The Heart of CEMELLE

  • Mission

    We seek to disrupt the cycles of incarceration that affect latinx/e/o/a youth by offering education, resources, and building community.

  • Vision

    A grassroots initiative to empower youth by building a community of care, responsive to the unique needs of its people. We will create a world where we challenge carcerality, dismantle systems of punishment, and come together to build una educación para el pueblo.

  • Who We Serve

    We serve Latinx youth impacted by the juvenile justice system first-generation, undocumented, and system-impacted youth who have been overlooked and underestimated. At CEMELLE, we walk beside them as they reclaim their power, build community, and create futures rooted in justice and possibility.

Read Our Story

Cultivating Roots

  • Teach

    Learning begins with the self. We draw from Nahuatl traditions and community knowledge to guide youth through identity exploration, storytelling, and reflection. Students engage in culturally relevant workshops that honor their roots and build confidence in who they are and where they come from.

  • Transform

    We walk with students as they navigate school, emotions, and life challenges. Through mentoring, trauma-informed practices, and academic support, youth develop tools to regulate emotions, succeed in school, and disrupt cycles of punishment.

  • Thrive

    Civic engagement, leadership opportunities, and family support are central to Machitia. Students engage in service, connect with mentors, and build relationships that last beyond the program. Together, we’re not just avoiding harm—we're creating new futures.

Contact Us

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