Adelante Student Voices is proud to announce that we are officially a non-profit organization under 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. This status will further broaden the organization’s access to resources and strengthen its serving undocumented students and their families in Upstate New York. 

 

“ The work that Adelante Student Voices is doing is so meaningful and needed in the Hudson Valley. I am just one of the many residents that did not have proper resources to access higher education due to my immigration status. We must provide the tools and change the narrative and organize for change in our educational systems, this new status will help us obtain so many resources.” 

 Program Director Susie Ximenez.

 

Obtaining official tax-exempt status is a significant milestone for Adelante Student Voices. Adelante began in the Fall of 2015 with the dream to provide a safe space for undocumented youth to gather to share resources and build collective power. A small volunteer staff grew the program thanks to tremendous grassroots support from donors and our fiscal sponsor, Rural & Migrant Ministry, Inc. 

 

“We are so thrilled that Adelante has taken this major step as an organization in becoming their non-profit and cementing themselves as a voice and resource for undocumented students. Like so many other great youth empowerment projects, Adelante was born out of Rural & Migrant Ministry, Inc., and we are excited to collaborate, build together, and see how they grow in their next chapter,”  Rev. Richard Witt, Executive Director of Rural & Migrant Ministry, Inc.

 

As of now, Adelante has welcomed over 80 undocumented young people to our intensive summer program and offers regular programming related to higher education access. Members also organize for social justice causes in the community and as part of Adelante committees.

 

“ People are always telling us, undocumented students, that there’s not a way out for us. As an undocumented student, the words of “ you can’t do it” or “ you are not gonna make it” surrounded me until Adelante Student Voices was like that light at the end of the tunnel, and just like that, it taught me a way to use my obstacles and use them as a tool to succeed. They taught me patience and to use my story to help more people like me, like us. They allowed me to see my worth and how I deserve so much more regarding my immigration status. Now I know that I’m worth it for an excellent college education, and I’ve fulfilled with hope thanks to Adelante. “ Adelante Member.