Mano a Mano to celebrate 15th anniverary

Posted September 14, 2015 11:00 pm

Mano a Mano submission

Mano a Mano Family Resource Center provides programs in areas such as citizenship, kindergarten readiness, and health and wellness education to immigrant and underserved families of Lake County. Courtesy of Mano a Mano Family Resource Center

Recognizing that the Round Lake area had become home to a growing number of immigrant families, a group of local leaders opened Mano a Mano in a small storefront on Main Street with the vision of an integrated community with opportunities for all.

Fifteen years later, Mano a Mano is a vibrant community center serving more than 4,000 people each year. Staying true to its original mission to empower immigrant and underserved families of Lake County, Mano a Mano provides a range of services and programs - from citizenship to kindergarten readiness to education on health and wellness - to help clients establish links to essential community resources.

"Mano a Mano has grown so much over the last 15 years, and we continue to see an increased need for services," said Megan McKenna de Mejia, executive director.

"We are proud of what our clients have accomplished, and we look forward to helping build a stronger community for the next 15 years and beyond."

In celebration of its 15 years of service, Mano a Mano will host a Quinceañera at 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, at the center, 6 E. Main St., Round Lake Park.

Parking will be available at Murphy School on Greenwood Drive, across the street and northwest of Mano a Mano. For details or to RSVP, contact pmartin@mamfrc.org.

The event will also include the launch of the anniversary giving campaign, as Mano a Mano officials ask participants to consider pledging $15 for 15 months to help support the agency's programs.

Mano a Mano helps about 4,000 people a year through its Kindergarten Readiness, Engaged Citizens, Healthy Families and Productive Parents programs, all free.

The goal is to secure 150 pledges through the campaign. More than half of Mano a Mano's funds come from grants and special event contributions.

The Quinceañera will include a short program presented by a former client, who became a citizen in January and now volunteers in the community and has opened a business. In addition, donors and volunteers will be recognized and a leadership award will be presented.

"The most gratifying part of working at Mano a Mano is watching our clients succeed," McKenna de Mejia said. "And without our donors and volunteers, none of this would be possible. We have much to celebrate."

Mano a Mano helps about 4,000 people a year through its free programs. Mano a Mano will celebrate its 15th anniversary Thursday, Sept. 17, at the center, 6 E. Main St., Round Lake Park. Courtesy of Mano a Mano Family Resource Center

More than half of Mano a Mano's funds come from grants and special event contributions. The center's quinceañera will include the launch of the anniversary giving campaign, Courtesy of Mano a Mano Family Resource Center

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