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50 Years of Changing Lives: Join ACLAMO for the Next Chapter
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As we celebrate 50 Years of Changing Lives, we are reminded of the incredible power of community and what we can accomplish together. Thanks to your continued support, ACLAMO empowered over 15,000 individuals last year—and our mission continues to grow.
For 50 years, ACLAMO has been a trusted resource in Montgomery County, operating across three locations and providing vital services in education, health and wellness, and social services. Since 1977, we have helped children learn, families thrive, and individuals access the resources they need to build brighter futures.
Now, as we celebrate this golden milestone, we invite you to be part of our 50 Years of Changing Lives year-end campaign. Let’s keep fueling the future! Your generosity helps us prepare students for success, expand access to health services, and ensure families have the support and resources they need to thrive.
Make your gift today and help us continue changing lives for generations to come.
Questions? Contact Dr. Doug Ferguson at douglasf@aclamo.org or call (610) 277-2570.
Together, we have changed lives for 50 years. Let’s keep fueling the future for the next 50!
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Wearing Pink, Spreading Hope at ACLAMO
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ACLAMO’s Executive Director, Beatriz Gasiba, and some of ACLAMO team members
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A simple touch of pink can spark an important conversation. In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, ACLAMO staff wore pink to show their support and remind our community of the importance of breast cancer awareness, prevention, and early detection.
At ACLAMO, raising awareness goes hand in hand with helping people access the care they need. Through our Health Promotion and Wellness Program, we connect individuals and families with health resources, preventive care, and opportunities to prioritize their well-being. Last year, ACLAMO helped facilitate 16 breast cancer screenings, taking an important step toward making preventive services more accessible.
Behind every screening is an opportunity for early detection and better health outcomes. By continuing to share information and connect our community with essential resources, ACLAMO hopes to encourage more individuals to take charge of their health.
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A Season of Connection and Wellness at ACLAMO
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Cooking nutritious recipes in the Healthy Friday session
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Circle of Support Among Women
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As fall began, ACLAMO is bringing community members together through the return of Circle of Support Among Women and Healthy Fridays. These sessions offer more than educational activities; they create welcoming spaces where participants can connect, share experiences, and learn from one another.
Through Circle of Support Among Women, participants explore topics related to maternal care, emotional well-being, personal goals, and self-care, gaining valuable knowledge and support for themselves and their families. Meanwhile, Healthy Fridays promotes healthier lifestyles through educational sessions on health and nutrition, with Zumba classes included in selected sessions to encourage physical activity in a fun and engaging way.
With every session, new ideas are shared, connections grow stronger, and participants are reminded of the importance of caring for themselves and supporting one another.
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The ACLAMO Arcade: Where Creativity Meets STEAM!
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What happens when creativity, teamwork, and engineering come together? You get the ACLAMO Arcade!
This month, seventh and eighth graders in ACLAMO’s out-of-school Mentoring Program took on an exciting STEAM challenge, designing and building seven functioning games: pool, bowling, Skee-Ball, pinball, Q*Bert, marble drop, and soccer. After learning about the Design Engineering process, students worked in teams, using materials from our STEAM lab, cardboard, and recyclables to turn their ideas into reality while developing their problem-solving and collaboration skills.
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The excitement continued when students from every grade in the program and ACLAMO staff were invited to play the games. The arcade was a huge hit, filled with laughter, friendly competition, and proud moments for our young designers! This hands-on project showed how STEAM learning can spark creativity, encourage teamwork, and turn everyday materials into something extraordinary.
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Sharing Immigration Stories from Our Backyard
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ACLAMO’s Senior Case Manager, Cindy Castillo (1st from right), at St. Thomas Episcopal Church Whitemarsh’s Fall 2026 Human Dignity Ministry Speaker Series
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What does immigration look like in our own backyard? For many families in our community, it is a story of challenges, resilience, and the search for opportunities and support.
As part of the St. Thomas Episcopal Church Whitemarsh’s Fall 2026 Human Dignity Ministry Speaker Series, ACLAMO’s Senior Case Manager, Cindy Castillo, joined the conversation as a featured speaker for “Immigration in Your Backyard.” The discussion invited participants to look beyond the headlines and learn about the real experiences of Hispanic and Asian immigrant communities living in their own neighborhoods.
Cindy shared insights into ACLAMO’s work supporting individuals and families as they navigate challenges and connect with essential services and resources. Her participation highlighted the importance of listening, understanding, and recognizing the ways we can make a difference in the lives of our neighbors.
The conversation was also a reminder that building a stronger community begins with each of us. By learning about the challenges others face and finding ways to offer support, we can help create a more compassionate and welcoming environment for everyone.
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KKR Volunteers Make an Impact
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Last month, KKR volunteers joined ACLAMO’s food distribution, bringing their time, energy, and helping hands to support families in our community. From helping organize and distribute food to making the process smoother for the families we serve, their contribution helped make a meaningful difference.
We are grateful to KKR for their generosity and commitment to giving back. Together, we continue to strengthen our community and ensure families feel supported, one family at a time.
Interested in volunteering with ACLAMO? Complete our volunteer form, and a team member will be in touch.
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Preparing Today for a Fair and Accurate 2030 Census
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Although the 2030 Census is still four years away, the work to ensure every community is counted fairly and accurately must begin now. An accurate census plays an important role in shaping decisions about funding essential services, including housing and homelessness programs.
Recently, Funders Together for Housing Justice hosted Census 2030 and Housing Justice: Funder Organizing Now, bringing together voices to discuss what is at stake for vulnerable communities, how census organizing supports broader efforts to protect democracy, and how philanthropic organizations can take action today.
ACLAMO’s Community Health and Outreach Specialist, Maria Lima, shared how our organization is already working to prepare for the 2030 Census in Pennsylvania. Through community engagement and outreach, ACLAMO is helping lay the groundwork for an inclusive and accurate count, ensuring that the needs of our communities are recognized and represented.
This work is made possible thanks to the generous support of the William Penn Foundation, and fellow co-funders, HealthSpark Foundation and The Heinz Endowments.
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Pottstown Teen Town Hall: Empowering Youth Voices
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Recently, ACLAMO joined YWCA and Children First to encourage high school students to speak up, engage in advocacy, and share their perspectives on issues impacting their community as part of ongoing PASW (PA Schools Work) efforts.
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As the new school year begins, ACLAMO’s ADELANTE students have recently shared fears about cyberbullying, stress, peer pressure, and potentially dangerous conflicts at school and in the community. To address these concerns, ACLAMO has received a Keep It Safe mini-grant from the Department of Family Services of Montgomery County.
The funding will support a two-part presentation, co-hosted by NAMI, Montgomery County, and Victory Church, that will help students recognize when they may need mental health support, safely disengage from conflict, resist peer pressure, and seek assistance from trusted adults.
ACLAMO sincerely appreciates its partners’ collaboration in addressing these critical challenges facing students in our community.
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A New Opportunity to Make an Impact: Join or Share!
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ACLAMO is looking for a passionate and dedicated Community Resource and Advocate Specialist to help support local families and strengthen our community. This role oversees our Safe Haven Food Pantry and Donation Closet while connecting community members with essential resources and advocating for equitable public education funding.
Know someone who would be a great fit? Please share this opportunity with them.
ACLAMO | Careers – Community Resource and Advocate Specialist
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Because of You…
We Have Been Changing Lives for 50 Years!
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As we celebrate 50 Years of Changing Lives, your generosity continues to make a meaningful difference, helping ACLAMO empower children and families through education, health and wellness, and social services.
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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