March is Social Work Month, and it is a time to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of social workers in creating positive change. This year’s theme is “Empowering Social Workers,” as recognized by National Association of Social Workers, highlights the crucial role social workers play in advocating for the rights and well-being of marginalized communities. At LAYC, our social work staff works in various departments, from housing to workforce and education to social services. They play a vital role in empowering youth, supporting families, and advocating for our communities. In ..read more

As an organization dedicated to empowering youth, LAYC recognizes the importance of providing platforms for our young people to explore and celebrate their identities. That’s why we asked our youth the question, “What does Black History Month mean to you?” Below, you will find responses from our youth! Black History Month also serves as a time for LAYC to connect with our community. On February 19, our Prince George’s site hosted their annual MLK event, where youth and families came together for a day filled with activities and performances led by our AmeriCorps members and youth. Our ..read more

Storytelling is an art form that transcends boundaries and expands hope. Whether shared on their social media channels, recorded on podcasts, or exchanged in day-in-day interactions, it is important for youth to bring to life their lived experiences and perspectives. One way that our youth are voicing their stories is by becoming published authors!   Through our partnership with Shout Mouse Press, nine more young people have had the opportunity to write three books published in 2023: “Belinda Lifts Her Voice”, “The Adventure of Guz & Goz”, and “Fernando’s Big Idea”. It is the sec ..read more

Hispanic Heritage Month is a special time of year at Latin American Youth Center. Over 50% of the youth we serve each year are ethnically Latina/o, with representation from throughout Central and South America and the Caribbean (for a detailed breakdown of the populations we serve, see Our Impact). This makes for a unique working environment for Latina/o professionals who wish to support an organization serving populations with whom they identify.   Over recent years, more and more of these such professionals have made their way to LAYC, enriching our already vibrant community with d ..read more

Last week, the latest cohort of AmeriCorps members at LAYC celebrated their completion of service (gallery below). Joy filled the room as the members wrapped up a chapter of growth in which they acquired skills and knowledge to become community leaders.  As our team, several of us former AmeriCorps members ourselves, proudly looked on, we reflected on the life-changing impact our various AmeriCorps programs have had on the lives of many other participants.  Keshawn Flowers, former participant in LAYC’s GED and Housing programs, has faced more than her fair share of obstacles. Despit ..read more

As people enter the back room of LAYC’s Kaplan building, slight hesitation to participate lingers. Quietness fills the room. Like the first day of school, everyone feels nervous connecting with new people. Despite the nerves, the first in-person Positive Youth Development (PYD) staff cohort since the pandemic now resumed in April! Throughout the following five weeks of training, participants overcame any wariness to create an inseparable bond that allowed everyone to learn from each other. The sense of team became so strong that during the graduation ceremony, some participants said they ..read more

Join us in welcoming Jaliel Amador as the newest member of our Board of Directors! The addition of Jaliel to the board reinforces our leadership’s commitment to supporting our diverse communities grow and thrive. Jaliel Amador is the Sales Vice President for Public Sector at UnitedHealthcare. He has a passion for community development while delivering custom healthcare solutions for state, and municipal governments in the Northeast. Additionally, Jaliel is responsible for strategic direction and collaboration with local consultants and charitable organizations. Jaliel holds a Bachelor of Scien ..read more

    In September 2021, food-delivery service Doordash gave an amazing gift to Latin American Youth Center: a donation of food vouchers to distribute to our youth and families. This gesture alone is worth celebrating, and the ongoing partnership since that first act has made DoorDash one of LAYC’s strongest allies in fighting food insecurity in the regions we serve. I am so grateful for this gift card! I can’t wait to doordash wings & watch movies with my roommate. It will be great for her & I to relax after a long week of school. Thank you so much!! - Aileen While LAYC comb ..read more

Latin American Youth Center exists to create pathways for youth to successfully transition to adulthood. A crucial part of this transition is for youth to be able to share their stories, grow from the lessons learned, and seize the resulting opportunities. This is precisely what occurred at LAYC’s 2023 annual Gala, an evening dedicated to celebrating youth stories. Alongside the moving testimonies of six youth and staff panelists, we also recognized The Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation as our 2023 Youth Champion and awarded Julie Jensen with the 2023 Arlene Kogod Philanthropic Legacy ..read more

In the LAYC Teen Center (TC) the smell of freshly baked apple muffins permeated the room, then wound its way up the stairs and through the entire Kaplan building. This was the result of 11 youth participants putting into practice what they had just learned – how an apple gets from orchard to the table (or muffin!). Meanwhile, two floors up, youth in LAYC’s Young Parents Program were talking about challenges of making and eating hearty breakfasts when cooking time is sparse. After a discussion on nutrition strategies, they cooked and ate a delicious meal together – some with babies in-arm. Fin ..read more