OUR STORY

Ayudando Latinos A Soñar or ALAS is a Latino centered nonprofit organization that began as a grassroots program in 2011. We are a recognized California Nonprofit, 501c3. The organization was born from the desire to help children and their families to feel proud of their identity and culture and amplify their voices. ALAS Founding Board of Directors continues to work tirelessly to pursue this vision in what has become a communal space of support, honoring the cultural strengths that thrive in our Latino coastal community.

With that philosophy in mind, ALAS' activity started with our successful cultural arts programs such as Ballet Folklórico Tonantzin and Mariachi Media Luna. We believe that cultura inspires and heals the soul, opening doors for community wealth, leadership, activism, and engagement to flourish. Our vibrant and community-centered programs also include Mexitli Education, La Misma Luna Wellness and Somos Semilla Farmworkers Program.

Our families, volunteers, board, and staff have contributed to making ALAS a dream come true. With time, and thanks to the joint efforts of the whole community, our programs have grown to include culturally-centered mental health services, wrap-around case management, immigration, and education, as well as our social justice advocacy initiatives. ALAS is committed to working with and for children, youth, families, farmworkers, asylum seekers, seniors, and our general Coastside community.

We work hard to inspire trust, build safe spaces, advocate for our community, and support the healthy development of our children. In short, we aim for collective healing. We value each family and individual we work with, honoring the immigrant journeys that many have traveled to bring their special gift of cultural wealth to our community. At ALAS, somos familia!​