educate and advocate for the Mercer County immigrant community.

Cecy Jiménez-Weeast Executive Director

IMMIGRATION LEGAL SERVICES

LALDEF’s immigration legal services are dedicated to supporting immigrants in Mercer County as they navigate the legal systems that lead to permanent status in the United States. We are particularly focused on ensuring that the most vulnerable can secure lowcost legal aid.

WE COVER Filing Filingofofapplications applicationsfor for naturalization & citizenship naturalization & citizenship

Violence Against Women Act Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) (VAWA) provisions provisions

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

U Visas for victims of crime

Adjustment Adjustmentofofstatus status

TT Visas Visas for for human human trafficking victims trafficking victims Renewals Renewals of of green green cards cards and work permits and work permits

In 2022, we In 2022, we worked on worked on

approximately

195 195 immigration

immigration

legal cases legal cases

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)

In 2022, we In 2022, we provided worked on

approximately

164 195

free legal immigration consultations legal cases

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LALDEF STAFF MEMBER ACCREDITED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE We are delighted to announce that LALDEF staff member Shelly Peskin is now a Department of Justice Accredited Representative! With partial accreditation, Shelly can now represent individuals in immigration legal matters before the Department of Homeland Security. LALDEF celebrates this incredible achievement and is looking forward to expanding our immigration legal services. Shelly shares, “I feel honored to step into this new role in the service of our clients.”

Shelly Peskin Department of Justice Accredited Representative

LALDEF’s Legal Services department now consists of a Supervising Attorney, two DOJ Accredited Representatives, and a Legal Services Coordinator.

“I’m from Honduras. I moved to the U.S. in 2018... I’m 21 years old. Most of my family is in my country, Honduras. I wanted to work [in the U.S.]... but I didn’t have a work permit... and in the shelter, they gave us information about LALDEF. I used [LALDEF’s] immigration services. My experience was very excellent... very meaningful for me...

When my work permit arrived, it was a light in my path. I couldn’t believe it, I was in shock. I felt really happy. So much has happened to me, and... [it’s] a blessing. [Now] I can work legally, and I can study and pay for my studies. I work with people who have mental disabilities, and I’m studying to be a medical assistant.

I want to say [to donors], thank you so much. [You are] helping people who really need it.

You are changing lives and may God multiply your blessings.”

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-LALDEF Client November 2022, in her own words

MERCER COUNTY AREA COMMUNITY ID CARDS LALDEF's Mercer County Area Community ID Card extends access to basic services to traditionally excluded populations, including immigrants, the elderly, and persons in transitional housing or without a permanent home. The ID Card can be used for access to services at...

Municipal and social service agencies Schools Clinics Food pantries Parks Post offices Libraries

In 2022, we In 2022, we worked issued on

approximately

1,396 195 ID cards

immigration legal cases

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FUTURO YOUTH MENTORING LALDEF's FUTURO is a high-impact youth mentoring program for first- and second-generation immigrant high school students. FUTURO provides students with academic support, SAT preparation, college application guidance, mentoring, social support, and community service opportunities. We are pleased to present the accomplishments of the FUTURO Class of 2022!

Colleges include:

Intended majors include:

Astronomy Astrophysics Biology Business Management Civil Engineering 5

Communications Computer Science Criminology Elementary/Special Education Finance

Healthcare Administration Mathematics Nursing Psychology

FUTURO visit to Stockton University December 8, 2022

“Because of FUTURO, I learned about the real world, and the importance of college, and also I saw a change in myself because of FUTURO.” - Alvaro Xe, FUTURO Class of 2022, TCNJ '26

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PROMOTING EQUITABLE HEALTHCARE In 2022, we facilitated...

183

64

COVID-19 vaccinations

Influenza vaccinations

...at LALDEF's headquarters in Trenton

Linguistic barriers, fear, and misinformation all contribute to health inequities in the Latino community—including higher mortality rates from COVID-19. This year, LALDEF staff have been busy spreading quality, bilingual information about COVID-19 and improving access to vaccinations in our community. In 2022, with support from Henry J. Austin Health Center, the Trenton Department of Health, and Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton, LALDEF hosted six (6) vaccination events at our headquarters in Trenton.

LALDEF staff at Hispanic Heritage Month Health Fair October 22, 2022

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HEALTH COMES FIRST!

LALDEF's October 2022 Health Fair

LALDEF's Hispanic Heritage Month Health Fair October 22, 2022

LALDEF held a Health Fair on October 22, 2022 at LALDEF’s headquarters in Trenton, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. At this event, LALDEF facilitated 30 influenza vaccinations and 11 COVID-19 vaccinations for low-income immigrant and Latino community members. Seven community based organizations attended including Catholic Charities, ScreenNJ, Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, and Children’s Futures. To keep on theme with Hispanic Heritage Month, LALDEF provided participants with tamales and Mexican baked goods, thanks to donations from a local vendor. Overall, more than 80 community members attended this event, making this LALDEF’s most successful vaccination event of the last few months.

This work is funded by the CDC Foundation and supported by the New Jersey Department of Health, Family Services.

Funding for this effort is made possible through a subaward from the CDC Foundation and is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) financial assistance award totaling $20,000,000 with 100 percent funding from CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, CDC/HHS or the U.S. Government.

LALDEF also thanks the Integra Foundation and the Princeton Area Community Foundation for their support of this initiative.

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CLIENT ADVOCACY Client advocates assist community members with a variety of concerns, including IDs, unemployment, food stamps, housing, and much more.

Client Advocate/Community Health Worker Rosmery Almonte-Valoy assists a client

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In 2022, we handled

In 2022, we provided

In 2022, we provided

358

87

137

Cases in which Client Advocates answered questions about driver's licenses, taxes, healthcare, child support, and more

Notarizations of documents to facilitate access to driver's licenses in our community

Translations of birth certificates, identification documents, and more

ADULT EDUCATION LALDEF's Adult Education programs strive to improve the lives of clients by empowering them through education. Increased knowledge of the English language can break down barriers to employment and education; the acquisition of a high school equivalency diploma can open countless doors for clients; and Citizenship courses help clients pass the USCIS Citizenship exam.

COURSE OFFERINGS: English as a Second Language (ESL) High School Equivalency (HSE) Preparation Citizenship Exam Preparation

In 2022, we served

211

Clients through Adult Education

HSE student Vanessa (R) showing off her HiSet diploma with LALDEF Executive Director Cecy Jiménez-Weeast (L) on October 19, 2022

“I have three children and I came to the United States 23 years ago. I’m from Costa Rica and a friend referred me to LALDEF. I wanted to take the classes for citizenship, then English classes… and later to obtain my high school diploma.

It’s called Welcome House and they named it well, because they welcome all Latinos there. I felt truly proud [because] I was able to obtain my high school diploma. [It was] a beautiful experience. It feels like a family. The teachers… are dedicated and have a lot of patience.”

-Vanessa, LALDEF Client Fall 2022

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2022 HIGHLIGHTS LALDEF Toy Drive In December 2022, thanks to donations from Lawrenceville Preparatory School, LALDEF hosted a toy drive, where we In March 2022, in distributed gifts for collaboration with the children.

College of New Jersey United Greek Council, LALDEF distributed In 2022, we clothing to community distributed members in need.

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Holiday Gifts

LALDEF Backpack giveaway In September 2022, thanks to donations from Westminster Church, LALDEF distributed backpacks and school supplies for community members.

In 2022, we distributed

50

Backpacks and Sets of School Supplies

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2022 HIGHLIGHTS LALDEF Clothing Drive & Vaccination Event In November 2022, in collaboration with the College of New Jersey United Greek Council, LALDEF distributed clothing to community members in need.

In 2022, we hosted

176

Clothing Drive Attendees

LALDEF Back to School Extravaganza In August 2022, in collaboration with the Trenton Board of Education and other organizations, In December 2022, LALDEF handed out flyers thanks to donations with information about from Lawrence Prep.

COVID-19 vaccines and LALDEF's services. and AllWell

In 2022, we hosted

Pharmacy, LALDEF distributed toys to children in the community.

100+

Back to School Extravaganza Attendees

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FINANCIAL OVERVIEW* Revenue and Support in 2022

Total Revenue and Support in 2022: $823,657

Total Assets Through the Years

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2022 Expenses

Total Expenses Growth, Year After Year

*Reflects a fiscal year from July 1 - June 30 14

OUR SUPPORTERS

INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTIONS

$5,000+ William & Angela Creager Christopher Eisgruber John Gardner Jhumpa Lahiri & Alberto Vourvoulias

McAlpin Fund of the Princeton Area Community Foundation Jeremy D. Pollack

$1,000-$4,999 Mary Blair Jason Scott Camilo Caleb & Prakriti Paul Chacha David & Elizabeth Cohen Pete & Mara Connolly Taft Jenny & Jonathan Crumiller Georganne D'Angelo Javier & Pilar Daly David Dobkin & Suzanne Gespass Dr. Mark Engel & Isabel Kentengian Patricia Fernandez-Kelly & Alejandro Portes

Susan Fiske & Douglas Massey Aline & William Haynes Martin & William Hewitt Amy Kimura & Thomas Griffith Christopher Kracman & Kimberly Skinner Robert C. Kuser Jr. Jonathan Lear David Long & Alice St. Claire Diane Paulsell Ellen & Thomas Petrone Patricia & Frank Von Hippel

Casa Bienvenida Legacy Society Daniel Harris Estate Sybill Stokes Estate Ann & Mitsuru Yasuhara Estate 15

$500-$999 Karen S. Ali, Esq. David Bocian John & Melanie Clarke Prof.

Gene & Dr. Jean Grossman Kemilola Jahnke

Donald & Nancy Light Steven & Suzanne Peskin Arturo & Lourdes Pizano Deborah J Yashar

UNDER $500 Pamela M Abbazia Lucia Acosta & Jorge Sarmiento Shakirudeen Abdulfatai Adriana Abizadeh Patrick Aiken Sharon Ali David Anderson Carlos Arcila Andres Arroyo Nectali Olivares Barrera Mark Bastidas Elba Barzelatto Martin Bloomenthal Francesca Benson & George Cody Thelma Carrera Gregory Cherlin Romilio Paiz Cordon Barbara Cuneo Dale Davis Dawn Day Fund of the Princeton Area Community Foundation Ramon De La Cruz Domingo Antonio De la Rosa Noemi R Denish Paul DiMaggio & Carol Ann Mason Betty Ann Duggan & Paula Mirsky Rachael Evans Alexandria Fernandez Theodore & Jane Fetter

Kristine Flynn Noe Lopez Garcia Angela Galan Linda & John Gilmore Donald Gilpin Suzin Green Clara Haignere & Rex Potter The Emily & John Harvey Foundation Ellen Heath John & Mary Heilner Denis Arita Hernandez Alicia Hernandez Gonzalez Rev. Karen Hernández-Granzen In memory of Rev. David McAlpin Samuel Hewitt Angelica Hicks Jhonny Homero Leon Correa Karis Jackson Kendall Jackson Kelly Jaramillo Landon & Sarah Jones Family Fund Narmeen Khan Michael Kingston Melissa Lane Lear & Pannepacker LLP Harvey Lederman Steve Lestition Peter Lindenfeld & Mary Clurman

Ronnie Lowenstein Lyons-Ochsner Giving Fund Jose Masis Rojas Frederique Magne Argenis Marmolejos Ricardo Maye Judi Yolanda Marroquin Emilio Martinez Delmy Mateo Jose Membrano Richard & Judy Meyer Sasa Olessi & Abelardo Montaño Oldermar Ramirez Montero Michael Mutnick Rosemary Nivar Carol & Richard Ober Brittany Onyimba Kim Otis Nigel Pacheco Kelsea Paradis Deep Patel Valeria Posso-Gonzalez Roland Pott Marissa Peña Martha Perez Mirta Oxlaj Perez Susan & Jose Quiles Dolores Amador Ramirez

Emily Reeves Jonathan Reischl Angel Rodriguez Iris Rodriguez Robert Rosen Susan Roy Santiago Salinas Dayrin Amarilis Roman Sanchez Elvia E. Gonzalez Sanchez Carolyn Sanderson Robert Schapire Bruce & Irene Schragger Alejandro Schugurensky William A Scott Hafsah Shaik Barbara Silberstein Scott Graham Sillars Kevon Adrian Simon Maria Guadalupe Leon Sisalima Stephen Slusher & Jon Carl Lewis Angel Solano Abdolreza Tahvildar-Zadeh Kavya Thomas Rolando Torres Mitsuru Yasuhara

Donors for the last 13 months as of January 25, 2023. If we have neglected to include your name, or if we have inadvertently misspelled your name, please accept our sincere apologies and email us at miranda.christ@laldef.org

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OUR SUPPORTERS

... and more!

LALDEF relies on the generosity of our many individual and foundation donors to support our work. More than 90% of our operating budget comes from YOUR support.

We take donations of donor-advised funds, IRA contributions, checks, cash...

To find out more, visit laldef.org/donate 17

LALDEF TEAM OUR TEAM

Cecy Jimenez-Weeast, Executive Director Rosmery Almonte-Valoy, Community Health Worker/Client Advocate Noelia Calcano, Development Associate Jeidy Cepeda, Citizenship Preparation and ESL Instructor Miranda Christ, Director of Development and Communications Carolina Curbelo, Esq., Supervising Attorney Caty Dominguez, Community Engagement Coordinator Lorena Morales, Adult Education Programs Coordinator Griselda Pachuca-Garcia, FUTURO Program Coordinator Shelly Peskin, Department of Justice Accredited Representative Nate Philips, Adult Education Programs Manager Kathy Piperno, Communications Associate Alicia Rodriguez, Welcome House Caretaker Kimberly Rojas, Community Health Worker/Client Advocate Eva Velazquez Silva, Community Health Worker/Client Advocate

OUR BOARD OF TRUSTEES Pete Taft, Chair Sasa Olessi Montaño, President Rev. Karen Hernandez-Granzen*, Vice-Chair Jonathan Lear, Treasurer David Long, Secretary Karen S. Ali, Esq. David Anderson Jason Scott Camilo, Esq.

Miguel Centeno* Dr. Rachael Evans Steven Gamboa Valeria Posso-González Susan Roy* Richard Sperry* Alberto Vourvoulias*

*Stepped down from the Board in 2022. Thank you for your service!

LALDEF welcomed Karen S. Ali, Esq. to the Board of Trustees in 2022 and Steven Gamboa in 2023.

Welcome to the team!

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ABOUT US Founded in 2004, the Latin American Legal Defense and Education Fund (LALDEF) is a not-for-profit social impact organization headquartered in Trenton, New Jersey. Our mission is to promote the rights of all immigrants (with a focus on the Latin American community in the Mercer County area); facilitate access to health care, education and legal representation; advocate for the integration of immigrants; and foster inter-cultural communication to strengthen our communities.

The organization’s programs fall into two key areas: (1) immigration legal services and (2) community outreach/education, which includes client advocacy, adult education, youth mentoring and development, and more.

CONTACT US 714-716 S. Clinton Ave. Trenton, NJ 08611 (609) 688-0881 www.laldef.org

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