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ACLAMO Family Centers Newsletter
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Providing our community with the services and skills for success
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JUNE 20131
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 | | 5-year-old graduate Jonathan Medrano smiles proudly. |
From The Executive Director:
 To look into their eyes is to see the face of the future...Once again, this June I had the privilege to witness the graduation of students from our Family Literacy Program. Young children and their mothers participated in an extensive educational program; the children in prekindergarten readiness, their mothers in ESL, computer, health, employment, and parenting skills.What an inspiration is was to see the children dance to traditional Mexican songs, recite their ABC's and sing rhymes, while their mothers, having learned language proficiency, gave speeches in English to all assembled! I am convinced that some of children will be our future leaders.
This past month we also were blessed with a special fund raising event and the start to our Summer Bridge program. To help us continue these very critical programs, we need your ongoing support. Gracias!
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ACLAMO CELEBRATES 12TH ANNUAL GRADUATION
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2013 Family Literacy Program Graduation Ceremony
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On a beautiful June day, the preschool class of 2013 and their mothers took center stage in ACLAMO's Family Literacy graduation ceremony. The young graduates, ages 4 and 5, proudly marched in cap and gowns to the iconic graduation song, Pomp and Circumstance. The preschoolers then entertained the audience with songs and a dance typical of their Mexican heritage. Two of the adult education members, Clara Gonzalez and Edith Cruz, gave moving speeches in English about the many ways ACLAMO has helped them and their families, and the debt of gratitude they feel.
Both parents and children received certificates presented by our special guest, Montgomery County Common Pleas Judge Carolyn Tornetta Carluccio. Judge Carluccio spoke about the lasting traditional values expressed by our families, and offered encouragement as they were seeking to better their lives and those of their children through education. The event culminated with delicious, regional authentic Mexican dishes prepared by the mothers in the program. It was a day full of pride of family, pride of self, and pride to be part of ACLAMO Family Centers. Our special thanks go out to Judge Carluccio for joining us in this celebration.
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TEQUILA ὰ la ACLAMO
Juan Guerra, along with Board President, Eduardo Nieto, present David
Suro-Piñera with an award in recognition for his service to ACLAMO
Some 30 clients and business associates of Attorney Charles Mandracchia, gathered at his Skippack Township office building on May 30thto enjoy a sumptuous assortment of food, learn and support the work of ACLAMO, and discover details about a drink made from distilled sap from hearts of the agave.
After an introduction to ACLAMO by Juan Guerra, ACLAMO Executive Director, and a presentation by Luna Moscal, the ACLAMO student who had been a featured speaker at the Faces of Hope breakfast, Eduardo Nieto, President of the ACLAMO Board of Directors, introduced the honored guest, David Suro-Piñera, owner of acclaimed downtown Philadelphia Restaurant, Tequila's.
 | | Host Charles Mandracchia samples a variety of tequilas |
For almost an hour, David, a Philadelphia based philanthropist, tequila connoisseur, and creator of the trademark Siembra Azul tequila, fascinated attendees with insights and samples of this exotic drink.
Those in attendance left the gathering with in-depth knowledge of the work of ACLAMO, and learned a bit about this most interesting beverage.
Over $5,000 was raised that evening. Our special thanks go to Charles Mandracchia for holding this event, and for all those who made a generous contribution to ACLAMO.
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ACLAMO SUMMER BRIDGE PROGRAM
OPENS WITH RECORD PREREGISTRATION
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Families arrive by car, bicycle, and on foot to register.
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For children of many Latino families, summer can seem endless. Both parents often work full-time, family budgets are very limited, and subject matter learned during the past school year can fade.
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The Carranza-Zarate family fills out registration forms for ACLAMO's Summer Bridge Program.
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For the past 12 years, ACLAMO has filled this gap with its Summer Bridge Program. Thanks to the Norristown Area School District, ACLAMO is able to use portions of the Marshall Street Elementary School for our classes.
Our teachers and volunteers work together to provide academic support and enrichment as well as wholesome physical activities for the children. Additionally, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia offers each student a healthy lunch.
There will be more to describe in the July newsletter, but we are happy to report that the Summer Bridge Program opened on June 24 with a record number of 105 students preregistered.
Special thanks go to the Montgomery County Workforce Investment Board for their support of this program.
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Personal Profile: NORRISTOWN POLICE CHIEF WILLIE RICHET
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Willie Richet Knows Norristown As Well As Anyone
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The Borough of Norristown is larger than some cities and its police force faces the full range of law enforcement challenges. Chief of Police Willie Richet has known them all. Chief Richet was raised in Norristown, has served at all levels within the police department, and still lives only a few blocks from police headquarters. We asked for a meeting with him to discuss the changes he has seen over his career and to learn his perspective on the growing Latino presence in Norristown. "Latinos have been a part of Norristown as long as I can remember," the Chief reflected, "but in the last decade or so we have seen a significant increase in the number of Latino residents and particularly in the number of Latinos living and owning businesses in the West Marshall Street area. Latinos have definitely been a major plus for West Marshall Street. We call that area 'Downtown West'. It is bubbling with activity and has some very good restaurants. People are coming into the area to shop and eat." "I have worked with ACLAMO and its directors over the years," the Chief concluded, "and the relationship has been very productive. I look forward to the future. In particular I respect the way ACLAMO is willing to fight hard for the best for the families it serves. That is what you have to do!" |
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ACLAMO celebrates its 36th year of providing economic, educational, health and cultural opportunities for low-income residents of Norristown and Pottstown, especially those of Spanish language heritage.
ACLAMO stands for Accíon Comunal Latinoamericana de Montgomery County, or Latin American Action of Montgomery County. ACLAMO is derived from the Spanish word "aclamar," which means "to acclaim."
ACLAMO Family Centers ACLAMO Family Centers
512 W. Marshall Street 515 Walnut Street
Norristown, PA 19401 Pottstown, PA 19464
610-277-2570 610-970-2134
aclamo.org
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