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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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MAY 20141
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Miranda accepts her diploma from Dr. Cevallos.
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From The Executive Director:On a glorious morning last week, ACLAMO held its 6th Annual Faces of Hope breakfast. Seeing the overflow crowd of over 200 supporters, hearing the inspired words from our speakers, and witnessing the mothers and children who stepped forward to receive what we know will be the first of many diplomas was truly inspiring. It reminded me of the words of actress Audry Hepburn, "Nothing is impossible. It has the words - I'm possible -
in it!"
We are so grateful to all who helped make the day a success: the ACLAMO staff, the Board, committee members, table captains, families, and YOU, whose support makes all of this possible. Thanks to you, over $45,000 was raised on that day. We still need your help in moving forward. Please consider becoming a part of the ACLAMO family by linking here. Thank you. -Juan I. Guerra
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TAKING FACES OF HOPE IN STRIDE
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Mely and Luis relax as they wait for graduation.
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ACLAMO tried to take Faces of Hope 2014 in stride, but it was just too exciting! Participation by Dr. Javier Cevallos, President of Kutztown University, and Michael Rogers, President of the Montgomery County Bar, made the celebration something very special. But of course it was the children and mothers who graduated from the Family Literacy Program who made the event so memorable. This year the pictures of the day, supplied by Doerthe Externest Photography and Sharon Gray Photography, seemed to capture the essence of ACLAMO Family Centers so well that this May newsletter is dedicated to those photographs. A new video was also shown during the program. Enjoy!  | | ACLAMO Family Centers 2014 |
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MOTHERS  | |
Maribel and Rosa watch their children with pride
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There are many reasons to honor mothers. Yet there is something special about mothers who have experienced economic and social hardship and, without rancor or negativity, invest in their children's futures.
ACLAMO Family Centers is firmly committed to working alongside our families as they struggle to make their hopes and dreams a reality.
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Itzel, Edwin and Oscar Listen Quietly
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The beauty of life was clear to all present as they watched children filled with wonder and excitement receiving their diplomas.
But the experienced adults also knew that to reach their full potential, these children will need determination, courage, careful preparation ... and mentoring.
Part of ACLAMO´s mission is to work closely with our families to provide a strong preparation for a child´s initial exposure to formal education and consistent and dependable support as a student moves through the educational system.
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TEACHERS, HELPERS AND VOLUNTEERS
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Teacher Monica helps Miranda adjust her cap.
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When mothers and their children arrive at ACLAMO, teachers, helpers and volunteers greet them with a smile, ready to take up the educational agenda for the day. But they also are ready to work with families as they confront the complications of placing a priority on education, amid all the other demands of life.
ACLAMO teachers and social workers make a broad and personal commitment to families, helping them deal with challenges related to employment, personal relationships, health, and even to providing furniture and clothing to a family devastated by an apartment fire.
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SPECIAL SPEAKERS AT FACES OF HOPE
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Sharon Gray Photography
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Michael Rogers, President of the Montgomery County Bar Association, reminded those in attendance of their own immigrant roots and of the importance of supporting the work of ACLAMO.
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Sharon Gray Photography
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Rosario Hernández recounted how she grew up attending ACLAMO, how she returned to help tutor younger children, and how the help she received at ACLAMO is allowing her to begin college in the fall.
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Sharon Gray Photography
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Dr. Javier Cevallos, President of Kutztown University, recalled his own immigrant roots and cited the example of Miguel Cervantes, who overcame huge personal challenges to become one of the the greatest writers of all time.
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BOARD MEMBERS AND
FINANCIAL SUPPORTERS
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Eduardo Nieto, former President of the Board and
member of "Amigos de ACLAMO", enjoys the festivities.
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ACLAMO is able to do its work because loyal individuals, corporations and foundations believe in our mission and offer their financial support to make our programs possible.
The Faces of Hope breakfast is an opportunity for all of us to celebrate our success, to encourage each other to increase our commitment, and to call on new supporters to join us.
The task before ACLAMO is very great. In order to meet the growing needs of the Latino community, we must double or triple the number of those willing to support us. WILL YOU JOIN US?
HELP FULFILL ACLAMO'S MISSION!!!
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MONTGOMERY COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION RECOGNIZES DIRECTOR JUAN GUERRA
While Faces of Hope 2014 celebrated the educational part of ACLAMO´s mission, the organization´s broader mission is to help each family to develop into a bastion of support for all of its members.
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Michael Rodgers, Esq presents Juan Gerra with the Bar Association's Annual Public Service Award
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In some cases, ACLAMO refers families to other community organizations which are designed to provide services not specifically offered by ACLAMO. One such partner is the Montgomery County Bar Association, which helps provide legal direction and services
to those in need.
Early in May, the Bar Association recognized ACLAMO's Executive Director, Juan Guerra, for his years of service to the community with their Citizen's Public Service Award. "I am truly humbled and honored to be this year's recipient, and dedicate this award to the children and families who work so hard to better themselves and their community", said Guerra.
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ACLAMO celebrates its 37th 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 Community 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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