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Contact Information

Mr. Edgardo L. Reyes,
Administrative Director
Mr. Pedro Arteaga,
Executive Director
Ms. Debra Albo-Steiger,
LCSW, Program Manager
Ms. Ana Knapp,
MSW, District Outreach Liaison - North Schools
Ms. Brenda Palacios,
MSW, District Outreach Liaison - South Schools
Ms. Maira Leon,
Community Liaison Specialist
Ms. Herna Bien-Aime,
MSW, Community Liaison Specialist
Ms. Anitra Harris,
MSW, Homeless Liaison - Central schools
Ms. Sandra Homere,
BSW, Community Liaison Specialist
Ms. Arlene Joseph,
BSW, Community Liaison Specialist
Ms. Valessi Lalondirz,
BSW, Community Liaison Specialist


305-995-7558

How Can the Community Help?

UP-START Shop is a free service to all students and families enrolled in Project UP-START. At the Shop, families can schedule an appointment all year round in order to pick up a variety of items at no cost. The items have all been donated by community partners who want to help families in need.

If you are interested in donating to our program, we are accepting the following items:
New clothing & shoes
Toiletries (e.g. toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, etc.)
Non-Perishable foods
Backpacks
School Supplies (e.g. notebooks, loose-leaf paper, pens, pencils, etc.)
New Toys
Gift Cards

If you would like to make a monetary contribution, please visit the website for “The Foundation for New Education Initiatives”:

https://secure.squarespace.com/commerce/donate?donatePageId=55f871aae4b0f3c9b993bcef

Indicate that your contribution is for “Project UP-START” and if you have a certain request for where the funds should be spent (e.g. school uniforms or senior-sponsored events), please indicate this request on the link above.