Stand with Latino and Immigrant Families

Across the country, changes to immigration laws and enforcement are causing fear and uncertainty for many Latino and immigrant families. At La Casa de Amistad, this isn't just something we see in the news. It's what our neighbors, families, staff, and friends are living through every day.

Our Director of Community Engagement, Dara Marquez, put words to what so many of us are feeling. Here is an excerpt of her personal reflection:

"In recent months, many in our community have come seeking protection through immigration services, advocacy through coordinated care, financial support, shelter, and food. These are not simple requests because they carry the weight of survival. We hold people's stories with honesty and pride, but I can't help but admit that I am shaken...

We are an organization shaped by community, formed through decades of love, sacrifice, and struggle. Our elders and leaders before us faced violence, displacement, and loss, yet they remained rooted. We are the children of proud migrants who focused on joy and culture. Our founding more than fifty years ago was not an accident, and we know that our future here will not be handed to us. We exist because generations before us learned how to endure even the most dangerous landscape. We exist because we know how to begin again...

We are shaken, yes. But like those who came before us, whose footsteps still echo in our hallways, classrooms, streets… aquí seguimos. We are rooted. And we are here to stay."

—Dara Marquez, Director of Community Engagement

In moments like this, it can feel like there is nothing we can do. But there are ways to act that make a real difference today and for generations to come. We invite you to read through our suggestions and commit to at least one action.


Support Our Latino and Immigrant Community Right Now

​Volunteer Your Time
Though we are currently full and operating on a waitlist, we highly encourage you to complete a Volunteer Interest Form so we can contact you for future needs and programs. All volunteers must be 18+ (exceptions may be made for minors in group or building projects with a parent/guardian present).

Our current volunteer opportunities include:

• Yo Puedo Leer (I Can Read) – Preschool (ages 3–5), Mon–Fri, 8–11 AM or 12:30–3:30 PM
• Crece Conmigo (Grow With Me) – K–5 after-school tutoring, Mon–Thu, 3:30–5:30 PM
• Florecer (Flourish) – Grades 6–8 tutoring, Mon–Thu, 4–6 PM
• Adelante (Forward) – High school tutoring (9–12), Mon–Thu, 4–6 PM
• Citizenship Classes – Civics, language, and history support, Tue/Thu, 11 AM–1 PM or 5–7 PM
• Computer Classes – Adult digital literacy, Tuesdays, 5–6:30 PM
• Building & Grounds Maintenance – Flexible scheduling
• Special Events – Markets, health fairs, fundraisers (varies)
• City ID Days – Registration and guest support
• Court-Ordered Community Service – Contact Dara at [email protected]

Give and Sustain Our Work

• Sponsor or attend La Casa's Community Breakfast, Trivia Night, or Noche with La Casa fundraising events
• Make a gift to La Casa's Annual Fund to fund programming and operations
• Join the Camino Legal Society to support immigration legal services
• Connect La Casa with people you know who may want to give or volunteer

Advocate and Learn

• Share La Casa's messages on social media (Facebook | Instagram | X/Twitter | LinkedIn)
• Promote our No Human Being is Illegal campaign by wearing a button or sticker
• Speak clearly and compassionately in conversations with loved ones when the topic of immigration comes up. Help them understand what you have learned from your experience of supporting our mission.
• Learn about immigration law and constitutional rights and help distribute information to help others assert their rights
• Support Latino-owned businesses and restaurants
• Learn Spanish or deepen your understanding of Latin American cultures and histories
• Participate in and support Latino and immigrant community education and social events