Maria del Pilar Quintana Family Center FY’17 was a year of transitions at the Maria del Pilar Quintana Center. In January, the Quintana Center Manager, Mrs. Sandra Cepeda, retired from her position. To replace Sandy, Ms. Zulma Liriano, a long-time employee of YouthBuild-Lawrence was hired as Center Manager. LFD, Inc. began introducing some different subject areas into the Center programming. LFD, Inc. opened a second computer lab in the Center to provide greater access to technology. Despite these changes, the Quintana Center provided over 350 class slots this fiscal year. Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office FY’17 offered an opportunity for new partnerships. In May, the Quintana Center and Attorney General Maura Healey’s Community Outreach Division presented the first in a series of consumer and resident-focused educational workshops. These workshops are intended to strengthen LFD, Inc.’s mission of Strengthening Families and Building Community by providing members of the Lawrence community with the resources to protect their families and their assets from economic predatory behaviors. Financial Literacy Continuing with new partnerships, LFD, Inc. and Enterprise Bank teamed up in the fall to present a Financial Literacy series at the Quintana Center. Like the Attorney General’s Office partnership, these workshops provided community members with the tools to manage their finances in today’s economy. Board of Immigration Appeals Certification The Quintana Center ‘s Recognition as a Board of Immigration Appeals Approved Agency reflects the quality of LFD, Inc.’s citizenship services. During FY’17, the Quintana Center received renewed recognition as a BIA recognized organization. After 12 years as Manager of the Maria del Pial Quintana Center, Mrs. Sandra Cepeda locked her office door for the last time and retired in February of 2017. Mrs. Cepeda was hired as the Quintana Center Manager by the original Executive Director, Mrs. Patricia Karl, and oversaw the Center’s growth. During her time as Manager, the Quintana Center moved from its original location at 34 West Street into its current home at 404 Haverhill Street. As Manager of the Citizenship and Naturalization program, Mrs. Cepeda helped Lawrence Family Development Inc. become a Board of Immigration Appeals recognized agency, and she became the only Board of Immigration Appeals Certified representative in the Merrimack Valley. Mrs. Cepeda strengthened LFD, Inc.’s relationships with Massachusetts Immigration and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA) and the Lawrence office of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. Mrs. Cepeda is personally responsible for helping hundreds of Lawrencians navigate the Naturalization process and become United States citizens. During FY’17, the Quintana Center welcomed 23 clients as new American Citizens; including Mr. Siri, pictured above, who became our oldest client sworn-in by USCIS. LFDEF, INC FY’2016-2017 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 10
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