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ACLAMO Celebrates Black History Month and Celebrates the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King
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ACLAMO CELEBRATES THE DREAM
by Laurie Lo Presti
The times we live in today are uncertain. They are marked by both division and fear but when society is faced with troubled times, our will to carry on in unforsaken moments is absorbed with HOPE. Dr. Martin Luther King’s mission was all about the hope of a better future for people of color. A rise of his vision that someday we can live in a society where all people are equal to live life as they envision their wishes, hopes, and dream to have their desires become a reality. When people have hope, the dream continues. A DREAM of how one sees their life’s potential. Dr. King had a vision but yet couldn’t finish his plan of it to become a reality, when his life was cut short. “Evil and fear have within them the seeds of their own destruction,” said Dr. King, and with his own death many felt the Dream was over. The troubled 1960’s marked Dr. King’s untimely death, and many felt the weight of the Civil Rights Movement collapsed. However gratefully, it didn’t. In fact the fight for his dream became stronger and his hope–the hope of the people, was ignited. Dr. King’s Dream and his legacy live on today. Every year in January, we honor his memory by giving service. Service to those who need assistance when their dream is not becoming a reality. Giving service today mostly means we give of our time and resources which in essence is living out the Dream that Dr. King paved the way for and having hope for society to end their differences, to help one another; as we are all created equal.
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Nelly Jiménez-Arévalo, Executive Director and CEO of ACLAMO.
Illustration by P. Binkley, The Philadelphia Inquirer
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Congratulations Nelly!
THE CHANGE MAKER SPOTLIGHT goes to
ACLAMO’s Executive Director and CEO
Nelly Jiménez-Arévalo
In Another Dynamic
Philadelphia Inquirer Interview for Philly Gives
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Creating A Sense of Belonging for Philly’s Latino Community
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Nelly Jiménez-Arévalo ACLAMO’s fearless leader for the past nine years, but before laying down her roots in America, she immigrated from Caracas, Venezuela, Nelly came to America 29 years ago, with a law degree in her credentials and a drive to help people. Her influence on ACLAMO has been tremendous. She is a powerhouse of energy and gives her dedication of service to the ACLAMO community. Nelly represents what the true definition of what service should be. The article from the Philadelphia Inquirer expresses her compassion for people and Nelly describes how she listens to the what the community needs. When the Norristown community needed more maternity services, such as prenatal care, Nelly provided. “We want to provide the highest level of services. We don’t sell a product, but we offer a service to people who are underprivileged, and we want to provide as good of a service as anyone else can provide.” Nelly further explains that we are all apart the community we live and work in and quality sets ACLAMO apart from other non-profits. Nelly was instrumental in expanding ACLAMO’s services with a new Community Center that families of all ages could enjoy, it is a welcoming community center that brings all immigrants together with open arms, when changing one’s life can be pretty scary. Families are at the heart of this community and when the fire in Norristown recently happened that displaced many families, Nelly jumped in to help the families affected. She feeds the homeless when there is food left over. She takes the time to talks to everyone who comes through ACLAMO’s doors, and she lets them know she cares. Nelly, cares about the community she serves, and it shows with her dedicated service to ACLAMO and its Montgomery County residents. Nelly, we thank you for your dedication and unwavering service to immigrants and the entire ACLAMO community.
“By reducing isolation, we create a sense of belonging. This is their center, this is their country, and they can be proud of the things that they have now. This creates a sense of community and makes them want to do better in their new country.”
Nelly Jiménez-Arévalo, Executive Director & CEO
Nelly Jiménez-Arévalo goes above and beyond what she needs to do for her community. Nelly also identifies with the notion of Dr. King’s legacy in a sense that ACLAMO’s students in the educational programs, can aspire to be anyone they want to be regardless of their immigration status, or the color of their skin. If one is educated, he or she can follow their dream, be a leader with a great talent, and have an amazing professional career. Since 1977 immigrants and children have been the heart and soul of ACLAMO, as immigrant families are woven in the fabric of ACLAMO’s family tapestry.
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Our Executive Director and CEO, Nelly Jiménez-Arévalo, in association with Philly Gives, had the privilege of joining iHeart Radio for an insightful interview about Digital Equity in our communities. She discussed the critical need to break down racial barriers and ensure everyone can access the internet and technology. A huge thank you to @comcast and @josecontigophilly for the opportunity to share our vision and efforts toward creating a more connected, equitable future.
#DigitalEquity #CommunityAccess #TechForAll #BreakingBarriers #phillydunkinmusiclounge
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COMMISSIONER
Neil Makhija
of Montgomery County
Comes to Visit ACLAMO
Pictured above is Commissioner Neil Makhija, of Montgomery County getting the tour of the new community center by ACLAMO’s Executive Director and CEO, Nelly Jiménez-Arévalo. Pictured to the right are of the early learning center’s new playground, and also pictured is the new food pantry. As Nelly points out to Neil, the food pantry’s refrigerators were donated by Montgomery County.
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In January, ACLAMO had a very important visitor, Montgomery County’s very own Neil Makhija came to visit ACLAMO’s new Community Center at 801 West Marshall St, Norristown, PA. As commissioner, Neil oversees 3,000 employees and a billion-dollar budget for human services, infrastructure, the criminal justice system, the courts, roads, bridges and much more., he took the time out of his busy schedule to greet the entire staff.
Commissioner Neil was so impressed by the work that Nelly Jiménez-Arévalo has accomplished with the new Community Center. Neil toured every nook and cranny of the building, from the Early learning Center to the New Health and Wellness area, Food Pantry and the Community Closet. Although ACLAMO is still in the process of remodeling the 100-year-old building, the Montco pride was evident. We are building something that will last another 100 years.
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ACLAMO ATTENDS THE PEOPLE’S RALLY
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ACLAMO proudly participated in the People’s Rally on January 18, on the steps of the Montgomery County Court House, in Norristown, PA. The People’s Rally stood for democracy, equality, and the safety for all people. Along with ACLAMO, several non-profits joined the rally to make sure communities in need were supported and their voices were heard.
Laurie Lo Presti, ACLAMO’S newly appointed Development Director was interviewed by 69 NEWS, WFMZ, which is an affiliate of 6ABC. Lo Presti spoke for the many voices in these times of uncertainty, “We want to make sure that every voice is heard, and they have the right to be heard, and the right to get the help that they need.”
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ACLAMO held a strong presence at the rally and the voice for the Norristown community they serve was fully heard. Several Montgomery County political leaders gave speeches to rally the crowd, as well. Protecting women’s voices, was State Senator, Amanda Cappelletti, with additional addresses to the crowd by Montgomery County Commissioner, Neil. K. Makhija, Commissioner Jamila Winder and U.S. Congresswomen, Mary Gay Scanlon who calmed the crowd to address their fears. Congresswomen Scalon greeted individuals in the crowd after her speech and stopped by the ACLAMO table to converse with staff.
It was a peaceful rally. Despite the bad weather, a productive day with music, food, good people and many voices were heard– loud and clear.
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VOLUNTEERS GIVE FROM THE ❤️
ACLAMO Volunteers, from DOW Chemical Co. especially the employees from the Hispanic Latin Network and Global African Affinity Network resource groups (ERGs) were helping the Early Learning Center get a refurbishment!
Alongside local resident Emilio Buitrago (top picture) who helped us with painting of the Community Center on the MLK Day of Service.
Volunteers like Emilio and businesses like DOW,
who give their time to spend with us, we are truly grateful.
Thank you to all of our volunteers who give so much to ACLAMO throughout the year!
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Featured photos: ACLAMO’s Most Dedicated Employee with 19 years of service, Luz Pereira. Congratulations!
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A Dedicated Voice Who’s Time With ACLAMO Is Just Beginning
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ACLAMO celebrates the definition of SERVICE and Commitment to our Mission
Luz Pereira can be seen quietly sauntering around the halls of ACLAMO. If anyone is new to ACLAMO one quickly learns to find out anything ask Luz. By asking her, Luz knows everything about ACLAMO, literally! Originally from Puerto Rico and wanting a change, Luz came to the mainland in October of 2006. If you should have the privilege of meeting her, when you do meet Luz, her calm nature exudes friendly. This inner peaceful nature comes from being a former teacher to elementary kids, teaching social studies and Spanish, to sixth graders. Being a teacher calls for having patience and Luz also demonstrates this inner peace with her genuine love of books. Her love of books and reading, Luz is driven to politics and following the headlines in the news.
Luz is just shy of 19 years with ACLAMO. The longest employee ACLAMO has ever had, and Luz has worn many hats in her years, changing roles as her career has developed with ACLAMO over time. Counting nineteen years, (most marriages do not survive this long), so what is Luz’s secret? She has seen many changes at ACLAMO and today for the better. Working through three Executive Directors, Luz has settled in her happy place. Her Dream is to see ACLAMO broaden our reach and continue to grow in Montgomery County, including her vision of expanding outside of Pennsylvania. “We can make this happen,” she said. So, to uncover what her secret to a long career with ACLAMO is technically not a secret, Luz loves her job. The greatest impact she’s felt is when former clients she’s helped, return seeking her services. This gives her an inner light that shines by recognizing the impact she can have with just by doing a job she loves, helping people who need her the most. Her “repeat” clients always stop to thank her for helping them. This is her secret to a long career. Shhh… don’t tell her, but Luz, all of us at ACLAMO think the secret is that you care about your community and the people in it. When she is not working, she loves to spend time in Florida with her grandkids. Luz Pereira, for your nearly two decades of service to ACLAMO we are proud and grateful for your service and dedication! Luz is a classy lady, and we wish her many, many more years still to come at ACLAMO.
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The Entire staff of ACLAMO Celebrates
February Heart Health Month by Becoming CPR Certified !
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The entire ACLAMO staff dedicated their MLK day of service to get CPR certified by a duo, that consisted of a trained doctor and pharmacist. This was a great way to be able to give service to others by potentially saving their lives. The staff was glad to contribute to the day which consisted of two sessions, both lasting four hours, having a workbook to read, videos to watch on CPR procedure and meeting “dummies.” But this class was serious and definitely not for the immature or unintelligent. It culminated to the hands-on practice techniques performed on lifelike mannequins. These “dummies” were smartly equipped to light up when the staff did a good job, and only when they were using an accurate lifesaving technique that was performed. The mannequins also lit up when the technique was incorrectly done, which made room for more class time to correct any mistakes. The session ended with a test for a CPR certificate. ACLAMO is proud to boast that every employee passed the test and is currently CPR certified. Thank you to all the first responders, paramedics and all EMT’s who save lives and are dedicated every day on the job. Their service is to be commended.
The ACLAMO community supports our first responders.
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ACLAMO’S Health and Wellness Vaccine Clinic
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VACCINES SAVE LIVES
On January 31, 2025, the Health and Wellness team conducted an ACLAMO vaccine clinic open to the public. ACLAMO’s Health and Wellness Department focuses on reducing health disparities for Latinos. This clinic was the first of many that ACLAMO holds throughout the year. Through this program, ACLAMO collaborates with the Montgomery County Public Health Office to schedule flu shots, Covid -19 vaccines and other services.
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ACLAMO needs your love and support! Volunteer or Donate Today
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If you can’t give your time send ACLAMO some love below –Donate Today!
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