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.

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.

Sasa Olessi Montaño President, Board of Trustees

Cecy Jiménez-Weeast Executive Director

IMMIGRATION LEGAL IMMIGRATION LEGAL SERVICES 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 WE COVER

Filing of applications for naturalization & citizenship

Filing of applications for naturalization & citizenship

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

Adjustment of status

Adjustment of status

In 2022, we worked on 195 immigration legal cases

In2022,we workedon approximately 195 immigration legalcases

Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) provisions

Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) provisions

U Visas for victims of crime

T Visas for human trafficking victims

T Visas for human trafficking victims

Renewals of green cards and work permits

Renewals of green cards and work permits

Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)

Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)

In2022,we workedon approximately 195 immigration legalcases

In 2022, we provided 164 free legal consultations

LALDEF STAFF MEMBER LALDEF STAFF MEMBER

ACCREDITED BY THE ACCREDITED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE 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.”

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

Shelly Peskin

Department of Justice Accredited Representative

“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.”

-LALDEF Client

November 2022, in her own words

MERCER COUNTY AREA MERCER COUNTY AREA COMMUNITY ID CARDS 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 issued 1,396 ID cards

In2022,we workedon approximately 195 immigration legalcases

FUTURO YOUTH FUTURO YOUTH MENTORING 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

Civil

Computer

“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

FUTURO visit to Stockton University December 8, 2022

PROMOTING EQUITABLE HEALTHCARE PROMOTING EQUITABLE HEALTHCARE

In 2022, we facilitated...

183 COVID-19 vaccinations

64 Influenza vaccinations

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.

October 22, 2022

...at LALDEF's headquarters in Trenton

LALDEF staff at Hispanic Heritage Month Health Fair

HEALTH COMES FIRST! HEALTH COMES FIRST!

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.

LALDEF's Hispanic Heritage Month Health Fair

CLIENT ADVOCACY CLIENT ADVOCACY

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

87

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

137

Translations of birth certificates, identification documents, and more

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

In 2022, we handled 358

In 2022, we provided

In 2022, we provided

ADULT ADULT EDUCATION 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

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

LALDEF Backpack giveaway

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

50 In 2022, we distributed

Backpacks and Sets of School Supplies

2022 2022

HIGHLIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS

LALDEF Toy Drive

In December 2022, thanks to donations from Lawrenceville Preparatory School, LALDEF hosted a toy drive, where we distributed gifts for children.

In March 2022, in collaboration with the College of New Jersey United Greek Council, LALDEF distributed clothing to community members in need.

In 2022, we distributed

55

Holiday Gifts

LALDEF Back to School Extravaganza

In August 2022, in collaboration with the Trenton Board of Education and other organizations, LALDEF handed out flyers with information about COVID-19 vaccines and LALDEF's services.

2022 2022 HIGHLIGHTS 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

In 2022, we hosted

100+

Back to School

Extravaganza

Attendees

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW* FINANCIAL OVERVIEW*

Revenue and Support in 2022

Total Revenue and Support in 2022: $823,657

Total Assets Through the Years

2022 Expenses

Total Expenses

Growth, Year After Year

*Reflects a fiscal year from July 1 - June 30

OUR SUPPORTERS OUR SUPPORTERS

INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTIONS INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTIONS

$5,000+ $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 $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

Daniel Harris Estate

Sybill Stokes Estate

Ann & Mitsuru Yasuhara Estate

Casa Bienvenida Legacy Society

Karen S. Ali, Esq.

David Bocian

John & Melanie Clarke Prof.

Gene & Dr. Jean Grossman

Kemilola Jahnke

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

Donald & Nancy Light

Steven & Suzanne Peskin

Arturo & Lourdes Pizano

Deborah J Yashar

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

OUR SUPPORTERS 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

LALDEF TEAM LALDEF TEAM

OUR 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 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!