(Mensaje continúa en español)

Dear PLN Community,  

Every child, youth, and family deserves the dignity of moving through the world without fear of discrimination.

This week’s Supreme Court ruling allows immigration enforcement agents to profile members of our community utilizing the following criteria: perceived race/ethnicity, the language they speak or the accent they speak it with, and the kind of employment they appear to be engaged in

The people of Para Los Niños, our staff, our families, the children and youth that light the way for the future when given the opportunity, are a tapestry of Los Angeles, one with people who come from many different parts of the community, filled with different languages, different jobs and so many different stories. The idea that all of us are at risk, and some under additional suspicion because of how we look, where we work, or the language we speak, just makes our work even clearer.

For decades, we have partnered with families struggling to make ends meet due to barriers that limit access to high-quality education, job training, and employment. For years, we have been sounding the alarm on the deeply troubling trend of even more families falling into dire need due to rising costs and stagnant wages. For months, the trusting relationships staff have built have been central to supporting our communities living in fear, making devastating decisions around family separation, facing isolation and navigating access to critical services that support their children’s well-being.

We know the long-term impacts of discrimination, not just in our community but across the country: ever-widening gaps in health, education and economic outcomes for the most vulnerable among us.

We have a responsibility to not leave this burden to future generations. Together, we must stand against all forms of discrimination and ensure that everyone has access to a better and brighter future. If you are looking for ways to support, please consider the following:

• Donate to the Para Los Ninos Staff & Family Emergency Support Fund.
• Support our community partners—Bet Tzedek, CHIRLA, and more—providing training and resources to our staff and families.
• Look for opportunities to volunteer in a Rapid Response Network or Mutual Aid efforts.
• Call your elected officials—city, county, state and federal— as a concerned citizen.

Thank you for standing with us, for our country and “for the children.”

In solidarity,