M.A.C. Project Spotlight:
JUNTOS
South Philly is amazing …and funny. It has a lot of stereotypes. But that’s because it’s home to a lot of very definable culture. It’s where immigrant communities have, and continue to shape the city’s cultural and economic life. It’s within this that Juntos has built a city wide reputation for steady, community driven efforts that support the safety and integration of one of Philly’s primary demographics, our Latinx siblings.
For more than two decades, this organization has focused on supporting settling communities (primarily from Latin America) around Philadelphia as they navigate education systems, employment barriers, and civic life throughout Philadelphia.
This month (September ’25), members of the M.A.C. Project voted to donate the monthly fund to Juntos, recognizing the organization’s long term and passionate commitment to empowerment, and its practical approach to addressing structural inequities at the neighborhood level.
Who They Are
Juntos Philadelphia was founded in 2002 in response to the growing needs of immigrant families primarily in South Philadelphia. At the time, many residents faced language barriers, limited access to education, and little support navigating public institutions. Juntos emerged to fill those gaps, grounded in the belief that immigrants should not only survive within systems, but actively shape them.
The organization’s mission centers on education, leadership development, and advocacy. Juntos works closely with youth and adults alike, emphasizing bilingual education, workforce development, and civic engagement. Its programs are rooted in trust built over years of consistent presence in the community.
What the Organization Does in Practice
“Our work supports young people in developing political consciousness, reclaiming cultural identity, building strong community ties, and organizing for systemic change.
We do this through regular programming spanning early childhood to early adulthood, our youth leadership development pipeline, and our Sanctuary Schools initiative – an intergenerational, youth-led campaign for education justice. At Juntos, young people’s voices not only matter but fundamentally lead our work.”
Our fight against the immigration carceral industry and its expansion in our state is moved by the following:
If you build it, they will come. The more detention beds we have, the more incentive there is to fill them. More beds create more enforcement.
Livelihoods should not be dependent on the harm inflicted by detention centers. Private prison developers pitch detention centers as economic opportunities but our communities deserve better.
For Philadelphia to have Sanctuary Schools, we must demand bold commitments from our city and school board that are upheld regardless of who is in office.
We have outlined our demands in our downloadable 5 point platform.
Juntos Podemos is a civic engagement initiative focused on engaging Latinx youth of immigrant families. The Latinx immigrant community in Philadelphia is few generations old, but significant, and we are now seeing the U.S. born children of our community come to an age where they can represent the interests of their families and their pueblo at the polls. With Juntos Podemos, we hope to provide an outlet for Latinx youth to take leadership and be the voice of their communities, allowing young people to engage with civic issues to build the future our community deserves, and shape it in their image.
Our Community Care team is often our first touch-point with community members, from newly arriving families to longer-established clients experiencing difficult circumstances or emergency situations.
This work provides immediate relief while also serving as an entry point into deeper relationship with our community. As individuals & families stabilize, many chose to become involved with other aspects of our work: attending a political education workshop, supporting a cultural celebration, creating art for a rally, or joining Juntos as a member. This continues a cycle of care that builds long-term capacity for self-advocacy and collective action.
Juntos Philadelphia operates a range of programs designed to support settlers at different stages of life. One of its most visible efforts is its education programming, which includes English language classes, GED preparation, and college readiness support. These programs help participants build credentials and confidence while opening doors to better employment opportunities.
Youth leadership development is another cornerstone of Juntos’ work. Through mentorship, academic support, and civic education, young people are encouraged to see themselves as leaders within their families and neighborhoods. Many participants go on to advocate for their communities in schools, local government, and community organizations.
Juntos also engages in advocacy work focused on immigrant rights, access to public services, and equitable education policies. Rather than operating solely as a service provider, the organization positions community members as active participants in shaping solutions.
Why M.A.C. Subscribers Elected Juntos
The M.A.C. Project supports organizations that deliver direct, tangible impact while addressing broader systemic challenges. For many voters this month, Juntos Philadelphia stood out for its integrated approach. Education, workforce development, and advocacy are treated not as separate issues but as interconnected parts of community stability.
Immigrant communities are often asked to adapt quickly to complex systems with minimal support. M.A.C. subscribers recognize that Juntos provides tools that foster long term resilience rather than short term fixes. The organization’s emphasis on leadership development also align strongly with the M.A.C. Project’s focus on community led change.
And frankly, as it would be dishonest to whitewash the context of these days, M.A.C. project subscriber’s are by nature deeply compassionate, outwardly focused humans. The dignity, the safety, the human rights that are being widespread demolished by our very own government has reached a critical breaking point. It’s organizations like Juntos that demonstrate indomitable courage and tenacity in the face of oppression, which fundamentally fuel the M.A.C. Project Vision. It is recognized that this month’s vote felt especially moved by Juntos continued valiant efforts. We only wish in times like these that we could have given more.
How We Anticipate the Funds Will Be Used
Funds from the M.A.C. Project will support Juntos Philadelphia’s ongoing education, safety and leadership programs however they best determine. This includes instructional resources, program facilitation, and direct support for community members participating in classes and workshops.
As with all M.A.C. Project micro-donations, the funding is immediate. Our hope is that it helps sustain programming that relies on consistent engagement rather than one time interventions. In practice, this means more capacity to meet participants where they are and maintain continuity in programs that require trust and time.
Beyond the financial support, the recognition itself helps amplify Juntos’ work and connect it with a wider audience across Philadelphia. That is proven by your very attention. That you are reading this now means this project is working, thank you for your attention.
A Voice From The Work
Juntos Philadelphia has consistently emphasized that progress comes from within communities. By investing in education and leadership, the organization helps ensure that our sibling’s voices who are new to our city are not only heard but equipped to influence decisions that affect their lives. Support from initiatives like the M.A.C. Project reinforces that approach and strengthens the ecosystem of grassroots organizations across the city.
How to Support
Juntos
Beyond This Month
Community members can support Juntos Philadelphia in several ways. Opportunities include volunteering, attending community events, donating directly to the organization, or advocating for policies that expand access to education and services for immigrants. Staying informed and sharing Juntos’ work within personal networks also plays an important role.
Meaningful support often begins with awareness and grows through participation.
Looking Ahead
The selection of Juntos Philadelphia reflects the M.A.C. Project’s commitment to uplifting organizations that address both immediate needs and long term equity. Education, language access, and civic engagement remain critical issues for Philadelphia’s immigrant communities.
Live CarePhilly is grateful to the M.A.C. Project community for recognizing the work of Juntos Philadelphia and for continuing to invest in organizations that strengthen the city from the ground up.
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Live CarePhilly
The above editorial / article was written by Live CarePhilly Publishing, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
It is intended to respectfully highlight the work of the organization named above based on publicly available information and community context. Live CarePhilly welcomes correspondence from the featured organization or any individuals referenced herein regarding questions, clarifications, or concerns. We view these spotlights as part of an ongoing conversation and always look forward to what dialogue may come of them.
