Training the Next Generation of Community Leaders
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HÉROES Program students at the Norristown Fire Department
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With grant support awarded to ACLAMO by MontcoWorks, ACLAMO and the Norristown Police Department launched the HÉROES Program—Help, Emergency Response, and Occupational Exploration in Safety—this fall.
This new initiative provides Norristown students in grades 5–12 with an exciting opportunity to explore careers in public safety and emergency response while developing leadership skills, civic engagement, and meaningful connections with local first responders. So far, 32 students have enrolled in the program.
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Over the course of 10 educational sessions, students will participate in classroom instruction, career exploration, hands-on learning, and supervised site visits. They will have the opportunity to interact directly with professionals from the Norristown Police Department, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Norristown Fire Department, Montgomery County 911 Center, and local emergency medical services.
Through these experiences, HÉROES aims to help students discover career pathways, learn more about the vital role of emergency responders, and build positive relationships with the professionals who serve their community. Read the full press release here.
Questions? Interested in enrolling your child in HÉROES? Contact julianaR@aclamo.org to learn more and reserve a spot!
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Connecting, Learning & Building Community at MPACT 2026
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ACLAMO’s Executive Director, Beatriz Gasiba (Center front), and members of the Pottstown Regional Community Foundation, Hobart’s Run, Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery and Delaware Counties, BeRezilient, Pottstown Borough Council, PA Downtown Center, YWCA Tri-County Area, Pottstown Community Action, MMC Consulting, and Montco30 Project.
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Sometimes, the most meaningful impact begins with a conversation.
At MPACT 2026 in Toronto, ACLAMO’s Executive Director, Beatriz Gasiba, had the opportunity to step beyond our local community and connect with inspiring leaders, partners, and changemakers who share a commitment to strengthening communities and creating opportunities for all.
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From meaningful conversations to new connections, the experience was a reminder that when we come together, we learn from one another, share ideas, and discover new possibilities for the people and communities we serve.
A heartfelt thank you to the Pottstown Regional Community Foundation @prcfconnect for your generous support and for creating opportunities that make experiences like this possible.
Because stronger communities begin with stronger connections, and together, we can continue building both.
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Welcoming New Educators to Our Community
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A new school year brings new faces, new energy, and new opportunities to make a difference. Recently, ACLAMO had the honor of participating in the Norristown Area School District’s 2nd Annual New Teacher Community Day, welcoming educators who are beginning a new chapter in their teaching careers.
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The event was a wonderful opportunity to connect with new teachers, introduce them to the resources and support available in our community, and share ACLAMO’s commitment to serving students and families, educators, and the community as a whole.
As we begin another school year, we are excited to strengthen our partnerships with local schools and educators. By working together, we can create stronger connections and help our students, families, and community continue to thrive.
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ACLAMO’s Senior Case Manager, Cindy Castillo
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Connecting with Seniors at the Annual Senior Fair
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ACLAMO’s Case Manager for Older Adults, Obed Luna, and Senior Case Manager, Cindy Castillo with Rep. Steve Malagari (PA State Rep. – 53rd District)
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Community connections are at the heart of what we do at ACLAMO. Recently, ACLAMO participated in Rep. Steve Malagari’s 7th Annual Senior Fair, joining local organizations and community partners in an event dedicated to supporting older adults.
Throughout the event, ACLAMO shared information about its programs and services for seniors, answered questions, and connected with older adults and community members who wanted to learn more about the resources available to them.
Events like the Senior Fair give us an opportunity to meet people where they are, listen to their needs, and help connect them with resources that can support their well-being, independence, and quality of life.
We are grateful for opportunities like this to strengthen our community presence and continue building connections that help older adults feel informed, supported, and empowered.
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Community in Action: Victory Church Volunteers Prepare ACLAMO for a New School Year
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As the new school year approached, ACLAMO prepared to welcome students and families back to our Norristown Community Center. Thanks to a dedicated team of volunteers from Victory Church, our spaces received some much-needed care, including moving furniture, trimming hedges, removing weeds, and organizing the Early Learning Center library.
Their hands-on support made a meaningful difference for our small staff and helped create welcoming spaces for the start of the school year. We are deeply grateful to Victory Church for their continued partnership and for showing the power of community coming together to help children and families learn, grow, and thrive.
Interested in volunteering with ACLAMO? Complete our volunteer form, and a member of our team will be in touch.
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Celebrating Citizenship Day Through Community, Partnership, and Service
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Representatives from Montgomery County, Villanova University, ACANA, ACLAMO, the legal team, DOJ-accredited representatives, students, interpreters, staff, and volunteers.
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On a day filled with connection and collaboration, ACLAMO brought together community partners, volunteers, and families to celebrate Citizenship Day and make information, resources, and support more accessible to our community.
This year marked the second consecutive year that ACLAMO has celebrated Citizenship Day by hosting a Citizenship Clinic, continuing our commitment to helping community members navigate the path toward U.S. citizenship.
At the heart of the day was our Citizenship Clinic, held in partnership with Villanova University, ACANA, and ACLAMO. Together, we supported 20 community members, including 15 scheduled appointments and 5 walk-ins. Behind every appointment was a team of attorneys, DOJ-accredited representatives, students, interpreters, staff, and volunteers who generously shared their time and expertise.
The day also provided an opportunity to connect with members of the Dominican community. The Consulate General of the Dominican Republic and the Junta Central Electoral (JCE) joined us, providing information and guidance on documentation and the electoral process and serving 71 community members and 10 walk-ins.
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We were also pleased to welcome Ann Cornell, Outreach and Communications Director for the Montgomery County Prothonotary’s Office, who shared information about the services and resources available through her office.
We are especially grateful to Nelly Jiménez-Arévalo, Director of Immigrant Affairs, Montgomery County Commissioners Office, for her continued partnership and commitment to supporting our immigrant community.
More than just a day of services, Citizenship Day was a celebration of community and a reminder of the power of partnership.
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ACLAMO’s Executive Director, Beatriz Gasiba, with a representative from the Consulate General of the Dominican Republic, and Nelly Jiménez-Arévalo, Director of Immigrant Affairs, Montgomery County
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Eagles Spirit Takes Flight at ACLAMO!
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This month, something was a little different at ACLAMO. The usual workday was filled with green shirts, Eagles jerseys, smiles, and plenty of team spirit as our staff came together to celebrate the start of another Philadelphia Eagles season.
For a day, our office became a place to share our love for the game, cheer for the Eagles, and enjoy a fun moment together as a team. These simple celebrations give us a chance to connect beyond our daily work and strengthen the sense of community that makes ACLAMO special.
Because at ACLAMO, teamwork isn’t just what we do; it’s part of who we are.
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Working Together for Pennsylvania’s Public Schools
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ACLAMO’s Community Resource and Advocate Specialist, Jacob McCrea (3rd from right to left), with fellow advocacy organizations’ members
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Recently, ACLAMO joined fellow advocacy organizations for the 2026 FESF Planning Session, focused on looking ahead and planning for the months to come.
Around the table, advocates reflected on the work already underway, shared ideas, and began building an action plan for the rest of the year. While there is still much work ahead to advocate for strong, equitable public schools across Pennsylvania, we know that meaningful progress happens when organizations come together with a shared commitment to our communities.
ACLAMO looks forward to continuing this collaboration, strengthening partnerships, and working alongside fellow advocates to support Pennsylvania’s students, families, and public schools.
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ACLAMO is proud to have received a $50,000 grant from the William Penn Foundation, with co-funding from the HealthSpark Foundation and The Heinz Endowments, to support Sí Nos Cuentan, Sí Contamos — Censo 2030.
Through this 18-month initiative, ACLAMO will engage residents through our Safe Haven Food Pantry, senior programming, community events, and other outreach efforts to help develop a community-informed Census 2030 engagement plan.
The work will focus on Latino and underserved communities across Montgomery County, including Norristown, Lansdale, and Pottstown.
We are grateful to the William Penn Foundation and co-funders for investing in this important work and helping ACLAMO make sure our community is informed, represented, and counted.
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A New Opportunity to Make an Impact: Join or Share!
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ACLAMO is growing, and we are looking for a dedicated professional to join our Education Team as a Student Success & Career Coach.
This role is an opportunity to support students as they navigate their academic journeys, explore career opportunities, and work toward achieving their goals.
If you are passionate about empowering students and making a meaningful difference in their futures, we would love to hear from you!
Know someone who would be a great fit? Please share this opportunity with them.
👉 Learn more and apply: ACLAMO | Careers – Student Success & Career Coach
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Because of You…
We Can Keep Making a Difference
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As ACLAMO approaches its 50th anniversary, we are celebrating nearly five decades of serving children, families, and older adults across our community.
In honor of this milestone, please consider making a $50 gift for 50 years of impact.
Your gift will help ACLAMO continue providing education, health and wellness services, essential resources, and opportunities that help families move forward and thrive. Every gift makes a difference.
Thank you for being part of ACLAMO’s story and for helping us build the next 50 years together.
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Follow ACLAMO on social media, visit our website, and share our mission with your friends and family. Every new supporter helps us expand our impact across Montgomery County.
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