Love and Light from El Puente
Dear community
We are holding you all in light and love, hoping everyone stays safe and well. In these uncertain times it is important that we all remain grounded in our commitment to the safety and well-being of our community and move from a place of compassion, caring and love for one another.
In keeping with the parameters set by City directives and CDC protocols, all our program sites and our Headquarters in Williamsburg (718-387-0404) and Bushwick (718-452-0404) will be temporarily closed. We are receiving calls so please leave a message and we will make sure that the appropriate staff receives it. Our entire staff is working together to create remote programming, support and organizing platforms to continue to engage our members, their families and the community. We will be reaching out and posting program updates as well as resources to keep you informed and connected.
In the meantime, we urge you all to strictly follow the health and safety guidelines we have been given to keep yourself, your loved ones and neighbors safe. If you have questions or concerns please call us.
Remain safe and strong in body, mind and spirit!
Pa’lante siempre Pa’lante!
Frances Lucerna Executive Director
The El Puente family salutes our late founder, Luis Garden Acosta, and is committed to honor the extraordinary social justice legacy Luis created in his life.
Luis bravely led by example, motivated by a deep love & respect for all and firmly grounded in his unwavering belief in our people’s right to self determination. He was, quite simply, a force of nature. A visionary leader whose greatest power was his profound humanity that touched, moved and transformed thousands of lives and inspired generations of social justice warriors.
In his lifetime, Luis turned many of his “dreams for a just society” into reality. El Puente is the manifestation of those dreams and together with his co-founders Eugenio “Gino” Maldonado and life partner Frances Lucerna, he created a Human Rights movement that has forged frontiers and continues to be a powerful force for community-led struggles for social justice in North Brooklyn, Puerto Rico and beyond.
In these uncertain and challenging times, we are reminded and guided by Luis’ greatest gift - to inspire and nurture others to strive for their “highest selves” and embrace the power they have within to reach out and work together to build “bridges” to create a more safe, healthy, sustainable and equitable world for us all.
In honor of Luis, El Puente has established the Luis Garden Acosta Legacy Fund. We invite you to visit our Leagcy Campaign page to learn more about how you can contribute. Thank you!
Pa’lante siempre Pa’lante!
We invite you to visit our Legacy campaign page to learn about how you can support.
Leadership Centers
Bilingual comprehensive skilled based programs that include academic enrichment, visual and performing arts, sports, health and wellness, and one on one leadership coaching
Green Light District
Flip the disempowerment of gentrification and put the power of transformation in the hands of the residents and stakeholders.
Global Justice Institute
The Global Justice Institute is the hub for training, development, research and convening at El Puente.
El Puente Puerto Rico
El Puente's Latino Climate Action Network (LCAN) is the expression of our commitment to environmental justice in Puerto Ricoights in the U.S.
El Puente News
Ways to Support
El Puente is using the peer-to-peer fundraising platform, Classy to create opportunities for supporters, alumni, and friends to donate directly, or set up a fundraising page or team to help us reach our larger goal.