As we step into a new year, we are reaffirmed in our belief that every challenge presents a unique opportunity for growth and lasting positive change. Our focus remains on data-driven, community-centered solutions that we will continue to champion with partners and allies.

This year, as our communities navigate through this phase of a pandemic, increased costs of living, a housing crisis, we recognize the significance of the upcoming primary and general election and the impact they will have on our communities. We also recognize the power that the Latino/a community holds in shaping the future. It is our collective responsibility to amplify this power and work towards a vibrant Los Angeles where Latino/as fully participate, contribute to and benefit from an equitable society. 

As we work toward more victories, we celebrate the passage of a groundbreaking digital equity motion that reflects our belief that equal access to information, resources and opportunities is essential for communities to thrive. The passing of this ordinance is a significant step towards dismantling barriers and promoting inclusivity in the modern age. 



Inspired by the progress we've achieved and the commitment of our partners, we look ahead to 2024 with a shared vision of creating a lasting impact for Latino/as and our communities across LA County. Together, let's continue our journey towards a vibrant and equitable Los Angeles.

Vanessa Aramayo

Executive Director

LA City Council Motion on Digital Discrimination

In December, Councilmember Harris-Dawson introduced a motion at the LA City Council recognizing the critical role broadband plays in societal participation, particularly emphasizing the impact on historically disadvantaged populations. On January 24th, the City Council voted and passed the motion successfully. The motion is a pivotal move towards ensuring fair access regardless of income, race, or location. 

The impact of this motion is particularly profound for Latino/a individuals and Latino/a-owned businesses. In our commitment to championing policies and programs that support Latino/a-owned businesses, ABC conducted a survey to gain insights into their characteristics and needs. The survey findings uncovered that over 45% of Latino/a-owned businesses lack broadband access, with affordability identified as the primary barrier. Given that Latino/as constitute the largest population of small business owners statewide, the motion is poised to provide essential support for the growth and sustainability of Latino/a small businesses and community members

Through this motion, we anticipate a positive impact on the economic landscape for Latino/as, fostering long-term mobility across Los Angeles. By addressing the digital divide and promoting fair access to broadband, this initiative not only contributes to the success of Latino/a entrepreneurs but also serves as a catalyst for the overall economic advancement of the Latino/a community and the Los Angeles region.

In response to the issues highlighted by our community in Southeast Los Angeles, we compiled resources and tools for individuals, small businesses, and communities in their journey toward financial success.

Rosie Arroyo, a member of ABC’s Board of Directors, represents the city of Los Angeles at the 2023 Eisenhower USA Fellowship, focusing on immigration and immigration rights. The fellowship connects leaders committed to addressing racism and institutional inequities globally. Arroyo is the only one among the 11 fellows to focus specifically on immigration, visiting Germany and Spain to explore the role of immigrants in their societies. Arroyo has led high-impact initiatives, including research on the immigrant rights sector in LA and the establishment of the Immigrants Are Essential Fund. She is part of the Immigrants Are LA coalition, working on the county's budget to ensure proper allocation for the immigrant population. Arroyo is one of two Latino/as in her cohort and feels honored to represent the LA immigrant community. She will present her research on global immigration in 2024, showcasing her experiences and findings at an immigration summit organized by California Community Foundation.

We kick off 2024 with a huge win for the Health4All Campaign! 

The Health4All campaign, co-chaired by Health Access and California Immigrant Policy Center, and has advocated towards health for all for the last 10 years. This campaign is an ongoing effort to remove exclusions to health coverage and ensure all Californians can access care regardless of their immigration status. ABC is a proud member of The Health4All coalition which is made up of more than 150 organizations and impacted community members across the state. Many undocumented Californians are excluded from health care coverage and are dying from treatable conditions. With this groundbreaking expansion, all income-eligible Californians, regardless of immigration status, will be eligible for full-scope Medi-Cal, the state’s health insurance program for low-income people. This move promotes inclusivity and addresses the healthcare needs of a diverse community. It marks a positive stride towards improving health equity and access to essential services for Californians.

Innovate’s Family Guide is a tool rooted in parent voice, designed to help families understand what’s outlined in LAUSD’s 2022-26 Strategic Plan. Parents and guardians play a unique and critical role in making sure students have what they need to thrive in school and beyond. By providing parents with tools to engage as partners, parents can empower LAUSD's students to reach their full potential. 

The Family Guide is a direct result of organized parents committed to seeing LAUSD students thrive. It was designed by parents, for parents, in partnership with Innovate Public Schools, LAUSD families, Principals, and District administrators.

A guaranteed basic income program for pregnant mothers and/or mothers with children ages 0-2

Receive $500/month of income for at least 2 years with no strings attached!

Eligibility Criteria:

• Proof of residence in: Watts/Willowbrook (90002, 90059); West Athens (90044, 90047); Broadway Manchester (90003, 90061); Compton (90059, 90223, 90220, 90224, 90221, 90222).
• Be 18 years of age or older.
• Identify as a mother (including birthing people, biological or adoptive mothers, legal guardian, or have full caretaking responsibilities).
• Be pregnant or have at least one dependent child ages 0-2, that lives more than 50% of the time with applicant. 
• Cannot be enrolled in any other GBI pilot program.
• Household income of up to 200% of the federal poverty line (see full breakdown on website).

Undocumented individuals and individuals impacted by the criminal justice system are welcome to apply!

Applications are open, apply by 11:59 pm on Sunday, February 4, 2024.

For more information or questions, contact mothersrising4gbi@risingcommunities.org

Reciba 500 $/mes de ingresos durante al menos 2 años ¡sin condiciones!

Criterios de elegibilidad:

• Prueba de residencia en: Watts/Willowbrook (90002, 90059); West Athens (90044, 90047); Broadway Manchester (90003, 90061); Compton (90059, 90223, 90220, 90224, 90221, 90222).
• Tener 18 años o más.
• Identificarse como madre (incluidas las parturientas, las madres biológicas o adoptivas, las tutoras legales, o tener plenas responsabilidades de cuidado).
• Estar embarazada o tener al menos un hijo dependiente de 0 a 2 años, que viva más del 50% del tiempo con la solicitante. 
• No pueden estar inscritos en ningún otro programa piloto de inregsos garantizados.
• Ingresos familiares de hasta el 200% del umbral federal de pobreza (vea el desglose completo en el sitio web).

Las aplicaciones están abiertas, aplique antes de las 11:59 pm del domingo, 4 de febrero de 2024.

Para más información o preguntas, póngase en contacto con mothersrising4gbi@risingcommunities.org

We are grateful to work towards creating a more just and equitable society for the Latino/a community and the Los Angeles region through power building and policy advocacy. But, we can't do it without the support of people like you! Your donation, no matter the size, will help us continue to make a real and meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve. Thank you for your support and for believing in our mission.