Asociación Tepeyac de New York
Brother Joel Magallan, Founder
Brother Joel Magallan is a Jesuit working with Mexican immigrants in New York, who are estimated at more than 500,000. In 1997, he invited 120 leaders from 20 neighborhoods to discuss concerns and to discuss concerns and to initiate Asociacion Tepeyac de New York, a community based nonprofit organization to protect and promote the human rights of immigrants and their families. It provides information about resources and offers training and activities to organize, develop and empower the Mexican community to become part of the social, educational, cultural and political life of New York City.
The Asociacion addresses the needs of the growing Mexican population, which faces discrimination and workplace abuses such as exploitation of minors and long hours with low pay. Immigration issues are also addressed, from dealing with the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) to swindles by lawyers for documents that never materialize. The Asociacion holds workshops on labor law, human rights and leadership development. Other projects include English as a Second Language classes in homes, sports, and other cultural activities for children and youth and reaching out to teenagers about avoiding gangs. The Asociacion now include more than 40 groups that directly influence 10,000 Mexicans in neighborhoods throughout the city.