Celebrating the Spirit of Immigrant Heritage
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In celebration of National Immigrant Heritage Month, the Montgomery County Office of Immigrant Affairs and the County Commissioners selected one of ACLAMO’s Counselor in Training, Hellen Lima, to be honored for her leadership, service, and positive impact on the community. Surrounded by colleagues, community leaders, and supporters at One Montgomery Plaza on June 25, Hellen received recognition from the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners—a meaningful moment that celebrated not only her accomplishments but also her commitment to empowering others.
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Nelly Jiménez-Arévalo, Director, Immigrant Affairs, Hellen Lima, Neil Makhija, Montgomery County Commissioner, and Beatriz Gasiba, ACLAMO Executive Director (Photo by Rodney Atienza)
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This recognition celebrates young people whose stories reflect resilience, leadership, belonging, and the promise of a brighter future. Hellen embodies each of these qualities, and we are honored to have her as part of the ACLAMO family.
Hellen’s recognition reflects the difference one person can make through kindness, perseverance, and service. We are incredibly proud of her and grateful for the passion she brings to our mission every day. Her story reminds us that leadership begins with a willingness to serve and that every act of compassion has the power to strengthen our community.
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A Young Artist’s Vision of Freedom
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Keyhole Vision to Liberty and Freedom
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Luis T. with Commissioners Neil Makhija and Tom DiBello
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Flag-raising at the Montgomery County Juneteenth Ceremony
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What began as an art project in ACLAMO’s Out-of-School Time Mentoring Program became a moment that Luis T. and his family will never forget.
As students learned about the history and significance of Juneteenth, they were encouraged to reflect on the meaning of freedom through art. Inspired by those lessons, seventh grader Luis created a powerful piece titled Keyhole Vision to Liberty and Freedom, expressing hope, opportunity, and the enduring pursuit of liberty through his own creative lens.
His artwork stood out among entries from across Montgomery County, earning him first place in the 2026 Montgomery County Art and Poetry of Freedom Contest.
Luis’s achievement was celebrated during the Montgomery County Juneteenth Ceremony. Accompanied by his family and supported by ACLAMO Lead Instructors, Mr. Ruben Jiménez, and Miss Lauren Dunoff, Luis took part in the flag-raising ceremony before being recognized on stage. He received a certificate honoring his winning artwork, along with a $100 gift card in recognition of his accomplishment.
For Luis, the experience was about more than winning a contest. It was an opportunity to see his voice, creativity, and hard work celebrated by the community. His story is a reminder of what can happen when young people are encouraged to learn, express themselves, and believe in their potential.
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Celebrating a Year of Growth, Achievement, and Spirit
The 2025-26 school year came to a joyful close as ACLAMO students, families, staff, and community members gathered to celebrate a year filled with learning, perseverance, and personal growth.
As students crossed the stage to be recognized for their academic achievements and commitment to learning, the room was filled with pride, applause, and excitement. Each recognition reflected not only the hard work of our students but also the encouragement and support they received from their families, teachers, and mentors throughout the year.
The celebration also featured the presentation of the ACLAMO Spirit Awards, honoring students whose leadership, kindness, positive attitudes, and dedication to their peers helped create a welcoming and inspiring learning environment. These special recognitions served as a reminder that success is measured not only by academic accomplishments but also by the character and compassion our students demonstrate every day.
Together, we celebrated a year of remarkable achievements and the bright futures that lie ahead for every ACLAMO student.
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Growing Bright Futures at the ACLAMO Early Learning Center
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The school year also came to a joyful close at ACLAMO’s Early Learning Center as 32 students celebrated an important milestone in their educational journey.
Throughout the year, they explored new ideas, built friendships, and grew in confidence, curiosity, and independence. Their accomplishments reflect not only their enthusiasm for learning but also the dedication of our educators and the unwavering support of families who help create opportunities for success every day.
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Caring for the Mind, One Conversation at a Time
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For many seniors, staying healthy means caring not only for the body but also for the mind. In recognition of Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, ACLAMO’s Senior Community Center welcomed participants to an educational presentation focused on dementia and depression in older adults—creating a space for learning, conversation, and support.
As seniors listened, they explored the warning signs and risk factors associated with these conditions and learned why early recognition and treatment can make a meaningful difference. Just as importantly, the discussion highlighted the everyday habits that help protect brain health, including staying socially connected, maintaining an active lifestyle, and prioritizing mental wellness.
The presentation served as a reminder that knowledge is empowering. By equipping our seniors with information and encouraging open conversations about brain health, ACLAMO continues to support healthy aging while fostering a community where every individual feels cared for, informed, and connected.
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Wrapping Up Another Season of Healthy Fridays
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ACLAMO wrapped up another successful season of Healthy Fridays with a final session focused on learning, wellness, and community. Participants learned about the U.S. Immigration Laws and Policies: USCIS Updates, presented by Cindy Castillo, and a wellness presentation by community partner Erika Guedez on finding balance and well-being in today’s complex world.
ACLAMO is grateful to everyone who participated in making Healthy Fridays a meaningful experience for our community.
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Bilingual Case Coordinator Ericka Guedez and ACLAMO’s Senior Case Manager, Cindy Castillo.
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When Leaders Listen, Communities Thrive
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Social Services & Housing Stability Manager, Catalina Knipprath,
Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), and Executive Director, Beatriz Gasiba
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Recently, ACLAMO had the pleasure of welcoming Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05). Her visit was a meaningful opportunity to connect, share perspectives, and discuss the experiences of the individuals and families we serve. We appreciate her willingness to listen and learn more about our community and the important work being done every day to support and empower those we serve.
At ACLAMO, we believe that strong communities are built through dialogue, collaboration, and a shared commitment to creating opportunities for all. We are grateful for the opportunity to highlight the impact of our programs and the resilience and contributions of our community members. Thank you, Congresswoman Scanlon, for taking the time to visit ACLAMO and engage with our team and community.
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Strengthening Communities Through
Local Food Partnerships
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Every two weeks, fresh, locally grown food reaches families in our community through ACLAMO’s Safe Haven Food Pantry, creating a connection that benefits both our neighbors and Pennsylvania’s farmers. This impact is made possible through the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System (PASS), a program that allows food banks to purchase fresh products directly from local growers and distribute them to families experiencing food insecurity.
Programs like PASS, along with the State Food Purchase Program (SFPP), do more than provide nutritious food; they strengthen Pennsylvania’s entire food system by supporting local agriculture while ensuring families have access to healthy meals. As state budget discussions continue, maintaining dedicated support for these programs is essential to preserving this vital partnership and helping communities across the Commonwealth thrive.
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Thank You to Our Partners
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Standing With ACLAMO: Partner of the Month
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ACLAMO is proud to announce its selection by the Pottstown Regional Community Foundation for a 2026–27 grant supporting the Pottstown Community Health Connections Program (PCHCP). This initiative strengthens equitable access to local healthcare for underserved families by reducing systemic barriers to care for approximately 400 Pottstown residents each year.
ACLAMO is deeply grateful to our partners at PRCF, and we look forward to an impactful collaboration beginning in July.
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Become a Sponsor of our
Wellness Back-to-school Fair
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Make a lasting impact in our community this summer by partnering with ACLAMO as a corporate sponsor of our Wellness Back-to-school Fair!ext
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🎒 ACLAMO Wellness Back-to-School Fair
Our largest annual event welcomes more than 400 community members and provides health screenings, immunizations, educational resources, school readiness support, family activities, and backpack distribution for the first 100 school-age children who attend.
To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Dr. Doug Ferguson at businessdevelopment@aclamo.org
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Every act of support—big or small—helps move this work forward. And every person who contributes becomes part of something larger than themselves.
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If you have made it this far, you are already part of this community. And if you believe in this work, we invite you to take the next step. Your support powers our programs. Your involvement strengthens our community.
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