In these uncertain times, how can YOU make an IMPACT?
HACES began as an idea in the minds of our two founding community leaders (Mario Peña and María Elena Jonas) who heeded the overwhelming pleas for help from the hundreds of immigrant families they were serving in the early 1990s. HACES was incorporated in 2005 to help address the wide-ranging issues facing the community, including immigration, poverty, healthcare, and education.
For over 20 years, HACES has stood strong as a trusted advocate and resource for immigrant families in Lake County and beyond, delivering high-quality immigration services. Today, as a Department of Justice-accredited agency, HACES is in a constant state of change, listening to our community's challenges and adapting to its needs to meet community members where they are. Even in times of change, our mission remains the same - to provide the expertise and navigational support to immigrants and citizens to become knowledgeable, empowered members of society. Our three service areas include legal, education, and health.
Without your support, HACES would not be able to continue offering its accessible services. It is thanks to you that we can bridge gaps and create opportunities. Currently, our community faces fear - scared to be targeted by ICE agents. Today, more than ever, we reaffirm our commitment to this mission. During this challenge, we are providing legal assessments, Know Your Rights education, legal resources, and hotline referrals.
Can you help us meet this challenge? Your donation will allow us to:
- Continue offering our services at a low cost - prioritizing accessibility
- Keep our doors open by helping us cover our operating expenses
- Publish Know Your Rights materials to give to community members, including cards, flyers, etc.
It's up to us to help our vulnerable neighbors.
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The HACES Impact
This past year, HACES proudly:
- Assisted 306 community members in becoming U.S. Citizens.
- Volunteered 6,403 hours of volunteer work through the Parent Mentor Program across six elementary schools in the Waukegan Public School District, helping fill persistent equity gaps.
- Attended 51 outreach events, engaging 2,897 community members, dedicated to prioritizing accessibility for all.
- Managed a total of 456 cases under the Immigrant Family Resource Program, connecting clients to essential health resources and public benefits - helping them build healthier, more self-sufficient lives.
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Client Stories
Francisco came to the United States in 1999 through a legal process started by his mother. With determination, he learned English and advanced from factory work to becoming a technician. Through HACES, he prepared for and achieved citizenship, a milestone that made him feel complete and truly part of this country. Today, with a deep sense of belonging and gratitude, Francisco looks forward to voting and hopes to one day serve his community by working in a government institution.
It was José de Jesús’ dream to become a citizen. He considers the United States his home, since it is where his entire family lives, and he eagerly awaited the day he could vote. Despite illness, José de Jesús persevered, attending HACES’ weekly civics classes until he proudly achieved his goal. Now, as a new citizen, he feels happy and is pursuing his next dream, speaking English fluently, by attending ESL classes at the Waukegan Public Library.
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A Recent Message from HACES' Leadership to Our Community: