The Pennsylvania Primary is coming up this April 23rd! If you need voter language access help, these hotlines can provide interpretation when you vote
Council Members & Community Groups Seek Land Bank Reform
“More than a decade ago advocates banded together with a common goal: to transform vacant properties plaguing our neighborhoods into essential resources for equitable revitalization. Making this vision a reality necessitated creating a transparent, predictable, accountable, responsive, and representative Land Bank. Ten years later we have a Land Bank, but much work remains to make it the Land Bank our communities demanded and deserve.
Ceiba's Public Comment on Bill No. 240087
Testimony of Will Gonzalez, Executive Director of Ceiba on Bill No. 240087 before the Philadelphia City Council Committee on Commerce and Economic Development 3-20-2024
Why pay for tax assistance when you can get it done for free?
Ceiba and CWF offers free tax preparation services to help you navigate the tax season smoothly.
March 23, 2024: Free Criminal Record Clearing Clinic at Ceiba to Help People Access PA's New Clean Slate Law
On Saturday, March 23, 2024, starting at 10:00 AM, Ceiba and Community Legal Services (CLS) are organizing a criminal record clearing clinic at 174 Diamond St Philadelphia PA 19122.
Criminal record clearing helps eligible people improve their prospects for higher paying jobs.
PA law allows:
Many felony convictions to be sealed after 10 years
Most misdemeanor convictions to be sealed after 7 years
Automatic sealing of summary convictions after 5 years
Non-convictions to be expunged
Felony and misdemeanor charges to be pardoned
At the Ceiba Criminal Record Clearing Clinic, an attorney will help people find out if their conviction is one that needs a legal petition for clearing to be filed. This is most important for felony and misdemeanor convictions.
"The Ceiba Criminal Record Clearing Clinic is a great chance for people to have a confidential conversation with an expert about their record. People will be treated with respect and afforded the opportunity to ask questions and learn about their legal rights," says Will Gonzalez, the Executive Director of Ceiba.
Community Legal Services (CLS) is the legal partner in this effort. If a person is eligible for criminal record clearing and meets CLS' intake criteria, then they may be able to begin filling out the relevant legal paperwork, on the spot, at the clinic, free of charge.
The Ceiba Criminal Record Clearing Clinic is sponsored by The Promise, Philadelphia’s Poverty Action Fund, powered by United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey. The Promise is a city-wide coalition dedicated to reducing Philadelphia’s poverty rate and supporting an equitable economic recovery from the pandemic. Combining City funding and private donations, The Promise invests in hands-on services by community-based organizations who work collaboratively to help low-income Philadelphians gain access to benefits and opportunities for upward mobility.
To preregister for the Ceiba Criminal Record Clearing Clinic, please click in the buttom.
For more information about the Ceiba Criminal Record Clearing Clinic please contact Ceiba: 215-634-7245 or info@ceibaphiladelphia.org
Ceiba is Part of Conversation About the Importance of Public Interest Technology Law
As lawyers and lawyers-in-training, we have unique skills and knowledge to offer the emerging field of public interest technology, especially regarding legal safeguards and consequences. Join three spectacular practitioners working in PIT careers in a discussion of the importance of law in public interest technology. Thank you to our speakers for providing their insights: Suzanne Bernstein, Law Fellow at Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC); Will Gonzalez, Executive Director of Ceiba; and Claudia Johnson, Program Manager of LawHelp Interactive of Pro Bono Net.
Career Advice from Public Interest Technology Lawyers
Wondering how a lawyer or law student can break into the field of public interest technology (PIT)? Learn how these three spectacular practitioners got their start, and what skills they think are key to being a successful lawyer and collaborator in PIT. Thank you to our speakers for providing their expert advice: Suzanne Bernstein, Law Fellow at Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC); Will Gonzalez, Executive Director of Ceiba; and Claudia Johnson, Program Manager of LawHelp Interactive of Pro Bono Net.
After a controversial decade, what challenges does the Philly Land Bank face? Ceiba & other advocates offer advice.
Mayor Cherelle Parker promised she would have completed getting feedback from Land Bank stakeholders and staff by mid-April.
Public land for public good.
— Will Gonzalez
“You can’t serve the public good without transparency and truth as the bottom line,” said Gonzalez, adding that those key ingredients are missing from the Land Bank’s current operations. He is concerned that over the last decade the Land Bank has turned into a “land grab” for private developers instead of a tool for community development.
Download the article to read the full piece
Ceiba Mourns Loss: Bd Member Anita Santos
Anita Santos-Singh, Founding Executive Director of Philadelphia Legal Assistance and legal services advocate for 34 years, passed away on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at the age of 59. Anita was one of the brightest lights of the Philadelphia legal community, laser-focused on bringing life-changing legal assistance to low-income and vulnerable Philadelphians.
Originally from Brownsville, Texas, Anita came to Philadelphia in 1982 to attend the University of Pennsylvania as an undergraduate student. After graduating from the University of Michigan Law School in 1989, she returned to Philadelphia, where she would devote her legal and leadership talents to those most in need and least able to afford an attorney.
Anita began her legal career as a housing attorney at Community Legal Services in 1989, protecting homeowners facing mortgage foreclosure and the loss of their homes. Widely admired by her colleagues, Anita was tapped, at the age of 32, to become the founding Executive Director of Philadelphia Legal Assistance in 1996, a new organization created to serve Philadelphia’s poor with federal funds.
“For more than 25 years, Anita shaped Philadelphia Legal Assistance to be on the front lines of confronting oppressive race and income disparities, protecting individuals and families, and striving for the greatest community impact possible”, according to Lou Rulli, Anita’s long-time mentor, colleague and law professor at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School. In addition to Anita’s deep commitment, she brought many talents to her daily work: intense drive, vision, wisdom, and inclusiveness. Never satisfied with the status quo, she sought every opportunity to expand PLA’s reach and services. She forged vital collaborations with community organizations, non-profits, governmental entities, and grassroots communities to reach people where they were and to empower them to successfully navigate the difficult and sometimes life-threatening challenges they faced.
During the recession of 2008, Anita answered the City’s urgent call and launched the Save Your Home Philly Hotline to help Philadelphia homeowners facing the loss of their home. She responded again in 2021 when called upon to staff the Eviction Diversion Program Tenant Hotline, which provides a vital safety net for tenants facing eviction. She built a highly successful Medical Legal Community Partnership with attorneys embedded in public health centers so that Philadelphians could obtain legal help in their communities where they receive medical care. And, under her leadership, PLA provided critical support to expand legal help to migrant farmworkers, partnered with pro bono assistance on consumer bankruptcies, and created Philadelphia’s first low-income tax clinic.
A broad range of law, justice, and service organizations recognized Anita’s service with many prestigious awards. She was recognized by the Philadelphia Bar Association with its Bending the ARC Award and by SEAMAAC with its 30th Anniversary Mosaic Unsung Heroine Award. The Hispanic Bar Association of Pennsylvania honored Anita with its La Justicia Award, and she received excellence awards from Latinx
students from two different law schools at the University of Michigan and the University of Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations recognized her for her community service and commitment to the civil rights of all Philadelphians. Anita served on the Philadelphia Bar Association’s Access to Justice and Civil Gideon Task Force and was the long-time co-chair of the Association’s Delivery of Legal Services Committee.
Maureen Olives, Interim Executive Director of PLA shared: “Anita will be especially remembered by her colleagues as a collaborative and dynamic leader who curated, mentored, and led a team of talented professionals who were likewise deeply committed to the mission of legal services to the indigent and promoted a culture of serious work blended with humility and humor.”
John Lavelle, PLA Board president summarized Anita’s role in Philadelphia’s legal aid community: “Thanks to Anita’s incredible leadership, tens of thousands of Philadelphians each year received legal help to protect their homes, income, and physical safety.”
Anita was a lover of live music, travel, knitting, and Rafael Nadal. She loved to laugh out loud, to dance and to enjoy good food. She was thoughtful, kind, inquisitive and loving. She was a role model, mentor, coach and innovator.
We are grateful for Anita and offer our sincerest condolences to her many friends and loved ones, especially her family in Brownsville, Mother Anita Santos, sisters Cristina and Veronica Santos, and brother in law Joe Rodriguez.
Water & Language Access
As everyone waits for updates from the city on Philadelphia’s water supply, one group of people has so far been left behind: The more than 350,000 people in Philly who speak a language other than English.
Ceiba youth team member recognized by Impacto.
Ceiba is very proud to have Elena Feliciano, one of our youth team members, recognized by Impacto Media, Esperanza Academy, and the FBI Teen Academy! Elena has been working with Ceiba since the spring of 2022, and is leading the way for young Latinos and Latinas advocating for the voiceless. Click Here to read the full piece
Misinformation & Disinformation Affecting Latinos
Do not fall Prey to False or Misleading statements about the election!
Read this Article, and be an informed voter!
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Latino Voters have the power to determine this election! Get out and Vote!
Read this interesting piece on KYW news:
https://www.audacy.com/kywnewsradio/news/local/philadelphia-latino-midterm-election-barriers-voting
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Join us for a short webinar on misinformation and disininformation, the impact it has on Latinos’ ability to participate in civic life and in our election process, and learn what you can do to counter misinformation and disinformation
This national webinar is presented by the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) in conjunction with partner organizations in Colorado (CLLARO), North Carolina (El Pueblo) and Pennsylvania (Ceiba).
Please find the registration link for this webinar here.
Please register ASAP.
This short webinar is open to the general public, so please share it widely.
The more people know about misinformation and disinformation the safer we ALL are.
Ceiba invites you to the Criminal Record Clearing Legal Clinic - La Fiesta de la Oportunidad
"This criminal record clearing clinic is like no other in our community. Criminal record clearing is important to the individual and to the community; we will celebrate that 'fresh start' collectively. That is why we are calling our legal clinic a fiesta, La Gran Fiesta de la Oportunidad. Attorneys will help people look at their public records and if a person has anything that needs to be addressed, then we connect them with Public Defenders to start the process and we applaud that accomplishment" says Will Gonzalez, the Executive Director of Ceiba.
On Saturday, October 22, 2022, starting at 10:00 AM, Ceiba, The Hispanic Bar Association of Pennsylvania (HBAPA), the Defenders Association, and La Guagua 47 a latino arts and culture project, are organizing La Gran Fiesta de la Oportunidad at Taller Puertorriqueño, 2600 N 5th St Philadelphia PA 19133.
Criminal record clearing is an important workforce development mechanism. It helps eligible some people improve their prospects for higher paying jobs. PA law allows:
Old and minor convictions to be sealed
Expungement of
Any charges that did not result in conviction
Summary-level convictions for people free of arrest or prosecution for 5 years following their summary conviction
"La Gran Fiesta de la Oportunidad” uses arts for social change. The community comes together around an issue via art. We talk about it. We learn more about it. We act. In this case, we rejoice in the personal and collective transformation with music, arts, and food. No better way to commemorate new beginnings" says Alba Martinez, Director of La Guagua 47.
The event is sponsored by The Promise, Philadelphia’s Poverty Action Fund, powered by United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey. The Promise is a city-wide coalition dedicated to reducinge Philadelphia’s poverty rate and supporting an equitable economic recovery from the pandemic. Combining City funding and private donations, The Promise invests in hands-on services by community-based organizations who work collaboratively to help low-income Philadelphians gain access to benefits and opportunities for upward mobility.
For more information about La Fiesta de la Oportunidad please contact Ceiba by calling 215-634-7245 or via email at info@ceibaphiladelphia.org.
To preregister for the criminal record clearing clinic, please go to: https://forms.gle/DQsLrSHn1UPmKJQP8
Sección Informativa sobre el ITIN - ITIN information Session
Ceiba organizes ITIN information session 174 Diamond St, Philadelphia, PA 19122.
Lunes 19 y 26 de septiembre y de 2022, 12:00 PM. - Monday 19 y 26 September 2022, 12:00 PM
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/18ufC9QbZsrY2C8a01xlF3G1bEgrGzAmNHr6iVmAB3Bg/edit#settings
Ceiba Testified Regularly on Redistricting
Ceiba took advantage of every opportunity to testify on Redistricting in Pennsylvania. This affects our daily lives, and we must research and get as involved as possible.
As an example, here are two of those testimonies.
Follow this link to view Ceiba’s Testimony on State-level redistricting in Pennsylvania: https://www.facebook.com/ceibaphiladelphia/videos/323129749582929
Follow this link to view Ceiba’s Testimony on Federal-level redistricting in Pennsylvania:
https://www.facebook.com/ceibaphiladelphia/videos/611119023579699
ITIN information Session
Ceiba organizes ITIN information session with the Consulate of Mexico in Philadelphia.
View the full info session at this link:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=304727800969627
COVID-19 and Unemployment Benefits Info
June 16th, 2020
The PA Emergency Assistance Program (EAP) is a one-time cash grant available to families with children under age 18, adults who were working as of March 11 and who have lost at least half of their earnings because of the coronavirus. For more information, see image below.
May 13th, 2020
The city is launching an emergency rental assistance program. The goal is to help people who have lost income due to COVID-19 to pay their rent. For more informaiton, or to apply, click the link below:
https://phlrentassist.org/
Please also read the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's information page, click here
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
April 29th, 2020
City of Philadelphia Office of Immigrant Affairs updates list of COVID-19 resources for immigrants, refugees, and asylees, available in multiple langauges:
Please also read the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's information page, click here
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
April 28th, 2020
You have the chance to become a COVID-19 Community Response Captain every Thursday of the week! Join this week’s English, Spanish, Chinese training to equip yourself with the knowledge & resources to help your neighbors, peers, and loved ones get through this tough time. Join a one-hour training: bit.ly/COVIDTrainings. #CommunityCaptainPHL @CityofPhiladelphia
April 13th, 2020
Have you struggled to apply for unemployment on your phone?
Get FREE Help with PA Unemployment Compensation
Applications:
Please also read the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's information page, click here
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
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March 29th, 2020
Where to find free, nutritious food during COVID-19:
Please also read the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's information page, click here
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
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March 28th, 2020
City extends access to food to all:
https://www.phila.gov/2020-03-28-city-provides-update-on-covid-19-for-saturday-march-28-2020/
Update: COVID-19 March 28, 2020. This notice has information on where to pick up a box of food (one for every home) on Mondays and Thursdays betwee, 10.am. and noon at locations all over the city.
Please also read the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's information page, click here
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
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March 27th, 2020
City provides update about COVID-19:
Please note the daily press conferences (with subtitles available in multiple languages) at the bottom of the page
https://www.phila.gov/2020-03-27-city-provides-update-on-covid-19-for-friday-march-27-2020/
Governor Wolf and the Secretary of Health of Pennsylvania will speak live at 2:00 PM to provide updates about COVID-19
Tune in here: https://www.governor.pa.gov/live/
COVID-19 Resources to Help: https://mailchi.mp/103a9882fd62/city-provides-update-on-covid-19-for-thursday-march-19-311485?e=558ccd7e10
Please also read the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's information page, click here
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
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March 23rd, 2020
Information and resources for workers impacted by COVID-19: https://www.phila.gov/2020-03-20-information-and-resources-for-workers-impacted-by-covid-19/
Philadelphia COVID-19 Small Business Relief Fund Ready to recieve applications https://www.phila.gov/2020-03-23-city-of-philadelphia-and-pidc-open-applications-to-philadelphia-covid-19-small-business-relief-fund/
The Temple Small Business Development Center (SBDC) informs the community about Spanish webinars on topics of interest to businesses affected by COVID-19. These come from the SBDC in Puerto Rico. The webinars are free of charge, are recorded, and then uploaded to their website https://prsbtdc.org/
Following is the list of Webinars:
3/23/2020: Aspectos Laborales ante el COVID-19 (Knowing Your Employer Responsibilities during COVID-19) https://bit.ly/33HoSTO
3/24/2020: Manejo del Cash Flow en Momentos de Crisis (Management of Business Cash Flow during Times of Uncertainty) https://bit.ly/2J5e2xe
3/25/2020: Préstamos de Desastre del SBA ante el COVID-19 (SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans for COVID-19 Emergency) https://bit.ly/2WuUYAw
3/26/2020: Comience su Tienda Online (Start your Online Store) https://bit.ly/2UnV761
3/27/2020: Alternativas de Financiamiento ante el COVID-19 (Other Business Financing Sources for the COVID-19 Emergency) https://bit.ly/2UpppFB
Temple SBDC does have a Spanish-speaking consultant, Leyanis Diaz, who can help clients with any follow-up needed. They also have some Philadelphia-specific webinars next week and one-on-one consulting is available by phone or zoom. A list of their webinars can be found at: https://www.fox.temple.edu/institutes-and-centers/small-business-development-center/events/
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March 22nd, 2020
PHL: Stay at Home Order & NEW restrictions on business activity:
Please also read the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's information page, click here
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
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March 21st, 2020
UPDATE: List of locations to get free meals for students while schools are closed: https://www.phila.gov/2020-03-20-city-school-district-and-charters-announce-changes-in-free-student-meal-distribution-sites/
Please also read the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's information page, click here
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
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March 20th, 2020
Housing Help During COVID-19: https://www.phila.gov/2020-03-20-help-with-housing-during-covid-19/
City to hold 1st News Conference in Spanish at 1:30 PM today. Tune in here:
-Department of Health Twitter: https://www.pscp.tv/w/1nAJEdDaABeGL
-Telemundo62: https://www.telemundo62.com/…/noticiero-telemundo-6…/100194/
Please also read the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's information page, click here
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
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March 19th, 2020
To see the City of Philadelphia's update on COVID-19 for Thursday, March 19, 2020 click here
https://www.phila.gov/2020-03-19-city-provides-update-on-c…/
City, Philadelphia Foundation and United Way Launch PHL Covid-19 Fund. Read the full press release here
https://www.phila.gov/2020-03-19-city-of-philadelphia-phil…/
or visit the Fund's website here: https://phlcovid19fund.org/covid-19/
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March 17th, 2020
In light of the arrival of COVID-19 cases in the Philadelphia area, Ceiba encourages the community to stay informed and follow public health official's directions.
Please read the city of Philadelphia's health announcements here:
https://www.phila.gov/programs/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/
Please also read the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's information page, click here
Important IRS Announcements: Taxpayer Advocate Report highlights delays in processing returns
Ceiba organizes ITIN information session with the Consulate of Mexico in Philadelphia.
View the full info session at this link:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=304727800969627
March 4th, 2022
Taxpayer advocate’s annual report that highlights the IRSs Excessive Processing and Refund Delays: https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/reports/2021-annual-report-to-congress/most-serious-problems/#
March 4th, 2022
IRS information on what to bring to your tax appointment:
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/gather-records-for-the-2022-tax-filing-season
September 4th, 2020
Do you know anyone who has claimed unemployment this year? As of April 2020, over 23 million Americans filed for unemployment, and one out of four Americans received unemployment this year. We need your help to reach these individuals and make sure they know that unemployment is taxable income. We do not want them to be caught off guard when filing their tax return next year!
See below for more information, and go to https://apps.irs.gov/app/tax-withholding-estimator, to use the IRS’s withholding calculator.
June 6th, 2020
The IRS releases information on Economic Impact Payments for those experiencing homelessness. To read more, click here.
April 10th, 2020
IRS provides updates on Economic Impact payments: What to do if you do not file a tax return:
April 2nd, 2020
Economic impact payments: What you need to know:
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/economic-impact-payments-what-you-need-to-know
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March 25th, 2020
In accordance with the direction of City, State, and Federal Public Health officials, Ceiba is cancelling all in-person activities until further notice. Sadly, this includes Ceiba's VOLUNTEER Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. If you have any questions, call us (215)-634-7245 and leave a message.
Please note that the IRS extended the filing deadline to July 15th, 2020. Visit IRS.gov for more information on the filing extension.
Census 2020, Elections & DACA
June 18th, 2020
Supreme Court Supports DACA: Immigrant Families Able to Keep Protections. This is a win for the immigrant community who are committed to protecting DACA recipients, TPS & DED hodlers, and all undocumented immigrants. To read the full press release by the Pennsylvania Immigration and Citizenship Coalition (PICC), click here: http://paimmigrant.org/2020/06/supreme-court-supports-daca/
May 23rd, 2020
Did you receive your ballot in the mail? Our video and this guide: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1TniMJ10KowLKcI6KJTfStt84KgFm67XK will help you to fill out your ballot and get it ready to be mailed.
Don't delay, VOTE and mail your ballot as soon as possible. For more information, call 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)
March 27th, 2020
Complete the 2020 census! It is short, easy, and only takes 10 minutes. Respond for your household now! #PhillyCounts
https://2020census.gov/en.html
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March 24th, 2020
How to Respond to the 2020 Census. You can respond online, by phone, or by mail
Ceiba Organizes Collective Impact Initiative
Ceiba is spearheading an intentional process to build a collective of Latino nonprofits that encourages collaboration between organizations, many of whom have an excellent track record and are leaders in their field, in order to amplify their work and thus have a greater impact on their community.
To see the full report on the Collective’s work thus far, visit: bit.ly/PhilaLatinoImpact
Ceiba Presents at Cities for Financial Empowerment Coalition Spring 2019 Forum
On April 29, 2019, Ceiba was part of a panel presentation at the Cities for Financial Empowerment Coalition Spring 2019 Forum. The panel was titled: Philadelphia’s Cashless Business Ban – Lessons and Policy Considerations. It was facilitated by Will Hall, Financial Empowerment Program Manager, Office of Community Empowerment & Opportunity, City of Philadelphia. The panelists were:
Philadelphia City Councilman William Greenlee
Kevin Thomas, Director, Building Wealth & Health Network
Will Gonzalez, Esq. Executive Director, Ceiba
Rue Landau, Esq. Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations and the Fair Housing Commission
The panel took place at the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia.
Ceiba Produces Report Measuring Collective Economic Impact of 15 Philadelphia Latino Nonprofits
Ceiba worked with students from the University of Pennsylvania Master of City Planning program to produce a report entitled “Impacto Colectivo: Measuring the Collective Economic Impact of 15 Latino Nonprofits in Philadelphia.” According to the report, Latino nonprofits have a total collective impact of $517 million on the Philadelphia economy each year and for each dollar invested in Latino nonprofits $6 are generated in the region. For a full copy of the report, please visit bit.ly/PhilaLatinoImpact.
