Ceiba and Santander Honored by the Philadelphia Business Journal

In April 2019, The Philadelphia Business Journal honored the partnership between Ceiba and Santander bank as part of its annual Faces of Philanthropy event that recognizes excellent partnerships between non-profit organizations and for-profit companies.

Ceiba and Santander were honored for their pilot program that enables low-to-moderate income immigrants to save and secure low-cost loans for expenses associated with attaining U.S. citizenship. Since 2017, Santander has donated $450,000 to Ceiba and its coalition of organizations in support of programming in greater Philadelphia. Thirty-nine Santander volunteers dedicated more than 150 hours to provide support in two important ways – tax assistance and pro-bono legal services. Santander staff provided free tax assistance to 264 of Ceiba’s clients through sessions offered during the tax season.

Ceiba Organizes First-Ever Philadelphia Municipal ID Pop-Up

On Friday, April 12th, and Saturday, April 13th, Ceiba made Philadelphia history by hosting the City's first Philadelphia Municipal ID Pop-Up Event.  Over 120 people received the ID during the event.

Learn More About the Philadelphia Municipal ID

See the Applicant Document Guide

Ceiba Organizes PHFA Pre-Purchase Workshops

On Saturday, March 30th and Saturday, April 6th, Ceiba organized PHFA Pre-Purchase workshops for members of United Way's Ira Lubert Matched Savings Program for First-Time Homebuyers.

Ceiba Organizes Census 2020 Event

To mark the one year countdown to the start of Census 2020, Ceiba organized a Workshop/Rally to inform community residents, Latino nonprofit stakeholders and the Hispanic media about the significance of the upcoming Census and the urgency of working to ensure that there is a complete count in our neighborhoods. 

The purpose of the Workshop/Rally at Ceiba on April 1, 2019 was to:

• Inform people who are new to the Census

• Reach allies who know about the Census but have not yet taken action

• Motivate the two groups of people above to be active in ensuring a complete count

The Workshop/Rally featured remarks and presentations by:

• US Census Spokesperson

• Philadelphia Complete Count Committee's Executive Director, Stephanie Reid

The location and backdrop of the Workshop/Rally buttressed the call to action and highlighted the resources available to help people engage in the Census effort. 

Ceiba is the leading advocacy and coalition building organization in Philadelphia's Latino community. Ceiba's Executive Director, Will Gonzalez, is a member of the Philadelphia Complete Count Committee. He is the Chair of the Immigrant and Limited English Proficiency Subcommittee of the Philadelphia Complete Count Committee.

Ceiba is also active in helping unauthorized immigrants build their economic base by using free tax preparation and application assistance for Individual Tax Identification Numbers (ITINs) as gateways to asset-building. On select Mondays, Ceiba organizes ITIN information workshops. Those workshops are well attended. On Monday, April 1, 2019, Ceiba leveraged the audience that attends its ITIN workshop. It scheduled the ITIN workshop to maximize the opportunity for ITIN workshop attendees to participate in the Census Workshop/Rally. The participation of unauthorized immigrants at the event highlighted the challenges to a complete count posed by the possible addition of a citizenship question in the 2020 Census.

The backdrop for the Workshop/Rally at Ceiba was a computer lab. This called attention to the role that digital technology will play in the 2020 Census. The importance of internet access and digital skills runs across various parts of the Census:

• People interested in applying for the many jobs available with the Census Bureau will need computer access to submit their applications 

• New Census Bureau employees will need strong, fast, reliable access to the Internet to take the mandatory online training

• One of the ways to complete the 2020 Census is online, this can pose challenges for those who do not have access to the internet or need help in filling out the Census

• Computer labs at nonprofit neighborhood based organizations can help people apply for Census jobs; take the mandatory online training if they are hired; and complete the 2020 Census online questionnaire

At the Workshop/Rally, Ceiba shared t-shirts, postcards, pledge cards, bottoms, and additional relevant materials from NALEO's (National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials) Hagase Contar initiative. 

https://hagasecontar.org

See Al Día press coverage

Ceiba and EILS Organize FREE Immigration Legal Screening + Emergency Readiness Plans for Immigrants

On Saturday, March 23rd, 2019, at 11 AM, Ceiba and Esperanza Immigration Legal Services (EILS) will organize a free immigration legal screening + immigrant emergency readiness plan preparation clinic. The event will take place at Ceiba, located at 174 Diamond St. Philadelphia PA 19122.

At the session, EILS, Ceiba, and a team of trained volunteers will perform comprehensive immigration legal screenings for all types of immigration relief, including asylum, family petitions, U-Visas, and VAWA. Additionally, trained volunteers will assist families in creating emergency readiness plans to prepare for potential ICE detention. As part of the emergency readiness plan preparation, Ceiba and EILS will provide:

• Information about documents and resources to have on hand in case of detention by ICE

• Assistance with preparing guardianship, travel, and school documents so that children are cared for in case of the detention of parents/legal guardian

“It is important that unauthorized immigrants with children speak with family attorneys about the guardianship of their children in case of detention, especially in Pennsylvania, as the Commonwealth's laws do not offer an easy way to assign guardianship,” expressed Taylor De La Peña, Ceiba's Director of Operations. 

“Unauthorized immigrants should prepare for the possibility of detention not only by preparing an emergency readiness plan, but also by getting screened by an immigration attorney for possible relief as soon as possible,” added Alexis Duecker, Executive Director of Esperanza Immigration Legal Services.

At the session, Ceiba and EILS will also inform attendees of their rights if stopped by ICE.

For more information and to register for the session, call 215-634-7245.

Ceiba and EILS Organize FREE Immigration Legal Screening + Emergency Readiness Plans for Immigrants

On Saturday, February 23rd, 2019, at 11 AM, Ceiba and Esperanza Immigration Legal Services (EILS) will organize a free immigration legal screening + immigrant emergency readiness plan preparation clinic. The event will take place at Ceiba, located at 174 Diamond St. Philadelphia PA 19122.

At the session, EILS, Ceiba, and a team of trained volunteers will perform comprehensive immigration legal screenings for all types of immigration relief, including asylum, family petitions, U-Visas, and VAWA. Additionally, trained volunteers will assist families in creating emergency readiness plans to prepare for potential ICE detention. As part of the emergency readiness plan preparation, Ceiba and EILS will provide:

• Information about documents and resources to have on hand in case of detention by ICE

• Assistance with preparing guardianship, travel, and school documents so that children are cared for in case of the detention of parents/legal guardian

“It is important that unauthorized immigrants with children speak with family attorneys about the guardianship of their children in case of detention, especially in Pennsylvania, as the Commonwealth's laws do not offer an easy way to assign guardianship,” expressed Taylor De La Peña, Ceiba's Director of Operations. 

“Unauthorized immigrants should prepare for the possibility of detention not only by preparing an emergency readiness plan, but also by getting screened by an immigration attorney for possible relief as soon as possible,” added Alexis Duecker, Executive Director of Esperanza Immigration Legal Services.

At the session, Ceiba and EILS will also inform attendees of their rights if stopped by ICE.

For more information and to register for the session, call 215-634-7245.

Ceiba Organizes Guardianship Training

On Tuesday, February 12th, Ceiba organized a training with Stephanie Gonzalez Ferrandez, Esq. to train pro bono attorneys and paralegals to prepare guardianship documents for unauthorized immigrant parents in case of detention by ICE. 

See training Documents

See training video

Ceiba Graduates Ira Lubert Matched Savings Program Participant

On January 9th, 2019, Erika L. of Ceiba’s Ira Lubert Matched Savings Program for First-Time Homebuyers graduated and purchased her first home. Congratulations, Erika!

Ceiba and EILS Organize FREE Immigration Legal Screening + Immigrant Rights and Tax Reform Workshops

On Tuesday, December 11th, 2018, at 5:30 PM, Ceiba and Esperanza Immigration Legal Services (EILS) will organize a free immigration legal screening clinic and workshops on immigrant rights and tax reform.

At the session, EILS and Ceiba will educate the community on Individuals Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs), how recent changes in tax law will affect ITIN holders, and immigrants’ rights if stopped by ICE. After the workshops, EILS, Ceiba, and a team of trained volunteers will perform comprehensive immigration legal screenings for all types of immigration relief, including asylum, family petitions, U-Visas, and VAWA.

The event will take place at Esperanza College, located at 4261 N. 5th St., Philadelphia PA 19140.

“In the wake of ‘Trump’s Tax Reform,’ there is a lot of confusion in the immigrant community regarding the coming tax season. At the session, we will inform taxpayers of tax changes that could affect them in 2019,” expressed Taylor De La Pena, Ceiba Program Coordinator. 

“Unauthorized immigrants should get screened for possible immigration remedies as soon as possible, as applying for legal status and eventual citizenship is the only permanent protection from deportation,” said Alexis Duecker, Executive Director of Esperanza Immigration Legal Services.

As part of the session, Ceiba and EILS will also inform attendees of their rights if stopped by ICE.

For more information and to register for the session, call 215-634-7245.

Ceiba Hosts "On the Table Philly" Discussion

On November 8th, 2018, Ceiba organized an “On the Table Philly” event to discuss issues of gentrification and displacement in Eastern North Philadelphia, Ceiba’s community. Ceiba brought together non-profit employees who work within the community to discuss issues, problems, and potential solutions to the displacement of families in rapidly gentrifying areas. This discussion encouraged the collaboration of Spanish-speaking Latino oriented non-profits in Philadelphia to enhance equitable development in our communities. Ceiba’s talk took place in Spanish and catered to a diverse Pan-American mixture of participants.

Ceiba and EILS Organize FREE Immigration Legal Screening + Immigrant Rights and Tax Reform Workshops

On Thursday, November 15, 2018, at 5:30 PM, Ceiba and Esperanza Immigration Legal Services (EILS) will organize a FREE immigration legal screening clinic and workshops on immigrant rights and tax reform.

At the session, EILS and Ceiba will educate the community on Individuals Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs), how recent changes in tax law will affect ITIN holders, and immigrants’ rights if stopped by ICE. After the workshops, EILS, Ceiba, and a team of trained volunteers will perform comprehensive immigration legal screenings for all types of immigration relief, including asylum, family petitions, U-Visas, and VAWA.

The event will take place at Ceiba, located at 174 Diamond St., Philadelphia PA 19122.

“In the wake of ‘Trump’s Tax Reform,’ there is a lot of confusion in the immigrant community regarding the coming tax season. At the session, we will inform taxpayers of tax changes that could affect them in 2019,” expressed Taylor De La Pena, Ceiba Program Coordinator. 

“Unauthorized immigrants should get screened for possible immigration remedies as soon as possible, as applying for legal status and eventual citizenship is the only permanent protection from deportation,” said Alexis Duecker, Executive Director of Esperanza Immigration Legal Services.

As part of the session, Ceiba and EILS will also inform attendees of their rights if stopped by ICE.

For more information and to register for the session, call 215-634-7245.

Ceiba and EILS Organize Public Charge Information Session

On Tuesday, October 16th 2018, at 4:30 PM, Ceiba and Esperanza Immigration Legal Services (EILS) will organize a Public Charge Information Session. The event will take place at Esperanza College, located at 4561 N. 5th St. Philadelphia PA 19140.

Under longstanding policy, the federal government can deny an individual a “green card” or a visa if they believe the individual will become a “public charge.” A “public charge” is someone who primarily relies on the government for subsistence. On September 22, the Trump Administration announced a proposed rule that would expand the criteria for being considered a public charge, including receiving benefits such as:

• Medicaid

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

• Medicare Part-D Low Income Subsidy Program

• Housing assistance

At the session, EILS and Ceiba will partner with Community Legal Services (CLS) to share information about the proposed rule.

“It is imperative that the immigrant community understand the meaning of these proposed changes to the “public charge” rule, so that they continue receiving benefits for which they qualify,” said Alexis Duecker, Executive Director of Esperanza Immigration Legal Services. The changes, if made permanent, would likely lead to broad decreases in participation of Medicaid and other programs among immigrant families and their US born children.

“The proposed rule, if implemented, would unfairly punish immigrant families and US born children who lawfully receive public benefits,” expressed Diego Tapia, Ceiba Program Director.

Ceiba and EILS will provide information at the session about what the public can do to prevent the implementation of the rule.  

At the information session, Ceiba and EILS will also provide information regarding financial assistance to pay for the cost of applying for immigration relief.

For more information, call 215-324-0746.

Ceiba Organizes Reinvest Philly Summit

On October 9th, 2018, Ceiba will serve as a co-convener for the Reinvest Philly Summit. The Reinvest Philly Summit will address strategies to combat redlining, displacement, and gentrification using tools like the Community Reinvestment Act, small business development, and partnering with healthcare and financial institutions as anchors of community development.

Click here to register for the event using Ceiba’s co-convener discount code.

SCHEDULE

8:15 AM - 8:50 AM - Light Breakfast & Registration
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM - Sessions
•    Defending the Community Reinvestment Act
•    Denied: Discrimination in Minority Small Business Lending
•    Confronting Philly’s Epidemic of Mass Evictions
•    Working with Hospitals as Anchor Institutions
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM - Sessions
•    Building Entrepreneurship In Our Business Corridors
•    Who Can Stop Redlining?
•    The Future of Central Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley
•    Financing for Community Development
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM - Lunch
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM - Sessions
•    Access to Wealth Building for People of All Abilities
•    Bridging the Gender Gap: Investing in All Women
•    Gentrification, Displacement, & Strategies to Maintain Diversity in Philly
•    Supplier Diversity: Doing Business with Hospitals and Anchor Institutions
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM - Plenary Session: PA Attorney General Josh Shapiro

Ceiba Builds Youth Immigrant Leadership at PICC Youth Convening

Two of Ceiba's youth attended the Pennsylvania Immigration and Citizenship Coalition's (PICC) Youth Convening on August 17-19 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. They joined 24 other immigrant youth from across Pennsylvania to learn about organizing, leadership development, and community building. 

Ceiba Graduates Ira Lubert Matched Savings Participant

Ceiba congratulates Dulce R., one of its first 2018 United Way Ira Lubert Matched Savings Program Graduates.

Ceiba helped Dulce R complete her first tax return in 2014. At that time, Ceiba helped Dulce complete three years of prior year tax returns, in which she was eligible to receive the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a credit of up to $6,318 per year. Ceiba has done Dulce’s taxes since 2014. In 2017, Dulce enrolled in Ceiba’s Ira Lubert Matched Savings Program for First Time Homebuyers. As part of the program she completed six hours of financial literacy and five hours of housing counseling with Ceiba. In June of 2018, Dulce purchased her first home in Philadelphia for her family using her tax refunds, savings, and the funds from the matched savings program. Congratulations, Dulce!

Ceiba and EILS Organize FREE Immigration Legal Screening + Immigrant Rights & Tax Reform Workshops

On Wednesday, September 19th at 5:00 PM, Ceiba and Esperanza Immigration Legal Services (EILS) will organize a FREE Immigration Legal Screening + Immigrant Rights and Tax Reform Workshops. Learn about the ITIN, how the tax return will affect ITIN holders, and your rights if confronted by ICE.

After the workshops, get screened for possible immigration relief by immigration attorneys, accredited representatives, and trained volunteers.

The event will take place at Ceiba, 174 Diamond St. Philadelphia, PA 19122. 

Please RSVP by calling 215-634-7245 to reserve your spot.

Ceiba and EILS Organize FREE Immigration Legal Screening

On Wednesday, June 20th 2018, at 5 PM, Ceiba and Esperanza Immigration Legal Services (EILS) will organize a FREE immigration legal screening clinic. 

At the clinic, EILS, Ceiba, and a team of trained volunteers will perform comprehensive immigration legal screenings for all types of immigration relief, including asylum, family petitions, U-Visas, and VAWA. 

The event will take place at Ceiba, located at 174 Diamond St., Philadelphia PA 19122.

“Unauthorized immigrants should get screened for possible immigration remedies as soon as possible, as applying for legal status and eventual citizenship is the only permanent protection from deportation,” said Alexis Duecker, Executive Director of Esperanza Immigration Legal Services. 

“At the screening, we will also provide a Know Your Rights workshop and information regarding financial assistance to pay for the cost of applying for immigration relief,” expressed Taylor De La Pena, Ceiba Program Coordinator.  

As part of the session, Ceiba and EILS will inform attendees of their rights if stopped by ICE.

For more information and to register for the session, call 215-634-7245.

Ceiba Participates in Panel Titled #ThisisAmerica: A Conversation About Race in America

On May 22, 2018, Ceiba’s Executive Director, Will Gonzalez, participated in a panel discussion following the showing of a documentary titled #ThisisAmerica: A Conversation About Race in America.

The Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Pennsylvania (APABA-PA) and Blank Rome LLP hosted the event in Philadelphia in honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Will was joined on the panel by Nydia Han (moderator), 6ABC consumer reporter, and co-anchor of Action News Sunday mornings; Tsiwen Law, civil trial lawyer with his law firm, Law & Associates, L.L.C., and a founder of APABA-PA; and Reggie Shuford, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania.

Ceiba and EILS Organize FREE Family Petition Screening Clinic

On Wednesday, May 16th 2018, at 5 PM, Ceiba and Esperanza Immigration Legal Services (EILS) will organize a FREE family petition legal screening clinic. 

At the session, EILS and Ceiba will share information about the eligibility requirements and application process for Lawful Permanent Residents and US citizens to petition family members. 

US citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents may petition for ‘immediate relatives’ to legally immigrate to the United States through either a visa or Permanent Residency. Immigration law defines ‘immediate relative’ as:

• Child, unmarried and under age 21

• Parent, if the petitioner is age 21 or over

• Sibling, if the petitioner is 21 or over

• A fiancé(e) residing outside the United States and children of fiancé(e) under 21

• Spouse

• Children of spouse, unmarried and under 21

A Lawful Permanent Resident may only petition for his/her spouse and unmarried children. 

After the information session, EILS, Ceiba, and a team of trained volunteers will perform immigration legal screenings for individuals who wish to petition family members.

The event will take place at Ceiba, located at 174 Diamond St., Philadelphia PA 19122.

“At the screening, we will also provide information regarding financial assistance to pay for the cost of applying for immigration relief,” expressed Taylor De La Pena, Ceiba Program Coordinator.  

For more information and to register for the session, call 215-634-7245.

Ceiba and EILS Organize FREE Immigration Legal Screening

On Tuesday, April 24th 2018, at 5 PM, Ceiba and Esperanza Immigration Legal Services (EILS) will organize a FREE immigration legal screening clinic.

At the clinic, EILS, Ceiba, and a team of trained volunteers will perform comprehensive immigration legal screenings for all types of immigration relief, including asylum, family petitions, U-Visas, and VAWA. 

The event will take place at Ceiba, located at 174 Diamond St., Philadelphia PA 19122.

“Unauthorized immigrants should get screened for possible immigration remedies as soon as possible, as applying for legal status and eventual citizenship is the only permanent protection from deportation,” said Alexis Duecker, Executive Director of Esperanza Immigration Legal Services. 

“At the screening, we will also provide a Know Your Rights workshop and information regarding financial assistance to pay for the cost of applying for immigration relief,” expressed Taylor De La Pena, Ceiba Program Coordinator.  

As part of the session, Ceiba and EILS will inform attendees of their rights if stopped by ICE.

For more information and to register for the session, call 215-634-7245.