Stepping In, Moving Forward: Letter from The Interim Executive Director, Beatriz Gasiba

Dear Friends of ACLAMO, 

As I reflect on the past two months since stepping into the role of Interim Executive Director, I am filled with deep gratitude for the opportunity to lead the organization I’ve been proud to serve for the past eight years. ACLAMO has always been more than just a workplace—it has been a mission, a community, and a source of hope for so many. In this new role, that mission feels more personal and urgent than ever.

These two months have brought challenges—but also deeply rewarding moments. They have reinforced my belief in the power of unity, resilience, and the unwavering commitment of our ACLAMO team. With the dedication of our staff, the guidance of our Board of Directors, and the strength of our community, we have made meaningful progress together.

Here are just a few highlights from our work over the past two months:

• 302 individuals accessed critical healthcare services, helping them stay healthy, prevent illness, and navigate the healthcare system with confidence and support.

• 152 children participated in mentoring and educational programs that nurtured their academic growth, built their self-confidence, and connected them with caring role models who believe in their potential.

• 59 seniors received essential food, ensuring they not only had nutritious meals but also the dignity and comfort of knowing their community cares. These deliveries often come with a friendly face and a moment of connection, helping to ease isolation and promote overall well-being.

• 39 seniors found connection, joy, and nourishment through twice-weekly social activities, exercise, entertainment, and healthy meals—all in a safe, welcoming space to gather with fellow older adults at our Bilingual Senior Center.

• Our Early Learning Center—home to 74 young learners—earned an outstanding 6.83 score on the Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scale, reflecting the high-quality care and education we provide.

• We distributed 26,200 pounds of food to families in need, directly impacting 2,299 individuals. This effort provided vital sustenance and relief to families struggling with food insecurity, helping them maintain stability and hope during uncertain times.

These aren’t just numbers—they are stories of hope. Each one represents a family finding stability, a child building confidence, or a senior feeling cared for. These accomplishments reflect only a portion of the impact ACLAMO has on our community each day.

At the same time, we are seeing the emotional toll of today’s uncertainties. Many of the families including our children, are living with overwhelming stress. Some no longer want to attend school, afraid of what they might return home to. These are not distant stories—they are happening here, and they are deeply affecting the mental well-being of the families we serve. In response, ACLAMO continues to provide support, safe spaces, and trusted guidance to help children and families navigate these difficult times.

While the emotional crisis our families face is real, our work goes beyond just addressing immediate needs. ACLAMO continues to provide a wide range of services, from food security and healthcare to housing support, education, and workforce development. We also offer essential resources like our Safe Haven Closet, maternal education programs, vaccination clinics, and health prevention initiatives. Together, these efforts ensure that our families not only survive but are empowered to build a better future.

We are living through a time when essential services and the values of equity and inclusion face ongoing challenges. But our goal remains the same: to walk alongside our community with dignity, compassion, and determination. And this is where we need you.

Your support—through donations, volunteer hours, or simply helping to share our mission—makes all the difference. Every kind gesture, every shared story, and every dollar contributes directly to changing lives.

Together, we can continue showing up for those who rely on us. Together, we can be a beacon of hope. And together, we can build a future where every family in our community is seen, supported, and empowered.

Thank you for standing with ACLAMO. Your involvement means everything—to us, and to every family we serve.

With heartfelt appreciation,

Beatriz Gasiba 

Interim Executive Director 

Beatriz@aclamo.org 

If this message resonated with you, we invite you to be part of the impact,

Make a Gift and help us continue supporting our communities!

We are thrilled to share that our Board President, Chad Workman, had the distinct honor of accepting an award on behalf of ACLAMO from the Philly Gives Initiative. This recognition places ACLAMO among just nine exceptional nonprofit organizations acknowledged for their meaningful and lasting impact across Philadelphia and the surrounding region.

We are incredibly grateful for the continued generosity and support that empowers us to carry forward our mission—creating transformative change and uplifting the communities we serve.

ACLAMO Early Learning Center earns an outstanding 6.83 in ECER Rating Scale

ACLAMO has some exciting news to share with you! 

Our Early Learning Center (ELC) has earned an exceptional rating of 6.83 in the Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scale (ECER), recognizing the high-quality care and education we provide to our community. This award highlights our dedication to early childhood development, and we are asking for your help to celebrate this great news.  

Today, we are asking our ACLAMO community to make a gift to help us maintain and enhance these high-quality standards, ensuring that more local children can benefit from our award-winning ELC.  

In order to continue our successful work, ACLAMO is asking for your support to:

 Enhance our learning materials and resources for children. 

1. Educate our staff to deliver even better classroom experiences. 
2. Improve our facilities to allow children to enjoy themselves and continue learning. 

Your gift will help create a stronger foundation for our future community leaders. Every gift, no matter how large or small, is a great gift. Your support today will make a considerable difference for our children to have the best possible start in life tomorrow. 

Help us build a brighter future for these children by making a gift today! Questions? Contact Dr. Doug Ferguson (douglasf@aclamo.org), Director of Development, for a meeting or to schedule a tour of our award-winning Early Learning Center. 

Make a gift today: Donate Online and help us continue building brighter futures!  

Bundles of Joy & Community Love: Highlights from the Baby Shower with ACLAMO and Montco Mamas

A Heartwarming Celebration for Growing Families:

On April 15th, ACLAMO and Montco Mamas came together to host a beautiful Community Baby Shower, a time filled with joy, support, and meaningful connections that left a lasting impression on everyone who attended.

We gathered to celebrate and support expecting parents and families with open hearts and helping hands. From thoughtful gift bags and essential baby items to valuable parenting resources and a few sweet surprises, the event was all about nurturing new beginnings and building connections.

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible partners, dedicated volunteers, and the amazing families who joined us. Your presence and support made the day unforgettable. Together, we are creating stronger, healthier communities — one family at a time.

Help us keep the love going! Your donations and gifts make events like this possible and ensure we can continue supporting families as they prepare for this exciting new chapter, Donate Online.

If you enjoyed reading this, help us keep making a difference. Your support powers our programs and strengthens our community. Click the button below to make a gift today!