End of Year 2024

At Latin American Youth Center, we believe in investing in our youth and their futures. Like many community organizations, we are currently facing significant budget cuts, which are affecting our ability to meet the growing needs of the young people we serve. Now, more than ever, we rely on the support of donors like you to help continue our mission.

Your generous contributions enable us to serve over 4,000 youth each year. However, our young people continue to face complex challenges, including mental health struggles, housing instability, and safety concerns within their communities. We hear them, and we are here to help.

Recently, I had an opportunity to listen to the stories of two young women, both 19 years old, one is a single mother from El Salvador and the other from Guatemala. The young mother expressed wholeheartedly her gratitude for the support she was receiving to work towards her high school equivalency (GED). She shared how challenged she felt by her decision to leave school as she was encouraged by her twin sister to attend classes at LAYC. She wants to become a lawyer to help individuals and families needing legal support.

The other young lady does not speak English and was guided by her high school counselor to attend LAYC because it would accommodate her work schedule. Both young ladies shared the need to work and to help to financially support their families and the difficulties that they face with having basic needs met such as food at home. I was struck by their courage and determination to seek a better future for themselves. I was encouraged that they felt a sense of belonging to LAYC and that the commitment of our staff is making a difference in their lives.

I truly believe it takes a village. Caring for our youth is a collective effort, and together, we can create a community where they can dream freely without the weight of worries. By supporting them, we are building a brighter, more hopeful future.