Every day at Clínica Esperanza, we show that community care is built through relationships, learning, and a shared purpose. We provide compassionate mental health and wellness services for families using a holistic and multidisciplinary approach, but we also nurture the next generation of mental health professionals. 

During the 2026 Oregon legislative short session, we advocated for policies that align with our mission and the work we do in our community. We championed bills that were critically important to Adelante’s mission and address important community needs. Thank you to everyone who showed up to advocate, sent emails, provided testimony, and told your stories. And thank you to Oregon’s legislators that listened and took action.

For many young people, the idea of college can feel distant or unattainable. That’s why Adelante Mujeres created the Chicas Road to College/Camino a la universidad event. Planned and facilitated by Youth Advocate Facilitators—Karla Vazquez, Alejandra Villanueva Alfaro, Maria Aguilar, Vanessa Garcia Vazquez, and Jennifer Mendez—the event invited Chicas and their parents to step onto the Pacific University campus to learn about higher education, and begin imagining the path ahead. 

Real change happens when our community leads and lived experience guides the way. For the past few years, Adelante Mujeres participated in Voces de Esperanza (Voices of Hope), a powerful collaboration with Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) and AB Cultural Drivers. 

At Adelante Mujeres, we know that when small farmers thrive, our entire community grows stronger. This past year, we were honored to stand alongside Friends of Family Farmers (FoFF) as a community partner in the Capital Assistance for Local Farmers (CALF) Project. This was a two-year effort to better understand and address the barriers facing Oregon’s smallest and most diversified producers. 

At Adelante Mujeres, our staff members show up with corazón, offering compassion, skill, and unwavering commitment to our community. Yet the work of supporting families navigating systemic barriers is emotionally and physically demanding. Burnout is real, and the risks are high.

The 2026 Oregon legislative short session begins on February 2, 2026. This focused period of 35 days is when elected leaders come together to advance targeted legislation and make key budget decisions that affect our everyday lives. This year, our elected officials will address urgent budget adjustments, revenue shortfalls, transportation, housing, and potential impacts of federal policy. It is a powerful moment for community voices, when public input can directly influence decisions and help shape a more just and resilient future for our state. 

We are honored to share that Adelante Mujeres has been selected as one of the Portland Business Journal’s 2026 Nonprofit Partners. This year-long partnership is a powerful recognition of the work we do to advance dignity, opportunity, and justice for immigrant and Latina women and their families in Washington County. 

We refreshed the Adelante Mujeres brand! We have grown and evolved over the years, and this refresh signals growth and adaptation to better represent our services, goals, and strategic changes. This brand color refresh keeps our identity fresh and relevant without losing brand recognition. 

Our fabulous Child Nutrition Team, Lidia, Esthela, Hilda, and Francia, is now part of our Education Programs, working in collaboration with Early Childhood Education. Bravo!!!!! 

We listened to the needs of the community and are growing our legal services at Adelante Mujeres. We recently added a notary to our Leadership & Advocacy team to assist with family plans and other immigration documents and forms. 

Across our community, immigration enforcement activities are creating fear, uncertainty, and real disruptions to daily life. At Adelante Mujeres, we believe no family should face this alone. During this time of violence and turmoil, we continue to show up with compassion by offering trusted support, clear information, and a steady presence when it matters most.