Table of Contents
Join Edu-Futuro for Our 27th Anniversary Gala!
Democracy in Action: Families Meet Legislators in Richmond
Edu-Futuro’s GED Program: Changing Lives Through Education
Línea Directa Produces “Know Your Rights” Show
VISTA/AmeriCorps Corner – Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service
Financial Tip: How to Avoid Foreclosure
Health & Wellness: World Health Organization Marks 20 Years of Historic Tobacco Treaty
Join Edu-Futuro for Our 27th Anniversary Gala!
Needed now more than ever, the funds raised through Edu-Futuro’s Annual Gala will provide key support for programs improving the lives of low-income, immigrant, and Latino families in Northern Virginia. We invite you to join us on the evening of Friday, March 21, as we celebrate more than a quarter century of public service at — Empowering Voices, Transforming Lives, Edu-Futuro’s 27th Anniversary Gala, held at the Falls Church Marriott Fairview Park. There is still time to buy discounted tickets, on sale from now until March 7 for $200. After March 7, tickets will be on sale for $250 until the day of the Gala.
Supporters of Edu-Futuro’s work to break the cycle of poverty through the power of education will not want to miss our anniversary event, which will feature testimonies from our students and parents talking about the positive impact of our programs on their lives. Overall, the Gala will welcome nearly 300 guests, including elected officials, local education leaders, corporate partners, and individual donors. All the proceeds from our ticket sales, corporate sponsorships, and Silent Auction contributions will be used to support our main programs — Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) and Chronic Absenteeism Program (CAP) for youth, and Parent Empowerment Services (PES) and Workforce Development Services (WDS) for our hard-working mothers and fathers.
We are extremely grateful to the Options Clearing Corporation (OCC), Dr. Robert Panfil & Dr. Katharine Panfil, Clifford Chance, Edison Electric Institute, Marquez Foundation, CareFirst, Truist, Deloitte, Arlington Community Federal Credit Union, José “Pepe” Figueroa, Keys to the Future, Shirley Bloomquist, and Dominion for their sponsorship of the Gala. If you would like to donate items or experiences for the Gala Silent Auction, please use the following link: Edu-Futuro’s Silent Auction Item Donation Signup – GALA 2025. Tickets and sponsorship information is available on the following link: Edu-Futuro’s 27th Anniversary Celebration.
On the evening of March 21, we will begin the festivities with a reception at 6:00 p.m., followed by the main Gala program starting at 7:00 p.m. In order to purchase tickets to the Gala, or for more information about becoming a Gala sponsor, please email Edu-Futuro’s Volunteer Coordinator, Mariana Balgurevich, at volunteer@edu-futuro.org.
Democracy in Action: Families Meet Legislators in Richmond
Now a President’s Day tradition, nearly 50 Edu-Futuro students and parents gathered on Monday, February 13, 2025, for a bus trip to Richmond, where the group participated in our annual Civic Engagement Day in the General Assembly of our Commonwealth. Throughout the day, the colorful yellow Edu-Futuro t-shirts worn by our group were highly visible as we moved from one General Assembly office to another, meeting with such representatives as Senators Adam Ebbin (39th District), Saddam Azlan Salim (37th District), Barbara Favola (40th District), Ghazala Hashmi (15th District), Stella Pekarsky (36th District), and Danica Roem (30th District), as well as Delegates Salam “Sam” Rasoul (38th District), Alfonso López (3rd District), Michelle Maldonado (20th District), and Kathy Tran (18th District). For the second consecutive year, the work of Edu-Futuro was recognized from the floor of the Senate, this time by Senator Hashmi, who spoke about the accomplishments of our youth and parent programs, and then publicly recognized our Executive Director, Jorge Figueredo, and Deputy Director, Manuel Piñeros, who were both present in the Senate gallery.
“Civic Engagement Day was one of the most inspirational and informative experiences I’ve had,” said ELP-II student, Julissa Vásquez. “I was amazed by the stories of some of the senators and delegates. After meeting such admirable leaders, I came away feeling like I had someone to look up to. Overall, it was an exciting experience. I got to learn so much and was really intrigued by the scope of their duties and responsibilities.” Similarly, ELP-III student, Jazmine Medina, shared that: “I enjoyed talking to different senators and seeing their points of view on different topics, especially on education issues that could help me, as well as our younger generations.”
As they do every year, the group of Edu-Futuro students and parents had the chance to see democracy in action in Richmond, visiting the House gallery and hearing directly from legislators about how an idea can become law in the Commonwealth of Virginia. In particular, Edu-Futuro students learned about future plans to significantly lower the costs of community college, and to increase the minimum wage for workers across the state.
“During our Civic Engagement Day, we were all encouraged by the strong support received directly from our elected officials,” said Executive Director Figueredo. “I am happy to say that the mood was overwhelmingly celebratory, as our students and parents learned more about the legislative process, and how their voices can impact the proposals being considered in the General Assembly.”
“Civic Engagement Day gave our students a wonderful opportunity to be involved, and to be enlightened about how our state government works,” said Ed Aponte, Edu-Futuro’s College and Career Access Specialist. “As we hoped, the experience allowed them to bring their voice to the representatives of the General Assembly in a positive and effective manner.” Youth Program Specialist, Xenia Rivas added: “When we started the trip, the students were very excited to begin the day and meet all the Senators and Delegates. By midday, they could not stop talking about what they heard from the legislators. Our students asked many questions focusing on education, and they were very grateful to have gotten answers from people who were clearly working hard to ensure that all laws were beneficial to Virginia communities.”
For more information on Edu-Futuro’s Emerging Leaders Program (ELP), please contact Dulce Oliveros, Manager of Programs, at mailto:managerofprograms@edu-futuro.org. Edu-Futuro’s Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) is supported in part by a grant from the Verizon Foundation.
Edu-Futuro’s GED Program: Changing Lives Through Education
Edu-Futuro’s GED Certification Program was launched in June 2023, but already, the bilingual course is one of our most valuable life-changing services. The impact of the program is reflected in the numerous success stories of our students, who in many cases, did not have the opportunity to finish high school in their home countries. Currently, 89 adult Edu-Futuro beneficiaries have committed themselves to completing our year-long course, which will prepare them for the GED high school diploma equivalency test.
One of our star participants is Karla Reyes, who has been such an outstanding student that she recently worked with Edu-Futuro staff to apply for and win a $1,500 university scholarship. “Thank you to Edu-Futuro and to the entire team, especially my teachers, who were there week after week, always encouraging us, supporting us, and reminding us that we can achieve our goals and dreams if we really want to,” said Karla. “Thank you, thank you. I am at a loss for words to express my gratitude. About 15 years ago, I had the dream of obtaining my GED in this country. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the opportunity at that time, but one day I received a message from Edu-Futuro inviting me to study for my GED certificate. Everything was in my favor: it was online, it was free, and it was in Spanish. In just a short time, in one year, Edu-Futuro made this possible. Thank you, Edu-Futuro, for offering these programs for adults who sometimes think that we can no longer continue studying or preparing ourselves. Thank you truly for existing. I will always be eternally grateful and will remember you. Thank you so much!”
Edu-Futuro’s GED Certification Program is a comprehensive, year-long course that helps beneficiaries earn the equivalent of a high school diploma through four quarterly modules: Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, and Sciences. Classes meet virtually three times per week, while group, and individual mentorship sessions are available four times each week, including Saturdays. After completing each chapter, students take a practice test, either virtually or in-person. Students who participate in the GED Program are usually adults seeking to improve their income potential by working to achieve personal educational goals. Through our GED Program, they also become role models for their children, and find a sense of belonging to a group coming together for a common purpose.
“My experience during the classes has been one of great learning and motivation,” said Karina Pozo, one of Edu-Futuro’s current GED students. “Throughout these months of study, I have received constant support from the teacher, not only in regular classes, but also in extra study sessions and individual lessons. I can say that I have improved my reading and comprehension, as well as my ability to write essays. I am very grateful to Edu-Futuro and our teacher for this great opportunity and experience. Thank you!”
For more information on Edu-Futuro’s GED Program, please contact Joceline Briceño, Edu-Futuro’s Workforce Development Services Team Lead, at workforce@edu-futuro.org.
Línea Directa Produces “Know Your Rights” Show
As federal immigration actions begin to take shape across the country, Edu-Futuro’s public service television series, Línea Directa, broadcast the program’s first of several “Know Your Rights” episodes planned for the rest of the year. The half-hour show, which airs on Saturday mornings, at 11:00 a.m., on Telemundo 44, featured an interview with immigration lawyer and former Maryland State Delegate, Maricé Morales. During the program Ms. Morales provided concrete, practical information on the rights of all persons who might find themselves in contact with federal immigration authorities.
“As we have done for more than 35 years, Línea Directa will be providing Latino families across the Washington region with important information focusing on the fact that every person in the U.S. has rights, regardless of race, income, or education,” said Eduardo López, Línea Directa’s founder/producer, and Edu-Futuro’s Communications & Programs Manager. “Right now, we are planning to produce several more programs detailing the rights of our families, as well as on the emotional impact of the current environment, especially on the children of our community.”
Since 1990, Línea Directa has served to inform Latino families about important public health, education, legal, and social service issues. The show was the first local Spanish-language series ever aired on local Spanish-language television, and Línea Directa has now worked to inform three generations of Latino viewers in Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Northern Virginia. In 2024, the program won a coveted Emmy award for its coverage of the fentanyl crisis that has tragically taken the lives of many adolescents and adults throughout the Washington region.
The “Know Your Rights” Línea Directa program can be viewed on Youtube at this link. For more information on the public service series, please contact Eduardo López, at eduardo@edu-futuro.org.
VISTA/AmeriCorps Corner –
Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service
On Saturday, January 25, 2025, seven members of Edu-Futuro’s AmeriCorps VISTA and AmeriCorps State programs participated in the Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service hosted by Volunteer Fairfax at the James Lee Community Center. The day was spent completing various acts of service, such as serving as facilitators in financial literacy workshops for children and teens. In the first session, Edu-Futuro’s AmeriCorps participants helped children in grades 3-5 to learn basic financial decision-making skills. In the second workshop, students in grades 9-12 learned to understand paychecks, as well as learn about such real-world financial responsibilities as paying taxes. Edu-Futuro’s AmeriCorps members also helped to arrange gift baskets of personal hygiene items for needy families.
Each year, AmeriCorps members across the U.S. participate in the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service, meant to honor and celebrate the legacy of the beloved civil rights leader. In addition to conducting the financial literacy workshops, the Day of Service organized by Volunteer Fairfax was intended to help local children and teens understand that volunteering can be a fun and valuable experience. Throughout the day, over 200 members of the Northern Virginia community participated in the activities at the James Lee Community Center.
“The day was filled with joy and intention,” said Dante Calfayan, Edu-Futuro’s AmeriCorps VISTA Paralegal Researcher. “Each participating volunteer was very friendly and engaging. The families that attended the event really wanted to show their children the importance of public service and volunteering. The children ventured around the gymnasium to stations where they could put together various donation items, such as the personal hygiene packages at the station where I as working. Once they finished, each child received a stamp in their Service Passport showing that they completed that service.”
Dana Villaseñor, Edu-Futuro’s Curriculum Development VISTA shared: “It is important to set an example for younger generations, and to send the message that helping and sharing is a must as a member of a community. The heart and soul of participating in the AmeriCorps VISTA and State program is giving back to the community and making a difference in people’s lives.”
For more information on Edu-Futuro’s AmeriCorps VISTA program, please contact Joy Harvey, our VISTA Team Leader, at vistaleader@edu-futuro.org. For more information on Edu-Futuro’s AmeriCorps State program, please contact Susana Carpio, Youth Programs Team Lead, at susanacarpio@edu-futuro.org.
Financial Tip: How to Avoid Foreclosure
The most important thing you can do when you’re having trouble paying your mortgage is take control. In most cases, the worst thing you can do is nothing. Taking control means taking four steps:
1) Make or take a call for help — Take control by accepting calls from your mortgage servicer. Even better, call your mortgage servicer as soon as you know you can’t make your monthly payment. The phone number is on your monthly bill. Tell your servicer why you can’t make your monthly payment and ask the servicer for help avoiding foreclosure.
2) Ask for free expert help — Your servicer may be able to help if you get in trouble with your loan payments. If you can’t get what you need from your servicer, ask for expert help from nonprofit housing counseling agencies near you. The counselors can develop a tailored plan of action and help you work with your mortgage company. You can also call (800) 569-4287, and enter your ZIP code, to find a HUD-approved housing counselor.
3) Slam the scam — Scam artists try to take advantage of homeowners who get into trouble by charging lots of money— even thousands of dollars—for false promises of help. You should not have to pay anyone to help you avoid foreclosure. The help you need may be available at no cost to you from your servicer, or through a HUD- approved housing counseling agency.
4) Apply for help — Your loan servicer must contact you, provide you with accurate information, and tell you about loss mitigation options you may be eligible for. Loss mitigation refers to the ways your servicer can work with you to avoid foreclosure. If you send in a complete application to your mortgage servicer early enough, your mortgage servicer has to tell you the options you have to keep your home, or if it makes more sense, to leave your home.
Housing counselors have a lot of experience helping people work on avoiding foreclosure. They can assist you with the complicated steps to understand your options and apply for help. Your mortgage servicer can’t make a first notice or filing for foreclosure until you are more than 120 days behind on your payments. In addition, when you submit a complete application for mortgage help early enough, the mortgage servicer can’t start foreclosure while you’re being evaluated or if you’re following through on the requirements of a loan modification. So, get it done, and don’t delay. The earlier you complete the application, the more protections you get.
How to spot a foreclosure scam
Foreclosure scammers might tell you they’ll save your home from foreclosure, when they’re really just taking your money. Watch for these scam warning signs:
- You’re asked to pay up front for help.
- The company guarantees it will get the terms of your mortgage changed.
- The company guarantees you won’t lose your home.
- You’re asked to sign over title to your home or to sign other documents you don’t understand.
- You’re instructed to send your payment to someone other than your mortgage company or servicer.
- The company offers to do a “forensic audit.”
- You’re told to stop paying your mortgage.
- The company says they’re affiliated with the government, or uses a logo that looks like a government seal but is slightly different.
Health & Wellness: World Health Organization Marks 20 Years of Historic Tobacco Treaty
The World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) — one of the most widely embraced UN treaties in history — celebrated the 20-year anniversary of its entry into force the week of February 24, 2025. The WHO FCTC is the first ever public health treaty negotiated under the auspices of WHO with 183 Parties to the Convention covering 90% of the global population. The treaty provides a legal framework and a comprehensive package of evidence-based tobacco control measures underpinned by international law that have saved millions of lives — including large pictorial health warnings on cigarette packages, as well as pushing for smoke free laws and increased taxes on tobacco products, among many others.
“Tobacco is a plague on humanity — the leading cause of preventable death and disease globally,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Over the past two decades, since the entry into force of the WHO FCTC and the MPOWER technical package that supports it, global tobacco use prevalence has dropped by one-third. The WHO FCTC has helped to save millions of lives through strengthened tobacco control measures around the world. The Convention marks a milestone in public health and international law. We continue to call on countries to further strengthen and implement its measures, and for countries that have not yet ratified the WHO FCTC to do so.”
Since its implementation 20 years ago, up to 5.6 billion people are now covered by at least one tobacco control policy in line with the treaty, and studies have shown a decline in global smoking rates. A total of 138 countries require large pictorial health warnings on cigarettes packages as a result of the Convention, and dozens more countries have implemented plain packaging rules on cigarette packages which require a standard shape and appearance without branding, design or a logo on cigarette packages. Both measures serve as powerful tools to reduce tobacco consumption and warn users about the dangers of tobacco use.
Just as importantly, over a quarter of the world’s population is now covered by smoke free policies which require bans in indoor and workspaces, saving millions of lives from the dangers of the second-hand smoke.
The WHO FCTC has also been instrumental in establishing legal defenses in the face of an aggressive tobacco industry that spends tens of billions of dollars to promote their products, and actively undermine efforts at tobacco control including the implementation of the WHO FCTC itself.
Tobacco use is a major driver of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), causing premature death and disability. Tobacco-related illnesses lead to catastrophic health expenditures, particularly for the poor, trapping families in a cycle of poverty. Smokers are more likely to be food insecure than non- smokers, including in wealthier countries. Moreover, tobacco cultivation eats up large swaths of land which could otherwise support sustainable food production systems.
Tobacco production further depletes vital resources such as land and water, diverting them from sustainable food production. Additionally, trillions of discarded plastic cigarette butts pollute ecosystems every year, further harming the planet.
Unfortunately, one of the first actions of the new Trump administration was to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization. For more information on the WHO FCTC, please visit this link.
For a copy of “Health Taxes,” please click on this link. Edu-Futuro’s Strengthening Families 10-14 Program, which helps teens to reduce such risky behaviors as tobacco use and vaping, is sponsored in part by a generous grant from the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth (VFHY), empowering Virginia’s youth to make healthy choices by promoting active, nutritious and tobacco-free living.