La Casa de Amistad

10/26/2026

We’re excited to share that La Casa staff member Julieta Orrego has officially received U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Accreditation, following a rigorous review by the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) and Office of Legal Access Programs (OLAP).

This achievement is a major boost for La Casa’s Immigration Legal Services and brings our team to three full-time DOJ Accredited Representatives, in addition to a full-time immigration attorney. DOJ Accredited Representatives are specially qualified non-attorneys authorized to provide immigration legal services through a DOJ-recognized nonprofit organization. This means Julieta can now directly represent clients in immigration matters within the scope of her accreditation.

"This certification recognizes the tremendous effort that Julieta invested in seeking accreditation over the past three years. I am grateful for her work, but most importantly I am excited for the new ways in which she will accompany our Latino and immigrant community in the years to come." -Sean O'Brien, Immigration Legal Clinic Attorney

Our legal team aids the community with vital processes like citizenship applications, DACA renewals, family petitions, work permits, and more. Learn more about our Immigration Legal Services: https://www.lacasadeamistad.org/legalclinic.html

Please join us in congratulating Julieta on this well-earned achievement and her continued commitment to the families we serve. ¡Felicidades, Julieta!

10/23/2026

This week, our Spanish classes had the opportunity to travel to Venezuela and Guatemala through good food and culture. 🇻🇪🇬🇹 Our Level 2 group visited Bululú Tropical in Mishawaka to sample delicious Venezuelan cuisine. Our Level 3 group visited Tienda Guatemalteca Juanita , where they discovered products from Guatemala and enjoyed a tasty "rosca".

Many thanks to both businesses for hosting us and sharing a little bit of their culture with all of us!

Would you like to participate in our upcoming Spanish classes? Please fill out our interest form on our website: lacasadeamistad.org/spanishclass or email Adult Program Coordinator, Christian Sotelo, at [email protected]

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Esta semana, nuestros grupos de español tuvieron la oportunidad de conocer un poco más sobre Venezuela y Guatemala a través de su comida y cultura. 🇻🇪🇬🇹

Nuestro grupo de nivel 2 visitó Bululu Tropical en Mishawaka para probar la deliciosa comida venezolana. Y nuestro grupo de nivel 3 visitó la Tienda Guatemalteca Juanita en South Bend, donde conocieron productos de Guatemala y probaron una rica rosca.

Muchas gracias a ambos negocios por recibirnos y compartir un poquito de su cultura con nosotros!

¿Le gustaría participar en nuestras próximas clases de español? Por favor, complete el formulario de interés en nuestro sitio web: lacasadeamistad.org/spanishclass, o envíe un correo electrónico al Coordinador del Programa para Adultos, Christian Sotelo, al correo [email protected].

10/23/2026

¿Eres una nueva mama/nuevo papa o cuidador de niños de 0 a 3 años? 🐣

¡Nos encantaría que nos acompañen en La Casa de Amistad! Nos complace compartir que el programa de "Talk With Your Baby" o "Habla Con Tu Bebe" llega a La Casa!

Talk With Your Baby (TWYB) es un programa de crianza gratuito basado en la neurociencia, diseñado especialmente para padres y cuidadores de niños de 0 a 3 años. Aprenderemos sobre herramientas sencillas e informadas para impulsar el crecimiento de nuestros pequeños mediante la conexión casual, el habla y el juego.

Cuándo: Cada miércoles comenzando a las 5:30 PM. El primer dia es el proximo miercoles, 28 de octubre!

Dónde: En La Casa de Amistad - 3423 S Michigan St, South Bend

Cuanto: ¡Completamente GRATIS!

Pueden registrarse en linea o llegar ese dia! Cuando se registren, escogan a La Casa de Amistad como su ubicación: https://rclc.nd.edu/programs/talk-with-your-baby/twyb-class-pre-registration/

¡Si conocen a alguien que les interese por favor ayudenos a pasar la voz!

10/21/2026

Hoy de 4-7pm! No se pierda este gran evento con nuestros compañeros del Departamento de Salud de St. Joseph AQUI en La Casa de Amistad!

10/20/2026

We’re excited to announce that Elizabeth “Liz” Treviño was appointed to Chair of La Casa de Amistad’s Board of Directors, effective October 1, 2026!

Liz has served on La Casa’s Board since 2018 and has been a dedicated leader, trusted partner, and passionate champion of our mission for nearly a decade. Treviño succeeds Darla Hernandez Lippert, whose exceptional leadership helped guide La Casa through one of the most transformative periods in its history.

Born and raised in South Bend and a first-generation college graduate, Liz has built her career around strengthening communities and helping individuals and families access the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. She currently serves as Regional Manager for Social Care for Saint Joseph Health System and Loyola Medicine, where she leads community-based programs and partnerships across Indiana and Illinois.

We are so grateful for Liz’s years of service and excited to welcome her into this new leadership role. Please join us in congratulating Liz! 🎉

10/15/2026

A few pictures from our visit to the Center for the Homeless today! Our middle school Florecer students had the opportunity to learn about the organization, the people they serve, and the needs within our community as we kick off our service-learning projects for the year.

Marcello Nanni did a wonderful job engaging our students and helping them connect with the work the Center does. We also learned about his personal connection to La Casa de Amistad. His dad, Chris Nanni, was the Executive Director back in the ’90s! Such a cool full-circle moment! 😊🙌🏽💙

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¡Aquí algunas fotos de nuestra visita de hoy al Center for the Homeless! Nuestros estudiantes de secundaria del programa Florecer tuvieron la oportunidad de conocer la organización, a las personas a las que atienden y las necesidades de nuestra comunidad, al tiempo que damos inicio a nuestros proyectos de aprendizaje-servicio de este año.

Marcello Nanni hizo un gran trabajo motivando a los estudiantes y ayudándoles a conectar con la labor que realiza el Centro. También conocimos su vínculo personal con La Casa de Amistad: ¡su papa, Chris Nanni, fue el director ejecutivo de La Casa en los años 90! ¡Qué momento tan especial y qué bonita forma de cerrar el círculo! 😊🙌🏽💙

10/12/2026

Congratulations again to Julia Cordova-Gurulé, Director of Bilingual Services at the South Bend Community School Corporation, and Susannah "Suzy" M. Bueno, Independent Judiciary Contractor for being named the 2026 Honorees! It was an absolute honor to celebrate your work and legacy during Hispanic Heritage Month.

📸 Photos by Rudy Rodriguez

For five years during this month, La Casa de Amistad and the City of South Bend - Municipal Government have come together with a purpose: to honor Hispanic leaders who have been instrumental to the history and culture of South Bend. Now, more than ever, it has become a responsibility. Every year the honored leaders serve as community-rooted guides, quiet changemakers who transform lives behind the scenes, cultural stewards, constant mentors to all generations, and bridge-builders fostering unity.

Both Julia and Suzy have helped generations navigate the world with dignity and have equipped us with tools for self-advocacy. In these crucial times, true leadership like theirs provides proof of what is possible when we remain present and resilient. Their service embodies the truth about our community: we are strong, capable, and deeply rooted for the long journey ahead.

In this same spirit of legacy and gratitude, we also unveiled a special printmaking artwork created through a collaboration with the University of Notre Dame’s Institute for Social Concerns, artist Ramiro Rodriguez, and youth from La Casa’s Adelante program. This visual tribute honors the indispensable labor, dignity, and sacrifices of migrant farmworkers. They are the hands that feed America, and whose strength and heart shape our region and nation. Prints of this powerful artwork will be permanently displayed in both the lobby of La Casa de Amistad and the South Bend Mayor’s Office as a lasting symbol of our community's appreciation.

A special thank you to our vendors that day that said yes to their first feature during this celebration!
- Sugar Rush by Jessica, LLC
- Aromas Durango
- Lunitas Chamoy
- M&M Custom Goods & Alterations
- Kayleigh's Cakes

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! Thank you to everyone that joined us at La Casa!

10/12/2026

We're welcoming fall with our Yo Puedo Leer preschool kiddos! They had the best time exploring the pumpkin patch at Thistleberry Farm, playing outside and picking out their very own special pumpkins with their family 🤗.

Check out all the big smiles and fun! 🍁🎃

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¡Le damos la bienvenida al otoño con los pequeños de preschool de Yo Puedo Leer! Se la pasaron de lo mas bonito explorando el huerto de calabazas de Thistleberry Farm, jugando afuero y escogiendo sus propias calabazas especiales junto a sus familias! 🍁🎃

10/10/2026

10/07/2026

We can't wait to see you tomorrow! Nos vemos manana!

Join us THURSDAY for the Hispanic Heritage Month Fifth Annual Community Celebration and Awards!

We look forward to celebrating Julia Cordova-Gurulé and Susannah (Suzy) M. Bueno, our 2026 Hispanic Heritage Month Honorees! Thank you Julia and Suzy for your incredible work, achievements and dedication! You can see more of their work and biography on our website: www.lacasadeamistad.org/hispanicheritage

WE HAVE MORE SURPRISES!

Doors open at 6:00 PM! Join and visit local Latino vendors being featured in this celebrating, including:
- Lunitas Chamoy
- Kayleigh Cakes
- M&M Custom Goods & Alterations

The evening will feature:
- Live music by our local South Bend talent, Grupo Ambicion
- Delicious meals from Aromas Durango
- And sweet Treats from Sugar Rush by Jessica, LLC (available while supplies last!)

We can’t wait to celebrate with you! Don’t miss out on a wonderful night en comunidad!