immigrant to the United States and unable to understand the English language. That can make it hard to find a job, medical help, and a place to live. This is why he feels such a connection with the program he runs. The program—called ACLAMO Family Centers—has a mission to help immigrants who are struggling. Most of the people served by the organization are from Mexico and live in Norristown and nearby communities. “It was a great gift for me coming to this country,” Mr. Guerra says. “Directing ACLAMO is a small way to give back.” As executive director, he is responsible for making sure the organization has the right teachers, enough funds, and a plan for the future. ACLAMO serves about 3,000 people a year, Mr. Guerra says. ACLAMO stands for Accíon Comunal Latino Americano de Montgomery County, or the Latin American Action Committee of Montgomery County. ACLAMO provides many basic services to help people pull their lives together so they can be successful. The staff helps families to find attorneys as well as dentists, doctors, and other health services. Parents attend English classes, learn computer skills, and gain an understanding of how the U.S. health system works. Juan Guerra Opening up opportunities for immigrants Juan Guerra’s family fled Cuba in the 1960s when he was a child. His country had been taken over by a dictator after a tumultuous revolu- tion. The new Cuban government seized everything from his family, including his mother’s wedding ring. Mr. Guerra recognizes how fortunate his family was to be able to stay together and make a home in the United States. The family settled in Wayne, Pa., where he went to Saint Katharine of Siena School. Among his childhood memories, Mr. Guerra recalls a food collection that the school had organized. Like the other children in his class, he donated a can of food for someone in need. At the end of the food drive, he saw that some of the food had been delivered to his home. Until that moment, he says, he had not realized that “we were the poor family.” Mr. Guerra knows through his family’s experience how difficult it can be to be an 12 Illustration by Amaya Bankowski, Eisenhower Healthy Panther