LEC
Latinx Education Collaborative Logo. | File photo

Carter Galloway

Editorial Assistant

The Latinx Education Collaborative (LEC) announced in a press release on Feb. 27 the creation of The Adelante Fund — a mutual aid fund seeking to assist immigrant families in a range of issues including legal matters, housing and food.

As the Adelante Fund will be supported entirely from community contributions, partnerships and donations — rather than reliant on federal funding — it will not be affected by the recent federal loan freezes and other developments related to federal spending.

“Our immigrant families — parents, students and educators — work tirelessly to create better lives for their children and strengthen our schools and communities,” said Edgar J. Palacios, founder of LEC. “Yet, too often, they are left without a safety net when crises arise. The Adelante Fund is here to change that. This fund is about standing in solidarity and providing real, tangible support for those who need it most.”

With the White House administration creating stricter immigration policies and working on mass deportations throughout the U.S., it continues to create pressure put on immigrant families. Palacios said The Adelante Fund hopes to be a resource for any immigrant families in need.

“In light of recent federal actions, many immigrant families are left vulnerable,” said LEC Community Outreach Director, Iván Ramirez. “We want to make sure families have access to essential services, especially during these difficult times.”

 Ramirez shared LEC is currently looking for partners and donors to assist in the mutual aid fund.

“I would like to emphasize the power of community in our efforts,” said Ramirez. “The Adelante Fund can only thrive because of the generosity of individuals and organizations in Kansas City.”

For those interested in donating to The Adelante Fund, visit: givebutter.com/adelante.

The Adelante Fund applies to undocumented individuals, asylum seekers, TPS recipients, DACA recipients, mixed-status families, and newly arrived immigrants.You must also be a resident of the following counties: Cass County, MO; Clay County, MO; Jackson County, MO; Platte County, MO; Johnson County, KS; and Wyandotte, KS.

Applying for the Adelante Fund is as easy as submitting a request form on its website, www.adelante-fund.com, and should be reviewed within 48 hours, Monday through Friday.